February 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Summer Internship in Savannah, GA
by Perrtree, Robin 02 Feb '18

02 Feb '18

Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) internships The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab, led by Dr. Tara Cox, studies spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, life history indices of moms and calves, and genetics of common bottlenose dolphins. In addition, there may be an opportunity to participate in a new manatee project. The SSUDS Lab selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year: * Winter/Spring (positions January to May, applications due by October 1st); * Summer (positions May to August, applications due by March 1st); * Fall (positions August to December, applications due by June 1st). Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. There may be additional opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. The SSUDS lab is currently accepting applications for Summer 2018 interns. There are 2-3 positions available. Application deadline is March 1st. Dates: May 14 - Aug 31 (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to ~30 hours per week, and time will be split between lab and field work. Dolphin surveys will be conducted ~5 days per month. Duties: Lab duties: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, recording data, photographing dorsal fins, and measuring environmental variables Stranding response: although strandings are rare and unpredictable, you may be asked to help with data collection and necropsies Extra Opportunities: Local Volunteer Opportunities: Previous interns have taken advantage of their spare time to get involved with our network of marine science researchers in Georgia 1) Other SSU Marine Science Program Labs (field and lab research on sea stars, shrimp, flatfish, stingrays, oyster restoration, marine chemistry, etc.) 2) Tybee Island Marine Science Center (environmental education) 3) Skidaway Institute of Oceanography 4) GA DNR Non-game Division (cetacean, manatee, and sea turtle research) Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office; MS Access and ArcGIS experience a plus * Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English * Enthusiastic and dedicated, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor * Strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and attention to detail * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/heat on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu>. All attached files must be named starting with your last name (e.g. Lastname-SSUDS_application_spring_2018.doc, Lastname-transcript). Please combine your application materials into 1-2 files. * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: https://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/mar-env-science/marine-science/index.sht… Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Marine Science Research Center room 111 912-358-3301<tel:(912)%20358-3301> (office) 941-323-2750<tel:(941)%20323-2750> (cell)

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MSc in Marine Mammal Science, University of St Andrews
by Luke Rendell 02 Feb '18

02 Feb '18

MSc programme in Marine Mammal Science at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK - We are currently accepting applications for 2018/19 entry to our unique and intense one-year Master's programme at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, UK. The Master's in Marine Mammal Science (MSc MMS ) programme reflects the research interests and expertise of the staff at the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU). This unique MSc has a strong focus on quantitative methods and applied techniques, and is designed to prepare students fully for a professional career involved with conservation of and research into marine mammals. Optional modules take full advantage of the research strengths of the SMRU covering biologging, bioacoustics, behaviour and population biology. The optional Antarctica field course involves a vessel-based field expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula (requires additional payment of a substantial expedition fee; follow the upcoming expedition on our blog: http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/antarctic) For detailed information on the Marine Mammal Masters including content, entry requirements and how to apply please refer to the MSc MMS website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/taught-programmes/mms-biology/ Applications for the upcoming academic year (starting September 2018) must be received by Friday, 31 March 2018, and should be submitted online via the St Andrews Postgraduate Admission Portal: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/taught/ Please get in touch if you have further questions, via email: pgtaughtbiology(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Best wishes, Luke Rendell Course Director, Marine Mammal Science MSc -- Dr. Luke Rendell MASTS (masts.ac.uk) Reader in Biology Tel: (44)(0)1334 463499 E-mail: ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk WWW: http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/ler4 School of Biology, University of St. Andrews Sir Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH U.K. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (SC013532)

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internship/volunteer opportunities for turtle and cetacean conservation & monitoring in Indonesia-2018
by Danielle Kreb 01 Feb '18

