October 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking Research Assistants for Gray Whales Count 2019, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
by Michael H Smith 30 Oct '18

30 Oct '18

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (RA) POSITIONS AVAILABLE - seeking volunteer Research Assistants to participate in Gray Whales Count (GWC) 2019 survey of the northbound migration of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) migrating through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel. GWC is seeking Research Assistants (RA) to work with Project Coordinator and team of observers to assist in our annual survey, conducted from shore at Counter Point, in the Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta, California, USA, adjacent to the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). This position is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the United States with an appropriate visa in hand. The 2019 survey begins Wednesday, February 13 and continues every day through May 29, from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Sunday . If gray whale calves are continuing, we may need to extend the survey through May 31. We are looking for passionate, caring individuals who are willing to commit for the entire survey, ~100 survey days, and be available to begin Saturday, February 9 to train and to assist with preparations. GWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for research and education. The primary goal of research is to estimate the number of gray whales and gray whale calves migrating northbound through our corridor and to share our data to complement similar sampling-studies along the California coast. A secondary goal is to document the variety and quantity of other marine mammals in the ocean area around our site, which is now a Marine Protected Area. Goals of education are to teach the process of scientific research to Counters and to give them the opportunity to conduct a meaningful study, to experience marine mammals in their natural environment, and to share this process and our enthusiasm with publics through direct interchange, outreach, and various media. RAs will be trained by the Project Coordinator and, in-turn, share the responsibility for training new volunteers and conducting research and education. Applicable skills learned and achieved include: > Process, concepts, and protocols of the survey, including use of equipment and data-entry. > Ability to identify a multitude of marine mammal species from a distance, including but not limited to: gray whales, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals, California sea lions, sea otters, etc. > Identify behaviors of these marine mammals > Distinguish calves from juveniles and adults > Identify vessels and vessel operations > Gather detailed, consistent data, with ability to teach and check others’ work > Learn about marine mammals in their natural environment and the forces that affect them, both natural and anthropogenic > Developing responsibility and a working relationship within a team Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit full-time to the project for the time period involved, approximately 100 days. This will entail up to 9 hours of work a day for at least 5 days a week. (With training, RA’s are required to work everyday the first two weeks.) The Count is 6 days per week (no counting Tuesdays). The more time you can put in, the more you will get out of your experience. Priority will be given to those candidates with associative career goals. Previous experience is a plus but not a condition. This is an invaluable opportunity to gain extensive experience in real-time, scientific fieldwork in an environment rich with diverse populations of marine mammals. You will work with equally diverse individuals who are caring, attentive, and curious. Gray whales are a sentinel species traveling from temperate lagoons in Mexico, along the dynamic California Current at the eastern edge of the North Pacific Ocean to the Arctic waters of northern Alaska in one of the longest marine mammal migrations. Requirements: > Even though we are situated in Southern California, you must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Fieldwork can be, at times, physically and mentally demanding. > Willingness to work long hours. > Commit for a minimum of 100 days, full time (minimum five days per week). > Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior or a related field. > Previous field experience with marine wildlife and observation is a plus but not required. > Ability to work in a team environment to produce consistent, high quality results. We cannot stress this enough. You will be trained to be a leader of an operation with people of differing experience and dedication. > Be enthusiastic and possess a caring, positive attitude, with a strong desire to learn. > Be adaptable and patient. The migration is characterized by pulses rather than a steady stream; and weather is the unknown factor: wind, rain, and fog can shut us down. > We strive for a perfection that cannot be attained. We are forgiving and learn from experience. This is a volunteer position. The selected RAs will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Santa Barbara/Goleta, California and daily to the survey site. Recognizing that living costs are high in this area, Gray Whales Count will award a $500 stipend to assist each RA with expenses upon successful completion of the RA position. RAs will be responsible for all for living expenses while volunteering for Gray Whales Count. To apply: Please send cover letter/résumé to Project Coordinator, Michael Smith michael(a)graywhalescount.org <mailto:michael@graywhalescount.org>. We strongly recommend you look over our website: graywhalescount.org <http://www.graywhalescount.org/GWC/The_Count/The_Count.html> to familiarize yourself with our operation. In the cover letter, please address why you wish to participate in Gray Whales Count; how this particular experience will be meaningful to you; and how this might advance your career goals. There is no deadline to apply. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please consider applying early in order to arrange travel plans and to secure room and board. _______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM(a)lists.uvic.ca <mailto:MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca> https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam>

