May 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

National Marine Life Center's Marine Animal Rehabilitation & Environmental Education Internship
by Katherine McKenna 06 May '18

06 May '18

National Marine Life Center's Marine Animal Rehabilitation & Environmental Education Internship The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation. Animal Care Responsibilities- Depending on need and case load, interns will assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including seals, sea turtles, and freshwater turtles. Animal care duties will include animal restraint, cleaning, disinfecting tanks, equipment, and environmental enrichment devices, food preparation, administering feeds including tube feeding, data entry, maintenance and water quality testing. Interns may also assist animal care staff with medical procedures, admission exams, necropsies and release events. Education Responsibilities- Interns will assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, fairs, and festivals. Interns will assist in giving public presentations to guests of NMLC and educate them on marine animals and conservation. Interns will assist in the gift shop, with various office projects, event promotions and fundraising events. Other Responsibilities- At the end of the internship, the intern will present to the staff, volunteers, and other interested parties an overview of their time spent at NMLC. Each intern will also be assigned a weekly chore to assist with the upkeep of the facility and equipment, and will be required to attend regularly scheduled intern meetings. Positions are unpaid, interns must have their own transportation, and housing is not provided, but NMLC will offer housing and job suggestions. Qualifications: * The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. * Preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or other related fields. * Intern should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. * Students that are adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. * Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. * Fall interns should be available to work from August 28th, 2018 - January 1st, 2019 however start and end dates can be flexible. * Interns should expect to work roughly 30-35 hours per week which may include early morning or late night tube feedings for our patients * If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted. To Apply- Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to Katherine McKenna at apply(a)nmlc.org or PO Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532. Applications must be received by July 15th for the fall semester. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling bases until the deadline. For more information visit our website at http://nmlc.org/about/staff/job-opportunities/ Katherine McKenna Animal Care and Necropsy Coordinator National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 office <tel:%28508%29%20743-9888%20X307> (508) 743-9888 X307 cell <tel:%28214%29%20226-9634> (214) 226-9634 fax <tel:%28508%29%20759-5477> (508) 759-5477 <http://www.nmlc.org/> www.nmlc.org <mailto:kmckenna@nmlc.org> kmckenna(a)nmlc.org Office Hours: Sunday - Thursday --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Cetacean Research/Field Training in Comoros Islands, Indian Ocean
by aylin akkaya 04 May '18

04 May '18

Cetacean Research/Field Training in Comoros Islands, Indian Ocean Moidjio C.R.C.A.D. (Centre for Research Conservation and Devolpment) and the Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) are happy to announce the upcoming cetacean research and field training in the Comoros Island, Indian Ocean. The training is going to take place between 15th September 2018 and 15th October 2018. Joining our team of international researchers is a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain important scientific, analysing and conservation skills in the marine mammal research field. Patners involved: Moidjio C.R.C.A.D. is the host organisation and is a French/Comorian research and conseration centre based in the Comoros islands. It primary aim is conservation through science and help to the development of local initiatives for the sustainable use of biodiversity. This translates by putting together scientific programs on several taxa that will help to conserve ecosystems and the incredible biodiversity of Comoros islands. Moidjio C.R.C.A.D. works on marine mammals, marine turtles, costal environment, Livingstone bats, Lemurs, tropical forests and sustainable agriculture. Our key species is the humpback whales that migrate in the area for breeding and nursing, but we also focus on other species such as False killer whales, Beaked whales, spinner dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins. The Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) was founded in 2015 in Turkey, realising the important knowledge and conservation gap on cetaceans and is conducting scientific research and conservation actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea since then. We address questions about marine mammals' abundance, distribution and behaviour, to define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats. In addition to our research effort, our attention also focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local communities particularly youth. Training We will provide lectures, workshops and fieldwork training in: * Observation and identification of various cetacean species * Abundance and distribution of cetaceans * Behavioural observations * Acoustics using PAMGuard and Raven Pro. * Photo-ID and Discovery software * Scientific data analysis * ArcGIS mapping software * Theodolite operation You will be given the chance to learn some of the most widely used methodologies in marine mammal research and improve your skills as a field researcher. Accomodation & Facilities Basic accommodation in the village of Chindini and local food prepared by our own Comorian cook, are included in the participation fee. Volunteers will have a bed in a shared room with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom. The place is located in Chindini village in the South of Grande Comore. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose such us hiking, snorkling, lying on sandy beaches and birdwatching. On the weekends, you will have free time to travel across the country and visit the nearby attractions. Project Fee The project partcipation fee is 900 pound/month which includes: * Accommodation * Food (3 meals a day) only local food. * Entire trainings * Field work * Use of the equipments * Project related transportation within the country * Development village fee. Not included in the fee is: * Transportation to/from Comoros Islands * Off programs activities. * Visa (30 Euros on arrival) * All participants should have health and/or travel insurance *** Certificate of Participation will be provided after the training. How to Apply Please send your CV and cover letter to akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com and moidjio(a)hotmail.com, and explain the reasons why you would be the perfect asset for our team of researchers and which goals you hope to achieve with us! If you wish to have more info about the work of the researchers follow us here: www.dmad.org.tr https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-wambergue-7baa8b44/?locale=en_US https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch_dmad/?hl=tr https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ DMADforNAture

