October 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Comparative assessment of pelagic sampling methods
by Phil Bouchet 03 Oct '18

03 Oct '18

Dear all, Apologies for any cross-postings. Last year, in a collaborative effort to audit field approaches to marine monitoring, scientists from the Australian Marine Biodiversity Hub <http://www.nespmarine.edu.au/> released an online survey to gauge current patterns in users’ perceptions and awareness of various marine sampling gears. Results from this questionnaire are now captured in the final project report, which is freely available online at: https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/comparative-assessment-pelagic-sampl… <https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/comparative-assessment-pelagic-sampl…> The report offers a detailed comparison of numerous gears/platforms commonly applied in pelagic monitoring and research (including marine mammal research), with an emphasis on their use in marine protected areas. It can be cited as: Bouchet P, Phillips C, Huang Z, Meeuwig J, Foster S, Przeslawski R (2018). Comparative assessment of pelagic sampling methods used in marine monitoring. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme, Marine Biodiversity Hub, 149 p. Please feel free to distribute it widely! Note that a companion piece on seafloor sampling is available for those also interested in benthic habitats/organisms. https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/comparative-assessment-seafloor-samp… <https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/comparative-assessment-seafloor-samp…> Kind regards, Phil ------------------------------------------ Dr. Phil J Bouchet Postdoctoral Marine Top Predator Ecologist Email: p.bouchet(a)bangor.ac.uk / pjbouchet(a)gmail.com Phone: +44 7398 342547 School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University Menai Bridge, LL59 5AB Wales (UK) ------------------------------------------

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP 2019 - EARLY BIRD PRICES
by AIMM Internships 02 Oct '18

02 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 May 1 - October 31, 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 methodology; · Help to collect of drone footage from the marine environment. *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. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | André Cid -- 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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University of Washington faculty position: top marine predators (open rank, without tenure)
by Trevor A Branch 01 Oct '18

01 Oct '18

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS; http://fish.washington.edu) at the University of Washington (UW) is seeking a full-time (100% FTE) faculty member in the Without Tenure (WOT) track at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank who conducts research on marine top predators such as marine mammals, seabirds, and large fishes. The position has a 12-month service period, and will be supported by three months of salary annually from the University of Washington combined with research grants obtained by the successful candidate. The duration of the position depends on the rank at which it is filled: term for Assistant Professors, and continuous for Associate or Full Professors commensurate with experience and qualifications. All UW faculty engage in research, teaching, mentorship, and service. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with external partners including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and tribal governments. The successful candidate will be expected to fulfill our commitment to inclusion, and to fully engage audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds in research and teaching. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the University’s distinctive educational objectives, which include interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action. The University of Washington has a unique natural setting from which to base research and education. SAFS is housed within the University’s College of the Environment, which provides a broad interdisciplinary and global position for education and basic and applied research. SAFS maintains unique research and teaching facilities, such as the UW Fish Collection, and field stations in the San Juan Islands and southwestern Alaska. SAFS is a dedicated team of educators, enabling our students to successfully explore and interpret the rich array of disciplines and perspectives contained within the aquatic and fishery sciences. The University of Washington provides a wide range of networking, mentoring and development opportunities for junior faculty and a comprehensive benefits package (details can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/BAAG-Faculty-…. Qualifications A Ph.D. or foreign equivalent is required. Application Instructions Candidates should submit their application to https://apply.interfolio.com/55339 including the following information: 1) curriculum vitae, 2) statement of research and teaching interests and philosophies including experience with and commitment to diverse audiences and inclusive approaches (4 pages maximum), 3) copies (PDF) of three representative publications, and 4) names and contact information for three professional references. Applicants should describe how they expect their research, teaching, and mentorship will enhance collaborative, interdisciplinary linkages within SAFS and across other disciplines within the College of the Environment and the UW. Priority will be given to applications received by November 1, 2018, and consideration of applicants will continue until the position is filled. Questions pertaining to this search can be addressed to Prof. Trevor Branch, Search Committee Chair (tbranch(a)uw.edu) Questions regarding potential disability accommodations during the application process should be directed to Katie Effert at keffert(a)uw.edu or 206-685-6083. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Commitment to Diversity The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/) Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432) Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/55339 -- Richard C. and Lois M. Worthington Endowed Professor in Fisheries Management, School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, University of Washington Twitter: @TrevorABranch @BlueWhaleNews; http://fish.washington.edu/people/branch/ Barnett LAK, Branch TA, Ranasinghe RA, Essington TE (2017) Old-growth fishes become scarce under fishing. Current Biology 27:2843-2848 Anderson SC, Branch TA, Cooper AB, Dulvy NK (2017) Black-swan events in animal populations. PNAS 114:3252-3257 Rudd MB, Branch TA (2017) Does unreported catch lead to overfishing? Fish and Fisheries 18:313-323

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Request for Public Comment, user feedback on Spreadsheet tool and Manual for 2018 Revised Technical Guidance
by Amy SCHOLIK - NOAA Federal 01 Oct '18

