May 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Volunteer required: Responsible Whale Watching Project Assistant
by Sophie Lewis 10 May '18

10 May '18

Dear Marmamers, We would like to request applications for the role of Responsible Whale Watching Project Assistant (volunteer opportunity); 4 June to 3 August 2018. *Overview* The World Cetacean Alliance is a leading marine conservation Partnership with over 100 Partners in 35 countries. Whale and dolphin watching tours in the wild provide platforms for research, conservation, and environmental education, but they can also lead to disturbance, habitat displacement and even physical injury to cetaceans when poorly managed. The WCA and its Partners work to enhance and encourage responsible whale watching at a global scale through a variety of mechanisms. The person in this role will report directly to the Responsible Whale Watching Project Manager, receive in-situ training, and work closely with colleagues at WCA Headquarters. This is an exciting and dynamic role in a fast paced, ambitious team with the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of areas. The role is available from 4 June to 3 August 2018, and will take place at WCA Headquarters, Brighton, United Kingdom. The WCA is unable to cover personal expenses. *Responsibilities* 1. Lead on the management and consolidation the WCA whale watching database. 2. Use a variety of communication mechanisms to build relationships with prospective, new and current Partners. 3. Manage the update and promotion of the WCA Responsible Whale Watching App. 4. Work alongside WCA staff to encourage and support the collaboration between WCA and leading tour operators to promote responsible whale watching worldwide. 5. Working with WCA staff and Partners to gather information, media and resources for use on a new online platform for responsible whale watching. 6 Develop and produce material to showcase the work of the WCA and its Partners. 7. Work alongside WCA staff to set strategy and guide the process. *Knowledge* 1. Experience and knowledge of cetaceans and marine conservation issues. 2. Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to advance the mission. 3. Highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong ability to prioritize and deliver against responsibilities and duties. 4. Ability to thrive in a multi-tasking, high energy environment. 5. Ability to excite and engage stakeholders through meetings and personal outreach. 6. Confident in the use of Excel to manage large datasets. 7. Experience of using GIS software is desirable. *Qualifications* 1. Degree or higher qualification in environmental / biological / educational subject. 2. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to multitask. 3. A proven track record of communicating with different audiences. TO APPLY: Please send your C.V. and a cover letter to: *sophie.lewis(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org <sophie.lewis(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org>* Applications must be sent in electronic form no later than 21 May 2018. Interviews will take place on 22 May and 23 May 2018. For more information go to *www.worldcetaceanalliance.org <http://www.worldcetaceanalliance.org>* Sophie Lewis Responsible Whale Watching Project Manager -- *Sophie Lewis* Responsible Whale Watching Project Manager *World Cetacean Alliance* Studio 3, Lower Promenade Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK. t: +44 (0) 1273 355011 e: sophie.lewis(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org *www.worldcetaceanalliance.org <http://www.worldcetaceanalliance.org>www.whaleheritagesites.org <http://www.whaleheritagesites.org>* [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/WorldCetaceanAlliance> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/WorldCetacean> [image: Youtube icon] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FEQniCxwCi12c4NGw5jjg> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/worldcetaceanalliance/?hl=en> [image: Banner] <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/> The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 90 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately. Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments.

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Whalefish CPD course
by Els Vermeulen 10 May '18

10 May '18

Dear colleagues, There are still some places available for the our Career Professional Development course at FSC Millport (Scotland) from the 10th to the 12th of August 2018. This course is titled 'Marine Research Techniques & Conservation' < https://www.whalefish.org/whalefish-course> and aimed at marine science students, recent graduates and environmental professionals to provide an introduction to marine mammal research techniques, career options and marine conservation issues. It is an IMarEST accredited course and will be taught by our team of experienced field biologists actively working in research, industry and conservation. Discount prices are available for students and include 2 nights of accommodation full pension. There are also 5 bursaries provided by IMarEST, targeted ad IMarEST student members studying marine and/or environmental sciences. For more information and bookings, please contact info(a)whalefish.org or look at our website www.whalefish.org Kind regards, Els ------------------------------------- Els Vermeulen, PhD Research Manager and Post-doctoral research fellow Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria, South Africa Co-founding director Whalefish -www.whalefish.org PI Sea Search - www.seasearch.co.za Cell: +27 (0)60 9714301

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Vacancies for MMOs & PAM operators who are resident in UK and Europe
by Recruitment 10 May '18