01 Feb '18

INTERNSHIP FOR SEA TURTLE & CETACEAN CONSERVATION IN INDONESIA Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Conservation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) in collaboration with Konservasi Biota Laut Berau (Association for the Protection of Marine Life in Berau) offer internships for students but also volunteer opportunities for non-students to take part in a long-term turtle and cetacean monitoring and conservation program in East Kalimantan. Project activities in a glimpse The internship will take place on the two neighbouring islands Mataha and Bilang-bilangan that lie 3 km apart. These islands are strict conservation islands so all the activities must be conducted accordingly. The internship focuses mostly on turtle conservation on these islands (80% of time) while 20% of time is spent on cetacean & manta monitoring around the islands. Volunteers should expect to work at least 36h per week for the duties mentioned below. During spare time you may snorkel around the island and observe the turtles in the water. Internships ideally are for a minimum of 1 month and maximum of 6 months. If you want stay shorter than one month we will need to check availability of places. Duties General duties for program participants will include: 1) Beach patrols for nesting turtles - patrols are undertaken each night at varying hours and in the early morning. The patrols serve several functions and may last between 4 - 6 hours. You can help rangers with: • searching for nesting activity and nesting turtles; • searching for any evidence of nests hatching; • collecting data on nesting turtles and nesting events; data-entry • checking nests already laid; • searching for any turtle stranding, whether sick or dead; • looking out for illegal poachers on the beach and report them to the rangers. • Occasionally turtles lay their eggs in unsuitable places. In such cases, rangers relocated the nest to a new site and the eggs are carefully moved and re-buried. After the nest has hatched we do a survey of the hatching success rate, which involves nest excavation and analysis of the shells left. 2) Collecting waste on the beach 3) Helping rangers in ranger’s house (repairing the house, cleaning, cooking, making turtle souvenirs, teaching the local rangers English - a group of about six people, adults and beginners) 4) Dolphin transects will be followed once a week when weather conditions are optimal including manta observations. During previous surveys in this area, we have observed spinner and spotted dolphins, common and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, melon-headed whales, Fraser's dolphins Requirements Volunteers are expected to fulfill certain requirements in order to participate in our program. Work is extremely demanding, both at a physical and mental level, and these requirements are just to ensure that volunteers enjoy their experience in our project. • Need to be fit and motivated and enjoy working outdoors in warm and humid • Volunteers must be good swimmers, physically fit to walk long distances on soft, sandy beaches and nature trails, working in all weather conditions. • Be friendly and communicative, be able to work in a group with local Indonesian rangers and live on the islands with only a few people, mainly locals • A background in biology, wildlife conservation or similar fields is preferred • Previous experience in other sea turtle conservation projects is an advantage • Able to converse, receive and understand instructions in English. Indonesian is an advantage but not necessary. On the island conversations in English and Indonesian are the only accepted languages. • Minimum age of 18 • Travel insurance that covers health/ medical expenses (but be careful because a lot of travel insurance don’t run in isolated places) • Being able to work in remote areas under extreme conditions • Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules as required and ability to adapt to work at alternating nights shifts • No alcohol consumption is allowed. • Illegal drugs are not tolerated and any use will result in immediate expulsion from the project. How to obtain more information and/or apply: You can obtain a more detailed flyer with information by sending us an email (to addresses below) or check out website:www.ykrasi.org under 'coastal activities' (in text click 'read more about this volunteer opportunity') Please send an email to biota.laut1(a)gmail.com; hanka.sauria(a)seznam.cz (Berly Daneil & Hana Svobodová) and cc to yk.rasi(a)gmail.com (Danielle Kreb & Budiono) with a motivation letter and CV. Also, please indicate in which period you would like to participate. The successful applicants will be notified no later than 2 weeks after application. The project staff will do their best to attend your preferences in terms of participation periods. We will notify you if these are not available, to discuss alternatives. Information about the organizations: Konservasi Biota Laut Berau (Association for the Protection of Marine Life in Berau) is an Indonesian organization which protect sea turtles in Berau (Indonesia). The Czech biologist Hana Svobodová and Czech ZOO gardens (ZOO Hodonín, ZOO Liberec, ZOO Ostrava) helps to run this project. Director is Berly Daniel Our vision: A future where sea turtles and their habitats are sustainably protected, healthy, and safe from threat of extinction and destruction. Our mission: To contribute to sea turtle conservation at our own project sites by cooperating with local communities to create a future where both sea turtles and people can survive. Address: Jl. Mangga II, Gang Anunta No. 03, RT 11, Kel. Karang Ambon, Kec. Tanjung Redeb, Kab. Berau, Indonesia E-mail: biota.laut1(a)gmail.com; hanka.sauria(a)seznam.cz (contact Hana Svobodová) https://www.facebook.com/KonservasiBiotaLautBerau/ Collaborating partner: Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) Since 2018 BLB and RASI will work together on the conservation of the two islands of Mataha and Bilang-bilangan. RASI has been established as an Indonesian NGO in 2000 and has been running the Berau marine vertebrates conservation program since 2007. Though this program RASI aims to protect a high diversity of marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays in the Marine Protected Area of Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Besides raising awareness, engaging local communities in sustainable handycraft and ecotourism activities, part of the conservation program includes a long-term monitoring program of marine vertebrates in the area. Director is Budiono and scientific program manager is Danielle Kreb. Address: Komplek Pandan Harum Indah Blok C 52, Samarinda, 75124, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Web: www.ykrasi.org; FB page & group: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia E-mail: yk.rasi(a)gmail.com (contact Danielle or Budiono) -- -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Member of IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group *“To the dolphin alone, nature has given that which the best* *philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no* *need of help from any man, it is a genial friend to all and has helped mankind.”* *–Plutarch*

