July 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on Burmeister's porpoise habitat, monitored from small-scale fisheries
by Clay, Thomas 03 Jul '18

03 Jul '18

Greetings all, We are pleased to share with you our new paper: Clay, T.A., J. C. Mangel, J. Alfaro-Shigueto, D.J. Hodgson & B. J. Godley (2018). "Distribution and Habitat Use of a Cryptic Small Cetacean, the Burmeister’s Porpoise, Monitored From a Small-Scale Fishery Platform." Frontiers in Marine Science 5: 220. Abstract: There is widespread evidence that small-scale fisheries (SSF) bycatch threatens many populations of small cetaceans, yet conservation efforts are often limited by a lack of basic knowledge regarding their abundance, distribution, and habitat use. Here, we used passive acoustic monitoring from an SSF platform-of-opportunity to better characterize the distribution and habitat use of small cetaceans in northern Peru, focussing on the little-known Burmeister’s porpoise Phocoena spinipinnis. From 2009 to 2012, acoustic click detectors (C-PODs) were attached to fishing nets for the duration of 116 fishing sets (30 fishing trips). Dolphins (unspecified delphinids) and porpoises were recorded around 71 and 22% of fishing sets, respectively. The probability of occurrence and buzzing behavior (a proxy for foraging), and time spent, were linked to both static and dynamic environmental variables to examine the drivers of habitat use. Dolphin activity was spread evenly throughout the fishing area and was not linked to any habitat variables. In contrast, porpoises were detected in neritic waters, and habitat models performed well, identifying preferences for shallow (<200 m depth) and cooler (17–18◦C) waters, close (<50 km) to shore. The high bycatch rate of small cetaceans in Peruvian SSF gave us the unique opportunity to investigate the link between bycatch and cetacean activity around vessels. We found a positive relationship between the likelihood of a bycatch event and acoustic presence for both dolphins and porpoises, however as we did not know the timing of entanglement, we could not link vocalization rates to mortality events. Nonetheless, as small cetaceans (particularly dolphins) frequently encounter fishing boats, the likelihood of entanglements may be reduced through effective efforts to alert animals to the presence of the net, either acoustically (using acoustic alarms) or visually. This study demonstrates that passive acoustic monitoring from a fisheries platform can provide insights into the distribution and habitat use of small cetaceans at relatively low cost, and is likely to be suitable in regions with low monitoring effort and high fishing pressure The paper is freely available here - https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00220 This work is part of an ongoing collaboration between ProDelphinus and University of Exeter. Kind regards, Tommy Clay Postdoctoral Research Associate School of Environmental Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 3GP, UK Join us this September in Liverpool for the 14th International Seabird Group Conference<https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/international-seabird-group-conference/> www.segul.org.uk

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job opportunities offshore Massachusetts
by Teresa Bohuszewicz 03 Jul '18

03 Jul '18

There is a need for visual PSOs for an upcoming project offshore Massachusetts beginning mid-July. 30-day commitment is preferred. Must be US citizens or legally allowed to work in US waters. Offshore safety certified (BOSIET or STCW or similar offshore safety training) and offshore medical certificate. Please, contact Anne Laird at alaird(a)marineventures.com<mailto:alaird@marineventures.com> for more information and to submit resumes. Teresa Bohuszewicz | MMO/PSO Services Mgr Marine Ventures International, Inc. 8524 SW Kansas Avenue Stuart, FL USA 34997 +1 772-419-9627 Main Office +1 772 419-9634 Direct +1 321-537-3291 old number +1 772-419-9628 Fax www.marineventures.com<http://www.marineventures.com/> [marine-ventures-logo-v14b-font-5]

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New publication: Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in three common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus); A first description from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
by Danny Morick 03 Jul '18

