February 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Last-minute internships (April-June) in marine mammals' research project, Madeira Island (Portugal)
by Rita Ferreira 08 Feb '18

08 Feb '18

Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM/ARDITI) is currently opening LAST-MINUTE INTERNSHIPS FOR SPRING in Madeira Island (Portugal) The Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM) is a research unit within the Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), located in Madeira Island, Portugal. OOM seeks to become a centre of excellence dedicated to research and permanent monitoring of the ocean. This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary scientific community, joining several institutions with the aim of promoting cooperation and resource optimization. http://oom.arditi.pt *OOM/ARDITI is looking for 2 interns to help with our marine mammals’ research project based in Madeira Island, Portugal.* We are currently filling positions for *April - June 2018* *Internship Details:* The interns will be enrolled in data collection on board ferries with a fixed route between Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island. Food on board is provided. These positions are unpaid but we encourage candidates to seek grants where we can post as host institution. In order to cover for logistic expenses, there is a monthly fee of 75eur. Non-European candidates must cover their own insurance expenses. *Internship description:* - An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing and analysis; - Sea surveys Madeira-Porto Santo; - Data processing and analysis; - Educational activities in local schools or to the general public (when possible); - Free time to visit Madeira and Porto Santo; - Accident insurance. Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and gain experience at sea. Application deadline is 25th February. If you are interested in interning with OOM/ARDITI, please send a CV and a letter of interest to rita.ferreira(a)oom.arditi.pt. Thank you, Rita Ferreira, MsC OOM-ARDITI Phone: +351291721246 <+351%20291%20721%20246>

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New Publication: Bottlenose dolphins and Striped dolphins: Species distribution, behavioural patterns, encounter rates, residency patterns and hotspots in Montenegro, South Adriatic
by aylin akkaya 08 Feb '18

08 Feb '18

Dear MARMAM followers, I am happy to announce that the First Annual Report of Montenegro Dolphin Project is ready to download under the title of " Bottlenose dolphins and Striped dolphins: Species distribution, behavioural patterns, encounter rates, residency patterns and hotspots in Montenegro, South Adriatic". The full paper is available for download at: http://dmad.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MDP-Annual-Report-Final.pdf Thank you for having the time to read it! SummaryThe Montenegro Dolphin Project ran the first dedicated annual survey effort within the coastal and offshore waters of Montenegro between 2016 and 2017, with plans to keep the survey effort going until 2020. The results presented here contribute to fill the gaps in knowledge and provide baseline information on the cetaceans of Montenegro. We urge management authorities to implement necessary in-field conservation measures for the protection of cetaceans that must lead to the protection of the whole marine ecosystem. During the current study, regular sightings of bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins were recorded throughout the year. The encounter rate of bottlenose dolphins was estimated at 4 groups (9 individuals) per 100 km2 for the entire country. Additionally, photo identification study of bottlenose dolphins revealed multi-year sightings of individuals with varying degrees of residency patterns, ranging from transient to regular individuals. Several individuals were noted to travel from the southern to the northern edge of Montenegro, and vice versa, with a maximum re-sighting distance of 80 km. Sub-adult presence in the groups was also frequently recorded. Furthermore, Montenegro’s southern and northern waters, revealed high incidence of key behaviours: foraging, socialising and resting. While the coastal waters of Montenegro hold important habitats both for bottlenose and striped dolphins, offshore waters need to be monitored more frequently for the delineation of likely important cetacean habitat. It is important to note that the effect of tourism and marine traffic both on the dolphin sightings and behaviour was reported, yet no significant pressure effect was found here. Nevertheless, human pressure on the marine ecosystem should not be ignored. Currently there are over 100 gas and oil extraction platforms in the whole basin, with many more on the way, especially around the Southern Basin. Additionally, coastal tourism has become one of the most significant sources of income in the last decades. Moreover, pressure from unregulated fishery activities and maritime transportation, both on local and international scales, has increased over the same timescale. According to the Convention for Biological Diversity, Montenegro lies in the Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSA). Yet, Montenegro holds no Marine Protected Areas in its waters and proposed SPAMI sites (Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance) doesn't cover the territorial waters of Montenegro. The majority of Adriatic countries have legislative frameworks to regulate anthropogenic activities with potential impact on cetaceans, including Montenegro. The gap in baseline data, in addition to public ignorance towards nature conservation, forms one of the strongest obstacles to effective and sustainable conservation measures. The results of the current study aim to build a solid foundation for marine conservation in Montenegro via the of bridging research and public education, while emphasising the strong need for collaboration between research institutes both on the local and international scale. Regards,Dr. Aylin Akkaya Bas Scientific DirectorDeniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)Marine Mammals Research Association+90 5337739867skype: aylin.akkaya3info(a)dmad.org.trwww.dmad.org.tr

