January 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Photo-id Internships with Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM/ARDITI), Madeira Island
by Rita Ferreira 17 Jan '18

17 Jan '18

Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM/ARDITI) is currently opening photo-id internships in Madeira Island (Portugal) The Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM) is a research unit within the Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), located in Madeira Island, Portugal. OOM seeks to become a centre of excellence dedicated to research and permanent monitoring of the ocean. This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary scientific community, joining several institutions with the aim of promoting cooperation and resource optimization. http://oom.arditi.pt OOM is currently looking for 2 motivated and proactive interns for updating photo-id catalogues of cetaceans, from March to May 2018. Internship Details: Interns will be responsible for the update of photo-id catalogues of several species of cetaceans that occur in this region of the Atlantic. One of the positions will be dedicated exclusively to the catalogue of bottlenose dolphins, while the other will be responsible for the smaller catalogues of several other species, such as sperm and baleen whales, among others. Applicants should take into consideration that photo-id requires a high attention to detail and long hours spent in front of a screen comparing photos. These are office based positions, but interns may also participate occasionally in field work. Interns are expected to work mainly from Monday to Friday on regular office hours, and will join a multicultural group of several other interns and students. Interns need to bring their personal laptop for this work. This is a *voluntary* internship and interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and personal costs. Interns should also have a health insurance or one could be provided here (costs are around 30eur/month). Requirements: Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient. Priority will be given to those who can commit full time. Experience in photo-id is preferred. Application deadline is 30th January. If you are interested in these positions with OOM/ARDITI, please send a CV and a letter of interest focusing on the interest of this internship to your future work and on your previous experience with marine mammals to rita.ferreira(a)oom.arditi.pt.

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Job Opening for MMO/PAM operator
by info desk 17 Jan '18

17 Jan '18

Dear MARMAM members, EOS Energy is recruiting Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and PAM Operators for several projects in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caspian Sea. In order to qualify, you must have the following valid certifications: -BOSIET/HUET -Offshore Medical -JNCC PSO/MMO Training -PAM Training -FLO experience (highly appreciated) Arabic, Italian, Croatian, Romanian or Greek speaking consultants will be preferred. Please send your CV, certifications, along with availability (Q1/Q2 2018) to: info(a)eos-oilandgas.com Best regards, EOS | Oil & Gas, Human Resources department

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Saimaa ringed seal ESA 5-year review now available
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

Greetings MARMAM, NOAA Fisheries 5-year status review of the Saimaa ringed seal under the Endangered Species Act is now available at - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/saimaa-ringed-seal-5-year-… The Saimaa ringed seal (*Phoca hispida saimensis*) was listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as endangered in 1993. NOAA Fisheries has completed a review of the Saimaa seal's ESA listing status. NOAA Fisheries is recommending that the Saimaa seal remain classified as endangered because the seal’s demography places it at high risk of extinction, and major threats have not been fully addressed. The Saimaa ringed seal is found in the freshwater Lake Saimaa in eastern Finland. Thank you, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources U.S. Department of Commerce jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov o: 301.427.8431 <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/> www.fisheries.noaa.gov/opr <http://www.facebook.gov/usnoaafisheriesgov> <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries> <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>

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Job Posting/Offshore Environmental Specialist
by Bell, Tara 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

