November 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Oceanic Blue Carbon Story Map
by Heidi Pearson 02 Nov '18

02 Nov '18

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of a new story map, "Oceanic Blue Carbon - How Marine Life Can Help to Mitigate Climate Change", by UN Environment/GRID-Arendal. Oceanic blue carbon refers to the various ways that marine life can capture and store carbon. Recognizing the role that marine life plays in the carbon cycle is a potentially innovative and important strategy for combating climate change. Several of these mechanisms refer to ways in which marine mammals contribute towards carbon storage and sequestration through their feeding and movement patterns. The story map features a new video by cartoonist Jim Toomey - of Sherman's Lagoon fame - in addition to an infographic and maps that present the latest scientific data on oceanic blue carbon. The story map is available here: url.grida.no/oceanicbc kind regards, Heidi Heidi Pearson, Ph.D. Fulbright Scholar UN Environment/GRID-Arendal Arendal, Norway Associate Professor of Marine Biology Department of Natural Sciences, University of Alaska Southeast & College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks https://online.uas.alaska.edu/online/portfolio/HCPEARSON

1 0

Seeking experienced field assistants for research on tropical dolphins around Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
by Rebecca Haughey 01 Nov '18

01 Nov '18

Seeking experienced field assistants for research on tropical dolphins around Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia Fieldwork dates: Commences 1st April 2019 - 30th September 2019 Application deadline: Thursday 31st January 2019 Project title: Ecology and conservation biology of the Indo Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) in the North West Cape, Western Australia Institution: Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL); Flinders University; South Australia www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au Overview: I am seeking experienced field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-Identification and laser photogrammetry of Australian humpback and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins around the North West Cape in North-Western Australia for 6 months from the 1st of April 2019. I am looking for four research assistants for April-June and another four for July-September. Commitment to a full 3 month period is required. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research and contribute to a project with very high conservation and management value. Furthermore, it provides assistants the opportunity to conduct research in a truly unique natural setting along the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Coast, home to one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world, Ningaloo Reef. The region is highly abundant with marine life, including seasonal visits from whale sharks (April-August), humpback whales (June-November), Killer whales (July-August) and manta rays (June-October). It really is a spectacular research setting! About the project: This project is part of a PhD I am doing at Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia with CEBEL. The aim of this study is to establish baseline ecological information on the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population in the North West Cape of WA and improve the scientific basis behind their conservation and management. The project has four main objectives: 1. Estimate the abundance, site fidelity and residency patterns of the bottlenose dolphin; 2. Identify critical habitat areas for feeding, socialising, resting and breeding; 3. Assess the social structure and home ranging patterns of the bottlenose dolphins; 4. Estimate age and growth curves for the population and sex of individuals using laser photogrammetry Location: We will be staying in a spacious house in Exmouth for the duration of the field season. Duties: The season will be split into "boat days" and "land days" which is purely dependant on weather. "Boat days": Boat work is conducted 7 days a week (often for extended hours) throughout the entire field season depending on weather conditions. Boat days will consist of preparing and cleaning of the boat and field equipment, boat based transect surveys searching for dolphin groups, taking images of dorsal fins and recording information on group size, composition, behaviour and environmental data. At times, there will be opportunities to drive the boat. At the conclusion of the day, photo-id images will be loaded onto the CEBEL computer and cameras will be charged and set up for the next morning. In order to keep on top of data entry, it is expected that some work will be done in the evenings on returning to the house. A structured schedule will be set up with rotations of field duties, time off and specific duties for each person. "Land days": when conditions are less than ideal, expect to spend time in the office doing data entry, scoring photographs and fin matching. During these days, there will be also plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding area, which is an ideal location for those who enjoy scuba diving, surfing, hiking and wildlife. Cooking and housekeeping will be shared among participants. What to expect: Field assistants need to be available full-time, including weekends, and be prepared for early morning departures (6-7AM), long days (8-10 hours) on the water in warm weather for multiple consecutive days, and lengthy days transcribing data. Fieldwork is weather dependant. If the weather is not right, we will not be conducting surveys and could spend several days in a row on land. However, if the weather is good it could be several days before we get a day on land. Bring some books or movies to watch in the down time. Ningaloo is home to a large array of marine fauna so expect to see whales, sea turtles, whale sharks, dugongs, manta rays, sharks, and crystal clear waters over beautiful tropical reefs. Most of all, expect to learn a lot while having an awesome time. Prerequisites: * Enrolled in or completed a degree in marine science, ecology, biology, animal behaviour, life sciences or a related field (highly desirable); * Experience in working on a small boat and no history of sea sickness (essential); * Experience driving a boat (highly desirable); * Experience in photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); * Experience in field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable); * Experience in working in remote areas (highly desirable) * Be team-oriented and have an enthusiastic and proactive attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); * Be flexible as weather dependant fieldwork requires flexibility and involves plans changing - sometimes at the last minute (essential); * Proficient use of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access (highly desirable); * Experience in using DISCOVERY photo identification software (highly desirable); * Fluent in English (essential) Expenses: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Exmouth (direct flights available from Perth) and living expenses. Costs for accommodation and food will be split among the research leader and participants ($100-$200 a week each). How to apply: If you are interested to be part of 'Team Tursiops' please send a CV (max. 3 pages), a 1-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience in regards to the above prerequisites, and contact details of two relevant referees to rebecca.haughey(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:rebecca.haughey@flinders.edu.au> by Thursday 31st of January 2019. Short-listed candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.