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Job vacancy: Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. (OSC) Report Writer
by Sophie Cox 08 Feb '18

08 Feb '18

Dear MARMAM subscribers, Position title: Report Writer (management position) Location: Dunbar, East Lothian, UK Job type: Full-time permanent position Salary: Competitive salary subject to qualifications and experience Ocean Science Consulting (OSC) Limited seeks to expand its Dunbar-based UK team. Applications are invited for a full-time, Report Writer (RW). OSC is an international research and technology-focused marine science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise measurement and modelling, marine mammal detection, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests > 80% of profits into Research & Development (R&D), orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine life interactions with offshore installations, improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide, and underwater noise. This has resulted in several peer-reviewed publications (www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers<http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers>) and a non-profit book entitled the Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook (www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-acoustic-m…<http://www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-aco…>). This is a managerial role, so prior supervision experience is essential. In the capacity of RW, you will work closely with the Directors, Team Manager, and OSC's employees and contractors to produce and deliver high calibre reports in short time periods, with tight deadlines, often outside usual working hours. If you are not able to complete a high-calibre report within one week, do not apply for this position. This is not an academic position. OSC seeks a motivated individual to become a valued member of this highly successful research team. You will be responsible for data collection, assimilation, preparation, analysis, interpretation, and presentation to clients. We are looking for a candidate who has previous commercial experience in this field. You must also be a commercially qualified and experienced Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operator. The role includes working offshore in a range of sectors (www.osc.co.uk/sectors/<http://www.osc.co.uk/sectors/>). Do not apply if you are easily prone to seasickness, unfit medically, or not prepared to spend long periods (>6 consecutive weeks, occasionally more) away from home, although durations are usually less. Key responsibilities * High-level consultancy report preparation, management, and submission; * Quality Control (QC) of OSC reports carried-out by others; * Management of report progress and deadlines; * Management of the OSC data team; * Preparation of peer-reviewed papers; * Submission of peer-review papers to scientific journals; * Dealing with the peer-review process; * Literature reviews; * Data preparation, entry and management; * Creation and maintenance of databases (including Microsoft Excel); * Statistical analyses of biological datasets, including statistical modelling; * Analysis of Remotely Operated Vehicle footage; * Generation of high-level figures and graphs for presentations, reports, and publications; * Creation of maps in QGIS; * Organisation of research sourced from journals and list servers; and, * Entry of publications into referencing software (EndNote). Other responsibilities * Stock control and testing of PAM and other oceanographical equipment; * Working offshore as MMO & PAM Operator; * Generation of content for social media and websites; * Day-to-day administration; and, * Carry out any duties which your line manager may reasonably request within the broad parameters of your role. Other desirable, but not necessary experience * A higher qualification in English (A-Level, Higher, etc.); * At least one-peer-reviewed scientific publication; * Practical experience working with C-PODs; * Experience processing, handling, and analysis of C-POD datasets * Practical experience working with CTDs; * Experience handling oceanographic datasets; * Experience with noise measurement; and, * Experimental design. Qualifications, skills, and experience A degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant scientific marine discipline (marine biology or marine biology & oceanography). A Masters degree or PhD is not a requirement for this role, but applicants with these level of qualifications are encouraged. Qualifications and experience in the offshore sector (do not apply for this position if you do not already have prior offshore experience and possess medical, BOSIET, MMO, and PAMO certificates), and previous commercial experience writing reports at a level expected by the offshore industries and associated licencing/permitting/environmental authorities. The candidate must have an excellent standard of spelling, punctuation, and both written and verbal grammar, and be able to write quickly (with a low level of mistakes) at very high level. English is required as a first language; other languages are a bonus, but not essential. Extensive QGIS (or similar) experience is a must, as is the ability to produce figures and charts at high level. The job requires extensive use of referencing software (Endnote). The candidate must be highly numerate and familiar with and statistical software packages (e.g. SigmaStat, R). The ability to perform statistical modelling (General Linear Modelling, GLM, General Additive Modelling, GAM) is required. The successful candidate will also be working in the field as an MMO/PAMO. To succeed in this role, you will need the following characteristics: strong leadership and managerial skills, professional and discreet, positive and happy attitude, honest, self-motivated, career-driven, diligent without encouragement, go that extra mile with alacrity (whether for your line manager or the whole OSC team) and see through projects from start to finish with minimal guidance and supervision. Intelligent, capable of autonomous thought, exhibit initiative (often under pressure with minimal deadlines & resources), volunteer ideas for improvements and progress without request, excellent phone manner, willingness for involvement in a wide variety of tasks (including unfamiliar territory), prepared to work in a fast-paced-work environment and meet tight deadlines, and work equally as well independently and as part of a team, highly numerate and literate (both verbally and written), IT and tech-savvy (in particular with Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), excellent organisation and planning, adept at multitasking and prioritising (RWs can be involved in multiple research projects simultaneously), inquiring and interested about the business and its industry, commercial awareness, flexible with working hours (altering start and finish times to reflect management's requirements across our different world-wide office locations and time zones, and will include occasional evenings and weekends). Apply only if you meet the aforementioned requirements. Do not apply if you do not have your full offshore medical and certifications. If interested, please send your CV and cover letter to: publications(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:publications@osc.co.uk>. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please activate a return/read receipt function on your email application, as we expect high volumes of applicants. Application deadline: 7 March 2018 Kind Regards, OSC Recruitment Team. Sophie Cox Team Manager Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7974 135 788 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk<http://www.osc.co.uk/>