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5th ICMMPA in Greece 2019 - Announcement of Early Registrations!
by info_ICMMPA5 30 Oct '18

30 Oct '18

The 5th ICMMPA Early Registration is now open! The International Committee on Marine Mammal Protected Areas in collaboration with WWF Greece is pleased to announce that the early registration for the 5th <https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/> International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas<https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/> is now open and will remain open until the 31st of December! After the 1st of January 2019, regular registration rates will apply. With the title “Celebrating a decade of MMPA Collaboration”, the 5th ICMMPA will be hosted, for the first time in Europe, and specifically in Greece, from 8-12th April 2019. The conference will have the honor to have HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, as the opening speaker, a champion in marine conservation. The conference will evaluate the up to date progress and identify a path forward towards marine mammal protection, establishment of area-based management measures and their implementation in MPAs throughout the world. Registrations: https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/registration For more information about the 5th ICMMPA: Amalia Alberini, Conference Co-host, WWF Greece (info_ICMMPA5(a)wwf.gr<mailto:info_ICMMPA5@wwf.gr>), WWF Greece or Naomi McIntosh, Chair, ICMMPA (naomi.mcintosh(a)noaa.gov<mailto:naomi.mcintosh@noaa.gov>)

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New Publication on Long-finned pilot whale skull morphometry, MarMamSci
by María Constanza Marchesi 29 Oct '18

29 Oct '18

Dear Colleagues, We are happy to announce the publication of our note in Marine Mammal Science entitled: "Long-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas, Traill 1809) subspecies in the Atlantic Ocean: Are there differences in their skulls?” by T.I. Marina, M.C. Marchesi and R.N.P Goodall, DOI: 10.1111/mms.12548. In this note, we employed traditional morphometrics to characterize in detail the skull morphometry of the two subspecies of long-finned pilot whale (G. melas melas and G. melas edwardii) in the Atlantic Ocean and compare them in order to provide new information about their cranial structure, as well as to contribute to the taxonomic resolution of the subspecies. We hypothesized morphometric differences in the skull of both subspecies, based on the fact that they are completely isolated and on the presence of analogous skull distinction in the short- and long-finned pilot whale species, and in the eastern and western North Atlantic populations of the long-finned pilot whale. This is the first study that characterizes and compares the skull morphometry of the two long-finned pilot whale subspecies in detail. Our results lead to the conclusion that these subspecies exhibit significant differences in skull morphology in the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, we suggest functional implications for feeding habits, diving behavior and sound production that should be tested in future studies. You can access the article at:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12548 If you cannot download the publication, you can request a pdf copy by emailing the leading author: tomasimarina(a)gmail.com Regards, Lic. María Constanza Marchesi Doctoral Fellow, Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos, Centro para el Estudio de los Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR, CENPAT-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina >

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Job Opportunity: Animal Care & Necropsy Tech, National Marine Life Center
by Kathy Zagzebski 29 Oct '18