03 Jul '18

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent publication in Veterinary Parasitology: Detection of *Toxoplasma* *gondii* in three common bottlenose dolphins ( *Tursiops* *truncatus*); A first description from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Eyal Bigal, Danny Morick, Aviad P.Scheinin, , Harold Salant, Asaf Berkowitz, Roni King, Yaniv Levy, Mar Melero, José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno, Oz Goffman, Nir Hadar, Mia Roditi-Elasar and Dan Tchernov Abstract *Toxoplasma gondii* has been described in several marine mammals around the world including numerous species of cetaceans, yet infection and transmission mechanisms in the marine environment are not clearly defined. The Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center has been collating a database of all marine mammal stranding events along the country’s national coastlines since 1993. In this study, we describe the molecular detection and characterisation of *T*. *gondii* in three common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops* *truncatus*) including one case of coinfection with herpesvirus. The animals were found stranded on the Mediterranean coast of Israel in May and November 2013. In one of the three cases, the dolphin was found alive and admitted to intensive care. To our knowledge, this is the first report of *T*. *gondii* infection of marine mammals in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. As this parasite acts as an indicator for marine pollution and marine mammal health, we believe these findings add important information regarding the state of the environment in this region. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304401718302279 Best wishes, Danny Morick

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Internship Opportunity - DEADLINE APPROACHING - Hawaii Marine Animal Response
by Jon Gelman 02 Jul '18

02 Jul '18

JOIN OUR FIELD RESPONSE TEAM on the beautiful island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. We are accepting applications for interns for our Fall 2018 internship period. The deadline is July 31, 2018. Here is more detail about this opportunity. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is the field operations arm of Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance Inc. and is Hawaii’s largest non-profit marine species conservation and response organization. We cover approximately 300 miles of coastline on the islands of Oahu and Molokai with our team of volunteers, interns and staff. We are a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation and stewardship of Hawaii’s protected marine species. We focus our work on marine species whose natural behaviors and habitat put animals in close proximity to humans and are therefore most adversely affected by human activity. These species include the Hawaiian monk seal, the Green sea turtle, the Hawksbill sea turtle, the Spinner dolphin and the Humpback whale. HMAR is supported by private donations, corporate funding and government grants and operates under partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). More information about HMAR is available at http://h-mar.org. FIELD RESPONSE TEAM (FRT) INTERN DUTIES: - Surveying for, or responding to sightings of, endangered or threatened marine species such as Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles to provide shoreline response to haul-outs and strandings. - Perform land-based field response to reports of marine mammal haul-out or stranding activity. - Perform land-based and in-water marine turtle stranding and field intervention. - Report on animal behavior, provide basic animal assessment information, provide photo-documentation and other important data used in protected marine species research, health management and species recovery efforts. - Perform outreach to the public to teach sustainable human interaction and fishery behaviors and encourage stewardship of Hawaii’s protected marine species. - Response team duties may also include escalated or emergency field response and assisting with protected marine species intervention activity and stranding support. - Participate in dispatch and reporting activity such as the taking and documenting phone call reports of marine species activity, coordinating field response activity, data entry and generating reports. LOCATION: These positions require on-island travel throughout the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. FIELD RESPONSE TEAM (FRT) INTERN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: - This is an un-paid internship opportunity that requires the intern to live on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii for the period beginning 2 weeks prior to the start of the internship until the end of the internship. The intern is responsible for all lodging, living and transportation costs associated with the internship. - U.S. citizenship or possession of passport and all applicable visas and work permits needed prior to and during the internship period. - 18 or more years of age. - English language fluency. - Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related field. - Minimum grade point average (GPA). For college/university graduates, a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students, a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship. - College credit: If college credit for this internship is desired it is the intern’s responsibility to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university. - Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and sometimes unstable shoreline conditions for 2 miles. - Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 75 pounds for 100 feet in shoreline beach and rocky conditions. - Ability to swim required. - Experience with small boat operations and open ocean in-water environments (desired but not required). - Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions. - Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude. - Acceptance of our Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications. - Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required. - Possess an interest and a desire to engage with the public. - Must have access to a reliable car or truck (truck preferred) during the internship period. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient. - Possession of a valid driver’s license. - Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels. - Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and camera. - Access to binoculars with at least a 10X magnification level, OR access to a digital camera (not a smartphone) with at least a 35X zoom lens and Wi-Fi capability. One of these two items is required. - Pass a background check. FIELD RESPONSE TEAM (FRT) INTERNSHIP ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS: - Internship term: Minimum of 3 months (may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement) - Hours per week: 20 hours minimum however due to the unpredictable nature of marine animal response, the intern may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. Travel time to and from training locations, field survey locations or response locations is not included in these minimum hours. The intern must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. - The intern is expected to be available for response anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. FIELD RESPONSE TEAM (FRT) INTERNSHIP PERIOD AND APPLICATION DEADLINE: The 3-month September 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 internship period deadline is approaching. The application deadline is July 31, 2018. Some flexibility on the internship start date and end date may be available depending on the situation. If you are interested in applying for an internship in 2019, you may still apply (see below). APPLICATION PROCESS: Please go to http://h-mar.org/apply and complete the online application. IN ADDITION to completion of the online application, please submit the following information via email to laura.marin.samper(a)h-mar.org. (1) A cover letter of interest, maximum of 1 page, including your availability. (2) Confirmation that you have, or will have, access to a reliable car or truck during the internship period (truck preferred) (3) A resume describing your training, experience, relevant skills and GPA (maximum of 2 pages). (4) Names and contact information for three references. Your application cannot be considered unless both the online application and the required documents listed above are received. We look forward to receiving your application. Jon D. Gelman Hawaii Marine Animal Response / Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance jon.gelman(a)h-mar.org Direct: (808) 626-5295 Web: http://h-mar.org