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New publication in Marine Fisheries Review
by Kim Shelden - NOAA Federal 07 Feb '18

07 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in the journal Marine Fisheries Review: Shelden KEW, Mocklin, JA, Goetz, KT, Rugh, DJ, Vate Brattstrom, L, Friday, N. 2017. Late Summer Distribution of Cetaceans near Barrow, Alaska: Results from Aerial Surveys Conducted During the Bowhead Whale Feeding Ecology Study, 2007–11. Mar. Fish. Rev. 79(2):1-22. doi: https://doi.org/10.7755/MFR.79.2.1 Extended Abstract: —The aerial survey component of the Bowhead Whale Feeding Ecology Study (BOWFEST) was designed to document patterns and variability in the timing and distribution of bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, and to provide an estimate of temporal and spatial habitat use near Barrow, Alaska. Aerial surveys were conducted from late August to mid-September during the period 2007–11 for a total of 171.1 hours flown. In addition to the focal species, observed species included gray whales, Eschrichtius robustus; one humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae; beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas; ringed seals, Phoca hispida; bearded seals, Erignathus barbatus; walrus, Odobenus rosmarus; and polar bears, Ursus maritimus. Small pinnipeds, such as ringed seal and spotted seals, Phoca largha, were often difficult to differentiate and identify to species given the relatively high survey altitude of 310 m (1,000 ft). Habitat partitioning was evident among the cetacean species observed in greatest numbers: bowhead, gray, and beluga whales. Abundance estimates during this time period ranged from 22 (CV 0.80) to 213 (CV 0.30) bowhead whales, 1 (CV 1.01) to 18 (CV 0.28) gray whales, and 0 to 948 (CV 0.66) beluga whales. Standard deviation ellipses showed each species occupied a unique region within the study area with slight overlaps occurring in some years. Bowhead distribution was oriented along the barrier islands and 20 m isobath on the continental shelf and also included parts of the Barrow Canyon and shelf break that were close to shore. Gray whale distribution oriented along the Barrow Canyon shelf break near the 50 m isobath; while beluga distribution ellipses centered over Barrow Canyon and offshore slope waters. A four-parameter presence-absence model (bathymetry, bathymetric slope, distance from shore, and distance from the shelf break) found both distance from shore and shelf break were significant in predicting the presence of bowhead whales. All four parameters were significant in predicting gray whale presence. Only bathymetry was significant in predicting beluga whale presence. During the 5-year study, 664 unique bowhead whales were identified from 1,415 photographic images. Observers noted feeding behavior during 7–50% of sightings and 15–49% of photographed whales exhibited feeding behavior in any given year. Of the individual whales that were visually or photographically identified as feeding, 81–90% were in shelf waters, and the majority of those were clustered around the 20 m isobath. More feeding behavior was observed and photographed during years when most sightings occurred on the shelf (2007, 2009, and 2010) but not necessarily in years when bowheads were most abundant in the study area (e.g., 2008 and 2010). The lowest percent feeding both visually and photographically occurred in 2008, the only year whale swim direction was predominately westerly, and open mouth (skim) feeding behavior was not observed. Although the paucity of individual resightings (based on photographic recaptures) between survey days (3 matches out of 664 identified whales) suggested very low residence times, the photogrammetric sample (654 whales) was largely comprised of juveniles (65%). Young whales typically are unmarked and, therefore, not matched (only 3–6% were highly or moderately marked in at least one zone on the body). All intrayear matched whales moved east of their original sighting location, which was not expected so close to the westbound fall migration. The BOWFEST aerial study provides a 5-year record of late summer presence of cetaceans in the western Beaufort Sea, adding to the growing body of knowledge on these species and their habitat preferences in this region. This information is particularly important since the western Beaufort Sea is undergoing rapid change as the bowhead whale population continues to grow, other species extend their ranges and increase their numbers in the area, and industrial activity, commercial fishing, and shipping operations are expected to increase in the Arctic as sea ice decreases. The full article is available online at https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/content/mfr/late-summer-distribution-cetaceans-ne… and the entire issue is at https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/marine-fisheries-review/mfr-792 -- *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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Apply by March 4th: Whale and Dolphin Conservation (NA) Field Research Internship
by Monica Pepe 07 Feb '18

07 Feb '18

