February 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

RESEARCH ASSISTANT - INTERN COORDINATOR - Dolphins Behaviour Project
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 12 Feb '18

12 Feb '18

Dear all, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, a marine science centre dedicated to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through research and education, I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for the following: RESEARCH ASSISTANT - INTERN COORDINATOR This position is responsible for assisting the BDRI biologists in the running of the research project focused on the study of the impact of marine vessels on bottlenose dolphin behaviour and coordinating the interns participating in the project. The intern coordinator is responsible for the daily activities of the interns and volunteers, and contributing to the daily functioning of the institute, participating both to field and lab work. In return the intern coordinator receive accommodation, equipment and logistics support as well as constant supervision from Mr. Bruno Díaz López, director, chief biologist; Ms. Séverine Methion, MSc, PhD candidate, principal investigator, marine ecologist; and Mr. Oriol Giralt, MSc, PhD candidate, research staff, marine biologist. The project is based in O Grove, North-western coast of Spain and offers the participants the chance to work during many steps of the field research and data analysis. The main purpose of this program is to contribute towards a more detailed understanding of the ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins with a focus on the behavioural changes induced by the presence of vessels. Start Date: 1st April 2018 End Date: August 31st 2018 (start and end dates could be flexible) Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): * Assisting the BDRI's biologists in all phases of the research and organization. * Coordinate between the BDRI's biologists and the interns - in charge of the intern shared house. * Assisting the BDRI's biologists in intern basic training of land-based surveys and lab work (photo ID studies, Database entry, GIS, and more). * Assisting the BDRI's biologists with all aspects of marine mammal stranding response, including live animal health assessment and triage, opportunistic public outreach, biological data collection, and sampling from dead stranded marine mammals. REQUIREMENTS: - An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or higher) and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. - The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other participants but also must be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating up to 9 interns. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. - Must be of good physical fitness, be able to lift/carry 35lbs (16 kg), walk long distances in difficult terrain, be comfortable on boats in nearshore/offshore waters, able to swim, and work in harsh weather conditions at times. - The intern coordinator must be able to follow written and oral staff directions and protocols effectively. - The intern coordinator must be able to spend many hours on shore, and working in the lab. Laboratory work days typically last 6 hours and field days typically exceed four hours and occur approximately two-three times per week. There will be two days off per week. Please keep in mind that field work is weather dependent, unpredictable, and changes seasonally. - Fluent in English. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This post brings the opportunity to be trained and to undertake a personal research project supervised by the BDRI' Chief Biologist (Mr. Bruno Díaz López) and BDRI' Marine Biologist (Severine Methion) as part of the land-based study carried out during this period about the impact of vessels on dolphins behaviour. If the candidate intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with his/her educational institution. This position is unpaid but accommodation in the intern shared house will be covered. Successful applicants will be responsible and their own expenses, including food and travelling to and from the research centre in O Grove, Galicia, Spain. TO APPLY: Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Europe for more than 3 months if they are not European citizens or authorized to work in Europe. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation. Interested candidates should submit an application with the following: - A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 page only); - A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only); - Names and contact information of at least one reference (preferred). Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to: severine(a)thebdri.com Please specify BDRI INTERN COORDINATOR into your subject title. For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com and our Facebook page (BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE BDRI). DEADLINE: 1st March 2018. Interviews (via Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates. Scientific articles published by the BDRI in 2017 (for a full list of publications please visit: <http://www.thebdri.com/research/papers.html>) - Diaz Lopez, B., López, A., Methion, S., & Covelo, P. (2017). Infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001266 - Diaz Lopez B. and Methion S., 2017. The impact of shellfish farming on common bottlenose dolphins’ use of habitat. Marine Biology 164: 83. - Diaz Lopez, B., Grandcourt, E., Methion, S., Das, H., Bugla, I., Al Hameli, M., Al Hameri, H., Abdulla, M; Al Blooshi, A; Al Dhaheri, S.(2017). The distribution, abundance and group dynamics of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001205 - Diaz Lopez B., 2017. Temporal variability of predator presence around a fin fish farm in the North-western Mediterranean Sea. Marine Ecology 38(1), e12378. Best regards, and see you in Galicia, Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist and Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980 Pontevedra-Spain tel. 00 34 684248552 <www.thebdri.com> This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private information. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).

