July 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

HWDT recruiting a Hebridean Whale Trail Officer
by Gemma Paterson 19 Jul '17

19 Jul '17

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has an exciting opportunity to join our team in Tobermory,on the Hebridean Isle of Mull, to work on our newest project, the Hebridean Whale Trail. The Hebridean Whale Trail Officer will be responsible for delivering a programme of events and training across a developing network of 25 fantastic whale-watching and whale heritage sites across the west coast of Scotland to further promote the area as one of Europes best whale-watch destinations. This post and the Hebridean Whale Trail project is generously funded by the Coastal Communities Fund. Key tasks and responsibilities of the post holder Managing people: · Line manage the Hebridean Whale Trail volunteers. Hebridean Whale Trail project development: · Take the lead role in developing the Hebridean Whale Trail Engagement Programme, and create education and training materials in-line with HWDTs overall engagement strategy. · Work with the Whale Trail Manager to identify key sites to establish the Hebridean Whale Trail; · Contribute to developing an identifiable whale trail brand, website, and site-specific interpretive materials in collaboration with local partners; · Co-organise a project launch event, along with the publicity and promotion of the project; · Support the growth of a responsible and sustainable Scottish whale-watching industry. Community engagement: · Engage with local communities within Argyll and Bute, Western Isles, Highlands and Islands, Skye and Lochaber to tailor the Hebridean Whale Trail at each unique site; · Collaborate with local and national marine conservation charities, appropriate organisations and key stakeholders to develop the Hebridean Whale Trail; · Further expand the HWDT Community Sightings Network by encouraging people to engage in conservation and biological recording programmes at Hebridean Whale Trail sites; · Provide comprehensive training in marine mammal surveying for volunteers at Hebridean Whale Trail Sites, teaching volunteers how to watch responsibly and record marine wildlife; · Assist HWDTs Community Engagement Officer to engage with local schools and deliver education activities and field trips around Hebridean Whale Trail sites; · Support local organisations and businesses based around each Hebridean Whale Trail site to benefit from the use of the site. Communications: · Engage with users by updating website content, news pages, blogs and social media relating to the Hebridean Whale Trail Project; · Support the Whale Trail Manager to create programme update reports for internal and external sources; Other tasks: · Responsible for recording relevant project expenditure; · Undertake project administration, including monitoring and evaluation of project activities; · Respond to general project-related enquiries, correspondence and relevant consultations. For the full Job Description and person specificaion, visit the vacancies page of HWDT <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/about-vacancies.asp> s website. Salary: £19,000 per annum gross. Conditions: This is a full-time post, 37.5 hours per week. Contract: Fixed term contract until 31st December 2019. Starting date: The ideal starting date is early-mid September 2017. Application procedure: Send CV and Covering Letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to Gemma Paterson gemma.paterson(a)hwdt.org or post to HWDT, Clydesdale Bank Buildings, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU. Further information on HWDT and on this post are to be found on the HWDT website <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/about-vacancies.asp> , or telephone 01688 302 620. Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 14th August 2017. Interviews are likely to be during the w/c 28th August 2017.

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Ambergris confirmation
by Amy Hirons 19 Jul '17

19 Jul '17

Hello subscribers, I have obtained what may be an ambergris boulder washed up on a South Florida beach. We've been running a few chemical tests to try and confirm if it is actually ambergris. Would anyone have, or know where, a piece of verified jetsam ambergris is (free floating and not directly from a sperm whale) to which we could compare our spectral analysis? Many thanks, Amy C. Hirons hirons(a)nova.edu Amy C. Hirons, PhD Associate Professor Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Ave., Parker 389 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 (o) 954-262-7972 hirons(a)nova.edu<mailto:hirons@nova.edu>

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH IN THE GULF OF THAILAND
by Sarah Tubbs 19 Jul '17

