January 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

High-quality images of pinnipeds required for educational website
by Debs Allbrook 25 Jan '18

25 Jan '18

Morning all, We are putting out a request for good quality images of pinnipeds for use on a new website which will serve as an educational resource for children and students on the marine environment, marine mammals in particular. Species required are all eared and earless species except Harbour Seal, Grey Seal, and Southern Elephant Seal. Images will accompany information about the species, and the photographer will be credited next to the image. Unfortunately we cannot offer any payment for the pictures, but as stated, the photographer will be credited on the website. If anyone has suitable images for us that they would like to be used for environmental education, then please could they send a reasonably high res. version to pinniped.org(a)gmail.com<mailto:pinniped.org@gmail.com>. Many thanks in advance. Debs Allbrook Pinniped

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Living Seas Volunteer Opportunities, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, west Wales (UK)
by CBMWC 25 Jan '18

25 Jan '18

The <https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife- centre/> Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join our Living Seas Team for our 2018 field season. As 2018 is Year of the Sea in Wales this is a fantastic time to become involved in our research and awareness raising work. CBMWC is a non-profit organisation based in New Quay, west Wales. Founded in 1996 the centre is dedicated to conserving the marine life of Cardigan Bay through research and education. A part of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales we deliver the trusts Living Seas programme. Volunteering with CBMWC is a unique opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research (focusing on bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals and harbour porpoise) and help to inspire the public through our visitor centre and community engagement events. The volunteer programme at CBMWC has received national recognition after achieving the Investing in Volunteers Award (IiV), the UK's quality standard for volunteer management, in January 2017. We provide a fantastic volunteer experience! We have a number of volunteering roles available - <https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife- centre/volunteer/livingseas-volunteers/> Living Seas Volunteers - will conduct land and boat based surveys, data entry, man our visitor centre and assist with community engagement events. <https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife- centre/volunteer/shorefin-volunteers/> ShoreFin Volunteers - will photograph bottlenose dolphins from land, conduct photo-ID, analyse data and write the annual ShoreFin report. <https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife- centre/volunteer/seal-photo-id/> SeaSeal Volunteer - will conduct land based seal surveys, photograph seals, conduct photo-ID, analyse data and write the annual SeaSeal report. Visit <https://www.welshwildlife.org/cardigan-bay-news/living-seas-volunteer-oppor tunities-cbmwc/> https://www.welshwildlife.org/cardigan-bay-news/living-seas-volunteer-opport unities-cbmwc/ for further information on the roles and how to apply. Deadline for applications is 23:59pm on Sunday 11th February. Applications will be reviewed as received and volunteer opportunities are available until filled. Contact - Laura Evans at <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org or 01545 560224 ----------------------------- Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Ffon/Phone: 01545 560224 Website: www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Website: www.welshwildlife.org <http://www.welshwildlife.org/>

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Field internships with The Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project
by Asha de Vos 25 Jan '18

25 Jan '18

FIELD INTERNSHIPS The Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project, the flagship project of Oceanswell, is looking for qualified students to fill our upcoming internship positions. Interns will assist with fieldwork on blue whales, education programme development, social media and outreach. See below for the complete details. The Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project is the first and longest running research project on blue whales of the Northern Indian Ocean. The research and conservation work conducted through this project has been featured on BBC, The New York Times, TED, National Geographic, CNN, GOOD, and the New Scientist. FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of photo-identification (photo-id). The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin and fluke characteristics, and the use of databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-id, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. RESPONSIBILITIES: · Assisting with; boat-based photo-id surveys from a small vessel and collecting video based behavioural data. · Analysis of photo-id and behavioural video data in the lab; including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching of photos, maintenance of a long-term photo-id catalogue, identifying behavioural events on video, and data entry. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue. PREREQUISITES: · Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent · Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research · Speak fluent English · Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude · Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation · Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on small boats QUALIFICATIONS: · The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. · Preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, zoology, ecology, marine science, conservation, education, or other related fields. · Basic computer proficiency in MS Office · Strong and innovative science communication skills are an added bonus. · Intern should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. · Students that are adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. · Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. · Interns should be available for the entire field season from 4 March – 25 March 2018. Bonus skills (if you have them flaunt them!): · GIS skills · Skills related to creating and working with databases (particularly MS Access) · Marine mammal acoustic skills · Filming and photography skills Preferred qualifications but not required: · Prior experience working on small vessels · Field research including photo-id experience · Previous experience in survey techniques, especially in marine mammal research · First AID/CPR certification As this is a volunteer position, there is no monetary compensation (a small donation will be sought from non-Sri Lankan students), interns must cover their own transportation expenses to the field site (including flights and visas) in Weligama, Sri Lanka. Basic housing and food will be provided. To Apply- Send your 2 page resume, cover letter, and two recent letters of reference to the Oceanswell Team at info+volunteer(a)oceanswell.org. In addition please answer the following questions in no more than 250 words (each) 1. Give one example of your ability to be innovative in science. 2. What do you hope to gain out of this experience? 3. What skills and abilities do you bring to the project? Will you be willing to share your skills with the rest of the team? 4. If the opportunity arose would you volunteer for Oceanswell in the Colombo office? (mostly data analysis and research) 5. Why should we pick you? Applications must be received by 14 February for decisions to be announced by the 21st in anticipation of the 4th March start date. Thank you, The Oceanswell Team. (Other opportunities available at Oceanswell are listed in the Notices & Events section of www.oceanswell.org) -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Asha de Vos Ph.D. Executive Director/Founder, Oceanswell Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation National Geographic Emerging Explorer TED Fellow WEF Young Global Leader www.oceanswell.org

