June 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Paper announcement: Assessment of vessel disturbance to gray whales to inform sustainable ecotourism.
by Florence Sullivan 21 Jun '18

21 Jun '18

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of our paper in the Journal of Wildlife Management: Sullivan, F. A. and Torres, L. G. (2018), Assessment of vessel disturbance to gray whales to inform sustainable ecotourism. Jour. Wild. Mgmt., 82: 896-905. doi:10.1002/jwmg.21462 <https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.21462> The paper can be found online here: https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.21462, or we are happy to send you a pdf upon request. Abstract Ecotourism is a movement that seeks to sustain local communities by uniting conservation, travel, and education. To minimize effects on animal behavior, ecotourism operations must be carefully managed. Local management efforts that can be tailored to the specific area and animals may be more successful than broad‐scale efforts that may be unknown to users of the environment, or inappropriate for the species. A profitable and growing whale‐watch industry exists in Oregon, USA, but prior to this project, no state guidelines existed to protect animals and maintain sustainability of the industry. This project integrated research and outreach regarding gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) behavioral response to vessels, and translated results into community‐developed vessel operation guidelines. We tracked whales and vessels in summer 2015 using non‐invasive, shore‐based theodolite and photo identification techniques. We monitored 2 sites along the Oregon coast with differing levels of vessel traffic for 4 weeks each. We analyzed tracks of whales using Markov chains to assess behavior state changes relative to location, individual, vessel presence, vessel type, and distance between whale and vessel. We documented significant differences in gray whale activity budgets between control and impact conditions, and between study sites. We did not observe significant differences in individual responses to vessel disturbance. Researchers and stakeholders collaboratively applied these results to create scientifically informed vessel operation guidelines that aim to balance the economic and educational gains of a whale‐watch industry with adequate protection of the exploited whale population to enhance sustainability. Fair winds, Florence Sullivan, MSc Sullivan.Florence.a(a)gmail.com Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute

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NOAA Fisheries Seeks Public Review/Comment on Proposed Incidental Take Regulations for Gulf of Mexico
by Benjamin Laws - NOAA Federal 21 Jun '18

21 Jun '18

Today, NOAA Fisheries released for public review and comment proposed Incidental Take Regulations pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), related to geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Fisheries is taking action in response to an October 2016 petition from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), to promulgate regulations governing the authorization of take of marine mammals incidental to oil and gas industry geophysical surveys conducted in support of hydrocarbon exploration and development on the outer continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico from approximately 2018 through 2023. NOAA Fisheries proposes to issue regulations including appropriate mitigation and monitoring measures to reduce impacts to marine mammals. The proposed regulations are based on extensive reviews of scientific literature on the effects of noise on marine mammals and their habitat as well as public comment received on BOEM’s petition. BOEM has responsibility for permitting these surveys and is the agency charged with making decisions about energy development in waters of the outer continental shelf. Under the MMPA, NOAA Fisheries is charged with the conservation and protection of marine mammals, including the appropriate authorization of otherwise prohibited incidental take of marine mammals. We are accepting public comment on the proposed regulations until 08-21-2018. You can find the proposed regulations, supporting documentation, and links to provide public comment here ( https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-oil-and… ).

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium Rescue/Stranding Internship
by Kerry Sanchez 21 Jun '18