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New paper: Respiratory behaviors and prey access in sympatric rorqual whales
by Eric Keen 01 Feb '18

01 Feb '18

*Dear colleagues,On behalf of my co-author I am pleased to announce the release of the following publication in Journal of Mammalogy:**Keen EM, Qualls KQ. (2018) *Respiratory behaviors in sympatric rorqual whales: the influence of prey depth and implications for temporal access to prey. *Journal of Mammalogy 99(1): 27–40. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyx170 <https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyx170>* Please let me know if you would like a copy. Best wishes, Eric Keen *Abstract:* Energetically costly lunge feeding at depth causes the respiratory patterns and feeding performance of rorqual whales (Family Balaenopteridae) to hinge in part upon prey patch depth. This contingency has the potential to precipitate differences in prey preference and habitat suitability for sympatric species and may be a factor in competitive interactions, but comparative respiration studies are a necessary first step in assessing this hypothesis. We concurrently sampled dive behavior in sympatric, euphausivorous humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), as well as prey depth distribution within a British Columbia fjord system over the course of 2 summers. Ventilation and dive patterns differed significantly between species, including differential respiratory response to increasing prey depth, despite their foraging upon a common prey resource. Thanks to longer dives and shorter surface recoveries, fin whales spent a greater proportion of their time on dives. This behavior, coupled with faster swim speeds during descent and ascent reported in previous studies, afford fin whales greater periods of time at the depth of their prey. These interspecific discrepancies in dive behavior determine the whales’ relative temporal access to prey. Simulations based on our observations indicate that the fin whale’s relative advantage in this fjord system increases with increasing prey depth when all other prey parameters are held constant. Simulation results emphasize the importance of swim speed in rorqual foraging strategy. Small differences in prey access per dive can have important implications over the course of a foraging season, which may precipitate differences in habitat suitability. Our findings, when coupled with the body of knowledge from tagging studies, highlight this link and point to its potential role in the habitat preferences of foraging whales. -- Eric M Keen <http://www.emkeen.org> PhD, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Captain, RV Bangarang <http://www.rvbangarang.org> (Instagram: @rvbangarang) Co-Founder, International Manatee Day

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 01 Feb '18

01 Feb '18

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

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New publication; Brucella Antibodies in Alaskan True Seals and Eared Seals—Two Different Stories
by Nymo, Ingebjørg Helena 31 Jan '18