WDC North America, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships and field volunteer positions, providing research, policy, education and advocacy experience in working for an international non-profit organization. We are accepting applications for our summer positions (starting date is flexible, but beginning as early as May 1st) until midnight EST on Sunday, March 4th, 2018. Internships are offered to qualified applicants throughout the year, allowing each participant to become proficient at field data collection, educational outreach, and conservation issues of marine mammals. Interns may also assist staff in completing various tasks pertaining to our focal projects. The WDC internship/volunteer program aims to give participants exposure to all aspects of working with a conservation non-profit organization. Successful candidates are tasked with everything from field research to office administration. All interns gain experience with public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels, participating in school talks, and other public outreach events throughout the year. Additionally, interns will assist with written communication efforts including social media, blogs, and supporter directed communications. Other potential opportunities include attending workshops/conferences and responding to stranded marine mammals, though these are not guaranteed opportunities. This program exposes interns to real world experiences that will help them develop the skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of marine mammal conversation and research. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. As part of the field work experience, interns will learn species identification, behavioral sequencing, data collection and photo identification research techniques on marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine. They will also have the opportunity to go out on commercial whale watching boats several times a week (field season is April through October) to photograph and record sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as other notable marine wildlife. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. Days not in the field will be spent at the office uploading photos and data into our photo identification database or working on any tasks that may be assigned. At the end of the program our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals. There is no fee or compensation for the internship/volunteer positions. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300 USD, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant, and those that can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The program requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. The internship is a full time position requiring open and flexible availability. Candidate Requirements * Fluency in English. * Must be 18 years or older (preference given to students matriculated in or recently graduated from appropriate graduate or under graduate degree programs.) * Be able to show proof of valid health insurance. * Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team. * Be open to long days in the field or office. * Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor. * Good computer skills - familiarity with operating PCs. * Excellent verbal and written communications skills. * Familiar with literature research protocols is beneficial. * Ability to function well under pressure. * Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people of all ages and able to handle unanticipated situations. * Familiarity with DSLR camera, GPS equipment is preferred. * Possession of a valid driver's license is strongly preferred. * Ability to impart information in an understandable way to the public under a variety of conditions. * International applicants must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required documentation. For more information visit: http://us.whales.org/wdc-na-field-research-internship-program How to Apply Please submit only the following via e-mail to monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org>: * * Cover letter and resume * * Contact information for two references including e-mail, phone number, and your affiliation to the reference * * A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering one of the following: 1) Do whales die through human's knowledge or ignorance? 2) Preservation or conservation. Which offers the best route to a sustainable population of an endangered species and why? Applicants should make sure they clearly indicate their availability (specific dates, if possible) in their cover letter. Any additional questions should be directed to Monica Pepe via email at monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org> or by calling the office at (508) 746-2522. Monica Pepe Policy Manager Conservation and Education Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC is 30 Years old!' Help us protect whales and dolphins over the next 30 years]<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on Instagram] <http://www.instagram.com/whales_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/CampaignImages/USPledgeNever.png]<http://us.whales.org/pledge-never-to-plunge> [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/DisclaimerImages/US/US_OWA_Disclaimer.png]