21 Jun '18

Clearwater Marine Aquarium seeks interns for the Fall 2018 internship position. Orientation will be held August 6th and the program will run through January 13th, 2019. Interested applicants should review the position description below. Questions can be sent to Kerry Sanchez, Senior Rescue Biologist at Ksanchez(a)cmaquarium.org<mailto:Ksanchez@cmaquarium.org>. Well-qualified candidates can apply: https://www.seewinter.com/about/internships/internship-application/ Rescue Intern Position Description POSITION TITLE: Rescue Team Intern REPORTS TO: Senior Rescue Biologist, Rescue Staff PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Be comfortable around water and in extreme weather conditions (hot, humid, rain). Have the ability to lift 60 lbs, kneel, bend, and stand for periods in excess of one hour, walk, and reach. Have the ability to pass the Stranding Team swim test. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: Support the mission of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the work of the Stranding Department through attending, teaching, and developing department trainings as assigned, representing the aquarium at outreach events, and promoting stewardship of the marine environment. Interns will assist with day-to-day department functions including equipment management, monitoring the emergency Stranding Response Hotline, responding to distressed and injured marine life, and data entry. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Provide exceptional guest and public interaction during all stranding-related responses and in-house events. * Assist in public outreach to promote conservation within the community. * Communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and through written communication. * Attend, teach, and develop department training sessions as assigned. * Educate the public about marine conservation issues primarily related to the mission of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's target species (cetaceans, sea turtles, and North American river otters). * Participate in operations required for 100% stranding response preparedness including equipment management, supply inventory, data management. * Participate in the daily operations of the Stranding Department including, but not limited to, completion of checklists, conducting public stranding demonstrations, and guest programs. * Assist monitoring the 24-hour CMA Emergency Stranding Hotline. * Aid in the rapid response to stranded animal events and provide support rescue efforts. * Recover carcasses, complete documentation, and sanitation of equipment. * Maintain a flexible schedule with availability during days, nights, weekends, and holidays. * Conduct behavioral observations on resident animals in conjunction with the Animal Care Departments. * Conduct diet preparation and habitat maintenance of resident animals in conjunction with the Animal Care Departments. QUALIFICATIONS: * Possess comprehensive knowledge of stranding policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and day-to-day functions. * Complete required online training as assigned. * Complete certification for all stranding response-training modules. * Maintain full-time commitment to stranding department each week. * Pass the Stranding Team swim test. * Demonstrate ability to educate the public about marine conservation issues primarily related to the mission of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's target species (cetaceans, sea turtles, and North American river otters). * Demonstrate ability to operate stranding vehicles under the direction of department staff. * Maintain a valid driver's license. Kerry Sánchez Senior Rescue Biologist /Education Specialist Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, FL 33767 727-441-1790 www.SeeWinter.com<http://www.seewinter.com/> [cid:3CC8C79C-80D8-41B4-846D-9591EEFEB493]

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Survey request: Areas of Concern for Whale and Dolphin Watching
by Dylan Walker 21 Jun '18

21 Jun '18

Dear Marmamers, In the lead up to the publication of WCAs new Global Guidelines for Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watching, the World Cetacean Alliance is asking scientists, NGOs, tourism representatives and other stakeholders to identify ‘Areas of Concern for Whale and Dolphin Watching’ through a simple online survey. This short survey requests respondents to: 1. Identify up to three areas/sites/locations; 2. Highlight the key threats; 3. Identify potential solutions. Information provided will be treated anonymously, with collective survey results provided to all participants. The WCA intends to use the information provided to highlight priority areas where advice, funding, and the sharing of best practice will benefit both cetaceans and local communities. Please complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/whalewatch The survey will close on 15 July 2018. The World Cetacean Alliance works to ensure that tourism is a force for good, benefitting wild whales and dolphins and their habitats through sustainable practices. Cetacean tourism in all its forms, when poorly managed, has been shown to negatively impact cetaceans, compromising welfare, and potentially even causing declines in populations, with likely implications for the health of associated ecosystems. Best practice operation must therefore be a priority for both operators and destinations looking to achieve long-term sustainable ecotourism with associated benefits for local communities and marine conservation. For further information please contact dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org *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> [image: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/] <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/> 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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Vacancies for MMOs & PAM operators resident in Guyana or neighbouring countries
by Recruitment 21 Jun '18

