September 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

ACS Conference Early Registration Deadline Extended to 9/22
by acsoffice＠acsonline.org 17 Sep '18

17 Sep '18

Dearest MARMAM subscribers, The Early Registration deadline has been extended a week, to September 22nd, for early registration for our 16th biennial international conference of the American Cetacean Society, Whales & Us: The Next Generation. ACS's international conference is a highly respected gathering of scientists, educators, conservationists, students, hobbyists and anyone with an interest in cetaceans and their diverse ocean environments. This conference will focus on the future of whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation, and activities will include speaker sessions with world-renowned experts, a poster session including a student research poster contest, a student-scientist networking event, a whale documentary screening with a Q&A panel with the Director and several featured scientists, a photography contest, a silent auction, book signings, an art show, vendor exhibits, and much more. We will also hold our traditional pre-conference all-day whale watching trip on Friday, November 2nd, and will venture out into the rich southern California waters between Catalina Island and Orange County. More information, including a draft program, can be found at our conference website here: [ https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference ]( https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference ) [ ]( https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference ) Thank you so much everyone, and we hope to see you there! The American Cetacean Society

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Manatee / Endangered Species Observer (Paid) - Immediate positions available
by Tide Env 17 Sep '18

17 Sep '18

Tide Environmental is recruiting individuals to monitor for manatees for in-water construction projects within Florida waters. Endangered species observers monitor the impacts of ESA-listed species, including any potential interactions with or takes of those species. Tide Environmental specializes in providing individuals for marine construction projects when regulations deem there is a potential impact to Endangered or Threatened Species. We are seeking numerous individuals for the position of Manatee Observer and/or Endangered Species Observer. Individuals are being sought for shore and vessel based projects monitoring for manatee, sea turtles, and other protected species of interest in conjunction with current dredging projects. Applicants with prior NMFS Protected/Endangered Species approval will be given preference. Applicants *must* have experience observing manatees in the wild. Applicants possessing both manatee and sea turtle qualifications are desirable. *Beginning Date*: October 2018 *Minimum Requirements*: · Must have documented experience working with manatees · Must have or be able to obtain NMFS Endangered Species Approval · Must possess or be able to obtain a TWIC card for access to job sites · Must be able to work 12 hour shifts for 21-30 days in a row with no days off (including holidays) · Must be in good physical shape and able to stand for hours at a time, climb ladders, lift 50lbs, board vessels at sea, and operate in a safe manner · Must be detailed oriented and possess good communication skills · Must have reliable transportation and will be responsible for your own travel to job locations · Must be able to provide your own transportation from the housing location to/from the project site · Must be able to travel on short notice · Maintain objectivity and work independently · Must be able to work with ship and construction crews · Must reside within the continental U.S. · B.S. in Marine Biology or related field (specialized experience may substitute for educational experience) *Experience*: · Extensive, documented *HANDS-ON manatee* experience is *mandatory* to be considered · Ability to identify sea turtle and marine mammals to species level · Detailed data collection · Previous observing experience monitoring manatees and their behaviors in association with in-water construction projects · Necropsy experience is a plus This is an Independent Contractor position. As an Independent Contractor travel to/from projects is the responsibility of the observer, there are no benefits, and taxes are the responsibility of the observer. You will be issued a 1099 at the end of each year for taxes. Housing is provided at the project location. Individuals possessing the above criteria are asked to submit the following to info(a)tideenvironmental.com · Resume/CV detailing your relevant experience · Immediate availability · References

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New publication: Noise exposure from commercial shipping for the southern resident killer whale population
by Simone Cominelli 17 Sep '18