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Fwd: Killer Whale Vocal imitation New Publication Announcement
by José Francisco Zamorano Abramson 07 Feb '18

07 Feb '18

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce our recent publication in Proceedings of The Royal Society B: Imitation of novel conspecific and human speech sounds in the killer whale (*Orcinus orca).* Abramson JZ, Hernández- Lloreda MV, García L, Colmenares F, Aboitiz F, Call J. (2018) Proc. R. Soc. B 285: 20172171. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/ rspb.2017.2171 Abstract: Vocal imitation is a hallmark of human spoken language, which, along with other advanced cognitive skills, has fuelled the evolution of human culture. Comparative evidence has revealed that although the ability to copy sounds from conspecifics is mostly uniquely human among primates, a few distantly related taxa of birds and mammals have also independently evolved this capacity. Remarkably, field observations of killer whales have documented the existence of group-differentiated vocal dialects that are often referred to as traditions or cultures and are hypothesized to be acquired non-genetically. Here we use a do-as-I-do paradigm to study the abilities of a killer whale to imi- tate novel sounds uttered by conspecific (vocal imitative learning) and human models (vocal mimicry). We found that the subject made recognizable copies of all familiar and novel conspecific and human sounds tested and did so rela- tively quickly (most during the first 10 trials and three in the first attempt). Our results lend support to the hypothesis that the vocal variants observed in natural populations of this species can be socially learned by imitation. The capacity for vocal imitation shown in this study may scaffold the natural vocal traditions of killer whales in the wild. The paper is available here : http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/ content/285/1871/20172171 or you can contact me at zabramson(a)psi.ucm.es for a reprint or if you have any questions. All the best, José Dr. José Zamorano-Abramson. Investigador Grupo de Estudio del Comportamiento Animal y Humano (GECAH) Departamento de Psicobiología Facultad de Psicología Universidad Complutense de Madrid Campus de Somosaguas 28223 Madrid, Spain ORCID Id: <http://www.upla.cl/estudiosavanzados/es/investigadores/jose-francisco-zamor…> orcid.org/0000-0001-7106-6419 RESEARCHE Id: B-3990-2012

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Spring 2018 Science and Research Internship at The Marine Mammal Center -CLOSING SOON
by Christine Fontaine 06 Feb '18

06 Feb '18

The Science Department at TMMC is seeking applicants for an unpaid internship position in our research division. There are four intern opportunities; fall 2017, and winter, spring and summer 2018. The Science and Research Internship is available at our main hospital in Sasualito. Responsibilities: Some of the projects the sucessful 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. 4. Library project: This project involves cataloging scientific publications into TMMC's hardcopy and electronic libraries. Intern duties will primarily include: reference entry using EndNote X, restocking hardcopy reprints, and scanning hardcopy publications. 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: Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 12 weeks full time (40 hours per week). ________________________________ Internship Dates: Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of Acceptance Approximate Internship Time Spring February 9, 2018 February 19-20, 2018 February 22, 2018 April 1st - June 22, 2018 Summer April 13, 2018 April 23-24, 2018 April 26, 2018 June 11 - August 31, 2018 There is flexibility on the start date of this internship. Please specify which time slot you're applying for- fall, winter, spring or summer. For more information please go to our website where you can apply: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/volunteer/internship-opportu… Christine Fontaine Senior Research Assistant The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Rd Sausalito, CA 94965 T: 415-289-7377 F: 415-754-4078