10 May '18

Dear MMOs and PAMOs, OSC has vacancies for three projects in UK waters: 1 x MMO on 2nd May for an estimated 30+ day EOD/UXO 1 x MMO on Friday 4th May for an estimated 30+ day EOD/UXO 5 x MMOs/PAMOs on or after an estimated mob date of 22 May (this far ahead, this date could be postponed slightly) for 30+ day piling If you are interested and available, and not already on OSC's database, please revert ASAP with copies of your CV, passport, driving licence (probably not needed, but useful for future reference), offshore survival and medical certificates, MMO and/or PAM and degree certificates. For documents not already in electronic format, please scan these, as photographs of documents are not often accepted by clients. Please use relevant software programmes to minimise any scanned file sizes so that they remain clearly legible, yet easy for us to share by email with stakeholders. When submitting documents, also advise if you are happy for OSC to retain these personal details on file for future-work opportunities - OSC would not share these personal details with any third parties without an applicant's prior consent. Please apply by email only to recruitment(a)osc.co.uk; recruitment enquiries to other OSC email addresses will not be considered. If you have colleagues looking for work, recommendations are welcome. Please note that these particular positions only apply to European citizens, or European residents with appropriate work visas. Kind regards, -- Recruitment Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk<http://www.osc.co.uk>

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Reminder Summer Manatee Health & Conservation course
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 09 May '18

09 May '18

Hi All, This is just a quick reminder that registration is open one more week for our Summer 2018 semester. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, is offering the Manatee Health and Conservation course for those that may be interested. Class begins May 14th. Registration will remain open until May 16th. Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 academic credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. A separate CE short course is also available for international students with closed captioning in French and Spanish. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iske Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ). Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure. ________________________________

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New publication: From whaling to whale-watching: identifying fin whale critical foraging habitats off the Chilean coast
by Maritza Sepulveda 09 May '18

09 May '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the article: Sepúlveda M., MJ. Pérez-Álvarez, M. Santos-Carvallo, G. Pavez, C. Olavarría, R. Moraga & A. Zerbini. 2018. From whaling to whale-watching: identifying fin whale critical foraging habitats off the Chilean coast. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*. *doi: 10.1002/aqc.2899 *Abstract:* Fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*) have been documented along the coast of Chile since the early 20th century. However, information on their ecology and movement patterns remains poorly known. In the spring of 2015, six implantable satellite tags were deployed on fin whales around the Marine Reserves Isla Chañaral and Islas Choros-Damas (~29ºS) to evaluate their movements and habitat use off the coast of Chile. A switching state-space model was used to estimate the predicted track of the whales as well as behavioural modes classified as “transiting” and “area-restricted search” (ARS). Whales were tracked between 4 and 162 days (mean = 68 ± 52 days) covering an average distance of 3,225.7 ± 2,871.6 km. Five of the six whales remained at middle latitudes for prolonged periods of time, moving in a north-south pattern near the coast, and spending most of their time in ARS behaviour (72.5% of the locations). Only one individual showed a clear southbound migratory behaviour and remained in transit behaviour for most of the period it was followed. These results suggest that some of the fin whales that are observed in Chile do follow a migration to high latitudes, whereas others remained in lower latitudes, using critical habitats likely as feeding grounds during the summer. This information not only contributes new information on the behaviour and foraging patterns of this species, but is also of particular interest to promote the growing whale-watching activity and also to better inform conservation and management efforts of this species in Chile. The paper is available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aqc.2899 or you can contact me for a pdf at maritza.sepulveda(a)uv.cl Best regards, -- *Dra. Maritza Sepúlveda* Profesor Adjunto Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Valparaíso Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha Valparaíso Fono: (56-32)2508346 Fax: (56-32) 2508072

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MSc position in beluga whale ecology, University of Manitoba
by Katie Florko 08 May '18