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Marine Mammals Research Expedition in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, 4th June to 20th June 2018
by aylin akkaya 04 May '18

04 May '18

Marine MammalsResearch Expedition in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea Overview Marine Mammals ResearchAssociation (www.dmad.org.tr) is offering you the unique opportunity to join its Marine WildlifeResearch Expedition where you will be part of a ground breaking scientific research effort. With human demands onour planet growing exponentially, never has it been so important to understandand protect marine biodiversity. Theexpedition aims to explore areas where there is little known. The expertteam of researchers will be introducing you to the wonder of marine mammals,their main threats and the possible ways to contribute to protecting theirvulnerable world. You will be given the chance to experience unforgettableclose encounters with these magnificent creatures, and learn the essential rolethey play in our oceans. Moreover, as an active part of our research team, youwill join our scientific data collection process through visual sightings and hydrophone recordings. Expedition Goal The Mediterranean Sea is a biodiversity hotspot; however much of it is unexplored with heavy human foot prints from to the coastto its deep waters. This region is historically and presently a worldtourist attraction with a high human density in its coastal zones. Humaninfluences derive from expanding agriculture and industry sectors, an extensivemaritime highway causing noise pollution, and rigorous fishing activitydepleting natural resources. Other threats contributing to severe habitatdegradation include chemical pollution, marine debris, and climate change. Due to a lack of scientific research, there are little to no conservation measures in action to protectMediterranean waters and their inhabitants. All of the species andsubspecies mentioned below are categorized by the IUCN Red List as Threatened or Data Deficient. It istherefore vital to research and monitor these populations in order to worktowards necessary conservation measures. For this reason, our pioneering expedition aims to fill the knowledge gaps on marine toppredators through integrating hi-tech research with conservation actions. Destination The expedition covers the coastal and offshore watersof Eastern Mediterranean Sea between Antalya, Marmaris and Rhodos Island. Systematic seasonal surveyswill be made in continental shelfs and deep water areas which has rich criticalhabitats such as submarine canyons, deep sea mounts and mud volcanoes.The expedition area is determined as Ecologically orBiologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) by UN’s The Convention on Biological Diversity. Speciesto Encounter On this trip we are likely to encounter a variety of marinemammals, including the common bottlenosedolphin (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), short-beakedcommon dolphin (Delphinus delphis),Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), sperm whale (Physetermicrocephalus), Cuvier’s beakedwhale (Ziphius cavirostris) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), in addition to the Mediterranean’s onlypinniped species, the endangered Mediterraneanmonk seal (Monachus monachus).Moreover, as our study areas are largely unexplored, there is the potential todiscover other cetacean species which are rarely found in the Mediterraneanbasin such as Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)! The SkillsYou Will Learn; · Conductingvisual and acoustic surveys · Collectingbehavioural data for sighted species · Mapping thehotspots of marine mammals · Developing thefirst photo Identification catalogues of the southern Adriatic and EasternMediterranean · Organisingmarine debris surveys One of the objectives of our expedition isto help create and inspire independent researchers, equipped with experience inup-to-date research techniques. TheTraining You Will Receive; There will bea day of training before the survey route starts. Additionally, each night wewill organise a training on the below topics; · Generalbiology and ecology of marine megafauna of the Mediterranean Sea · Speciesidentification · Photoidentification techniques · Mappingtechniques · Behaviouralsampling Additionally, we will be equipped with a hydrophone (underwater microphone). We willuse this equipment when possible during our cetacean sightings, and you willhave the opportunity to learn more about them and hopefully a chance to usethem yourself! TheExpedition Calendar The expedition covers transect based surveys between Rhodes,Greece and Antalya, Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. These scientificexpeditions are a part of a year round study and will be conducted between 4th of June and 20th of June 2018. Thecost As we are a non-profit organisation with limited financialresources, there is a monitory fee attached to this journey, which directly goes to boat rent. The cost isEUR 500 per person. Thiscost includes: · Full surveyand equipment training · Use ofresearch equipment · Accommodationon board for the duration of your stay · All safetyequipment · All cruisingand sailing vignettes (cruising permits) for Turkey and Greece. · Insuranceincluding public liability coverage What isnot included? · Flights to andfrom start and end location · Travelinsurance (Mandatory, please provide proof) · Food on board · Accommodationsonshore Whatyou should bring: · Passport withany necessary visas for the countries you will be visiting · Sleeping bag · Towel · Binoculars · Seasonalappropriate clothing, including waterproofs · SOFT BAG asluggage, hard cases are not permitted onboard · Camera · Sailing shoesare preferable. · Sea sicknessmedication Who arewe looking for? We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate team memberswith the willingness to learn, as well as motivated students and researcherswho wish to collect data for their university projects. Essentials; · A strong passionfor marine mammals, and a desire to protect the Mediterranean marineenvironment · Excellentteam work and communication skills · Fluency inEnglish · The abilityto live and work long hours on a boat in all weathers for consecutive days · Willingnessto help with the ongoing duties on-board including cleaning, maintenance,sailing, and cooking. · A positiveand proactive attitude To apply send us your CV and cover letterto: info(a)dmad.org.tr or akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com before May 31th2018. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON BOARD SOON