19 Jul '17

Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is Cambodia's longest running volunteer marine conservation organisation, pioneering and leading ocean conservation in Cambodia. MCC have new internship positions available on cetacean research. The Cambodia Dolphin Project was established for the purpose of contributing to scientific knowledge on cetaceans for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity. Despite high cetacean biodiversity in the region, no long-term studies have taken place here. Therefore, the project aims to fulfill the gaps of missing long-term studies by collecting data on cetacean abundance, distribution and residency patterns in order to delineate critical habitats within Cambodia’s Kep Archipelago. The project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in gaining more experience and knowledge in the field of cetacean research. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our team. The minimum commitment is one month, although for a fuller experience we recommend two or more. A biology background is not mandatory but advantageous, as well as an ability to dedicate yourselves to the study. We will be in the field early in the morning or late into the evening, boat trips can be day long (12 hours), and there is a large amount of data to process and enter. A good level of endurance is necessary as well as the ability to live and work in a multicultural team, living on a basic camp. You will learn about different software used in cetacean research, boat and land survey techniques and photo identification methods amongst other things. There will also be the opportunity for you to contribute to publications we might be working on, get involved in other MCC projects such as our coral gardenor sea horse project and various scientific outreach events. This position is unpaid and requires a contribution fee of US$300/week from the volunteers which covers accommodation, food and project related activities. MCC does not take any profits from this sum, with all money being fed directly back into the project. We have positions available year round and for people staying longer than 3 months there is a discounted price available. To apply please send a cover letter and CV to cambodiadolphinproject@gmail. com

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New publication on nursing behavior of humpback whale calves on the Hawaiian breeding grounds
by Kate Lomac-MacNair 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new publication on nursing behavior of humpback whale calves on the Hawaiian breeding grounds. Zoidis, A.M.; Lomac-MacNair, K.S. A Note on Suckling Behavior and Laterality in Nursing Humpback Whale Calves from Underwater Observations. Animals 2017, 7, 51. Abstract: We investigated nursing behavior on the Hawaiian breeding grounds for first year humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calves. We observed and video-documented underwater events with nursing behavior from five different whale groups. The observed nursing events include behaviors where a calf positions itself at a 3045° angle to the midline of the mother¹s body, with its mouth touching her mammary slit (i.e., suckling position). On two occasions, milk in the water column was recorded in close proximity to a mother/calf pair, and on one occasion, milk was recorded 2.5 min after suckling observed. Nursing events, where the calf was located in the suckling position, were found to be short in duration with a mean of 30.6 s (range 15.055.0, standard deviation (SD) = 16.9). All observations of the calf in the suckling position (n = 5, 100%) were with the calf located on the right side of the mother, suggesting a potential for right side laterality preference in the context of nursing behavior. Our study provides insight into mother/calf behaviors from a unique underwater vantage. Results supplement previous accounts of humpback whale nursing in Hawaiian waters, validate mother/calf positioning, document milk in the water column, and introduce the potential for laterality in nursing behavior for humpback whale calves. Our paper is available online at: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/7/7/51 Or via e-mail request to Ann M. Zoidis <ann(a)cetosresearch.org> Many Thanks, Ann Zoidis & Kate Lomac-MacNair

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Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), PAM Operators, FLO's and field environmental scientists registration - Europe and Africa region.
by Nick Robinson 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

Further to our recent announcement on MARMAM, Seiche Environmental is a new operating company that offers offshore environmental services. Seiche Environmental has an immediate need for qualified and experienced consultants for the following positions in the European and African markets only: * Marine Mammal Observers * Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operators * Fisheries Liaison Officers * Environmental Scientists For further information and registration please contact our HR team on offshorevacancies(a)seiche.com<mailto:offshorevacancies@seiche.com> Nick Robinson Business Manager Seiche Environmental Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1409 404050 M: +44(0)7590 844363 Registered in England & Wales No. 10612696, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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MMO Range Finding App for iOS
by James Keating 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