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Recent publication: Photo-identification comparison of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) flukes from Antarctic Area IV with fluke catalogues from East Africa, Western Australia and Eastern Australia
by Wally Franklin 24 Jan '18

24 Jan '18

Hi MARMAM, On behalf of Co-Authors we are pleased to announce the recent publication of: Franklin, W., Franklin, T., Cerchio, S., Rosenbaum, H., Jenner, C., Jenner, M., Gonçalves, L., Leaper, R., Brooks, L., and Clapham, P. 2017. Photo-identification comparison of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) flukes from Antarctic Area IV with fluke catalogues from East Africa, Western Australia and Eastern Australia. J. CETACEAN RES. MANAGE (17): 1-7. ABSTRACT Early ‘Discovery mark’ data together with recent photo-identification, acoustic, genetic and satellite-radio tag data revealed linkages between humpback whales migrating from breeding grounds (C) off East Africa and the Area III feeding area, from Western Australian breeding grounds (D) and the Antarctic Area IV feeding area and the East Australian breeding grounds (E1) and Antarctic Area V feeding area. These data also revealed low levels of intermingling between (E1) and (D) humpback whales in the Antarctic Area IV feeding area consistent with these being separate populations. Greenpeace photographed the ventral tail flukes of 30 individual humpback whales in the Antarctic Area IV feeding area (70°E–130°E) from 2 to 9 January 2008, between 62°47’S and 64°14’S latitude and 80°00’E and 112°57’E longitude. Comparisons of the Antarctic Area IV Greenpeace fluke catalogue (n = 30) with existing reconciled fluke catalogues from East Africa (n = 842), Western Australia (n = 1,558) and Eastern Australia (n = 1,964), yielded no photo-identification matches. An analysis of the frequencies of whales seen and not seen in Antarctica, East Africa, Western Australia and Eastern Australia relative to the frequencies expected to have been seen and not seen, based on the estimated population sizes and the sizes of the catalogues, provided evidence that the Antarctic whales photographed are from a different population to the East African and East Australian populations. There was weak evidence supporting the hypothesis that the Antarctic whales are from the Western Australian population but insufficient data were available to determine a clear outcome. A comparison of the Antarctic Area IV Greenpeace catalogue (n = 30) with other existing African, Indian Ocean, Western and Eastern Australian and/or Antarctic catalogues, together with increased sampling across the humpback whale feeding season in Antarctica and along the Western and Eastern Australian coastline during their winter migration, is likely to provide further evidence of the migratory destination of these humpback whales. It will also add to our limited knowledge of the extent of population overlap within the Antarctic Area III, IV and V feeding areas. Pdf’s available from: wally(a)oceania.org.au <mailto:wally@oceania.org.au> On behalf of all Authors, Thank you... Wally & Trish Franklin ........................................................................ Wally Franklin PhD The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: 0418 797 326 Skype: oceania.org.au Email: wally(a)oceania.org.au <mailto:wally@oceania.org.au> Web: <http://www.oceania.org.au/> The Oceania Project <http://www.oceania.org.au/> iWhales.org <http://www.iwhales.org/> Songlines - Songs of the eastern Australian humpback whales <http://www.songlinesofthewhales.org/> The Oceania Project | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/oceania> <https://vimeo.com/iwhales>The Oceania Project | Vimeo <https://vimeo.com/iwhales> The Oceania Project | SoundCloud <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> The Oceania Project <http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceaniaProject>| <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales>YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceaniaProject> Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre <https://www.scu.edu.au/research-centres/marine-ecology-research-centre/whal…> <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/>Dr Trish Franklin <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/> | <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> <https://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/>PhD Thesis <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/> Google Scholar Citations <https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=RAOLIrMAAAAJ&hl=en&authuser=1> <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/>Dr Wally Franklin <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/> <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/>| <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales>PhD Thesis <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/> <https://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/> Google Scholar Citations <https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=2wA6lL8AAAAJ&hl=en> Humpback whales - Spread the Story <https://www.gofundme.com/theoceaniaproject>