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ECS Workshop on Communication
by Luigi Bundone 11 Feb '18

11 Feb '18

Dear Marmamers, we would kindly like to announce the 6th Workshop on "Communicating marine mammal science to the general public" focused on "Plastic litter and marine mammals: how communication can properly address the issue" Aim: * share information on the topic related to education * exchange and develop applicable protocols to address education * foster general networking with all stakeholders * support ECS to address educational questions Anticipated outcome: * protocol related to objectives and strategies of communication * recommendations to prioritise activities for the prevention or mitigation of plastic pollution in the marine environment * provide useful tools and instruments to address the issue Abstract: In this sixth successive workshop in the area of communication we want to continue to share educational and outreaching experiences of communicating marine mammal science to the general public. These experiences can be educational programs that support school or university curricula, pedagogical outreach materials such as books, videos, kits, activities and exhibitions. This year's workshop will address the growing problem of plastic litter (macro and micro plastic) in the marine environment representing a great threat to marine mammals and some approaches to communicate the problem and address solutions. The workshop will be divided in two parts. In the morning session several invited speakers will shed light on the following aspects of the topic: * general introduction of the subject including related aspects (chemical pollution in conjunction with micro and macro plastics), sources of information, educational tools and communication activities * case study examples based on actual research in the field (sensitization campaign, citizen science) * case studies of addressing the issue effectively, involving marine and coastal stakeholders (in particular fishermen) The afternoon session will focus on a general discussion in the plenum and/ or working groups that will be formed at the end of the morning session. The second session will depend very much on the input of the participants in sharing their experiences as well as addressing challenges they are currently facing. A draft of a protocol related to objectives and strategies of communication will be presented and discussed. A more detailed programme e.g. with abstracts will soon be published and send to you on request. If you have any questions or would like to register for the workshop please write to: Volker Smit (smit(a)m-e-e-r.de [1]) or Dr. Luigi Bundone (luigibundone(a)tiscali.it [2]) Kind regards -- Dr. Luigi Elio Alessandro Bundone PhD Archipelagos-ambiente e sviluppo, Italia Calle Asiago 4 (Sant'Elena) 30132 Venezia Con Mobile Open 7 GB a 9 euro/4 sett navighi veloce con 7 GB di Internet e hai 200 minuti ed SMS a 12 cent. Passa a Tiscali Mobile! http://tisca.li/OPEN7GBFirma

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New Publication:First record of humpback whale songs in Southern Chile: Analysis of seasonal and diel variation
by Sonia Español 11 Feb '18

11 Feb '18

Dear MARMAM: We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: First record of humpback whale songs in Southern Chile: Analysis of seasonal and diel variation. Español-Jiménez, S. and van der Schaar, M. (2018). Mar Mam Sci. doi:10.1111/mms.12477 Abstract: Male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) produce complex, patterned songs that are traditionally recorded on their breeding grounds. In this work, we report results from the first continuous acoustic monitoring of a humpback whale feeding ground off southern Chile, Corcovado Gulf. Using an autonomous continuously recording system anchored to the seafloor and an automatic signal detector, we used the units within a song to analyze the temporal distribution and diel patterns of humpback whales. Acoustic recordings were made at the end of the austral summer and autumn of 2012. Songs occurred over the entire 130 d monitoring period, from 1 February to 15 June 2012. The percentage of units detected increased throughout the monitored period with the highest detections in the last recorded month (June), despite recording for fewer days that month. Furthermore, songs were detected during all light regimes studied, but most frequently during darkness. This study provides further evidence that, far from being rare or sporadic, humpback whale songs occur commonly at a feeding ground in high latitudes over different light conditions and in all months, with a peak in autumn. The paper is available here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12477/pdf or you can contact me at sonia.espanoljimenez(a)gmail.com for a reprint or if you have any questions. All the best, Sonia Español Jiménez PhD MERI Foundation www.fundacionmeri.cl

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Research Assistant -Galveston Bay bottlenose dolphins
by Kristi F 09 Feb '18

09 Feb '18

The Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) is seeking a dedicated research assistant/ intern to assist with detailed literature review and the collection, entry and analysis of bottlenose dolphin population and health data in Galveston Bay, Texas. The position will entail a combination of field and office work. Qualifying candidates may be considered for a graduate student position with the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Houston Clear Lake, coming available for Fall 2018. Previous wildlife management and marine mammal field and photo-identification experience is highly desirable. Salary: $1,400 per month (temporary full-time, not benefits eligible) Start Date: March 2018 (4.5-month appointment) Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marine/wildlife/conservation biology, ecology, or similar field. The qualified candidate must: · Commit to a full time Monday through Friday work schedule and maintain flexibility for potentially long field days · Have the ability to carefully follow instructions, work independently on sometimes tedious tasks and pay close attention to detail · Have the ability to work long field days on a small boat, often in inclement or challenging conditions · Be experienced and comfortable using word, data and image processing software including Microsoft Office, Endnote and Adobe products · Be willing to occasionally work on other environmental research related projects at EIH. · Provide three references (from a faculty member, advisor or employer) · Provide own lodging and transportation for office located in the Clear Lake area of Houston, TX · Pass a criminal background and motor vehicle background check prior to hiring To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to Kristi Fazioli at fazioli(a)uhcl.edu. Applicants are encouraged to apply by February 28th. Position will remain open until filled. To discuss graduate student opportunities, please contact Dr. George Guillen at guillen(a)uhcl.edu Learn more about EIH at https://www.uhcl.edu/environmental-institute/