Dear fellow MARMAMers, "MMO Range Finder" app for iPhone and iPad is now available on the AppStore. I developed this app to help MMOs like myself quickly calculate the horizontal distance from the animal to the source providing an instant decision making tool for mitigation. What makes it different from basic Trigonometry apps is that it takes two bearings and calculates the angle for you, allowing your brain to focus on the task at hand. See blurb below for more info. If you have any queries, qualms or questions I'd be delighted to hear from you. Link to App Store https://appsto.re/au/PRVblb.i Many thanks, James Marine Mammal Observers mitigate for the potential impact of sound exposure on marine fauna during seismic surveys, UXO clearance or civil engineering projects. A fundamental function of the observer is to calculate the distance of an animal to the source of noise irrespective of their own position and recommend actions based on specified mitigation zones around the source of the sound. This app calculates the distance from the animal (Target) to the origin of the sound (Source) using a trigonometric cosine function. The user simply enters the distance and bearing to the Target and Source from their observation position and the app calculates the rest. The user can enter all data manually using either relative or true bearings (in degrees) and distances (in metres) they have estimated using standard methodology (reticule binoculars, range finding stick etc). The user can also use their devices in-built compass to automatically fix bearings by simply pointing towards the Target or Source and clicking the relevant "Fix" buttons (Target; top-left button or Source; top-right button). Pressing solve returns the answer in metres. When Location Services are enabled and the device has good GPS satellite connectivity (Settings>Privacy>Location Services) the app displays the users current position, course over ground (COG) and speed over ground (SOG). This output can be calibrated in Settings>Range Finder as follows; Coordinate format in DD.DDD°, DD° MM' SS" or DD° MM.MM'. Speed in knots (kts) or kilometres per hour (km/h). Should the user have concern about compass interference they can set the compass (also in Settings>Range Finder) to read True North instead of Magnetic North. This requires Locations Services to be enabled. There is a screenshot button in the bottom right corner to allow the user to save data for their records. MMO Range Finder App should be used as a reference tool and is only as precise as the users ability to range find. Any decision making is the responsibility of the user. If in use, the compass and location should be verified often. James Keating, PhD Marine Ecological Consultant Perth, Western Australia +61 (0) 47 5075340 keating.marine(a)gmail.com

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New publication on cetacean occurrence along the Wild Coast South Africa
by Michelle Caputo 18 Jul '17

18 Jul '17

Dear Marmam, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper: Long-term trends in cetacean occurrence during the annual sardine run off the Wild Coast, South Africa M Caputo, PW Froneman, D du Preez, G Thompson & S Plön African Journal of Marine Science Vol. 39 , Iss. 1,2017 Abstract: During the austral winter, cetaceans and other apex predators follow the annual northeastward movement of shoaling sardines, known as the sardine run, along the southeast coast of South Africa, including a 400-km stretch called the Wild Coast. In total, 131 opportunistic aerial surveys were conducted between May and July, from 1996 to 2014, to monitor sardine movement. Cetacean-sighting data from these surveys were analysed, focusing on long-term trends in frequencies of the cetaceans. In total, 630 sightings involving five cetacean species were recorded: 268 (approximately 32 400 individuals) of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin Tursiops aduncus, 108 (approximately 79 400 individuals) of long-beaked common dolphin Delphinus capensis, 242 (approximately 670 individuals) of humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae, 1 (two individuals) of southern right whale Eubalaena australis, and 11 (16 individuals) of Bryde’s whale Balaenoptera edeni. The occurrence of common dolphins, typically associated with sardines, decreased significantly in average group size over the study period (p = 0.0343); bottlenose dolphins, considered generalist feeders, demonstrated no such trend (p = 0.916). Humpback whales were most frequently sighted between 2010 and 2014, and with significantly larger groups observed towards the end of the study period (p = 0.0121). For all these species, more sightings were made inside than outside of marine protected areas (>70% of the dolphin species, and >65% of the humpback whales), both pre- and post-2005 (from 2005 the size of the survey area increased). The results indicate that movements of the common dolphin may be employed as a proxy for sardine occurrence. Long-term trends evident in the data also demonstrate the importance of this coastal region for bottlenose dolphins as well as use as a migratory corridor for humpback whales. The paper is available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2017.1304451 Please make any requests for copies to: michellecaputo3(a)gmail.com Regards, Michelle Caputo PhD Candidate Department of Zoology and Entomology Rhodes University South Africa

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New publication: First record of Omura's whale in Sri Lankan waters
by Asha de Vos 17 Jul '17