29 Oct '18

ANIMAL CARE & NECROPSY TECHNICIAN (part-time): The National Marine Life Center, an independent, non-profit marine animal hospital and science and education center on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, seeks a part-time Animal Care & Necropsy Technician to work with stranded sea turtles and seals. Responsibilities include: animal husbandry; animal necropsies; performing animal health assessments; scheduling procedures; collecting samples; animal handling and restraint, preparing food and feeding; administering vitamins and medications; training and supervising volunteers; cleaning and maintaining the facilities; testing water quality; and maintaining the life support systems. Additional duties include: presenting educational programs to the public, participating in fundraising activities, and assisting with general office duties. Requirements: rehabilitation experience with marine mammals and sea turtles; necropsy experience on marine mammals and sea turtles; B.A./B.S. in biology, zoology, or related field, and/or veterinary technician degree/certification, and/or equivalent work experience; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with standard MS Office software. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. This is a part-time position, working approximately 20 hours per week. The position is open until filled. We are looking to fill this position quickly. For more info and a full job description, please visit: http://nmlc.org/about/staff/job-opportunities/#animalcarenecrotech Send cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to Lisa Becker, Animal Care Manager, lbecker(a)nmlc.org <mailto:doneil@nmlc.org> , (fax) 508-759-5477, National Marine Life Center, P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, MA, 02532-0269. The National Marine Life Center is an equal opportunity employer. www.nmlc.org <http://www.nmlc.org/> . *********************************** Kathy Zagzebski President & Executive Director National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 kzagzebski(a)nmlc.org www.nmlc.org <http://www.nmlc.org/> @MarineLifeCtr 508-743-9888 x301 Fax 508-759-5477 Cell 774-313-8850 I Goodsearch.com for the National Marine Life Center! I #shopwithasmile for the National Marine Life Center at <https://www.amazon.com/gp/f.html?C=2J5HJCK1RSMM0&K=A4Z00E3QMTMD6&R=F2FJK4GD GHL0&T=C&U=https%3A%2F%2Fsmile.amazon.com%2Fch%2F04-3290276%3Fref_%3Dpe_2172 510_219750730&A=NSJYJPZEJ2GBH9SD55TKUVHAAS4A&H=DELNTZ9MOL8HG9VATUDCQXHXKQKA& ref_=pe_2172510_219750730> https://smile.amazon.com/ch/04-3290276 ********************************** --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 29 Oct '18

29 Oct '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 Interns 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. Interns 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 1st of May to 31st October 2019. The minimum internship 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 interns 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.; · Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board; · Secchi disk methodology; · Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *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. *INTERNSHIP 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 internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2019 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you book the internship until 31st December 2018. *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. *INTERNS 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 *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and 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. The follow link is a short video about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* Website: www.aimmportugal.org Youtube: https://Youtube/AIMMPortugal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/aimmportugal_org Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal

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New Publication: Mitogenomic structure in spinner and pantropical spotted dolphins from the eastern tropical Pacific
by Matt Leslie 29 Oct '18

29 Oct '18

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors I would like to announce the publication of the following research article online in Marine Mammal Science: <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12545> Leslie, M. S., Archer, F. I. and Morin, P. A. (2018), Mitogenomic differentiation in spinner (*Stenella longirostris*) and pantropical spotted dolphins (*S. attenuata*) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Mar. Mam. Sci.. . doi:10.1111/mms.12545 <https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12545> Abstract: Spinner dolphins (*Stenella longirostris*) and pantropical spotted dolphins (*S. attenuata*) show high intraspecific morphological diversity and endemic subspecies in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP). Previous studies of mitochondrial DNA have found low genetic differentiation among most of these groups, possibly due to demographic factors, ongoing gene flow, and/or recent divergence. These species were heavily depleted due to bycatch in the ETP yellowfin tuna fishery. Because understanding population structure is important for accurate management of the recovery of these species, we collected whole mitochondrial genome sequences from 104 spinner and 76 spotted dolphins to test structure hypotheses at multiple hierarchical taxonomic levels. Results show differences between subspecies of spinner and spotted dolphins, but no support for the division of existing offshore stocks of spotted dolphins. We compare these results to previous results of genome‐wide nuclear SNP data and suggest high haplotype diversity, female dispersal, and/or relative power of the two data sets explains the differences observed. Interestingly, increasing the amount of mitochondrial data (base pairs and genes) did not increase ability to delimit population units. This study supports a genetic basis for management units at the subspecies level, and provides critical information for mitigating historical and continued fisheries impacts. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12545 Please contact me directly if you would like a copy of the manuscript: < matt.s.leslie(a)gmail.com> Have a wonderful week! All the Best, Matt ------------------------------ Matthew S. Leslie, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor Biology Department Swarthmore College

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Marine Mammal Special Session
by Pavlinovic, Alexander 29 Oct '18