21 Jun '18

Dear MMOs and PAM Operators, OSC requires MMOs and PAMOs who are resident in Guyana for a project with an estimated duration of 2-3 months. Applicants from neighbouring countries can also be considered, but it would be preferable to avoid any requirement to arrange work visas. Opportunities for MMOs and PAMOs in other geographical locations arise periodically, so general applications are always welcome, but residents in Guyana should indicate this at the beginning of email responses, as these applications will be prioritised. If you are interested and available, and not already on OSC's database, please provide 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. Please use relevant software programmes to minimise any scanned file sizes so that they remain clearly legible, yet require minimal file storage to simplify sharing by email. When submitting your personal details, please confirm whether OSC is permitted to store these files on record and any caveats - personal details would not be shared with any third party without an applicant's consent. Please apply by email only to recruitment(a)osc.co.uk; recruitment enquiries to other OSC email addresses will not be considered. Please feel free to circulate this email amongst colleagues seeking contract (freelance) employment. Thanks and 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

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New Publication: Validation of a blubber-based endocrine pregnancy test for humpback whales
by Logan Pallin 20 Jun '18

20 Jun '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in the Journal of Conservation Physiology *Pallin L*, Robbins J, Kellar N, Bérubé M, Friedlaender A (2018) Validation of a blubber-based endocrine pregnancy test for humpback whales. *Conserv Physiol* 6(1): coy031; https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coy031 The article is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coy031 Abstract: Baleen whales have few identifiable external indicators of pregnancy state, making it challenging to study essential aspects of their biology and population dynamics. Pregnancy status in other marine mammals has been determined by measuring progesterone concentrations from a variety of sample matrices, but logistical constraints have limited such studies in free-swimming baleen whales. We use an extensive blubber sample archive and associated calving history data to retrospectively identify samples that correspond to pregnant females and develop a progesterone-based pregnancy test for humpback whales. The lowest pregnant blubber progesterone concentration was 54.97 ng g−1, and the mean for the known-pregnant group was 198.74 ± 180.65 ng g−1. Conversely, females known to be below the minimum age of sexual maturity (juvenile females) had an overall low mean progesterone concentration (0.59 ± 0.25 ng g−1), well below the known-pregnant range. Of the mature females that did not return with a calf (*n* = 11), three fell within the known-pregnant range (320.79 ± 209.34 ng g −1), while the levels for the remaining eight were two orders of magnitude below the lowest known-pregnant level (1.63 ± 1.15 ng g−1). The proportion of females that did not return with a calf but had values similar to known-pregnant females are consistent with rates of calf mortality, but other potential explanations were considered. Our findings support a validated blubber endocrine assignment of pregnancy corroborated with field life history information, a first for any baleen whale species. The progesterone values we measured were similar to those found in different pregnancy states of other cetaceans and support using blubber biopsy samples for assigning pregnancy in humpback whales. This method can be applied to existing archives or new samples to better study life history and population demography broadly across species and populations. cheers, Logan Pallin *Logan J. Pallin *| PhD Student NSF Graduate Research Fellow Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California, Santa Cruz Bio-Telemetry & Behavioral Ecology Lab <https://btbel.pbsci.ucsc.edu/> lpallin(a)ucsc.edu | (218) 591-0615

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2018 Revised Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing
by Amy SCHOLIK - NOAA Federal 20 Jun '18