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New Publication: Site-specific female-biased sex ratio of humpback whales during a stopover early in the southern migration
by Wally Franklin 06 Feb '18

06 Feb '18

Hi MARMAM, On behalf of all Authors I am pleased to announce publication in the ‘Just In’ section of the Canadian Journal of Zoology of: Site-specific female-biased sex ratio of humpback whales during a stopover early in the southern migration Trish Franklin; , Wally Franklin; , Lyndon Brooks; , Peter L Harrison Published on the web 20 December 2017. Received March 28, 2017. Canadian Journal of Zoology, https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2017-0086 <https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2017-0086> <> ABSTRACT Previous research on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781)), in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, has reported site-specific male-biased sex ratios in breeding grounds and along migratory corridors. However, one recent Southern Hemisphere study reported a female-biased sex ratio in a feeding area within a coastal migratory corridor, indicating that females may preferentially occupy some habitats. We investigated the classes and relative seasonal timing of humpback whales using Hervey Bay as a stopover early in the southern migration. Modeling and analyzes were undertaken using data from resighting histories of 361 individually identified whales between 1992 and 2009. The data consisted of 2,131 sightings categorized by either sex, age, reproductive or maturational status. A female-biased sex ratio of 2.94:1 indicates that Hervey Bay is a preferential stopover for females. The data revealed that the bay is important for mature females who co-occur with immature males and females during August. While during September and October mothers with calves accompanied by a few escorts dominate the Bay. Immature males and females socialize with mature females during August and September. The data support the hypothesis that habitat preferences and differential migration of females and males provides a plausible explanation for site-specific sex-bias in breeding grounds, migratory stopovers and along migratory corridors. For those with a Canadian Journal of Zoology subscription an unformatted pdf of the accepted manuscript is available at: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2017-0086 <https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2017-0086> The formatted manuscript is scheduled to be published in Volume 96, May 2018 Issue of the Canadian Journal of Zoology. We will repost notification upon publication in the above issue. Any enquiries regarding the manuscript please contact: trish(a)oceania.org.au <mailto:trish@oceania.org.au> Regards, Trish Franklin, on behalf of all Authors ........................................................................ Trish Franklin PhD The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: 0418 797 326 Skype: oceania.org.au Email: <mailto:trish@oceania.org.au>trish(a)oceania.org.au <mailto:wally@oceania.org.au> Web: <http://www.oceania.org.au/> The Oceania Project <http://www.oceania.org.au/> iWhales.org <http://www.iwhales.org/> Songlines - Songs of the eastern Australian humpback whales <http://www.songlinesofthewhales.org/> The Oceania Project | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/oceania> <https://vimeo.com/iwhales>The Oceania Project | Vimeo <https://vimeo.com/iwhales> The Oceania Project | SoundCloud <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> The Oceania Project <http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceaniaProject>| <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales>YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceaniaProject> Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre <https://www.scu.edu.au/research-centres/marine-ecology-research-centre/whal…> <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/>Dr Trish Franklin <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/> | <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> <https://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/>PhD Thesis <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/> Google Scholar Citations <https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=RAOLIrMAAAAJ&hl=en&authuser=1> <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/>Dr Wally Franklin <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/> <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/>| <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales>PhD Thesis <http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/> <https://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/> Google Scholar Citations <https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=2wA6lL8AAAAJ&hl=en> Humpback whales - Spread the Story <https://www.gofundme.com/theoceaniaproject>

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New publication on the population status of type C killer whales in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica (Robert Pitman)
by Robert Pitman - NOAA Federal 06 Feb '18