29 Oct '18

Dear Colleagues, Marine mammals are good barometers of our environment. The status of these species and current efforts at their conservation are very timely due to climate change, shortages of salmon, increases in boats and humans, and high levels of contaminants off of the West Coast of the United States. On February 28th, 2019, there will be a marine mammal special session consisting of 18 speakers. The talks will cover cetaceans, pinnipeds, and mustelids. We plan on having speakers from Cascadia, NOAA-NMFS, OSU, WDFW, UBC, UW, Seattle Aquarium, Sealife Response Rehabilitation Research (SR3), and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Including John Calambokidis, Dr. Scott Baker, Steven Jefferies, Dr. Alex Zerbini, Dr. Robyn Angliss, and others. Talks will cover porpoise and sea otter recovery in Washington, comparing manned to unmanned aerial surveys, eDNA, the southern resident pod of killer whales, increased entanglement of whales off of the Washington Coast, and other interesting and timely topics. This special session will take place on February 28th, 2019, during the annual meeting of the Washington chapter of the Wildlife Society (TWS) and the Society for NW Vertebrate Biologists and will go from 9am till 5pm with a couple of breaks and a hour for lunch. The meeting will take place in between Olympia and Centralia, WA (Great Wolf Lodge). These meetings are wonderful venues for disseminating information and sharing research results. TWS is very interested in increasing its focus on marine wildlife, especially marine mammals. For further details, you can reach out to me by email at pavale03(a)evergreen.edu<mailto:pavale03@evergreen.edu> or read more about the meeting in the second call for papers at http://thesnvb.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2019-2nd-Call-for-Papers.pdf. Thank you, Alexander (Alex) Pavlinovic pavale03(a)evergreen.edu<mailto:pavale03@evergreen.edu>

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Special Issue on North Sea Cetaceans
by Peter Evans 28 Oct '18

28 Oct '18

Dear MARMAM readers, In memory of the late Chris Smeenk who for many years was curator of mammals and strandings coordinator at Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie (RMNH) in Leiden, The Netherlands, we have produced a special issue of the Dutch mammal journal Lutra, on North Sea cetaceans. The issue contains the following contributions: CONTENTS Evans, P.G.H., Kinze, C.C. & Pierce, G.J. Preface. Lutra 61(1): 1. Evans, P.G.H. North Sea cetacean research since the 19690s: advances and gaps.Lutra 61(1): 3-13. Brekhuizen, S., Camphuysen, K., Hoekstra, B., & van Laar, V. Chris Smeenk 1942-2017. Lutra 61(1): 15-28. Smeenk, C. & Evans, P.G.H. Review of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)strandings around the North Sea. Lutra 61(1): 29-70. Pierce, G.J., Ward, N., Brownlow, A., and Santos, M.B. Analysis of historical and recent diet and strandings of sperm whales (Physeter microcephalus) in the North Sea. Lutra 61(1): 71-86. Kinze, C.C., Thøstesen, C.B., & Olsen, M.T. Cetacean stranding records along the Danish coastline: records for the period 2008-2017 and a comparative review. Lutra 61(1): 87-105. Haelters, J., Kerckhof, F., & Jauniaux, T. Strandings of cetaceans in Belgium from 1995 to 2017. Lutra 61(1): 107-126. Geelhoed, S.C.V. & Scheidat, M. Abundance of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) on the Dutch continental shelf, aerial surveys 2012-2017. Lutra 61(1): 127-136. Weel, S.M.H., Geelhoed, S., Tulp, I., & Scheidat, M. Feeding behaviour of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the Elms estuary. Lutra 61(1): 137-152. IJsseldijk, L.L., Brownlow, A., Davison, N.J., Deaville, R., Haelters, J., Keijl, G., Siebert, U., & ten Doeschate, M.T.I. Spatiotemporal trends in white-beaked dolphin strandings along the North Sea coast from 1991-2017. Lutra 61(1): 153-163. Leopold, M., Rotshuizen, E., & Evans, P.G.H. From nought to 100 in no time: how humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) came into the southern North Sea. Lutra 61(1): 165-188. Kinze, C.C. A case for Tursiops tursio(Gunnerus, 1768). Lutra 61(1): 189-195. Smeenk, C.C. A chronological review of the nomenclature of Delphinus rostratusShaw, 1801 and Delphinus bredanesis(Lesson, 1828). Lutra 61(1): 197-214. For anyone interested in any of these papers, please contact the lead authors or myself. kind regards, Peter G.H. Evans <peter.evans(a)bangor.ac.uk> Mae croeso i chi gysylltu gyda'r Brifysgol yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg You are welcome to contact the University in Welsh or English Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dilewch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio a defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office.