20 Jun '18

NOAA Fisheries, per approval of the Secretary of Commerce, is releasing the 2018 Revision to: Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing – Underwater Thresholds for Onset of Permanent and Temporary Threshold Shifts (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59) in relation to section 10 of the Presidential Executive Order (EO) 13795, “Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy.” The Notice of Availability for the 2018 Revision to: Technical Guidance is available here – (https://www.federalregister.g ov/documents/2018/06/21/2018-13313/guidance-2018-revision-to -technical-guidance-for-assessing-effects-of-anthropogenic-sound-on-marine) and will publish on Thursday, June 21. . The Technical Guidance is a science-based document that compiles, interprets, and synthesizes scientific literature to produce updated acoustic thresholds for assessing the effects of underwater sound on marine mammal hearing. It is intended for use by NOAA Fisheries’ managers and other relevant user groups/stakeholders, when seeking to determine whether and how their activities are expected to result in hearing impacts to marine mammals via acoustic exposure. The Technical Guidance does not represent the entirety of NOAA Fisheries’ comprehensive effects analysis but rather serves as one tool to help evaluate a proposed action. We recommend its use but note that user groups/stakeholders are not required to use the Technical Guidance; other scientifically rigorous methods are acceptable. We completed a 45-day public comment period and hosted a Federal Agencies’ forum to gather feedback to inform our revision of the Technical Guidance under section 10 of E.O. 13795. The comments received during the Technical Guidance review affirmed that the Guidance is based on the best available science while also providing suggestions to improve its implementation. No commenter or federal agency suggested rescinding the document. The acoustic thresholds for onset of permanent threshold shift (PTS) and temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in marine mammal hearing for all sound sources in the 2018 Revision (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59) will remain the same as the 2016 Technical Guidance. Nevertheless, this 2018 revision of the Technical Guidance (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59) addresses implementation and facilitates its use applicants, thereby further advancing the policy in section 2 of E.O. 13795. To accompany the revised Technical Guidance (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59), NOAA Fisheries is issuing an updated User Spreadsheet tool with additional capabilities for applicants and a new companion User Manual for the Spreadsheet tool that provides detailed instructions, definitions, and appropriate defaults to use when data are unavailable. The 2018 Revision to the Technical Guidance (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59), as well as the updated User Spreadsheet tool and the new companion User Manual will be available in electronic form via the Internet at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-pro tection/marine-mammal-acoustic-technical-guidance. We will continue to improve this Technical Guidance using the best available science and refine the User Manual based on your input. NOAA Fisheries plans to submit the User Manual for the Spreadsheet tool for public comment (anticipated later in 2018) to gain your input and inform future versions of the User Manual. Additionally, NOAA Fisheries will re-evaluate implementation of the 24-h accumulation period in the Technical Guidance by convening a working group to investigate means for deriving more realistic accumulation periods (anticipated later in 2018). NOAA Fisheries will also convene a working group (anticipated later in 2018) to explore the impacts of sound on baleen whale hearing and incorporate recommendations from this working group in future updates to the Technical Guidance. Thank you for your interest in the Technical Guidance. For more information, please contact Amy Scholik-Schlomer (amy.scholik(a)noaa.gov or 301 427-8449). *Amy R. Scholik-Schlomer, Ph.D.* Fishery Biologist (Protected Resources Acoustic Coordinator) NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division 1315 East-West Hwy. SSMC3, Rm. 13605 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 427-8449 Email: *Amy.Scholik(a)noaa.gov <Amy.Scholik(a)noaa.gov>http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/ <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/>*

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Responsible Whale Watch Guides Courses Aug/Sep
by Dylan Walker 20 Jun '18

20 Jun '18

Dear Marmamers, The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is running 5-day intensive training courses to become a certified WCA Responsible Whale Watching Guide or Marine Educator. Certified guides enjoy links to volunteer guiding opportunities with WCA Partners worldwide. The dates are outlined below. *Dates:* Monday 13th August to Friday 17th August 2018 (Whale Watch Guide Course) Monday 10th September to Friday 14th September (Marine Educators Course) *Location:* WCA Headquarters, Brighton, UK *WCA’s Responsible Whale Watching Guide Course* Course modules will include: * Cetacean research onboard whale watching platforms (including citizen science initiatives) * Science interpretation and conservation messaging * Communication and presentation skills training * Responsible whale watching standards - understanding boat operators and destinations Includes: * WCA Responsible Whale Watcher course and certification * Lectures and training from seasoned professionals * Educational Activities * Guide training * Practical activities * Final presentation/assessment After successful completion of the course, participants will be placed on a database of qualified guides from where WCA Partners and affiliates will be able to select suitable candidates for internship and guiding opportunities. Any successful placement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the WCA Partner or affiliate. *WCA’s Marine Educators Course* Course modules will include: *Responsible marine life watching standards *Communication and presentation skills *Citizen science initiatives *Communication and presentation skills training *Science interpretation and conservation messaging. Includes: *WCA Marine Educators course and certification *Lectures and training from seasoned professionals *Practical assessments and activities *Reserve your place* For more info go to: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/capacity-building/training-courses/ * Limited places available, so early application is strongly encouraged. Regards, *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> [image: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/] <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/> 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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New publications on odontocete hearing and soundscapes
by Aran Mooney 20 Jun '18