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Marine Research Internship I- microplastics
by Johanna Barrett 23 Jan '18

23 Jan '18

The Marine & Environmental Research Institute (MERI) is looking to fill the Marine Research Internship position for the 2018 field season. This is a full-‐time position requiring a 6-‐month commitment from June through November (flexible start date). Job Description The Marine Research Intern will assist the MERI Research Department with the implementation of its marine research projects. Large-‐scale projects investigating the abundance and impacts of microplastics in the marine environment will be the top priority of this internship. Other projects may include monitoring for bacteria at local swimming beaches, early identification of harmful algal blooms, tracking ocean warming and acidification, and assisting with response to marine mammal strandings (whales and harbor seals) in the Downeast region. Primary responsibilities will include field sampling from land and boat, analysis in the laboratory, archiving of samples, data entry and management, and producing written reports and presentations. Specific Duties • Conduct water and tissue sample collection both from shore and the MERI research vessel at sites in the greater Blue Hill Bay • Safely operate and maintain all field and lab equipment including a multiparameter YSI EXO2 Datasonde • Assist with marine mammal stranding response, including on-‐site tissue collection and necropsies in the MERI laboratory • Perform laboratory assays following established standard operating procedures and protocols including the occasional processing and archiving of marine mammal tissues • Assist with data entry and updating of laboratory records, logs, and inventories • Manage and analyze large water quality and multi-‐variable data sets • Prepare summaries, reports, fact sheets, and assist with research presentations • Conduct literature searches, develop background information, and communicate and promote MERI’s research and mission to the public • Give a final presentation to MERI staff and members of the community on your research at the end of your internship • Assist with MERI events including the environmental lecture series and other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required Reports to: Marine Research Coordinator Qualifications Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree in marine biology, ecotoxicology, coastal ecology, environmental conservation, or a related major. Some field and laboratory experience and a basic knowledge of statistics and database management are required. Familiarity with environmental sampling and monitoring methods is preferred. Applicants must also be able to work outside in a variety of environmental conditions, be willing to get dirty, muddy, and wet, be hands-‐on with a variety of organisms, be comfortable working on a marine research vessel, and be available to work occasional nights and weekends as needed. Attention to detail and the ability to work independently are a must. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel required. Proficiency in photography/film, graphics, ArcGIS, and statistics (SPSS) software is desirable. Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Only US citizens or lawful permanent residents should apply. Position requires some physical activity and applicant should be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Time Requirements: June -‐ November (Flexible start) Full-‐time (40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by employee and Director. Compensation: Stipend and shared housing in Blue Hill, Maine. Housing is within walking distance to the Institute. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses and food. To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter outlining your experience, career objectives, and why you are interested in an internship at MERI along with your Resume/CV and contact information for three references to: Madelyn Woods, Marine research Coordinator, at mwoods(a)meriresearch.org <mailto:mwoods@meriresearch.org> Indicate “Marine Research Internship, NAME” in the subject line of your email. Marine & Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 Website: www.meriresearch.org <http://www.meriresearch.org/> MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer About MERI The Marine & Environmental Research Institute is a nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and people from the harmful impacts of toxic chemical exposure. The Institute produces scientific research that drives change and inspires solutions to the pressing environmental issues of our day. From flame retardants to plastics, our discoveries have informed the public and fueled key legislation, which impacts millions of people in Maine and across the country. Priority areas include: toxic exposure and health of marine mammal sentinels (seals and cetaceans); microplastics in the marine food web; and coastal monitoring in the Gulf of Maine. To learn more about our work, visit www.meriresearch.org <http://www.meriresearch.org/> MERI is located on the Blue Hill Peninsula in a unique coastal ecosystem bridging mid-‐coast and “Downeast” Maine. Habitat for bald eagles, harbor seals, porpoises, and a rich variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife, the landscape is dotted with small fishing villages, boatyards and blueberry fields. Interns will spend the season studying the impacts of development, global warming, and pollution on this pristine ecosystem.