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IMMS Animal Training Internship (Spring)
by Jeanette Gramm 28 Oct '18

28 Oct '18

IMMS Animal Training Internship Spring: Feb – April 2019 Deadline: December 1, 2018 The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (“IMMS”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals in the wild and under human care. Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, IMMS has been an active participant of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals. IMMS serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals and their environment. Program Description The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Duties The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also complete a project during their internship, give educational presentations to guests before they interact with our animals, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Eligibility Requirements Interns must be: • 18 years or older. • A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. • Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. • Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. • Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. • Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. • Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. • Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. • Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. To Apply Please send the following documents to: jgramm(a)imms.org<mailto:jgramm@imms.org> with “Animal Training Internship” in the subject line. * IMMS Animal Training Internship Application<http://imms.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AnimalTrainingInternApplication1…> * Resume with cover letter. * Two letters of recommendation - Provide at least one academic, and one work/volunteer- related reference if applicable. Letters may be emailed from the applicant or the person providing the recommendation letter. * A copy of your current official college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy. * Full photograph Documents must be in one of the following formats - PDF, .doc, .docx, and must be submitted together with your first and last name and the date in the file name. Ex) 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Resume, 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Application, 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Transcript. Jeanette Gramm Marine Mammal Trainer Animal Training Internship Coordinator Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Gulfport, MS

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New publication: stable isotope analysis of seal whiskers
by Elizabeth McHuron 26 Oct '18

26 Oct '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper online in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry What's in a whisker? Disentangling ecological and physiological isotopic signals. McHuron, EA, Holser, RR, and DP Costa. https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.8312 *Abstract:* *Rationale:* Stable isotope analysis of keratinized tissues is an informative tool to quantify foraging ecology that can address questions related to niche specialization and temporal variation in behavior. Application of this approach relies on an understanding of tissue growth and how isotope ratios relate to physiological and ecological processes, data that are lacking for many species. *Methods:* We collected paired whisker length measurements from northern elephant seals to estimate growth and shedding patterns (n = 16). A subset of seals (n = 5) carried a satellite tag and time-depth recorder across the 7+ month foraging trip following the annual pelage molt. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were measured in segments grown across the 6+ week fasting on land and the subsequent foraging trip; profiles were combined with growth parameters to timestamp each segment and investigate relationships with foraging behavior. *Results:* Whisker loss and initial regrowth primarily occurred during the annual pelage molt, but newly grown whiskers exhibited active, nonlinear growth across the foraging trip. δ13C and δ15N values were higher in segments grown on land than at sea and exhibited a characteristic decline upon departure from the rookery. There was a relationship between latitude and longitude and δ15N values, and individual whisker segments grown at sea could be classified to the correct ecoregion with 81% accuracy. *Conclusions: *Fasting affected both δ13C and δ15N values and the ability to exclude these values from ecological investigations is crucial given the temporal overlap with tissue growth. The rapid decline in isotope ratios upon departure can be used to isolate portions of the whisker with a strong physiological signal, even for whiskers with unknown growth histories. The active growth across the foraging trip combined with the ability to identify differences in foraging behavior validate the utility of this approach for addressing ecological questions. Please don't hesitate to contact me (emchuron(a)ucsc.edu) with any questions or for a copy of the manuscript if you do not have access to the journal. -- Elizabeth McHuron, Ph.D. Research Scientist University of Washington JISAO 115 McAllister Way Santa Cruz, CA 95060 emchuron(a)uw.edu <emchuron(a)ucsc.edu> emchuron(a)ucsc.edu

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