17 Sep '18

My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the recent publication of our article ‘Noise exposure from commercial shipping for the southern resident killer whale population’ in Marine Pollution Bulletin. Cominelli, S., Devillers, R., Yurk, H., MacGillivray, A., McWhinnie, L., Canessa, R., 2018. Noise exposure from commercial shipping for the southern resident killer whale population. Marine Pollution Bulletin 136, 177–200. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.050 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.050> The article has free access for the next 50 days, and can be downloaded by following the link below: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XjrR,ashq8AX *Abstract: *This study assesses vessel-noise exposure levels for Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) in the Salish Sea. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) was used to delineate SRKW summer core areas. Those areas were combined with the output of a regional cumulative noise model describing sound level variations generated by commercial vessels (1/3-octave-bands from 10 Hz to 63.1 kHz). Cumulative distribution functions were used to evaluate SRKW's noise exposure from 15 vessel categories over three zones located within the KDE. Median cumulative noise values were used to group categories based on the associated exposure levels. Ferries, Tugboats, Vehicle Carriers, Recreational Vessels, Containers, and Bulkers showed high levels of exposure (Leq−50th > 90 dB re 1 μPa) within SRKW core areas. Management actions aiming at reducing SRKW noise exposure during the summer should target the abovementioned categories and take into consideration the spatial distribution of their levels of exposure, their mechanical and their operational characteristics. If you have any questions or would like a pdf copy of the publication, please feel free to contact me at simocephalus(a)gmail.com Best, Simone Cominelli Marine Geomatics Research Lab, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Science Building, SN-1027, St. John’s, NL, Canada, A1B 3X9 Phone: (709) 864-3097 Email: simocephalus(a)gmail.com

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New article of foreign body ingestion in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands
by RAQUEL PUIG LOZANO 17 Sep '18

17 Sep '18

Greetings MARMAM, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of our newest article on the ingestión of foreign bodies (marine debris) in stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands titled *“Retrospective study of foreign body-associated pathology in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands (2000-2015)”* in *Environmental Pollution 243 (2018) 519-527https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.012 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.012>* The article is open access and free to download below: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749118318785 R. Puig-Lozano, Y. Bernaldo de Quirós, J. Díaz-Delgado, N. García-Álvarez, E. Sierra, J. De la Fuente, S. Sacchini, CM. Suárez-Santana, D. Zucca, N. Câmara, P. Saavedra, J. Almunia, M.A. Rivero, A. Fernández, M. Arbelo. Abstract: Marine pollution, overrepresented by plastic, is a growing concern worldwide. However, there is little knowledge on occurrence and detrimental impacts of marine debris in cetaceans. To partially fill in this gap of knowledge, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and pathologies associated with foreign bodies (FBs) in a large cohort of cetaceans (n=465) stranded in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands shelter the greatest cetacean biodiversity in Europe, with up to 30 different species, of which nine are regularly present year around. We found at least one ingested FB in 36 out of 465 (7.74%) studied cetaceans, involving 15 different species, including eight out of the nine (80%) cetacean species present year-round in the Canary Islands. Risso's dolphin was the species most affected, followed by sperm whale, beaked whale and mysticetes. Plastic FB were the most common item found (80.56%). FB was directly associated with death in 13/36 (36.11%) animals. Poor body condition and deep diving behavior were found to be risk factors for FB ingestion, whereas the adult age was a protective factor. To the authors knowledge this is the first study that use statistical analysis to investigate risk and protective factors for FB ingestion. This study also provides insights of the potential impact caused by ingested FBs on the animal's health and mortality. This knowledge is critical to better understand and assess the impact of FB in cetaceans setting the scientific basis for prospective impact monitoring and future conservation policies. Kind regards, Raquel Puig Lozano and Yara Bernaldo de Quirós. *Raquel Puig Lozano* *Centro Atlántico de Investigación de Cetáceos,* *Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria,* *Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.* *Campus Universitario Cardones de Arucas,* *35413 Arucas, Gran Canaria* *España* *Teléfono de contacto: 616150322.*

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Biological Scientist- Manatee Research and Rescue Job Posting
by Greer, Bill 14 Sep '18