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Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation research assistant positions summer 2018
by Stephanie Levesque 23 Jan '18

23 Jan '18

*BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH ASSISTANTS REQUIRED* *IN THE SHANNON ESTUARY* The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is a registered charity *dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in Irish waters, *with offices based in the Shannon Dolphin Centre, Kilrush Co Clare. The IWDG established the Shannon Dolphin Project in 1993 to develop and provide educational awareness and conservation of the Shannon dolphins. An interpretive centre is open to the public and used to promote educational awareness of the dolphins and wildlife in the Shannon region. The Shannon Dolphin Project in 1993 to develop and provide educational awareness and conservation of the Shannon dolphins has a strong research background and has collaborated with a number of Irish and international research groups. Long-term monitoring of the bottlenose dolphin population in the Shannon has been carried out using photo-id since 1993 and static acoustics since 2001. The Shannon dolphins are unique as they are genetically discrete and largely confined to the Shannon Estuary and adjacent Brandon and Tralee Bays. The Shannon estuary was designated as a Special Area of Conservation for bottlenose dolphins in 2000 and is one of only two such sites for this species in Ireland. The Shannon Dolphin Project is seeking research assistants from May-September 2018 based in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. For more information about the Shannon Dolphin Project see www.shannondolphins.ie. Research assistants will be required to conduct monitoring surveys from dolphin-watching tour boats, spend a considerable amount of time on bottlenose dolphin photo-identification and related office tasks, and assist in the management of the dolphin centre on a daily basis. Photo-id training will be provided on the boats and in the office. There will also be opportunity to help with research conducted on board the IWDG’s research vessels *Muc Mhara* and *Celtic Mist*, and to assist the IWDG with cetacean strandings should the opportunity arise. These positions provide an excellent opportunity to develop skills in marine research and education and to assist with one of the longest-running bottlenose dolphin population monitoring programs in Europe. WORK PERIOD We are seeking skilled research assistants to commence on 15 May 2018. Because of the training required, applicants must be able to commit to three or four months. Research assistants are required full-time finishing 28 September 2018. Up to two days off a week will be either assigned, or given when requested if possible. LOCATION Kilrush is a small town located in west Clare on the northern shore of the Shannon Estuary. The Shannon Dolphin Centre is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the town centre. West Clare is a beautiful place to work, but applicants are asked to be aware that it is also somewhat geographically isolated with limited facilities and variable weather patterns. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Conducting monitoring surveys from two dolphin-watching tour boats operating in the Shannon Estuary, collecting photo-id data and recording data on tour boat encounters with dolphin groups. Surveys involve one to three daily boat trips and are weather dependent. 2. Photo-identification and database entry in the office, including fin identification, fin-matching, photo processing, sighting data entry and maintenance of our long-term photo-id catalogue. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office during bad weather, and long days in the field during good weather. 3. Dolphin centre duties, including general administrative tasks, receiving visitors to the dolphin centre, engaging with and educating members of the public, managing merchandise, updating websites and supporting and promoting theIWDG, and raising awareness and membership participation. Also, general maintenance of research equipment and facilities. REQUIREMENTS Essential - Genuine interest in marine mammal biology, the marine environment and conservation - Basic computer proficiency in MS Office - Previous photo-identification experience or a strong desire to learn photo-id skills - Excellent verbal and communication skills and enthusiastic with a positive attitude - Sociable and work well both in a team and independently - A detail-oriented work ethic with an ability to work in a meticulous manner - Conscientious, reliable, hard-working, and self-motivated - Flexible and patient; must be prepared to work long days in the field or office - Comfortable working on boats and no history of debilitating seasickness - Good English language skills - Must be 18 years or older Preferred but not essential - Enrolled in or completed a degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Zoology or related fields - Previous field research experience, especially in marine mammal research - Prior experience working on boats - A strong interest and knowledge of bottlenose dolphins and/or Irish cetaceans - Experience in interacting with the public - Familiarity with DSLR cameras and GPS equipment and software - Prior experience with MS Access and IMatch - Driving Licence, preferably having your own vehicle - Possibility to bring your own laptop for data entry APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Volunteers will be expected to work and live as part of a team with shared cooking and cleaning duties. Unfortunately, there is no monetary compensation for these positions and a contribution of *€400 per month* towards accommodation and utilities is required. Accommodation will be provided in a shared house within walking distance of the dolphin centre and town of Kilrush. Research assistants are responsible for their own food costs and travel expenses to and from Kilrush, Ireland. The closing date for applications is 30 March 2018. However, early application is recommended. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake a Skype interview in April. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-April. To apply, please send your CV (including two relevant referees and their contact information) and a covering letter with a brief description of yourself and what you hope to gain from this experience, details of why you would like to work on this specific project and any relevant experience you have to *Stephanie Levesque (stephanie.levesque(a)iwdg.ie <stephanie.levesque(a)iwdg.ie>).* Please also specify the dates you expect to be able to join the project. Please put “Research Assistant” in the subject line of your email. <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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New paper on dive heart rate in harbor porpoises
by Gitte McDonald 23 Jan '18