Ecology and Environment, Inc. is seeking an Offshore Environmental Specialist for our Virginia Beach office to support project managers with a variety of offshore, energy, restoration, DOD, and other environmental projects. This position will be responsible for coordinating environmental and permitting documents, interacting with client and regulatory agencies, and coordinating staff work assignments. Our successful candidate must have strong technical research and writing skills with educational emphasis and experience in marine species biology and policy. Responsibilities: * Support project managers on a broad range of environmental projects including DOD and offshore energy projects primarily within the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico regions * Prepare environmental documentation/analyses and permit requests required under the ESA, MMPA, and NEPA * Analyze potential impacts on marine species from proposed Navy and other offshore activities, including acoustical impacts to protected marine species (i.e. marine mammals, sea turtles, and fish species) and create appropriate mitigation and monitoring plans * Perform underwater acoustical analyses including propagation modeling in order to calculate expected marine mammal take in support of applications for Incidental Harassment Authorizations and Letters of Authorization * Prepare environmental planning documents and outreach materials for federal and private clients. * For offshore projects, provide expected marine species density estimates and seasonality utilizing density survey data portals and Stock Assessment Reports * Coordinate project work within a multi-disciplinary team Requirements: * Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Environmental Studies, Planning or related discipline; Master's Degree preferred * 3-5 years of experience supporting offshore environmental projects; environmental consulting experience preferred * Experience with environmental permitting in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico regions; experience with Incidental Harassment Authorizations and Letters of Authorization a plus * Working knowledge of DOD/Navy and offshore energy policies/regulations, NOAA Fisheries acoustic criteria for protected marine species, and the principles of underwater acoustics including attenuation, transmission loss, and methods to determine Zones of Influence * Knowledge of major federal statutes and implementing regulations, including NEPA, MMPA, ESA, CZMA * Experience preparing environmental documents for submission to NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, or Bureau of Ocean Energy Management a plus * Experience leading or conducting marine species surveys or as a Protected Species Observer a plus * Experience with project management, client relationship management, and interaction with regulatory agencies a plus * Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills * Excellent verbal communication, technical writing and research skills * Ability to travel to support business needs We are a global network of innovators and problem solvers, dedicated professionals and industry leaders in scientific, engineering, and planning disciplines working together with our clients to develop technically sound, science-based solutions to the leading environmental challenges of our time. E&E offers opportunities for growth in a team-oriented environment. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S.; Visa sponsorship will not be provided. Please view our website at www.ene.com<http://www.ene.com/> to apply on-line. Local candidates preferred. Ecology and Environment, Inc. is an EO and AA employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled/and other protected categories [cid:image001.jpg@01D38EDD.A76DE4B0]<http://www.ene.com/> Tara Bell, Receptionist 368 Pleasant View Drive, Lancaster, NY 14086 Phone: 716-684-8060 Fax: 716-684-0844 tbell(a)ene.com * www.ene.com<http://www.ene.com>

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New Publication - First Photographic Match of an Anomalously White Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska, and Baja California, Mexico
by Amy Willoughby - NOAA Affiliate 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce a recent publication in Aquatic Mammals: Willoughby, A.L., M.C. Ferguson, J.T. Clarke, A.A. Brower. 2018. First Photographic Match of an Anomalously White Gray Whale (*Eschrichtius robustus*) in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska, and Baja California, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals. 44(1): 7-12 Summary: We report on an anomalously white gray whale (*Eschrichtius robustus*) that was sighted and photographed in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska, and off Baja California, Mexico. To the best of our knowledge, the observations presented denote the first accounts of (1) an anomalously white gray whale in the northeastern Chukchi Sea and (2) a note-worthy intra-annual match of an individual gray whale on both wintering and summering grounds. Our goal was to highlight sightings of anomalously white gray whales to generate distribution and habitat information, monitor the health and reproductive success of these atypical animals, and provide a database to which future sightings could be added. Findings from our literature and photographic research, which include published and unpublished accounts of anomalously white gray whales, are provided in a comprehensive table. Available at Aquatic Mammals: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.7 Feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy. amy.willoughby(a)noaa.gov Regards, Amy Amy Willoughby Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way NE F/AKC3 Seattle, WA 98115-6349 Tel: 206-526-4029 <(206)%20526-4029>

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The Whale Museum Stranding Network Internship - Summer 2018
by Jennifer Olson 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