08 May '18

*MSc position in beluga whale ecology, University of Manitoba* The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Manitoba, in collaboration with the Assiniboine Park Zoo of Winnipeg, is seeking one or more graduate students for research on the conservation and ecology of beluga whales in Churchill, Canada. This project will use non-invasive methods to study beluga social structure and interactions with watercraft. The successful applicant will assist with, and use data from, an ongoing citizen science project ( https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/stephenresearch/beluga-bits) This project has been active since 2016 and presents a number of research opportunities relating to beluga social structure, habitat use, and monitoring. The study will also include a component evaluating effects of anthropogenic activities on beluga whales. The student will primarily be based in Winnipeg during the year, with the potential for summer field research conducted in Churchill. The Masters position would be within the 2-year Masters of Natural Resources Management program based at the NRI, which is an interdisciplinary program based on completing 9 courses (27 credit hours) and a research thesis. More information on academic programs can be found at http://umanitoba.ca/institutes/natural_resources/. The NRI is an interdisciplinary unit that embraces the need to understand ecology, human dimensions and economic factors that influence environmental sustainability. Required courses thus include Ecological, Human Dimensions, and Economic Dimensions of Natural Resources Management; elective courses vary widely based on student’s interests, but can cover a variety of topics such as environmental impact assessments, policy, law, animal behaviour, parks and protected areas, enthnobotany, and others. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate a keen interest in ecology and conservation, plus strong research potential and academic background. Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated interest in citizen science, or marine mammal ecology or conservation. Applicants eligible for NSERC PGS scholarship funding ( http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/BellandPostgrad-Belle…) are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is available pending funding. This advertisement is being posted after the University of Manitoba application deadline for international students, and thus only Canadian and American applicants are eligible. Please apply with CV, unofficial transcripts, writing sample (e.g. essay / manuscript), and 3 references (email and phone numbers) to Dr. Nicola Koper at nicola.koper(a)umanitoba.ca, and Dr. Stephen Petersen at SPetersen(a)assiniboinepark.ca (please send to both). *The deadline for applications is May 14, 2018*. Please get in touch with Dr. Nicola Koper or Dr. Stephen Petersen if you have further questions. Cheers, Katie Florko -- Katie RN Florko, MSc Polar Bear Research Associate Conservation & Research Department Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre Assiniboine Park Zoo Winnipeg, MB Twitter: @kflorko Email: katieflorko(a)gmail.com

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Passive Acoustic Monitoring Training
by Stephanie Barnicoat (Training) 08 May '18

08 May '18

Dear Colleagues, We have limited spaces on the Seiche Training (www.seichetraining.com<http://www.seichetraining.com>) NZ PAM course, 01-05 Oct, in Wellington, New Zealand, and the closing date for bookings is vastly approaching. The 5-day course is approved by the Department of Conservation. The course qualifies delegates to work in New Zealand waters as a PAM operator on industrial activities. The course is also designed to provide all delegates with knowledge of marine mammal ID, vocalisations and sound production, as well as gaining experience in PAM and PAMGuard software. The course will have theory and practical sessions using PAMGuard to detect and localise marine mammals. the last day of the course will be on the boat to carry out real time acoustic monitoring using a Seiche PAM system in search for marine mammals. To book a place or to find out more info, contact info(a)seichetraining.com<mailto:info@seichetraining.com> Seiche Training Ltd Stephanie Barnicoat (Training) Seiche Training Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1409 404050 E: s.barnicoat(a)seichetraining.com W: http://www.seichetraining.com Registered in England & Wales No. 9312435, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Final NOAA Fisheries Procedural Directive for Retaining Releasable Marine Mammals for Public Display
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 07 May '18

07 May '18

Good afternoon MARMAM, NOAA Fisheries announces the availability <https://federalregister.gov/d/2018-09611> of its final Procedural Directive clarifying the process for eligible permit applicants to obtain releasable marine mammals for public display purposes under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NOAA Fisheries will no longer accept applications for MMPA section 104 permits that specifically seek to obtain releasable rehabilitated marine mammals from the stranding network for public display. NOAA Fisheries will instead require prospective applicants to apply for a permit authorizing actual take (collection) from the wild. In the event NOAA Fisheries grants a permit for take from the wild, the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resource’s Director may then, at his or her discretion, require that a releasable rehabilitated marine mammal be substituted for the authorized capture from the wild, in accordance with NOAA Fisheries regulations at 50 CFR 216.27. This Procedural Directive will better align the statutory requirements under MMPA section 104 with the regulatory provisions. The procedural directive is available on our NOAA Fisheries website <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/national-procedure-permit-application…> . On November 15, 2017, NOAA Fisheries published the draft national Procedure for Permit Applications to Retain Releasable Rehabilitated Marine Mammals for Public Display for a 30-day public comment period (82 FR 52880). Comments received are available on regulations.gov <https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0096>. Substantive and relevant comments and NOAA Fisheries’ responses are available in the Federal Register notice <https://federalregister.gov/d/2018-09611>. Best regards, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources U.S. Department of Commerce jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov o: 301.427.8431 <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/> www.fisheries.noaa.gov/opr <http://www.facebook.gov/usnoaafisheriesgov> <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries> <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>