20 Jun '18

New publications on odontocete hearing and soundscapes We are pleased to announce two new publications on hearing in wild belugas, variation within a population, and a comparison to natural noise in their soundscapes. Abstracts and information on accessing the articles can be found below. Mooney, T.A., Castellote, M., Quakenbush, L., Hobbs, R., Gaglione, E. and Goertz, C., 2018. Variation in hearing within a wild population of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). Journal of Experimental Biology, 221(9), p.jeb171959. doi: 10.1242/jeb.171959. The article can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.171959 or by contacting Aran Mooney at amooney(a)whoi.edu Abstract: Documenting hearing abilities is vital to understanding a species’ acoustic ecology and for predicting the impacts of increasing anthropogenic noise. Cetaceans use sound for essential biological functions such as foraging, navigation and communication; hearing is considered to be their primary sensory modality. Yet, we know little regarding the hearing of most, if not all, cetacean populations, which limits our understanding of their sensory ecology, population level variability and the potential impacts of increasing anthropogenic noise. We obtained audiograms (5.6–150 kHz) of 26 wild beluga whales to measure hearing thresholds during capture–release events in Bristol Bay, AK, USA, using auditory evoked potential methods. The goal was to establish the baseline population audiogram, incidences of hearing loss and general variability in wild beluga whales. In general, belugas showed sensitive hearing with low thresholds (<80 dB) from 16 to 100 kHz, and most individuals (76%) responded to at least 120 kHz. Despite belugas often showing sensitive hearing, thresholds were usually above or approached the low ambient noise levels measured in the area, suggesting that a quiet environment may be associated with hearing sensitivity and that hearing thresholds in the most sensitive animals may have been masked. Although this is just one wild population, the success of the method suggests that it should be applied to other populations and species to better assess potential differences. Bristol Bay beluga audiograms showed substantial (30–70 dB) variation among individuals; this variation increased at higher frequencies. Differences among individual belugas reflect that testing multiple individuals of a population is necessary to best describe maximum sensitivity and population variance. The results of this study quadruple the number of individual beluga whales for which audiograms have been conducted and provide the first auditory data for a population of healthy wild odontocetes. T. Aran Mooney, Manuel Castellote, Ian T. Jones, Lori Quakenbush, Roderick Hobbs, Eric Gaglione, Caroline Goertz. 2018. Local acoustic habitat relative to hearing sensitivities in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). Journal of Ecoacoustics. 2, doi.org/10.22261/JEA.QZD9Z5. This is a free-open access article. Download it here: https://doi.org/10.22261/JEA.QZD9Z5 and feel free to contact Aran Mooney with any questions at: amooney(a)whoi.edu Abstract: Background noise can have a substantial effect on communication signals, however far less is known about how natural soundscapes may influence hearing sensitivity. Here we compare the audiograms of 26 wild beluga whales measured in their natural environment to a series of ecoacoustic measurements within a primary portion of their Bristol Bay summer habitat, the Nushagak Estuary in Bristol Bay, AK, USA. Environmental acoustic measurements were made during 2012 and 2016 using two different methods: a moored recorder and drifter buoys. Environmental noise curves varied substantially. Drifter recordings from the middle of Nushgak Estuary had the highest spectrum levels during ebb tides with acoustic energy from sediment transport extending well into higher frequencies (ca. 60 kHz), likely due to rapidly moving tidal flow and shifting sediment in that location. Drifter recordings near the estuary mouth and shallow tidal flats were lower amplitude. Noise levels generally varied during drifts (in one case up to ca. 6 dB) reflecting acoustic cues available to the local belugas. The moored recorder showed a substantially different spectral profile, especially at lower frequencies, perhaps due to its attachment to a pier piling and subsequent pier noise. Hearing sensitivity varied by individual and thresholds often fell above 1/3 octave-band noise levels, but not overall noise spectral density. Audiograms of the most sensitive animals closely paralleled the lowest ambient noise power spectral density curves, suggesting that an animal’s auditory dynamic range may extend to include its habitat’s quietest conditions. These data suggest a cautious approach is necessary when estimating the sound-sensitivity of odontocetes found in quiet environments as they may have sensitive auditory abilities that allow for hearing within the lowest noise-level conditions. Further, lower level ambient noise conditions could provide a conservative estimate of the maximal sensitivity of some cetacean populations within specific environments. -- ------------- BioAcoustics and Sensory Ecology (BASE) Lab Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution www.whoi.edu/sites/amoooney sensoryecology.blogspot.com