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Sea Otter Educational Video
by Sean Bogle 09 Feb '18

09 Feb '18

Good day MARMAMers, Wild Lens is a non-profit conservation media organization. Our mission is to build conservation minded communities and produce content documenting the efforts of researchers, citizens scientists, and other organizations focused on the conservation of our natural world. We are excited to announce the release of our first animated music video focused on sea otter awareness. This fun video is to be shared and enjoyed by everyone, especially young generations. We are always experimenting on ways to create impacting conservation messaging. Your feedback is extremely valuable so we would love to hear your thoughts on this video and any other projects that we are involved in. If any of you are in need of creating conservation outreach materials in a creative way please do not hesitate to contact us. Now enjoy the video! Link to the sea otter video: http://wildlensinc.org/eoc-single/sea-otter-savvy-music-video/ <http://wildlensinc.org/eoc-single/sea-otter-savvy-music-video/> For more information about Wild Lens visit: http://wildlensinc.org <http://wildlensinc.org/> Contact: Sean Bogle, Eyes on Conservation Project Director Email: sean(a)wildlensinc.org <mailto:sean@wildlensinc.org> ———————— My apologies, but please use this posting as I added our website to it. Thank you. Cheers, Sean Sean Bogle, Project Director Eyes on Conservation Wild Lens, Inc. Cell: 435.790.9593 Office:208.297.6536 ext.502 wildlensinc.org

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Louis M Herman Research Scholarship REMINDER
by Lindsay Porter 09 Feb '18

09 Feb '18

*REMINDER DEADLINE ONE WEEK AWAY* Aloha! The deadline for submissions for the Louis M Herman Research Scholarship has been extended to *16 February 2018 (Hawaii midnight: GMT -10 hours) * See here for the award announcement at SMM Halifax 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swmmWrCB6yU See here for award criteria https://www.marinemammalscience.org/jobs-grants/awards-and- scholarships/louis-m-herman-research-scholarship/ Thank You *Lindsay Porter* *Awards and Scholarship Sub-Committee* *Society Marine Mammalogy* lindsay.jp(a)gmail.com

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Research assistants needed in Shark Bay
by Simon Allen 08 Feb '18

08 Feb '18

G'day Marmamers, We are seeking volunteer research assistants for the Shark Bay Dolphin Research Alliance’s (http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/>) forthcoming field season in Shark Bay, Western Australia. An assistant is needed from early April until the end of May (~7 weeks), while two others are required from early August through November (~15 weeks). Our research is conducted from two long-term dolphin research sites, the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort in the eastern gulf of Shark Bay (since 1982) and the small township of Useless Loop in the western gulf (since 2007). We carry out boat-based surveys, collecting a combination of photo-ID, behavioural, acoustic, ecological and genetic data from the resident dolphins and their environment. Days on the water can be long and tiring in variable conditions, but you will encounter dolphins that form multi-level alliances, and those that exhibit remarkable foraging specialisations (including sponging and shelling), as well as the myriad of other wildlife (e.g. sharks, rays, turtles, dugongs) inhabiting this remote World Heritage Area. When the weather does not permit fieldwork, you will be working on photo-matching and processing, data entry, and the long-term database. We seek dedicated, hard-working individuals with the willingness and ability to acquire new skills, as well as work diligently on routine tasks. As we live and work in close quarters for extended periods, we need easy-going team players, and a positive attitude is imperative. Prior field experience, including familiarity with conducting photo-ID and the handling of small (<6m) boats are highly desirable qualities. As stated, these are volunteer positions and you will need to make your own way to Shark Bay, but food and accommodation (in dongas, i.e. single person quarters) on-site are covered. Only those who can commit to the entire field season (either the 7 weeks or the 15 weeks) will be considered. Applicants should send a CV (max 3 pages), including contact details of two referees, and a short (max 1 page) cover letter in a single PDF to PhD candidate and field team leader Sonja Wild (bssw(a)leeds.ac.uk<mailto:bssw@leeds.ac.uk>) for the April/May position or Dr. Stephanie King (stephanie.king(a)uwa.edu.au<mailto:stephanie.king@uwa.edu.au>) for the Aug-Nov positions. Deadline for applications is the Friday 23rd of February. All the best, Simon ~~~~~~~~~~ Simon Allen, PhD School of Biological Sciences | Oceans Institute University of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Mob: (61-0) 416 083 653 Email: simon.allen(a)uwa.edu.au<file://localhost/applewebdata/::006C211F-965E-4B11-879F-544A520C4A7B:s.allen@murdoch.edu.au> Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/> [cid:6DD5D5D7-A6AC-4667-AF54-428544B44818] Recent papers: Sexual displays involving sponges in Australian humpback dolphins (2017): http://rdcu.be/w3tL Abundance and fidelity of bottlenose dolphins to an offshore trawl fishery (2017): http://rdcu.be/t5Y2<http://em.rdcu.be/wf/click?upn=KP7O1RED-2BlD0F9LDqGVeSP5tQHNT2k-2BDz-2FiwQv…> Alliance behaviour in a bottlenose dolphin open social network (2017): http://www.nature.com/articles/srep46354