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Mystic Aquarium - Animal Rescue Program internship
by Schuh, Janelle 07 May '18

07 May '18

All, Please see below for the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Program Fall internship opportunity. Applications are due May 31. Thanks!! Animal Rescue Program Mystic Aquarium responds to reports of live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles along the shores of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Fishers Island, N.Y. A rehabilitation facility is operated for pinnipeds, and occasionally cetaceans and sea turtles. Interns should be working toward a degree in marine biology, veterinary medicine or a related field. Recent graduates seeking experience in these fields are accepted. There is a minimum requirement of 40 hours per week and it is a 12 week internship. Interns must be motivated and responsible and have computer experience, organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work well with others. Daily Duties Work with both live and dead pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea turtles. Work may be done under extremely adverse weather conditions. Assist in the collection of Level A data for the NOAA Fisheries Service Assist in rescue and salvage responses Participate in post-mortem work and necropsies Assist in care for animals undergoing rehabilitation Assist in weekly seal physicals Complete a project for the animal rescue program Recent Projects Composting: An Eco-Friendly and Cost Efficient Mortality Disposal Method by Melissa Wands Evaluating cortisol levels in harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups undergoing rehabilitation by Jackman Eschenroeder & Robyn Lee Cross-Seasonal Nutritional Study of Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Pup Formula from 2009-2012 by Melinda Kilty Assessing Public Awareness and Interest in the Seal Rescue Clinic Display by Meghana Pendruthi Application information can be found at http://www.mysticaquarium.org/careers/internships/ Janelle Schuh Animal Rescue Program Manager 860.572.5955 x154 | Hotline x107 | Cell 860.514.7132 [MA_Web]

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Volunteer research assistant needed for land based body condition study on southern right whales using UAVs, 21st June until 30th of September 2018 - Perth, Australia
by Shane Dickeson 07 May '18

07 May '18

Dear Marmamers, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU), Perth, Australia, is looking for a volunteer to assist land based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) research on Southern right whales at the Head of the Bight, South Australia, between the 21st of June and the 30th of September 2018. The person will have to be available for the entire period. The research project aims to investigate Southern right whale body condition on their South Australian breeding/nursing grounds, as part of larger research project looking into baleen whale health (http:/mucru.org/our-research/research-projects/southern-right-whale-body-condition-on-breeding-grounds/<http://mucru.org/our-research/research-projects/southern-right-whale-body-c…>). To measure body condition, aerial photographs of the whales will be collected using an UAV operated from the cliffs overlooking the Great Australian Bight. The UAV will be operated by the chief scientist due to strict regulations in Australia. Research assistant duties include cliff based searches for right whales, observation of right whale behavioural responses during UAV approaches, and looking for raptor birds that could intervene with UAV operations. When not in the field the research assistant will also be expected to help out with data entry, processing and measurements of body morphometrics from UAV photographs. This is an unpaid position and the successful candidate will have to cover the costs of arranging transport to get to and from Perth, Western Australia. Once here you will join the researcher and drive to the field site (~18h of driving) at the beginning of the project and then return at the end. The person will also have to provide their own travel insurance. Accommodation will be provided in the form of a shared caravan that will also function as an office. The caravan site is at the Nullarbor Road House, which has paid showers, toilets, a small kiosk and restaurant. General food expenses (cooking in the caravan) will be covered by the project. The Head of the Bight study area is very remote and isolated place (arid conditions) with very limited resources and communication (limited phone and internet connection is available, but do not expect to stream/download larger files or skype). During the austral winter, bad weather is expected and will prevent UAV operations on at least 50% of the days, so be prepared to stay indoors for extended periods of time. Due to the restricted living conditions it is essential that the candidate is able to live and work closely with the other researchers, is tolerant and respectful towards others and had a positive attitude. Strong work ethic and the ability to endure extended periods of office based work during periods of bad weather condition are essential. People with previous experience living in remote places for extended periods of time will be given priority. The person will be required to bring their own laptop computer (ideally Windows based PC not Apple Mac). Potential applicants must be fluent in English and have valid work visas to work in Australia. Please apply by sending your CV (3 pages maximum) and cover letter (1 page) with the names and contact details of at least three professional references to shane.dickeson(a)my.jcu.edu.au<mailto:shane.dickeson@my.jcu.edu.au> Kind regards, Shane Shane Dickeson Bachelor Science (Honours) Student Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia +61 430 276 793, shane.dickeson(a)my.jcu.edu.au

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