31 Jan '18

New publication; Brucella Antibodies in Alaskan True Seals and Eared Seals—Two Different Stories Authors: Ingebjørg H. Nymo, Rolf Rødven, Kimberlee Beckmen, Anett K. Larsen, Morten Tryland, Lori Quakenbush and Jacques Godfroid Citation: Front. Vet. Sci., 31 January 2018 Open access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00008/full?utm_sour… Abstract: Brucella pinnipedialis was first isolated from true seals in 1994 and from eared seals in 2008. Although few pathological findings have been associated with infection in true seals, reproductive pathology including abortions, and the isolation of the zoonotic strain type 27 have been documented in eared seals. In this study, a Brucella enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Rose Bengal test (RBT) were initially compared for 206 serum samples and a discrepancy between the tests was found. Following removal of lipids from the serum samples, ELISA results were unaltered while the agreement between the tests was improved, indicating that serum lipids affected the initial RBT outcome. For the remaining screening, we used ELISA to investigate the presence of Brucella antibodies in sera of 231 eared and 1,412 true seals from Alaskan waters sampled between 1975 and 2011. In eared seals, Brucella antibodies were found in two Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) (2%) and none of the 107 Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). The low seroprevalence in eared seals indicate a low level of exposure or lack of susceptibility to infection. Alternatively, mortality due to the Brucella infection may remove seropositive animals from the population. Brucella antibodies were detected in all true seal species investigated; harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (25%), spotted seals (Phoca largha) (19%), ribbon seals (Histriophoca fasciata) (16%), and ringed seals (Pusa hispida hispida) (14%). There was a low seroprevalence among pups, a higher seroprevalence among juveniles, and a subsequent decreasing probability of seropositivity with age in harbor seals. Similar patterns were present for the other true seal species; however, solid conclusions could not be made due to sample size. This pattern is in accordance with previous reports on B. pinnipedialis infections in true seals and may suggest environmental exposure to B. pinnipedialis at the juvenile stage, with a following clearance of infection. Furthermore, analyses by region showed minor differences in the probability of being seropositive for harbor seals from different regions regardless of the local seal population trend, signifying that the Brucella infection may not cause significant mortality in these populations. In conclusion, the Brucellainfection pattern is very different for eared and true seals. Ingebjørg Helena Nymo DVM PhD Veterinarian/researcher Norwegian Veterinary Institute Tromsø Stakkevollveien 23B 9010 Tromsø Norway Mobile +47 907 29 567 / +47 918 38 421 Skype ingeborg.nymo(a)vetinst.no<mailto:ingeborg.nymo@vetinst.no> Google Scholar profile https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=p6qrTTkAAAAJ&view_op=list_w…

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New paper: Captive Bottlenose Dolphins Do Discriminate Human-Made Sounds
by Alice Lima 31 Jan '18

31 Jan '18

Dear Colleagues, We are very pleased to share with you our publication in the current issue of Frontiers in Psychology: Lima A, Sébilleau M, Boye M, Durand C, Hausberger M and Lemasson A (2018) Captive Bottlenose Dolphins Do Discriminate Human-Made Sounds Both Underwater and in the Air. Front. Psychol. 9:55. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00055 *Abstract* Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) spontaneously emit individual acoustic signals that identify them to group members. We tested whether these cetaceans could learn artificial individual sound cues played underwater and whether they would generalize this learning to airborne sounds. Dolphins are thought to perceive only underwater sounds and their training depends largely on visual signals. We investigated the behavioral responses of seven dolphins in a group to learned human-made individual sound cues, played underwater and in the air. Dolphins recognized their own sound cue after hearing it underwater as they immediately moved toward the source, whereas when it was airborne they gazed more at the source of their own sound cue but did not approach it. We hypothesize that they perhaps detected modifications of the sound induced by air or were confused by the novelty of the situation, but nevertheless recognized they were being “targeted.” They did not respond when hearing another group member’s cue in either situation. This study provides further evidence that dolphins respond to individualspecific sounds and that these marine mammals possess some capacity for processing airborne acoustic signals. The paper can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00055/full Or send any requests for copies directly to alimoulima(a)gmail.com Best wishes, Alice Lima -- Alice de Moura Lima Bióloga - Mestre em Zoologia - PPGZOO/UESC Docteur en Biologie - UMR 6552 EthoS/Université de Rennes 1

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