23 Jan '18

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the current issue of Journal of Experimental Biology: McDonald, BI, M Johnson, and PT Madsen. 2018. Dive heart rate in harbour porpoises is influenced by exercise and expectations. *Journal of Experimental Biology* 221: jeb168740 URL: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/221/1/jeb168740 Abstract: The dive response, a decrease in heart rate (*ƒ*H) and peripheral vasoconstriction, is the key mechanism allowing breath-hold divers to perform long duration dives. This pronounced cardiovascular response to diving has been investigated intensely in pinnipeds, but comparatively little is known for cetaceans, in particular in ecologically relevant settings. Here we studied the dive *ƒ*H response in one the smallest cetaceans, the harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*). We used a novel multi-sensor data logger to record dive behaviour, *ƒ*H, ventilations and feeding events in three trained porpoises, providing the first evaluation of cetacean *ƒ*H regulation while performing a variety of natural behaviours, including prey capture. We predicted that tagged harbour porpoises would exhibit a decrease in *ƒ*H in all dives, but the degree of bradycardia would be influenced by dive duration and activity, i.e., the dive *ƒ*H response will be exercise modulated. In all dives, *ƒ*H decreased compared to surface rates by at least 50% (mean maximum surface=173 beats min−1, mean minimum dive=50 beats min−1); however, dive *ƒ*H was approximately 10 beats min−1 higher in active dives due to a slower decrease in *ƒ*H and more variable *ƒ*Hduring pursuit of prey. We show that porpoises exhibit the typical breath-hold diver bradycardia during aerobic dives and that the heart rate response is modulated by exercise and dive duration; however, other variables such as expectations and individual differences are equally important in determining diving heart rate. Please email me (gmcdonald(a)mlml.calstate.edu) if you would like a PDF copy of the paper. Best, Gitte -- Birgitte I. McDonald Assistant professor Moss Landing Marine Laboratories ----------------------------------------------- gmcdonald(a)mlml.calstate.edu 831-771-4417

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internship and volunteer positions @ A Seal, a rescue center for Harbour- and Grey seals in Stellendam, Holland
by vincent serbruyns 22 Jan '18