17 Jul '17

Dear friends I am incredibly pleased to share great news with all of you! My paper on the First Record of an Omura’s whale in Sri Lankan waters has just been published in Marine Biodiversity Records. We had a lucky encounter that enabled me to take great photos that showed all the characteristics of this species very clearly. Here is the link to the paper: https://mbr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41200-017-0121-2 (Open Access so feel free to download and share!) Asha (I think the system rejected my previous effort to post this as soon as it was published hence the delay - my apologies) -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Asha de Vos Ph.D. Senior Advisor <http://oceana.org/press-center/press-releases/renowned-marine-biologist-ash…>, Oceana Pew Fellow <http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/marine-fellows/fellows-directory/2016/…> in Marine Conservation National Geographic <http://nationalgeographic.org/projects/explorers-week/asha-de-vos/> Emerging Explorer TED <https://www.ted.com/speakers/asha_de_vos> Fellow WEF Young Global Leader http://ashadevos.com

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2018-19 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Opportunity
by Jennifer H. Johnson 17 Jul '17

17 Jul '17

Mote Marine Laboratory is accepting applications for a 2-year fellowship to support an independent investigator working in any field of marine research. The deadline for applications is COB Thursday August 31, 2017. Fellowship program details and application guidelines are at: https://mote.org/about-us/postdoctoral-research-fellowship-program * 2017-2019 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program Overview.* Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote), an independent nonprofit institution established in 1955, has recently adopted a 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan that includes as one of Mote’s four core priorities, “Ensure the long-term prosperity of the research enterprise through focused staff recruitment and nurturing programs.” In order to address this specific priority, a new Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program began in 2011. As an independent, nonprofit, mission-based organization, Mote’s greatest strength has been its ability to define its own agenda and research based on our communities’ needs and our scientists’ expertise. Mote is committed to being a leader in nationally and internationally respected research programs that are relevant to conservation and the sustainable use of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats, and natural resources. We envision a comprehensive and integrated Mote enterprise with research, innovation, and public education and outreach programs that are among the most creative and fruitful in the world. Postdoctoral Research Fellows are selected based on their ability to not only strengthen and diversify the Laboratory’s significant existing research expertise, but also the potential to establish their own innovative research initiatives as independent investigators. Exemplary Fellows may be invited to join Mote as Staff Scientists upon completion of their initial appointment. Mote’s research extends throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and tropical to polar environments. The main 10 acre campus is headquartered on City Island in Sarasota, Florida, with a nearby 200 acre inland marine aquaculture research park; in Charlotte Harbor (Lee County- southwest Florida) with a fisheries research station, and on Summerland Key (Monroe County- Florida Keys) with a new Tropical Research Laboratory. Mote’s more than 30 doctoral-level scientists and more than 20 research programs are described at mote.org/research. Mote’s present situation creates new opportunities for innovative research, including: * World-class marine aquaculture facilities and on-site coral ecosystem research facilities * Tri-national agreement between Mexico, Cuba, and U.S. marine scientists & resource managers * Affiliation agreements with the University of South Florida (USF @ Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota/Manatee), Jacksonville University, and the University of the West Indies (Mona campus and Discovery Bay & Port Royal marine laboratories) * William R. and Lenore Mote Eminent Scholar Chair and international symposia in fisheries ecology with Florida State University * National Center for Shark Research * Florida Coastal Ocean Observing Systems Consortium and Mote’s coastal ocean observing laboratory * 1.3 million gallon seawater system dedicated for research purposes Mote is part of a growing marine research enterprise zone on the Florida Gulf coast that includes the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and three National Estuary Programs (Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor), Southeast Regional Headquarters of the NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program including the Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, Florida Wildlife Research Institute, USF College of Marine Sciences, SRI, U.S. Geological Survey’s St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, and numerous national wildlife refuges and state aquatic preserves. Mote is also a member institution of the International Consortium for Marine Conservation, Consortium for Ocean Leadership, National Association of Marine Laboratories, Southeast and Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association/System, Florida Institute of Oceanography, Florida Ocean Alliance, and Florida Sea Grant. Applications are invited for any field of marine research in the natural sciences. The deadline for applying is COB Thursday August 31, 2017. Review of applications may begin August and finalists will be announced soon thereafter. _ Two-Year Fellowship_ This Fellowship will be awarded in 2017, start in 2018, and last for two years assuming appropriate first-year progress. An earlier start date is possible. The full-time position includes an annual salary of $47,800. Partially-subsidized health insurance is also provided for the Fellow, with family options available. Benefits include an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will have an established Mote scientist assigned to serve as a dedicated mentor, and both will participate in Mote’s Postdoctoral Mentoring Program. The Fellow will receive office/laboratory space and funds for startup, operations, publication costs, and travel. This fellowship will be awarded to support an eligible Ph.D. as an independent investigator. Applications are invited from recent (since January 1, 2015) Ph.D. graduates including those with firm expectation of graduation by December 31, 2017. However, at time of appointment, the doctoral (or equivalent professional) degree must have been awarded. Applications are invited for any field of marine research in the natural sciences. Competitive applications will focus on research programs that are relevant to conservation and the sustainable uses of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats, and natural resources; will bring or propose new multi-investigator/institutional collaborations to Mote, and will be cognizant of global issues. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. in 2017-19. A complete application will be a single pdf file containing, in the order shown: 1. A letter addressed to the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Committee, describing your interest and availability including current employment status and eligibility to work. 2. Curriculum vitae. 3. Copy of the Ph.D. diploma or equivalent professional degree (persons affirming a certain expectation of graduating by December 31, 2017 may apply.) 4. A three-page essay plus references describing your intended research program and suggested mentor (See mote.org/research) It is not necessary to obtain a potential mentor’s approval at this stage of the application process. Co-mentors at other institutions will be considered. 5. Three representative journal publications (in press or published). Do not send web links to publications. 6. As appropriate, the name and contact information of your major professor or postdoctoral supervisor, and 7. The names and contact information for three people who know you and your academic and professional work. Novel media or formats other than pdf essential to an individual’s application may be submitted. Applications from previous recruitment cycles are discouraged. In fairness to all applicants and reviewers, only complete applications will be accepted. Send applications by email toHumanResources(a)mote.org <mailto:humanresources@mote.org>, using the subject line “2017 Two-Year Fellowship Application.” You may also send the seven application items listed above by mail to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. Review of applications may begin August and finalists will be announced soon thereafter. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Mote is an E-Verify employer.