01 Oct '18

NOAA Fisheries just opened a 45 day public comment period (September 21 through November 8) for user feedback to help improve the usability of our optional User Spreadsheet tool and User Manual associated with the 2018 revision of the Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59). We issued an updated optional User Spreadsheet tool with additional capabilities for applicants and a new companion User Manual for the optional Spreadsheet tool that provides detailed instructions and examples with the 2018 revision of the Technical Guidance in June 2018. We are now seeking comment on how we can further refine the User Manual to aid in the application and implementation of the 2018 Revised Technical Guidance. Input from stakeholders provided during this public comment period will inform future versions of the User Manual and the associated optional User Spreadsheet tool. Please note we are only soliciting comments on the User Manual and associated optional User Spreadsheet tool. This public comment period is not to solicit comments on the 2018 Revised Technical Guidance. The 2018 Revision to the Technical Guidance (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59), the updated optional User Spreadsheet tool, and the new companion User Manual are available in electronic form via the Internet at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mam… . Public comments can be submitted via Regulations.gov: www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0100 Thank you for your interest in the Technical Guidance. For more information, please contact Amy Scholik-Schlomer (amy.scholik(a)noaa.gov or 301 427-8449). *Amy R. Scholik-Schlomer, Ph.D.* Fishery Biologist (Protected Resources Acoustic Coordinator) NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division 1315 East-West Hwy. SSMC3, Rm. 13605 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 427-8449 Email: *Amy.Scholik(a)noaa.gov <Amy.Scholik(a)noaa.gov>* https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-sound-ocean

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EXTENDED DEADLINE: Winter Research Internship at Dolphin Research Center
by Katy Donegan 01 Oct '18

01 Oct '18

Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter 2019 term (January - April). DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of dolphins and sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral, cognitive, and field research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Note: conducting your own research projects is not part of this position. Specific job duties include: - Collecting observational behavioral data - Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions - Assisting in setting up and breaking down equipment for cognitive and acoustic research sessions - Operating video equipment - Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis - General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. *The extended deadline to apply is October 15th*. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Careers", and then "Internships”. It is mandatory that you please provide the following package: - A completed Application Form (including your Internship Preferences in order of choice under Section B) - A current Resume - Transcript (may be unofficial unless you are seeking a credit for your internship) - Two Letters of Recommendation with an original signature. (If currently enrolled in college, one letter must be from your Faculty Advisor) Currently, applications cannot be submitted online. Please send your application, supporting documentation and any additional information you wish that you feel would be beneficial to us in processing your application by fax to the attention of Volunteer Resource at (305) 743-7627 or by regular mail: Dolphin Research Center Attn: Volunteer Resources Department 58901 Overseas Highway Grassy Key, FL 33050 USA Select publications: Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., & King, S.L. (2018). Bottlenose dolphins can understand their partner’s role in a cooperative task. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 20180948. ( http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.0948) King, S.L., Guarino, E., Keaton, L., Erb, L., & Jaakkola, K. (2016). Maternal signature whistle use aids mother-calf reunions in a bottlenose dolphin,Tursiops truncatus. Behavioural Processes, 126, 64-70. King, S. L., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., Hecksher, J., & Jaakkola, K (in press). Further insights into postpatrum signature whistle use in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science. Jaakkola, K. (2014). Do animals understand invisible displacement? A critical review. Journal of Comparative Psychology, Vol. 128, No. 3, 225-239. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., & Hecksher, J. (2013). Switching strategies: A dolphin's use of passive and active acoustics to imitate motor actions. Animal Cognition, 16, 701-709. Jaakkola, K. (2012). Cetacean cognitive specializations. In J. Vonk & T. Shackleford (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Evolutionary Psychology (pp. 144–165). New York: Oxford University Press. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically “less” by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Katy Donegan Research Coordinator Dolphin Research Center 305-289-1121, ext. 277 www.dolphins.org *Dolphin Research Center - Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home since 1984.*

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IMMS Research Internship
by Jessica Post 01 Oct '18

01 Oct '18

The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns may participate in projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-ID research as well as any other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Principle Duties and Requirements Interns must: · Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance · Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. · Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. · Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills · Principle Duties include: data entry, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-ID fin images, learning to use photo-ID programs such as Darwin (fin matching software) and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21' and 31' boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS · Secondary Duties include: assisting animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours · Field Days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this internship program. This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will assist interns in finding rooms available to rent, usually with other staff members. The deadline to apply for the winter/spring session (Jan 7-Mar 29, 2019 or Mar 4-May 24, 2019) is November 1, 2018. For application and full details on how to apply please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship/ Jessica Post Research Assistant Research Intern Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503

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New publication: Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales
by Laura González 01 Oct '18

01 Oct '18

Good morning! We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper entitled "Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales"; carried out under my PhD project. The full text is available (open access) at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0201786 I would be available for any further information or question you may have. Hope you enjoy it! González García L, Pierce GJ, Autret E, Torres-Palenzuela JM (2018) Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales. PLoS ONE 13(9): e0201786. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201786 Abstract: Blue whales are sighted every year around the Azores islands, which apparently provide an important seasonal foraging area. In this paper we aim to characterize habitat preferences and analyze the temporal distribution of blue whales around São Miguel Island. To do so, we applied Generalized Additive Models to an opportunistic cetacean occurrence dataset and remotely sensed environmental data on bathymetry, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration and altimetry. We provide a brief description of the oceanography of the area, emphasizing its high spatio-temporal variability. In order to capture this dynamism, we used environmental data with two different spatial resolutions (low and high) and three different temporal resolutions (daily, weekly and monthly), thus accounting for both long-term oceanographic events such as the spring bloom, and shorter-term features such as eddies or fronts. Our results show that blue whales have a well-defined ecological niche around the Azores. They usually cross the archipelago from March to June and habitat suitability is highest in dynamic areas (with high Eddy Kinetic Energy) characterized by convergence or aggregation zones where productivity is enhanced. Multi-scale studies are useful to understand the ecological niche and habitat requirements of highly mobile species that can easily react to short-term changes in the environment. -- Laura González García http://sailandwhale.com/ PhD Student Applied Physics Department University of Vigo

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