22 Jan '18

A Seal, a rescue center for Harbour- and Grey seals in Stellendam, Holland is accepting applications for internship and volunteer positions during spring (from the 1st of March 2018 till the 15th of June 2018) and during the Harbour seal pup season (from the 15th of June 2018 till the 31st of October 2018). A Seal is a nonprofit organization that aims to be a centre of expertise for marine mammals with a focus on rehabilitation of the Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) which are the most common marine mammals of the dutch part of the North Sea. A Seal’s Internship Program is structured and designed to provide students in animal care and veterinary assistance(undergraduate degree and intermediate vocational degree) with hands-on experience in the field of seal rehabilitation. Responsibilities: * Assisting during all phases of seal rehabilitation (intake; quaranteens; inside baths; outside baths and release at the Dutch coast). * (Force- and tube-) feeding of the seals * Food preparation * Cleaning of pens and common facilities Qualifications: . Must possess a strong work ethic, have high attention to detail and the ability to work with limited supervision . Must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, friendly and able to work in a team of volunteers . Must be 18 or older . Must be available on weekends, holidays and during the evening hours . During this internship the intern will experience physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals. Prior experience is not required and all training is provided. This is an unpaid position. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Housing facilities (single room; shared kitchen and bathroom with other interns), 250 meters from A Seal, can be rented at limited charge. Those who can work full-time hours for at least 4 weeks will be given preference. Please visit www.aseal.nl<http://www.aseal.nl/> for more information on our center (in dutch). Application with full CV can be sent to: More information can be acquired from: Vincent Serbruyns (Team leader Seal care / Intern coordinator) A Seal - Zeehondenopvang Stellendam Haringvlietplein 3a 3251 LD Stellendam Holland Europe E-mail : vincent.serbruyns(a)aseal.nl Office: 0031 (0)88 27 47 780 www.aseal.nl<http://www.aseal.nl/> Connect with us on social media! Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/stichtingaseal/?fref=ts

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New Publication: Social segregation of humpback whales
by solene derville 22 Jan '18

22 Jan '18

Dear Marmam community, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the Journal of Mammalogy: Solène Derville, Leigh G Torres, Claire Garrigue;*Social segregation of humpback whales in contrasted coastal and oceanic breeding habitats*,/Journal of Mammalogy/, , gyx185,https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyx185 Abstract: Maternal habitat preferences of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are well documented from decades of coastal research but oceanic areas have received less attention. Whales breeding in New Caledonia occupy both ecosystems: a coastal reef complex (South Lagoon) and oceanic seamounts (Southern Seamounts). Generalized additive models were applied to 20 years of boat-based whale observations (n = 1,526) to describe habitat preferences and permissive home range estimations were used to explicitly model spatial segregation in relation to social context. Groups with calves (n = 206) preferred shallow coastal waters throughout the season in the South Lagoon, whereas no habitat segregation was observed between groups with (n = 74) and without calves (n = 140) in the Southern Seamounts. As a result, spatial overlap between groups with and without calves was more common in the Southern Seamounts than the South Lagoon. Despite a lack of social segregation around seamounts, mother-calf pairs were proportionally more frequent in the Southern Seamounts (27%) than in the South Lagoon (16%). Photographs of the calves’ dorsal flanks were analyzed to compare age and ecological markers across sites. Calves appeared older in the Southern Seamounts than in the South Lagoon but no difference in scarring or shark bites was found across sites, suggesting that calves experienced similar lifestyles and may move between offshore and coastal waters during the breeding season. This study highlights the flexible habitat-use patterns of breeding humpback whales and raises new questions about the environmental and social drivers of their presence in offshore breeding grounds. The paper may be downloaded on https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jmammal/gyx185… Feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy: solene.derville(a)ird.fr Best, -- Solène Derville PhD student - Spatial Ecology UMR Entropie - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement Université Pierre et Marie Curie Association Opération Cétacés ---------- 101 Promenade Roger Laroque, BPA5 98848 Noumea cedex, New Caledonia Phone: +687 912299 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Solene_Derville

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 22 Jan '18

22 Jan '18

DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL BACKGROUND: The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Participants are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Participants have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. WHERE: Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal WHEN: The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2017. The minimum attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. FIELDWORK: The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The participants will be trained to: • Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; • Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; • Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; • Collection of photo to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board. DATA ANALYSIS: This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. PROGRAMME FEES: AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This programme requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on the fees for the 2018 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org Included in the fee is: • Accommodation in the research house; • Transportation to/from the marina; • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); • Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. Not included in the fee is: • Transportation to/from Albufeira; • Meals in restaurants and snacks; • Free time activities; • Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); • Personal expenses. PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO: • Be above the age of 16; • Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; • Be autonomous and flexible; • Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; • Speak English; • Participate for minimum 7 days. Preference will be given to those who have: • Relevant marine mammal field experience • Working experience on research vessels • Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms • Experience in photo-identification • Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID • Availability to stay for longer periods of time APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send an e-mail to interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, subject “ALBUFEIRA INTERNSHIP” with your Resume/CV, personal statement on which are your expectations and the period of time that you want do the program. You will receive an e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. Contacts: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association*

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