July 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Internship
by Hanna Scardina 27 Jul '17

27 Jul '17

Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Internship The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965 The Rescue and Response team at The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for their fall Rescue and Response Internship working primarily with stranded pinnipeds, as well as occasional cetaceans and sea otters. The Rescue and Response Internship is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammals and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Program Opportunities: • Gain valuable professional development experience while learning the rescue and response operations one of the leading marine mammal hospitals • Work in an organization alongside experts in veterinary medicine, research, and ocean conservation • Learn marine mammal rehabilitation while gaining husbandry experience working with the seal and sea lion patients • Shadow veterinary staff and sit in on patient rounds • Attend training classes, learning more about rescue and response methods as well as the rehabilitation care for pinnipeds • Attend guest and staff research presentations by leading marine mammal scientists and veterinarians in the field • Participate in an animal necropsy • Network with experts in the field of marine mammals • Develop interpersonal and team leadership skills working with individuals from diverse backgrounds Intern Responsibilities: • Answer and triage the animal rescue hotline • Coordinate rescue and triage responses throughout the Center’s over 600-mile California rescue range • Participate in marine mammal rescues, releases and other field responses as available • Join an animal care crew providing animal husbandry to the patients (one day a week) • Support data entry and tracking of the pinniped patients • Maintain rescue equipment • Other projects as assigned Intern Qualifications: • All applicants must be 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. • Interns are required to pass a background check and a motor vehicle check prior to acceptance into the internship. • Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. • This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as lifting, restraining and moving animals. • If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Intern Schedule: The internship runs from August 30 – December 6. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. Start and ends dates are slightly flexible. Additional Logistics: This is an unpaid internship. Housing accommodations are available for the duration of the internship. Applicants are responsible for their own transportation. Unfortunately, we are unable to host international applicants at this time. To Apply: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by following this link: https://tmmc.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk0m92m/ The deadline to apply is August 6, 2017.

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UK's National Whale & Dolphin Watch starts Saturday 29th July - join in!
by Kathy James 27 Jul '17

27 Jul '17

Our annual National Whale & Dolphin Watch takes place from Saturday (29th July) through to the following Sunday (6th August) and we need UK-based cetacean enthusiasts to head to the coast to take part! Here's how you can help. 1) Please report your UK cetacean sightings www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/sightingsform. 2) Download a watch form and do a watch, or multiple, for yourself! http://seawatchfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/SWF_RF4_Land-bas ed_Effort_Form.pdf It's as simple as that. We'd love for you to collect boat-based data if you have access to vessel. If you need further advice on any aspect of the event then please write to me or contact our National Whale and Dolphin Watch Assistant, Lauren, on nwdw(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk. Thanks in advance for your help recording these incredible animals! Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 (Tues, Weds, Thurs) 01970 623906 (Mon & Fri only) www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk <https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation/C:/Users/Sea%20Watch%20Foundati on/Documents/ADMIN%20MISC> facebook <https://twitter.com/SeaWatchersUK> twitter Ever shop online? Sign up for <https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/seawatch/> Easy Fundraising and raise money for the Sea Watch Foundation while you shop at no cost to you! All your donations directly support our research!

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RESEARCHERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE MONTENEGRO DOLPHIN PROJECT
by Elisa Gaggioli 27 Jul '17