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SEAMAMMS 2018, abstracts due Monday, Feb. 12
by Robert Young 08 Feb '18

08 Feb '18

Dear All, The abstract submission deadline for SEAMAMMS is this Monday, Feb. 12. SEAMAMMS (The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium) will be held at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, USA, from Friday, March 23 to Sunday, March 25, 2018. SEAMAMMS is a regional, scientific marine mammal meeting that is open to all presenters and is very student-oriented. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US or conducted by students and researchers based in the same region. Other topics will be considered as space is available. This year's keynote address will be by the Smithsonian Institution's new Curator of Marine Mammals, Dr. Michael McGowen, entitled, "The Evolution of Cetaceans: Phylogenomics, Morphology, and Comparative Biology." The early registration deadline is March 1. Detailed information can be found on the conference web site: https://www.coastal.edu/research/undergraduate/seamamms/, or contact Rob Young (ryoung(a)coastal.edu<mailto:ryoung@coastal.edu>). Hope to see you there, Rob Young Rob Young Professor of Marine Science Director of Undergraduate Research Coastal Carolina University PO Box 261954, Conway, SC 29528-6054 Office: 843-349-2277; ryoung(a)coastal.edu

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New publication: Asphyxiation of an Endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whale, Delphinapterus leucas
by Kim Shelden - NOAA Federal 08 Feb '18

08 Feb '18

We are pleased to announce publication of the following paper in the journal Marine Fisheries Review. Rouse, N, Burek-Huntington, K, and Shelden, KEW. 2017. Asphyxiation of an Endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whale, Delphinapterus leucas. Mar. Fish. Rev. 79(2):38-43. doi: https://doi.org/10.7755/MFR.79.2.3 Abstract The isolated population of Cook Inlet beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, is endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). They reside year-round in the Cook Inlet tidal estuary in southcentral Alaska, near Anchorage. Due to their ESA status, information on causes of mortality are important. A dead beluga was reported in Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, on 7 Oct. 2013, and a necropsy was performed two days later. The beluga was a robust, apparently healthy adult male ~40 years old. Cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation caused by a starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus, found lodged in the pharynx at the goose beak, dislocating the larynx. Prey anatomy such as spines, body shape, and backbone rigidity may increase the risk of choking in beluga whales and other cetaceans. This is the first known death by asphyxiation of the 49 Cook Inlet beluga deaths investigated in the last 18 years, indicating that it is rare and not likely to be a significant cause of mortality. It is important, however, to monitor and document all sources of mortality given the status of this endangered population. A PDF of the paper is available at: https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-content/mfr7923.pdf -- *Kim E.W. Shelden, M.M.A.* Marine Biologist, Cetacean Assessment & Ecology Program Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, Washington 98115-6349 (206) 526-6275 office, (206) 526-6615 fax, www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/ *Humans think they are smarter than dolphins because we build cars and buildings and start wars, etc., and all that dolphins do is swim in the water, eat fish, and play around. * *Dolphins believe that they are smarter for exactly the same reasons.* - Douglas Adams

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observers needed in Gulf
by Teresa Bohuszewicz 08 Feb '18

08 Feb '18

Observers needed in New Orleans by Saturday morning. Three days on the water in the Gulf of Mexico. BOSIET-HUET, PSO cert, and offshore medical (any type as long as it is offshore related). Contact Teresa Bohuszewicz at tbohuszewicz(a)marineventures.com<mailto:tbohuszewicz@marineventures.com>. Teresa Bohuszewicz | MMO/PSO Services Mgr Marine Ventures International, Inc. 8530 SW Kansas Avenue Stuart, FL USA 34997 +1 772-219-3000 Main Office +1 321-537-3291 Mobile www.marineventures.com<http://www.marineventures.com/> [marine-ventures-logo-v14b-font-5]

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