The Whale Museum's Stranding Network Program - Summer Internship 2018 The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN), a program of The Whale Museum established in 1980, is authorized by NMFS to respond to all marine mammal strandings in San Juan County, WA. We typically respond to more than 200 calls of both live and deceased animals per year. SJCMMSN is currently recruiting a San Juan Island-based intern to help respond to marine mammal strandings during our busy season. Interns and volunteers of this critical program serve as ambassadors between humans and marine mammals as well as contribute scientific data that is crucial to both human and animal health. Internship is based in Friday Harbor, WA and requires approximately 35-40 hours per week from June-August. Schedule will vary and involve "on call" time. There will be a variety of tasks both in the field and in an office setting. Intern will receive a small stipend. Housing is not provided, but shared housing at a reasonable cost is likely available. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist with stranding response including: conducting health assessments of live seal pups in the field; tagging and monitoring harbor seals that are not collected for rehabilitation; transferring harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center; conducting Level A examinations of dead marine mammals * Perform first mate duties on board The Whale Museum's stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard * Assist with necropsies of fresh dead marine mammals including: transferring carcasses to the lab space; preparing, setting-up, and taking down necropsy supplies; organizing and archiving biological samples * Assist with data entry and analysis for SJCMMSN as well as The Whale Museum's marine mammal sightings network REQUIREMENTS: At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), possess a valid US driver's license and access to a mode of transportation. Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. Animal handling and/or boating experience is preferred but not required. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please submit a letter of interest, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. Please include what dates you are available. Applications accepted until March 2, 2018. Decisions will be made by April 2, 2018. Please send application materials to: ATTN Jennifer Olson The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 Or email (preferred - please submit as a single PDF) to: jennifer(a)whalemuseum.org For more information, visit the Stranding page on our website <http://whalemuseum.org/pages/marine-mammal-stranding-network> . Jennifer Olson Stranding Coordinator - Data Specialist - Collections Curator The Whale Museum PO Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Office: (360) 378-4710 ext. 27 Cell: (360) 472-1852 Stranding hotline: 1-800-562-8832

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new paper on sperm whale occurrence in the western North Atlantic
by Joy Stanistreet 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

Dear Marmam community, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Endangered Species Research: Joy E. Stanistreet, Douglas P. Nowacek, Joel T. Bell, Danielle M. Cholewiak, John A. Hildebrand, Lynne E. W. Hodge, Sofie M. Van Parijs, and Andrew J. Read. 2018. Spatial and seasonal patterns in acoustic detections of sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus along the continental slope in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Endang Species Res 35:1-13. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00867 Abstract: The distribution and seasonal movements of sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus are poorly understood in the western North Atlantic Ocean, despite a long history of human exploitation of the species. Cetacean surveys in this region are typically conducted during the summer, when weather conditions are amenable for visual observation, resulting in a seasonal bias in species occurrence data. In the present study, we conducted multi-year passive acoustic monitoring to assess year-round sperm whale occurrence along the continental slope between Florida and New England, USA. Between 2011 and 2015, we collected 2037 d of recordings using bottom-mounted recorders deployed at 5 sites. We analyzed these recordings for sperm whale echolocation clicks, which were detected commonly between New England and North Carolina, but infrequently off the coast of Florida. In the northern half of the study region, we observed distinct seasonal patterns in the daily prevalence of sperm whale clicks, with a winter peak in occurrence off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, followed by an increase later in the spring at sites further north. South of Cape Hatteras, seasonal patterns were less apparent. We detected sperm whale clicks during all hours of the day throughout the study area, and did not observe strong diel patterns. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive year-round baseline on the occurrence of sperm whales across multiple recording sites, demonstrating the utility of passive acoustic monitoring to assess patterns in sperm whale occurrence across broad spatial and temporal scales. The paper is freely available online at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v35/p1-13/. Cheers, Joy Stanistreet

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Research Assistant Positions for this winter in the Dominican Republic
by Cathy Bacon 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