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New paper: Risso's dolphin population structure in the North Hemisphere
by Inge Chen 02 Jul '18

02 Jul '18

Dear colleagues, On behave of my colleagues I am pleased to announce our new paper on the population genetic structure for Risso’s dolphins has just been published: Chen I, Nishida S, Chou L‐S, Tajima Y, Yang W‐C, Isobe T, Yamada T K, Hartman K, & Hoelzel A. R. (2018) Concordance between genetic diversity and marine biogeography in a highly mobile marine mammal, the Risso's dolphin. Journal of Biogeography (early view) https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13360 <https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13360> *Abstract* (Aim) The heterogeneity of the marine environment is thought to be the origin of marine biodiversity, often delineated in marine biogeographical provinces. Cetaceans are highly mobile aquatic mammals, but even those species inhabiting seemingly boundary‐free open waters are found to exhibit degrees of population structure, often attributed to ecological and behavioural factors such as resource specialization and site fidelity. Our aim in this study is to test the hypothesis that a cosmopolitan, resource‐specialist dolphin species, the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) will show an association between genetic diversity and biogeographical provinces. (Location) North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. (Methods) We examined genetic variation at 19 microsatellite loci among 236 samples collected from a range of locations in the North Pacific Ocean, and for a 473 bp mitochondrial DNA control region sequence in 213 samples from the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans to assess genetic diversity, population structure and historic population dynamics. (Results) We found differentiation in the North Pacific primarily among three populations corresponding to the marine biogeographical provinces of the Kuroshio‐Oyashio Current (Sino‐Japanese), California Current (California), and Eastern Tropical Pacific. Analyses using mitochondrial DNA data further reveal that these three populations are genetically different from the populations in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, without strong lineage sorting, and that the western North Pacific population experienced a period of population expansion while the Eastern Tropical Pacific population remained stable. (Main conclusions) We find evidence for biogeographical endemism in a highly mobile marine mammal species that nevertheless shows evidence for long‐range dispersion within and to a lesser extent among biogeographical provinces. We conclude that distinct ecological processes promote differentiation, even though this species forages on narrow range of prey species. Please contact the corresponding author (Rus Hoelzel) or myself (chen.inge /at/ gmail.com) for a private pdf copy of this paper. Regards, Ing Chen **** Ing Chen, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow Division of Science, Yale-NUS College National University of Singapore 16 College Avenue West, 138527, Singapore chen.inge /at/ gmail.com

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International Save the Vaquita Day
by Thomas Jefferson 02 Jul '18

02 Jul '18

Dear MARMAMers, This Saturday, July7th, is International Save the Vaquita Day!! This is an annual event similar toEarth Day, but with a specific focus on raising awareness and appreciation ofthe world’s most endangered marine mammal, the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Events around the globe direct the attentionof people to the plight of this tiny porpoise species, and what needs to bedone to save it from extinction. There are booths, games, music, freeprizes, educational brochures, inspirational talks, face painting, and severallife-size models of vaquitas on hand to draw attention to and appreciation ofthe vaquita, Mexico’s “Panda of the Sea”. The primary goal isto make as many people as possible aware of the vaquita and its plight, andspur them to act. The species is nearly extinct, with <30 individualsleft, and is declining at about 50% per year! We will have a simplemessage for folks about what they can do to help. Secondary goals are togather signatures for our petitions to the Mexican government, and supportother vaquita conservation efforts. The event is designed to be fun, aswell as educational, and kid-friendly! Go to our website for more more informationand a complete list of locations: http://www.vivavaquita.org/international-save-the-vaquita-day-2018.html We hope you will joinus on this Saturday! VIVA Vaquita Tom Jefferson <sclymene(a)aol.com>