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Brighton Dolphin Project Volunteer Assistants needed
by Dylan Walker 03 May '18

03 May '18

Dear Marmamers, *Overview* A UK initiative of the World Cetacean Alliance, the Brighton Dolphin Project and associated Visitor Centre will be launched on 26th May 2018. We require Brighton Dolphin Project Volunteer Assistants to help with the running of the Visitor Centre, assist with a citizen science dolphin research project, and carry out boat-based marine wildlife guiding duties over the summer. Volunteer Assistants are requested for a minimum of 8 weeks. Volunteer Assistants will report directly to the Discovery and Outreach Coordinator, work closely with WCA HQ staff, and assist a wider team of volunteers to deliver the project. The goals of the Brighton Dolphin Project are to: 1) Further our understanding of cetaceans off the coast of Brighton/Sussex through dedicated research and the collection of anecdotal sightings; 2) Improve awareness of the importance of local marine ecosystems and species through educational experiences and outreach. This will be focused at the new Visitor Centre, and include dolphin watching simulations, beach activities, rock pool watches, and boat trips. *Responsibilities* *Community Engagement** and Communication* · Build relationships, engage community, and represent the Brighton Dolphin Project; · Run educational activities such as guided walks, rock pooling, and guided boat trips; · Represent the Brighton Dolphin Project to local businesses, volunteers, and the public; · Run and lead events from the Brighton Dolphin Project Discovery Centre such as film nights, talks and open evenings; · Be responsible for the general running of the Visitor Centre over weekends; · Assist with the running and coordination of training courses from the Brighton Dolphin Project Discovery Centre; · Assist with Brighton Dolphin Project school outreach visits; · Assist in supervising a dedicated team of volunteers and training new volunteers. *Research* · Encourage and support collaborations with local stakeholders, including fishers and recreational boat users to gather effort and sightings-related data, photographs, and video footage of cetaceans and other megafauna off the Sussex coast; · Assist in developing a Photo ID catalogue for bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). *Funding Development* · Assist with funding applications to assist with further progression of the project. *Creativity* · Create promotional material for the Visitor Centre; · Assist with further renovation of the Visitor Centre; · Run arts and crafts activities for children from the Visitor Centre. *Knowledge* *required* · Experience and knowledge of cetaceans and marine conservation issues; · Very strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team; · Highly organized and detail-oriented; · Ability to thrive in a multi-tasking, high energy environment with shifting priorities; · Ability to excite and engage prospective supporters of the organisation through public speaking, meetings, and personal outreach; · Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to supervise and motivate volunteers; · A proven track record of communicating with different audiences and age groups. *Qualifications** required* · Degree or studying towards a degree in environmental / biological / educational subject; *Dates and times* *1st start date:* 21st May – 15th July *2nd start date:* 4th June – 29th July *3rd start date:* 9th July – 2nd September *4th start date:* 23rd July – 16th September *5th start date: *30th July– 23rd September *40 hours per week. Weekend work will be required. * *To apply please send a CV and covering letter to Alex Hughes at: * *alex.hughes(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org <alex.hughes(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org> with the subject line: ‘Name’ Brighton Dolphin Project Volunteer Application; by 10am BST on Friday 11th May. * *Dylan Walker*Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance* Studio 3, Lower Promenade Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK. t: +44 (0) 1273 355011 c: +44 (0) 7900 471490 e: dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org <sophie.lewis(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org> The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 100 organisations 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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Fall 2018 Internship Opportunity in Savannah, Georgia
by Perrtree, Robin 03 May '18