27 Jul '17

*Researcher and Volunteer Supervisor needed for the Montenegro Dolphin Project (South Adriatic Sea)* The Montenegro Dolphin Project is a scientific project born from the partnership between the Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) and the Natural History Association of Montenegro. Our study is the first long term research study of marine mammals in Montenegrin coastal waters. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behavior, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community, particularly youth. *RESEARCHER* This is an extremely valuable opportunity for master graduates with experience in the cetacean research field. The RESEARCHER will be responsible on data analysis, scientific report and manuscript writings. The commitment is minimum 6 months. *Requirements for Researcher* -True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment; -Respect for the organization's rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures; -Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team; -Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills; -High computer literacy and willingness to learn new software applications -Proven experience on scientific report and manuscript writing. -At least 2 published scientific papers -High knowledge in statistic and modeling -Proven experience on cetacean field techniques (theodolite operation, photo-identification, behaviour sampling) *VOLUNTEER SUPERVISOR* Volunteer supervisor will deal with a wide array of topics, including to coordinate the volunteers weekly schedule, supervising the data entry and maintaining the database, preparing weekly reports, solving any minor problems that can arise, perform other duties when it is needed. Volunteer supervisor will work under project coordinator and she/he will be responsible that everything runs as fluent as possible. The position is open for bachelor/master graduates. The commitment is minimum 6 months. *Requirements for Volunteer Supervisor* -True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment; -Respect for the organization's rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures; -Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team; -Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills; -Proven experience on cetacean field techniques -Proven experience of previous team supervising -Good excel skills *FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES* -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys at least once a week: boat surveys can be long and often tiring, so you are expected to feel comfortable on board and prepared to handle motion sickness. -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavior data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloging and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness. For both of the positions, the accommodation will be covered with some allowance. Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. *HOW TO APPLY* Email your CV and cover letter with the position you are interested in the title to info(a)dmad.org.tr and akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com, explaining why you are the perfect asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Both of the position needs to be filled as soon as possible, If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better follow our websites: *www.montenegrodolphinproject. org <http://www.montenegrodolphinproject.org/>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* Facebook page: *www.facebook.com/ DMADforNature/ <http://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>* *Dr. Aylin Akkaya Baş* *Research Coordinator* *Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)* *Marine Mammals Research Association* *+90 5337739867 <+90%20533%20773%2098%2067>* *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>*

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Fall Science and Research Internship at The Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, CA)
by Christine Fontaine 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

The Science Department at The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) is seeking applicants for an unpaid internship position in our research division for Fall 2017. Please note that the Fall 2017 internship will be closing august 10th. Please visit our website for more information. http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/volunteer/internship-opportu… 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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New QFASA Diet Estimation Publication
by Bromaghin, Jeffrey 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

Colleagues, I am pleased to announce a publication that presents a new clustering method to detect hidden structure in fatty acid signature data and potentially improve estimates of consumer diet composition using quantitative fatty acid signature analysis, a method commonly used in studies of marine mammals. Citation: Bromaghin, J. F., S. M. Budge, and G. W. Thiemann. 2017. Detect and exploit hidden structure in fatty acid signature data. *Ecosphere* 8(7): e01896. Available open access at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.1896/full Abstract: Estimates of predator diet composition are essential to our understanding of their ecology. Although several methods of estimating diet are practiced, methods based on biomarkers have become increasingly common. Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) is a popular method that continues to be refined and extended. QFASA is based on differences in the signatures of prey types, often species, which are recognized and designated by investigators. Similarly, predator signatures may be structured by known factors such as sex or age class, and the season or region of sample collection. The recognized structure in signature data inherently influences QFASA results in important and typically beneficial ways. However, predator and prey signatures may contain additional, hidden structure that investigators either choose not to incorporate into an analysis or of which they are unaware, being caused by unknown ecological mechanisms. Hidden structure also influences QFASA results, most often negatively. We developed a new method to explore signature data for hidden structure, called divisive magnetic clustering (DIMAC). Our DIMAC approach is based on the same distance measure used in diet estimation, closely linking methods of data exploration and parameter estimation, and it does not require data transformation or distributional assumptions, as do many multivariate ordination methods in common use. We investigated the potential benefits of the DIMAC method to detect and subsequently exploit hidden structure in signature data using two prey signature libraries with quite different characteristics. We found that the existence of hidden structure in prey signatures can increase the confusion between prey types and thereby reduce the accuracy and precision of QFASA diet estimates. Conversely, the detection and exploitation of hidden structure represents a potential opportunity to improve predator diet estimates and may lead to new insights into the ecology of either predator or prey. The DIMAC algorithm is implemented in the R diet estimation package qfasar. 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 *http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/quantitative_ecology/index.php <http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/quantitative_ecology/index.php>*

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Underwater acoustics job opportunity with SLR Consulting
by Briony Croft 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