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New publication: A machine-learning approach to assign species to ‘unidentified’ entangled whales.
by Jim Carretta - NOAA Federal 02 Jul '18

02 Jul '18

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to share a new publication from Endangered Species Research: Carretta, J.V. 2018. A machine-learning approach to assign species to ‘unidentified’ entangled whales. Abstract ABSTRACT: Whale entanglements in US west coast fishing gear are largely represented by opportunistic sightings, and some reports lack species identifications due to rough seas, distance from whales, or a lack of cetacean identification expertise. Unidentified entanglements are often ignored in species risk assessments and thus, entanglement risk is underestimated. To address this negative bias, a species identification model was built from random forest (RF) classification trees using 199 identified entanglements (‘model data’). Humpback Megaptera novaeangliae and gray whales Eschrichtius robustus represented 92% of identified entanglements; the remaining 8% were minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata, fin whales B. physalus, blue whales B. musculus, and sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus. Predictor variables included year, gear type, location, season, sea surface temperature, water depth, and a multivariate El Niño index. Cross validated species classifications were correct in 78% (155/199) of cases, significantly higher (p < 0.001, permutation test) than the 49% correct classification rate expected by chance. The RF model correctly classified 91% of humpback whale cases, 64% of gray whale cases, and 100% of sperm whale cases, but misclassified all minke, blue, and fin whale cases. The cross-validated RF classification-tree species model was used to classify 35 entanglements without species identifications (‘novel data’) and each case was assigned a probability of belonging to each of 6 model data species. This approach eliminates the negative bias associated with ignoring unidentified entanglements in species risk assessments. Applications to other wildlife studies where some detections are unidentified include fisheries bycatch, line-transect surveys, and large-whale vessel strikes. The article is open-access and a direct link to the article is here: https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2018/36/n036p089.pdf Sincerely, Jim Carretta jim.carretta(a)noaa.gov

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Fall Internship - Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Program
by Sarah R. Mccormack 02 Jul '18

02 Jul '18

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Fall 2018. The application deadline is July 15, 2018. Internship duration is September 10, 2018 – December 28, 2018. Please note that all positions are non-compensatory and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. Position Overview Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Once accepted, interns will be assigned to a focus area of either necropsy or rehabilitation. Interns will be cross-trained in all aspects of stranding response, however, daily tasks will be assigned to interns according to focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by internship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Duties * Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field. * Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass removal, and cleaning. * Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies. * Assist staff with new admits and daily treatments of patients. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care. * Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear. * Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings. * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork. * Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff. Qualifications * Must be at least 18 years old. * Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or have recently graduated (within last two years). * Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and wind. * Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team. * Should be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals. * Should be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans (preferred). Willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required). * Background in biology and familiarity with stranding response (preferred). * Experience with DSLR cameras and Microsoft Access (preferred). Position Requirements * Attend VAQS training on September 10 and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving on September 13. * Possess a valid driver’s license. Internship Learning Objectives Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills: * Perform post-mortem examinations on sea turtle and marine mammals. * Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including vitals collection, wound treatment, administering medications, and blood processing. * Complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Level A forms. * Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access. Intern Schedule Intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Minimum Commitment Required 24 hours per week for the duration of the internship. Intern Supervisor/Mentor VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor. Work Location Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Animal Care Center Application Requirements To apply, please send applications to interns(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:interns@virginiaaquarium.com> and copy vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com>. A complete Stranding Response Intern packet must include the following components. Incomplete applications will not be considered. * Cover letter including preferred focus area (necropsy or rehabilitation) and internship expectations. While we will do our best to accommodate intern preferences, staff will make the final focus area determination. There is some flexibility with internship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter. * Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form. * Contact information for three references; one must be an academic reference. * Resume * College transcript(s) For more information about the application process, please visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/about-us/Pages/internship-application.aspx Sarah McCormack Stranding Technician Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Stranding Response Program 757-385-6485 (office) 757-385-7575 (stranding hotline)

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New publication: Visual cues do not enhance sea lion pups’ response to multimodal maternal cues
by Kaja Wierucka 02 Jul '18