03 May '18

Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) internships The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab, led by Dr. Tara Cox, studies spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, life history indices of moms and calves, and genetics of common bottlenose dolphins. In addition, there may be an opportunity to participate in a new manatee project. The SSUDS Lab selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year: * Winter/Spring (positions January to May, applications due by October 1st); * Summer (positions May to August, applications due by March 1st); * Fall (positions August to December, applications due by June 1st). Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. There may be additional opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. The SSUDS lab is currently accepting applications for Fall 2018 interns. There are 2 positions available. Application deadline is June 1st. Dates: Aug 6 - Dec 14 (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to ~30 hours per week, and time will be split between lab and field work. Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per month. Duties: Lab duties: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, recording data, photographing dorsal fins, and measuring environmental variables Stranding response: although strandings are rare and unpredictable, you may be asked to help with data collection and necropsies Class: Interns are welcome to sit in on the Coastal Zone Management course taught by Dr. Cox in the fall. Please note that hours spent in class do not count towards lab hours. Extra Opportunities: Local Volunteer Opportunities: Previous interns have taken advantage of their spare time to get involved with our network of marine science researchers in Georgia 1) Other SSU Marine Science Program Labs (field and lab research on shrimp, flatfish, oyster restoration, marine chemistry, etc.) 2) Tybee Island Marine Science Center (environmental education) 3) Skidaway Institute of Oceanography 4) GA DNR Non-game Division (cetacean, manatee, and sea turtle research) Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office; MS Access and ArcGIS experience a plus * Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English * Enthusiastic and dedicated, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor * Strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and attention to detail * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/heat on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu>. All attached files must be named starting with your last name (e.g. Lastname-SSUDS_application_spring_2018.doc, Lastname-transcript). Please combine your application materials into 1-2 files. * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students or other interns. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: https://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/mar-env-science/marine-science/index.sht… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Marine Science Research Center room 111 912-358-3301<tel:(912)%20358-3301> (office)

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New Publication: Changes in the feeding ecology of South American sea lions on the southern Brazilian
by Rodrigo Machado 03 May '18

03 May '18

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of on paper about Changes in the feeding ecology of South American sea lions on the southern Brazilian Machado, R. <http://lattes.cnpq.br/4393555159586066>; Oliveira, L.R.; Ott, P.H.; Denuncio, P.; Haimovici, M.; Cardoso, L.G.; Danilewicz, D. <http://lattes.cnpq.br/9860404837617443>; Moreno, I.M.B.; Martins, M.B. Changes in the feeding ecology of South American sea lions on the southern Brazilian coast over the last two decades of excessive fishing exploration. Hydrobiologia, 2018. doi.org/10.1007/s10750-018-3618-8 *Abstract:* In the last decades, an increasing fishing effort and a decreasing trend in fish catches have been observed in southern Brazil. Considering that marine mammals and fisheries usually compete for the same resources, it is reasonable to presume that the feeding ecology of these predators is affected by the current scenario. To evaluate this hypothesis, long-term variation in the diet of the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) relative to fisheries exploitation was analyzed for two periods (1993–2003 versus 2004–2014). The degree of overlap between the relative biomass of the sea lions’ diet and the target species of six types of local fishery was analyzed. An increase in prey overlap between sea lions and fisheries was observed in the more recent sampling period, along with an increase in prey diversity, richness, and niche breadth of the sea lions’ diet. These results suggest that the overfishing scenario could partly explain the modified feeding ecology of the sea lions. In this context, we recommend a review and better regulation of the current fishing effort in the region, which we believe will be an important step to maintain the fish stocks and minimize the impact of fishing on marine top predators. A pdf version is available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10750-018-3618-8 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rodrigo_Machado2 Best regards. Rodrigo Machado ______________________________________________________________________ Prof. Colaborador: Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina – Udesc Laguna Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS). www.gemars.org.br https://www.facebook.com/gemarsong/?fref=ts CV Lattes: http://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/visualizacv.do?id=K4133784E1 ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rodrigo_Machado2