1 0

Science and Research Internship at TMMC
by Barbie Halaska 01 Nov '18

01 Nov '18

Science and Research Internship The Science Department at The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for an unpaid internship position in our research division. We are currently looking for applicants for spring 2019. The Science and Research Internship is available at our main hospital in Sausalito. Responsibilities: Some of the projects the successful candidate may participate in are: 1. Assist with necropsies: Necropsies are performed on all animals that don't survive during treatment at the center. Depending on the case, some necropsies require a significant amount of sampling. Primary responsibilities will include: assisting with necropsy sample collection, data collection, archiving samples, stocking necropsy lab, and clean up. 2. Data entry and cleaning: The goal of this project is to improve data integrity, standardization, and volume in the Veterinary Science Department's databases (FileMaker Pro). These data include animal care and medical records, diagnostic results, specimen tracking information, and stranding and disposition details. Intern tasks may include entry of respective data from hard-copy records and data checking and cleaning. 3. Specimen archive project: This project will focus on tracking and optimizing the storage of archived specimens collected from live and dead marine mammals. Intern duties will primarily include: freezer inventory. In addition, the intern will assist with other duties within the Science Department as needed. ________________________________ Intern Qualifications: * All applicants must be 21 years of age or older and engaged or recently completed undergraduate studies. * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Conservation or a related field. * Computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office Suite. * Exceptional attention to detail. * Comfortable hiking 5 miles and lifting 50 lbs. * There is no compensation for this internship position and the successful applicant will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. The location of the Marine Mammal Center will require you to have a car or bike as there is no alternative transportation to the Marin Headlands due to how secluded the location is. * If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. ________________________________ Intern Schedule and Dates: Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 22 weeks part-time (24 hours per week). The Internship will run from January 14 - June 14. The deadline to apply for the Spring 2019 Science and Research Internship is Wednesday, November 14, or until the position is filled. ________________________________ Application Overview: Click here to apply for Spring 2019!<https://tmmc.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk0fis9?source=themarinemammalcenter> The following application material is required and should be submitted electronically (PDF or Word document attachments) on the application webpage. 1. Cover Letter (no more than two pages, double spaced) that describes: a) your professional interests and career goals, b) your reasons for applying for this internship, c) why you should be selected for this internship, and d) your availability and plan for housing. 2. College transcript(s) (official or unofficial copy) with all college-level courses you have taken to-date and the grades you have received. Please include an explanation of grading scales not on a 4.0 scale. 3. One letter of recommendation from an individual capable of commenting on your academic qualifications and, if possible, research skills. College or university faculty or research advisors preferred. Letters of recommendation MUST be sent directly from the person writing the letter, preferably via email (as an attachment or in the body of the email). Email letter to intern(a)tmmc.org<mailto:intern@tmmc.org>. 4. Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships and/or other activities that you have held or participated in and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify. It is the responsibility of the applicant that all required material is submitted by the deadline. Barbie Halaska Necropsy Manager The Marine Mammal Center halaskab(a)tmmc.org<mailto:halaskab@tmmc.org> (415) 289-7357