SLR is an international multi-disciplinary environmental consulting firm. We have a new Underwater Acoustics job opportunity within our Canadian team. We are looking for an underwater acoustic specialist to join SLR's Canadian Operations, based in Vancouver, working with colleagues in Vancouver and our international SLR offices to support acoustics projects. The role will primarily involve underwater acoustics projects (predicting and assessing impacts of underwater noise on marine mammals and fish) but some Involvement in terrestrial environmental acoustics projects is also possible. The work involved will be a mix of office based activities and field tasks. Occasional travel mostly within Canada but potentially internationally would be required. Our ideal candidate will be eligible to work in Canada and will have anywhere from 0 to 5 years of experience, with a relevant underwater acoustics post-graduate degree preferred. We will also consider applications from more experienced underwater acoustics specialists interested in taking more of a technical leadership and business development role within our existing underwater acoustics team. We can be flexible on the role and duties to suit the experience and objectives of the right applicant. For more information or to apply please email bcroft(a)slrconsulting.com<mailto:bcroft@slrconsulting.com> or visit the SLR Career website at: https://slrcanada.applicantpro.com/jobs/571219.html Regards, Briony [cid:image061cea.PNG@cd62dd6b.46a7cbc1]<http://www.slrconsulting.com> - Briony Croft, Ph.D., P.Eng. Principal, Acoustical Consultant - [cid:imagea27cf8.PNG@e35c23e2.488c5adf] 604-742-3887 [cid:image914789.PNG@4fd71c04.4ba0e36b] 604-790-4202 [cid:image1201b1.PNG@d90b60ef.4ca7c5cc] 604-738-2500 [cid:imagebb2e7c.PNG@98b38d77.4e80c405] bcroft(a)slrconsulting.com<mailto:bcroft@slrconsulting.com> - SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Suite 200 - 1620 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1V4 - [LinkedIn]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/slr-consulting> [cid:imagea89fc9.PNG@4e8a1115.479b6d6f] Confidentiality Notice and Disclaimer This communication and any attachment(s) contain information which is confidential and may also be legally privileged. It is intended for the exclusive use of the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, please e-mail us by return e-mail and then delete the e-mail from your system together with any copies of it. Any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of SLR Management Ltd, or any of its subsidiaries, unless specifically stated. CAMBX2S

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Revised Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code
by Fiona Manson 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

We are pleased to announce the publication of the revised Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code. This Code gives practical advice and guidance on the best ways to watch marine wildlife (cetaceans, seals, basking sharks, birds and otters) in the seas and coasts around Scotland. The aim is to help people to enjoy unforgettable wildlife experiences in a responsible and sustainable way. The Code has been updated to incorporate changes in legislation since its first publication in 2006. The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, along with its accompanying Guide to Best Practice, is available at www.snh.gov.uk/marinecode<http://www.snh.gov.uk/marinecode> Dr Fiona Manson Marine Adviser Scottish Natural Heritage Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW United Kingdom +44 (0)1738 458 641 marinecode(a)snh.gov.uk<mailto:marinecode@snh.gov.uk> www.snh.gov.uk/marinecode<http://www.snh.gov.uk/marinecode> -- ********************************************************************** 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 or the sender. Please note that for business purposes, outgoing and incoming emails from and to SNH may be monitored. Tha am post-dealain seo agus fiosrachadh sam bith na chois dìomhair agus airson an neach no buidheann ainmichte a- mhàin. Mas e gun d’ fhuair sibh am post-dealain seo le mearachd, cuiribh fios dhan manaidsear-siostaim no neach- sgrìobhaidh. Thoiribh an aire airson adhbharan gnothaich, ‘s dòcha gun tèid sùil a chumail air puist-dealain a’ tighinn a-steach agus a’ dol a- mach bho SNH. **********************************************************************

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Open access book on habitat and biota of Gulf of Mexico before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
by Dagmar Fertl 26 Jul '17