02 Jul '18

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent publication in Scientific Reports: Wierucka K., Charrier I., Harcourt R., Pitcher B. J. (2018) Visual cues do not enhance sea lion pups' response to multimodal maternal cue. Scientific Reports 8: 9845. Abstract: Mammals use multiple sensory cues for mother-offspring recognition. While the role of single sensory cues has been well studied, we lack information about how multiple cues produced by mothers are integrated by their offspring. Knowing that Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) pups recognise their mother’s calls, we first tested whether visual cues are used by pups to discriminate between conspecifics of different age classes (adult female vs pup). We then examined if adding a visual stimulus to an acoustic cue enhances vocal responsiveness of Australian sea lion pups, by presenting wild individuals with either a visual cue (female 3D-model), an acoustic cue (mother’s call), or both simultaneously, and observing their reaction. We showed that visual cues can be used by pups to distinguish adult females from other individuals, however we found no enhancement effect of these cues on the response in a multimodal scenario. Audio-only cues prompted a similar reaction to audio-visual cues that was significantly stronger than pup response to visual-only cues. Our results suggest that visual cues are dominated by acoustic cues and that pups rely on the latter in mother recognition. The open-access article can be accessed at: https://rdcu.be/18E8 Best wishes, Kaja -- *Kaja Wierucka* *PhD candidate*Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences | Building E8A Room 385 Macquarie University T: +61 2 9850 7975 | M: + 61 435 958 382 Equipe Communications Acoustiques Department of Cognition & Behaviour Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay (NeuroPSI), UMR 9197 Université Paris Sud, Bat.446, 91405 Orsay, FRANCE M: +33 7 68 08 64 96

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Cetacean Research & Marine Science internships in Spain
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 01 Jul '18

01 Jul '18

Last vacancies 2018 - Cetacean Research & Marine Science internships The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, a marine science and education centre, offers unique hands-on research experiences as a marine mammal researcher from September until end November 2018. BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of subject areas that link marine top predators (cetaceans and marine birds) ecology with their physical environment, society and population dynamics; explore their interactions with human activities (such as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic); and investigate their behaviour and acoustic communication. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - This internships program enables aspiring marine scientists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna in one of the most productive oceanic regions on the world (Galicia, North-western coast of Spain). An incredible diversity of cetaceans is present in these waters. In 2017, the BDRI team had the opportunity to study bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins, pilot whales, killer whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and even blue whales. During the internship period participants will be working side by side with the chief biologist, and other experienced researchers. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be trained to get involved with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days typically exceed seven hours and occur several times per week (weather dependent). There will be two days off per week. HOW TO APPLY – Research experiences are open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation and interest in marine research make the most qualified individuals. Start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between September 2018 through to end November 2018. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, this research experience requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation in an apartment, training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, and other expenses (access to wifi in the apartment, kitchen utensils, electricity, taxes, etc). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Interested candidates should submit an e-mail to severine(a)thebdri.com, and we will provide you further information about the program. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled. For more information about BDRI's research projects, please visit <https://www.thebdri.com> or our Facebook page (BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE BDRI). Scientific articles published recently by the BDRI (for a full list of publications please visit: <http://www.thebdri.com/research/papers.html>) - Methion, S. & Díaz López, B. (2018) Abundance and demographic parameters of bottlenose dolphins in a highly affected coastal ecosystem. Marine and Freshwater Research https://doi.org/10.1071/MF17346 - Díaz López, B & Methion, S. (2018) Does interspecific competition drive patterns of habitat use and relative density in harbour porpoises? Marine Biology (2018) 165:92. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-018-3345-8 - Díaz López, B., López, A., Methion, S., & Covelo, P. (2017). Infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001266 - Diaz Lopez B. and Methion S., 2017. The impact of shellfish farming on common bottlenose dolphins’ use of habitat. Marine Biology 164: 83. - Díaz López, B., Grandcourt, E., Methion, S., Das, H., Bugla, I., Al Hameli, M., Al Hameri, H., Abdulla, M; Al Blooshi, A; Al Dhaheri, S.(2017). The distribution, abundance and group dynamics of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001205 - Diaz Lopez B., 2017. Temporal variability of predator presence around a fin fish farm in the North-western Mediterranean Sea. Marine Ecology 38(1), e12378. Best regards, and see you in Galicia! Bruno Díaz López Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684248552 This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

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