MCERC is getting creative so that we can offer research assistant positions in the Caribbean this winter. The hurricanes that passed through at the end of last year have created a lot of challenges. The result is that we need to be flexible. We realize that some of you have been waiting for several years so that you can join us as part of the research team. Here is your chance, and we are trying to make this easy for more people to get experience over and above the internship level. First: internships are open for registration.These are one week field intensive programs with a very structured curriculum. Only 4 people per week may participate in the cetacean research. Spring Break week always books quickly, and may not be available already, so please check the dates. If the week is booked, the Education Hub will prevent you from trying to register. Please visit the Education Hub for more details and to register for the week you would like to attend. The link will be at the end of this message. For those of you who have at least a bachelor's degree in a related science, you can now apply to join us as a research assistant in Samana Bay, Dominican Republic for The Dominican republic Cetacean Research Project! Here is how this will work for the 2018 season only: Send your CV or resume and a letter of interest to Nicole(a)Marine-Eco.org. Indicate the weeks you would like to be an RA on this project between February 1 and April 30, 2018. We will be accepting more RAs this year because the length of stay will vary depending on YOUR availability. This is our way of dedicating our faculty to assuring you have an opportunity to get the experience you need to participate in field research. You will be trained as an integral part of our research team collecting field data on humpback whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, pilot whales, and several species of dolphins. All RAs are required to contribute to their support and administrative costs associated with the project. You will be responsible for getting yourself to Samana Bay, Dominican Republic. We will provide information and guidance for traveling to the field site, a place to sleep in the field house, and food. The amount of your support will vary depending on your length of stay and the particular weeks you are on the team as an RA. We will let you know via email what that contribution will be for your time in Samana Bay. That's it! Leave the rest to us. Email as soon as possible if you are interested in one of these positions. We will need to schedule those who are accepted as RAs very quickly as we still hope to begin research effort at the beginning of February! MCERC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for people to participate in research and education programs. Thank you so much for your patience as we give our partners in the Caribbean a chance to recover and get back in the swing of things! www.Education.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.education.marine-eco.org/> www.Marine-Eco.org <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Marine-Eco.org%2F&h=ATMyuHb…> -- Cathy Bacon Marine Mammal Biologist https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cathy_Bacon https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathymcclainbacon/

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WDC Award
by Nicola Hodgins 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

Dear All, WDC is delighted to announce the 2018 WDC Bharathi Viswanathan Award for Innovative and Non-Invasive Research where up to £5,000 is available for the recipient. WDC strives to ensure that benign research methods are promoted as a guiding principle, both for our own organisation and the researchers that we fund and through this Award we aim to showcase non-invasive research methodologies, highlighting the fact that many of these methods provide scientific data of excellent quality, whilst also promoting the development of innovative and non-invasive approaches towards studying cetaceans. Further details and the relevant guidelines and forms etc. can be found here - http://bit.ly/1wulxgE Applications will be accepted at any time until the closing date, midnight (GMT) March 6th 2018. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch, Good Luck, Nicola Nicola Hodgins T - +44 1249449537 Skype – nicola.hodgins Twitter – nicola_hodgins whales.org<http://whales.org/> [cid:DE4A1706-4F45-4D0F-BD3B-A80538572E8A]

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publication marine litter and cetaceans in the Med
by Ecoocean institut 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

Greetings all, Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Marine Pollution Bulletin : "Floating macro-litter along the Mediterranean French coast: Composition, density, distribution and overlap with cetacean range". Nathalie Di-Méglio and Ilaria Campana *a b s t r a c t *This study investigated the composition, density and distribution of floating macro-litter along the Liguro-Provençal basin with respect to cetaceans presence. Survey transects were performed in summer between 2006 and 2015 from sailing vessels with simultaneous cetaceans observations. During 5171 km travelled, 1993 floating items were recorded, widespread in the whole study area. Plastics was the predominant category, with bags/packaging always representing N45% of total items. Overall mean density (14.98 items/km2) was stable with significant increase reported only in 2010–2011; monthly analysis showed lower litter densities in July–September, suggesting possible seasonal patterns. Kernel density estimation for plastics revealed ubiquitous distribution rather than high accumulation areas, mainly due to the circulation dynamics of this area. The presence range of cetaceans (259 sightings, 6 species) corresponded by ~50% with plastic distribution, indicating high potential of interaction, especially in the eastern part of the area, but effective risks for marine species might be underrepresented. The full text can be downloaded using this links : http://www.ecoocean-institut.org/ressources/33 or in contacting the authors, Nathalie Di-Méglio (nathalie.di-meglio(a)wanadoo.fr <mailto:nathalie.di-meglio@wanadoo.fr>) or Ilaria Campana (ilariacampana(a)yahoo.it <mailto:ilariacampana@yahoo.it>) Kind regards, Nathalie and Ilaria -- EcoOcéan Institut 18 rue des Hospices 34090 Montpellier +33 (0)467842887 ecoocean(a)wanadoo.fr http://www.ecoocean-institut.org

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