26 Jul '17

The following is posted on behalf of Bernd Würsig, one of the chapter authors. Habitats and Biota of the Gulf of Mexico: Before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Volume 1: Water Quality, Sediments, Sediment Contaminants, Oil and Gas Seeps, Coastal Habitats, Offshore Plankton and Benthos, and Shellfish Volume 2: Fish Resources, Fisheries, Sea Turtles, Avian Resources, Marine Mammals, Diseases and Mortalities Editor: C. Herb Ward The Gulf of Mexico is an open and dynamic marine ecosystem rich in natural resources but heavily impacted by human activities, including agricultural, industrial, commercial and coastal development. The Gulf of Mexico has been continuously exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons for millions of years from natural oil and gas seeps on the sea floor, and more recently from oil drilling and production activities located in the water near and far from shore. Major accidental oil spills in the Gulf are infrequent; two of the most significant include the Ixtoc I blowout in the Bay of Campeche in 1979 and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010. Unfortunately, baseline assessments of the status of habitats and biota in the Gulf of Mexico before these spills either were not available, or the data had not been systematically compiled in a way that would help scientists assess the potential short-term and long-term effects of such events. This 2-volume series compiles and summarizes thousands of data sets showing the status of habitats and biota in the Gulf of Mexico before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Volume 2 covers historical data on commercial and recreational fisheries, with an analysis of marketing trends and drivers; ecology, populations and risks to birds, sea turtles and marine mammals in the Gulf; and diseases and mortalities of fish and other animals that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico. * The two-volume set is available as free e-books<http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781493934546> from publisher Springer, which also sells print versions. BP paid for production of the books and the open-access fees. A two volume open access set: Volume 1 http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781493934454; Volume 2 http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781493934546; or to order both volumes as a printed set http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781493968947. This book is open access under a CC BY-NC 2.5 license. If you are only interested in the marine mammal chapter, which is written by Bernd Würsig, you may use this direct link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-1-4939-3456-0_5.pdf Regards, Dagmar Fertl

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Ocean Sciences Session 27803 on marine megafaunal bycatch
by Ellen M Hines 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

Dear Colleagues, we are convening a session on solutions to marine megafaunal bycatch at the Ocean Sciences meeting in Portland Oregon, USA 11-16 February, 2018. We invite you to submit your abstract here: https://agu.confex.com/agu/os18/preliminaryview.cgi/Session27803 Submission deadline: September 6th Session ID#: 27803 Session Description: Fisheries bycatch is a major threat to marine megafauna globally and addressing it poses many challenges, particularly in developing countries. Fisheries bycatch of marine megafauna is often poorly monitored or regulated, so impacts of bycatch on local populations are not well understood. The limited availability of quantitative data on the abundance and distribution of marine megafauna, bycatch occurrences, encounter frequency, fishing effort, and fishing gear use constrain estimations of bycatch rate and consequently management action. Due to a lack of resources that impede local scientific capacity, data limitations are often greatest in developing countries where marine fisheries can be fundamental to local and even national economies. Bycatch situations and solutions are local and place-based and controlled by diverse biophysical, cultural, economic and political criteria. However, commonalities in many of these issues need to be explored to create a common practice to guide the creation and analysis of bycatch risk analysis locally and globally. We will welcome presenters with examples of place-based bycatch for a discussion of issues and solutions, especially in sites with varying gaps in data. After presentations, we will discuss data gaps, needs, and commonalities, and interdisciplinary methods to determine how socio-cultural and economic dynamics contribute to bycatch. Primary Chair: Ellen Hines, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, United States Co-chairs: Rebecca L Lewison, San Diego State University, Biology, San Diego, CA, United States, Andrew Frederick Johnson, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Marine Biology Research Division, La Jolla, CA, United States and Gregg Verutes, National Audubon Society, San Francisco, CA, United States Ellen Hines, PhD Associate Director and Professor of Geography & Environment Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies San Francisco State University 3150 Paradise Dr. Tiburon, CA 94920 415 338 3512, ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> http://rtc.sfsu.edu/research/in_hines.html

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Society for Marine Mammalogy Job Board
by Katherina Audley 24 Jul '17

24 Jul '17

The Society for Marine Mammalogy¹s job board now has a way for you to automatically submit your paid and unpaid work opportunities. To post a job, go here: https://www.marinemammalscience.org/jobs-grants/marine-mammal-science-job-op enings/submit-a-job/ If you are having difficulty uploading a position at smal(a)marinemammalscience.org, you may contact the SMM student members-at-large for assistance. Thanks, Katherina Audley Information and Technology Manager Society for Marine Mammalogy http://www.marinemammalscience.org

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