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Online PSO / MMO Training—Complete any time from anywhere!
by PSO Training 17 Jul '17

17 Jul '17

Become a Protected Species Observer/Marine Mammal Observer through PSOeTraining, the first U.S. regulatory-compliant online PSO/MMO training course. The course is offered for $395 and consists of 12 graded lessons, a practical species identification quiz designed to simulate real in-field detection events, and a comprehensive final exam. The training program is entirely student-driven, so there are no set course dates that you must be available to attend—it can be completed anywhere you have internet access, at any time, at your own pace! The course was created by instructors whom are accepted trainers by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), in collaboration with experienced PSOs, degreed biologists, educators, and industry professionals. Successful completion of the program results in a professional certification that distinguishes you as a PSO. Whether you are looking to work in the field as a PSO, to expand your knowledge of protected species regulations, marine environmental issues, and/or geological and geophysical regulations, or enhance your skillset, this course has something to offer you! Register today at PSOeTraining.com<http://psoetraining.com/register.aspx>! RPS Group has been the leading provider for PSO services in the Gulf of Mexico for over a decade and we are proud to present this high-quality, convenient, and effective online certification program. Doctors, engineers, pilots, and other professionals complete certification and/or degree programs that are available online, and now PSOs join the ranks of those benefiting from online learning! Our intensive e-training program will engage and instruct you with informative videos, interactive quizzes, and stimulating content. The combination of a fun, interesting program and self-paced learning has been proven to facilitate learning and increase retention of the material—leading to better, more qualified PSOs! Learn more at PSOeTraining.com<http://psoetraining.com/coursedetail.aspx>! This e-mail message and any attached file is the property of the sender and is sent in confidence to the addressee only. Internet communications are not secure and RPS is not responsible for their abuse by third parties, any alteration or corruption in transmission or for any loss or damage caused by a virus or by other means. Any advice contained in this e-mail is for information purposes only. RPS Group Plc, company number: 208 7786 (England). Registered office: 20 Western Avenue Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH. RPS Group Plc web link: <http://www.rpsgroup.com>

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