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BRIGHTON DOLPHIN PROJECT – Volunteer Project and Research Lead
by Dylan Walker 20 Jun '18

20 Jun '18

Dear Marmamers, An initiative of the World Cetacean Alliance, the Brighton Dolphin Project Discovery Centre, (United Kingdom), was launched on 26th May 2018. We require a dedicated volunteer able to work full time for 12 weeks beginning Monday 9th July 2018 to manage the centre and grow the citizen science research programme over the summer period. The person in this role will report directly to the CEO, work closely with colleagues at WCA HQ, and will manage a team of volunteers and volunteer assistants. The goals of the Brighton Dolphin Project are to: 1) Further our understanding of cetaceans off the coast of Brighton/Sussex through photo-identification and the collection of anecdotal sightings by growing a citizen science research programme. 2) Improve awareness of the importance of local marine ecosystems and species through educational experiences and outreach. 3) Link with local stakeholders to encourage sustainable practices in local communities such as low carbon usage, reductions in plastic use and ghost fishing gear, and responsible tourism. *Responsibilities* *Community Engagement* · Build relationships, engage community, and represent the Brighton Dolphin Project and our partners, colleagues and supporters. · Link with local boat users to discuss possibilities of carrying out boat surveys and placing marine educators on existing tours. *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. · Expand on the framework for developing a long-term dataset using standardised methodology. · Work with experts to analyse data and disseminate all findings through displays and activities at the Visitor Centre, on social media, through the press and publications when possible. · Expand on photo ID catalogue of Brighton dolphins using dorsal fins for identifcation. *Management* · Guide the project in the achievement of its goals. · Manage the Brighton Dolphin Project budget in coordination with the Office Manager. · Liaise with WCA staff to ensure coordinated planning, collaborative work efforts, integrated programming and shared success. · Lead, supervise and support the dynamic development of the Discovery Centre, working with a dedicated team of volunteers. *Communication* · Lead and coordinate communication among Brighton Dolphin Project volunteers. · Foster and develop community engagement and awareness in Brighton and along the Sussex coast. · Collaborate with local media to promote communication of research and conservation messaging. · Represent the Brighton Dolphin Project to the press, local businesses, donors, staff, volunteers, and the public. *Funding Development* · Partner with colleagues to support and lead efforts to raise funds through donor cultivation, donor events, retail sales, public and corporate funding opportunities. *Knowledge* · Experience and knowledge of cetaceans and marine conservation issues. · Track record in handling data and building on existing data sets. · Experience in creating methodologies for new data sets. · Very strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to advance the mission of the Brighton Dolphin Project. · Highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong ability to prioritize and deliver against responsibilities and duties. · Strong management experience. · Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team through shared mission and goals. · 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. *Qualifications* · Degree or higher qualification in environmental / biological / educational subject. Applicants still studying will be considered. · Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to supervise and motivate volunteers and team members. · A proven track record of communicating with different audiences and age groups. *Background* The status of cetaceans off the Sussex Coast remains poorly understood. Sightings are irregular and often go unreported, and there is no information on site fidelity or population parameters for key species, including bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) or harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Local communities would benefit from increased understanding of marine megafauna present in the area, as a way to encourage further pride and care for marine conservation. Please send applications to Dylan Walker with the title 'BDP Lead' to: dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org no later than Friday 29 June. Regards, *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> [image: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/] <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/get-involved/become-a-partner/> 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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