1 0

Research Internship 2019_Namibia
by Namibian Dolphin Project 01 Nov '18

01 Nov '18

The Namibian Dolphin Project is an organization run by several independent scientists based in southern Africa. We are running research internships in 2019 in Walvis Bay, Namibia and would like to invite students enrolled in marine biology, ecology and zoology degrees to attend. Interns will join an active research programme during an intensive period of field work aiming to tackle a number of research questions including long-term population monitoring (photo ID and static acoustic monitoring), behavioural acoustics of bottlenose dolphins (linking sounds to behaviours), behavioural and acoustic responses to anthropogenic activities and response to stranded cetaceans (refloatation/data collection). Our focal study species are Heaviside's dolphins, a small population of common bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales with additional data collection on right whales, sunfish (Mola mola), African Penguins, sea turtles, jackals and Cape fur seals. Internships are research focused with an emphasis on learning (and using) field skills in cetacean research such as photo-identification, acoustic and behavioural data collection, as well as data management and team work. There is a fee associated with the internship. If you are interested in this placement please send a copy of your CV and a letter of motivation to info(a)seasearch.co.za. More information can be found on the Namibian Dolphin Project and our umbrella organisation Sea Search Research and Conservation (including publications) by following these links (www.namibiandolphinproject.org www.seasearch.co.za) Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions regarding this training opportunity. Kind regards Namibian Dolphin Project Team www.namibiandolphinproject. <http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/>org

1 0

VAQUITA Webinar Next Week (11/8)
by Jen Hawse 01 Nov '18

01 Nov '18

Next week: take part in an insightful one-hour webinar, free and open to everyone Saving Vaquita: Considerations in the Race Against Extinction<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4065716216795483907> DATE: Thursday, November 8, 2018 TIME: 12:00 pm PST /1:00 pm MST /2:00 pm CST/ 3:00 pm EST REGISTER: here<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4065716216795483907> As Brooke Bessesen writes in her new book, Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez<https://islandpress.org/books/vaquita>, "Conservation is messy business." Economic, cultural, political, and legislative forces all come into play when considering protection strategies for an at-risk species. And, frustratingly, the best approach for victory isn't always clear. Local communities have to balance potential job losses and preservation of their cultural history with conservation goals. When governments help or hinder the cause, lawsuits become tools for action. Because of these complex dynamics, key players in the conservation effort may, at times, find themselves at odds-even if their end goal is the same. This webinar, moderated by Dr. Tom Jefferson, explores the complicated issue of endangered species recovery through the lens of the now extremely rare porpoise, the vaquita, asking: When it comes to saving a species, is it possible to unify all concerned parties to fight for a common, singular objective? Bessesen will introduce the world's smallest cetacean and explain the history of its plight. By examining the economic, cultural, and legislative aspects of vaquita conservation, audience members are encouraged to consider the universal goals and challenges related to disappearing species worldwide. We end with Q&A. Please share this event information with colleagues and members of the public, as we hope to draw a broad audience and bring everyone into this important conversation. Even if you cannot join for the live event we encourage you to register to ensure you receive a link to the webinar recording. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register today!<https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4065716216795483907> Jen Hawse | Partnerships Manager Island Press 2000 M St NW, Suite 650 Washington, DC 20036 202.232.7933 fax 202.234.1328 http://www.islandpress.org<http://www.islandpress.org/> +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the addressee and may not be disclosed to or used by anyone other than the addressee. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender immediately and delete the email (and all attachments) from your computer system. Thank you.

1 0

internship during the grey seal pupping season (Holland)
by vincent serbruyns 01 Nov '18

01 Nov '18

A Seal, a rescue center for Harbour- and Grey seals in Stellendam, Holland is accepting applications for internship and volunteer positions during the grey seal pupping season (from the 15th of December 2018 till the 1st of March 2019). 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

1 0