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New Southern right whale circumpolar population structure paper
by Emma Carroll 03 May '18

03 May '18

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new manuscript on the population structure and demographic history of southern right whales in Heredity. The paper is available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-018-0077-y.pdf or you can contact the lead author for a pdf at carrollemz(a)gmail.com Title: Incorporating non-equilibrium dynamics into demographic history inferences of a migratory marine species Authors: E. L. Carroll, R. Alderman, J. L. Bannister, M. Bérubé, P. B. Best, L. Boren, C. S. Baker, R. Constantine, K. Findlay, R. Harcourt, L. Lemaire, P. J. Palsbøll, N. J. Patenaude, V. J. Rowntree, J. Seger, D. Steel, L. O. Valenzuela, M. Watson, & O. E. Gaggiotti Abstract: Understanding how dispersal and gene flow link geographically separated the populations over evolutionary history is challenging, particularly in migratory marine species. In southern right whales (SRWs, Eubalaena australis), patterns of genetic diversity are likely influenced by the glacial climate cycle and recent history of whaling. Here we use a dataset of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences (n=1327) and nuclear markers (17 microsatellite loci, n=222) from major wintering grounds to investigate circumpolar population structure, historical demography and effective population size. Analyses of nuclear genetic variation identify two population clusters that correspond to the South Atlantic and Indo-Pacific ocean basins that have similar effective breeder estimates. In contrast, all wintering grounds show significant differentiation for mtDNA, but no sex-biased dispersal was detected using the microsatellite genotypes. An approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach with microsatellite markers compared the scenarios with gene flow through time, or isolation and secondary contact between ocean basins, while modelling declines in abundance linked to whaling. Secondary-contact scenarios yield the highest posterior probabilities, implying that populations in different ocean basins were largely isolated and came into secondary contact within the last 25,000 years, but the role of whaling in changes in genetic diversity and gene flow over recent generations could not be resolved. We hypothesise that these findings are driven by factors that promote isolation, such as female philopatry, and factors that could promote dispersal, such as oceanographic changes. These findings highlight the application of ABC approaches to infer the connectivity in mobile species with complex population histories and, currently, low levels of differentiation. Emma Carroll PhD Member of the Young Academy of Scotland Outgoing Marie Curie Research Fellow Scottish Oceans Institute and Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews Incoming Rutherford Discovery Fellow School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland

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Dolphin Research Internship in Portugal
by AIMM Internships 02 May '18

02 May '18

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

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MMO/PAM Training Bangor University
by Stephanie Barnicoat 02 May '18

02 May '18

Dear Colleagues Seiche Training is holding a training course in Bangor (North Wales), at Bangor University which provides Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) 4-5 July and Passive Acoustic Monitor (PAM) 6-8 July certification. Both courses will include a boat trip to provide experience in locating and identifying protected species at sea, as well as practice in methods for distance estimation. This MMO training is approved by the Join Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) to provide Marine Mammal Observer certification for seismic surveys and is accepted in various other industries and regions where mitigation for marine mammals is needed. MMO/PAM operators monitor for marine mammals and sea turtles and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals worldwide. The MMO course looks at Noise in the ocean, the regulations for minimising risks to marine mammals during industrial activities, marine mammal identification and documenting animal behaviour, data collection and report writing. The PAM course includes an introduction into sound in water, looking at how sound propagates underwater, marine mammal vocalisation using PAMGuard, with practical sessions and hardware set up, installing and deploying the equipment on a vessel. Both courses are open to students, graduates and non-students. Students with a valid NUS is entitled to a student discount. For more information contact info(a)seichetraining.com<mailto:info@seichetraining.com> Seiche Ltd Stephanie Barnicoat Project Officer Seiche Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1409 404050 E: s.barnicoat(a)seiche.com W: www.seiche.com Registered in England & Wales No. 3475558, 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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Job Posting
by Rosalind Rolland 02 May '18

02 May '18

Dear Marmam Community, Below is a job posting that may be of interest. Career Opportunity: Senior Scientist and Program Lead, Marine Stress and Ocean Health Program We seek a dynamic and accomplished senior research scientist with a proven fundraising and publication record in the broad realm of conservation physiology/medicine to chair and lead the Marine Animal Stress and Ocean Health Program at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, which is the research and conservation arm of the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA. A taxonomic background/focus on marine mammals is desired, given past work in this program, but not required. A detailed job description and online application materials can be found at the links below: https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/773290.html https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/658572171/ Thank you, Rosalind M. Rolland DVM Senior Scientist Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 rrolland(a)neaq.org

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