06 Feb '18

New paper published in Polar Biology: Pitman, R. L. , H. Fearnbach, and J. W. Durban. 2018. Abundance and population status of Ross Sea killer whales (*Orcinus orca*, type C) in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica: Evidence for impact by commercial fishing? Abstract: For over a century, the Ross Sea killer whale (RSKW; *Orcinus orca*, Antarctic type C), a fish-eating ecotype, has been commonly reported in McMurdo Sound (McM), Ross Sea, Antarctica. However, a significant population decline reported at Ross Island after 2006 has been linked to a commercial fishery that began in the Ross Sea in 1996–1997 and targets large Antarctic toothfish (*Dissostichus mawsoni*)—the presumed primary prey of RSKW. We assessed RSKW population abundance and trends using photo-identification data collected in McM during seven summers from 2001–2002 to 2014–2015. We identified 352 individual RSKWs and estimated an average annual population of 470 distinctly marked whales. Using a Bayesian mark–recapture model, we identified two population clusters: ‘regulars’ showed strong inter- and intra-annual site fidelity and an average annual abundance of 73 distinctive individuals (95% probability: 57–88); ‘irregulars’ were less frequently encountered but comprised a larger population with an annual estimate of 397 distinctive individuals (287–609). The number of seasonally resident regulars appeared to be stable over the period of purported RSKW decline, with the estimated annual number of deaths (6; 95% probability: 1–22) offset by the number of recruits (6; 2–19). As an alternative to the decline-due-to-fishery hypothesis, we suggest that the presence of mega-iceberg B-15 at Ross Island during the “iceberg years” (2000–2001 to 2005–2006) could have temporarily disrupted normal RSKW movement patterns, resulting in an *apparent *decline. Continued population monitoring of toothfish and their predators will be important for assessing ecosystem impacts of commercial fishing in the Ross Sea. Link to full text article at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-017-2239-4 or PDF available from robert.pitman(a)noaa.gov Robert Pitman

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APPLY NOW: ICMMPA5 Awards at the ECS 2018 conference
by info_ICMMPA5 06 Feb '18

06 Feb '18

Dear all, Those whose abstracts have been accepted by the ECS conference organizers and who are willing to be considered for the ICMMPA5 Award (see details below) and fulfill the eligibility criteria should contact Amalia Alberini, (info_ICMMPA(a)wwf.gr<mailto:info_ICMMPA@wwf.gr>) with their abstracts and personal details (name, ECS presentation type, affiliation, country, age at the time of the conference). See you in La Spezia ! Amalia Alberini Project Manager - ICMMPA5 WWF Greece ------------------------ The International Committee of Marine Mammal Protected Areas (http://icmmpa.org)<https://gateway.wwf.gr/owa/14.3.123.3/scripts/premium/UrlBlockedError.aspx> announces 3 Awards to be awarded to participants selected among the presenters (oral presentation, short talk, poster) at the 32nd European Cetacean Society (ECS) conference in La Spezia, Italy (http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/32nd-annual-conference-ita…) fulfilling the following criteria: · Maximum age: 30 · Marine mammal conservation focus · Connotation to place-based conservation · Commitment to attend ICMMPA5 and present their work (either as a talk or a poster) Priority will be given to scientists and practitioners of countries from Southeastern Europe Mediterranean countries, Middle East, North Africa The 1st Award winner will receive a FREE conference registration, transportation and accommodation for attending the ICMMPA5. The 2nd and 3rd Awards winners will receive a FREE conference registration. The selection of the Awards will be made during the 32nd ECS conference in La Spezia Italy between the 6-10th of April 2018 by members of the ICMMPA5 Planning Committee. All Awards will be announced at the ECS Awards ceremony. Candidates are encouraged to attend the ceremony. For more information about the ICMMPA Awards: Amalia Alberini, Conference Co-Host, WWF Greece (info_ICMMPA5(a)wwf.gr<mailto:info_ICMMPA5@wwf.gr>), WWF Greece or Naomi McIntosh, Chair, ICMMPA (naomi.mcintosh(a)noaa.gov<mailto:naomi.mcintosh@noaa.gov>)

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