14 Sep '18

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… Requisition No: 44308 Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - F - 77902141 Position Number: 77902141 Salary: $13.50/hour Posting Closing Date: 09/28/2018 WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? · State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan* - mandatory · Workers’ Compensation - mandatory · Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory · Participation in state group insurance (upon availability and you must meet eligibility requirements) · Deferred Compensation - voluntary · Employee Assistance Program – voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? · Any form of paid leave · Paid holidays · Participation in the Florida Retirement System · Reinstatement rights or retention rights Description of Job Duties: This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery efforts of marine mammal carcasses for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) East Central Field Laboratory. The incumbent will serve as member of FWC’s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatee and other marine mammal carcasses, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will recover marine mammal carcasses for necropsy from the East Central region (coastal and inland waterways of southern Volusia County through Indian River County) of Florida and assist in manatee rescue and transport operations in the East Central region as well as assist with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. This position will be responsible for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. This position will be responsible for managing the East Central region’s intern and volunteer network which includes identifying candidates, interviewing, tracking their effort and training when needed. This position will be responsible for deployment, retrieval, maintenance and data collection of temperature probes throughout the winter months. This position will be responsible for assisting with other East Central regions projects such as photo identification and assisting with basic maintenance of vehicles, trailers and vessels as well purchasing needs and other tasks as assigned by supervisor. This position will assist with aerial surveys for manatees as needed. This position will have an assigned work schedule of Tuesday to Saturday (8:00 am-5:00 pm) and will be asked to respond to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. This position will serve in a rotation with other East Central staff members for the purpose of covering the East Central Region during state holidays. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26’ in length and smaller Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs, and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships Be comfortable speaking to the public Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver’s license within a month of employment Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Preferred Experience: Applicants having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience may be given preference. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management, is preferred. Applicants having photo-id collection experience in the field may be given preference. Applicants with experience working alongside unpaid volunteers and interns may be given preference. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Nearest Major Market: Melbourne

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Webinar invite for the MARMAM listserv: Climate Change and the Oceanography of North Atlantic Right Whales
by Emily Knight 14 Sep '18

14 Sep '18

POST for MARMAM listserv: The Lenfest Ocean Program will host a webinar on Wednesday, September 26 at 2:00 PM Eastern time/11:00 AM Pacific time to share information about a new research project we have funded to understand if climate-driven shifts in food availability are altering the demography of North Atlantic right whales (NARW). The webinar will feature the research team, including Dr. Chuck Greene, Cornell University, Dr. Erin Meyer-Gutbrod, University of California, Santa Barbara, and Dr. Kimberley Davies, Dalhousie University. The team will provide an overview of the project and the products they plan to produce over the next two years. Instructions to register for and join the webinar are provided below. To learn more about the project, download a fact sheet here<https://www.lenfestocean.org/en/news-and-publications/fact-sheet/new-resear…>. Don't hesitate to contact me (Emily Knight, Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program, eknight(a)pewtrusts.org<mailto:eknight@pewtrusts.org>) if you have any questions, and please forward this invitation to anyone that may be interested. Best, Emily Webinar Instructions: Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 Time: 2:00 PM Eastern time/11:00 AM Pacific time For remote access: Please fill out the registration form<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__pewcharitabletrusts.we…> before the event is scheduled to begin. Event number: 796 610 511 Event password: rightwhales2018 For teleconference audio after you join the webinar, either: 1. Select "Call Using Computer" 2. Select "Call me" and provide your phone number (recommended) 3. Call the number below and enter the access code. * In the U.S. and Canada, dial 1-855-214-7745. * Enter conference code 609 216 9542 * After dialing the conference code, be sure to enter the Attendee ID that will appear on your screen. You will not be prompted to do so. Emily Knight Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program [LenfestOceanProgram-Logo-Color-(2)] 901 E Street NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20004 SIGN UP<http://www.lenfestocean.org/en/about-us/contact-us/newsletter-subscription> FOR LENFEST OCEAN NEWS w: 202-540-6389 | c: 202-384-6534 | e: eknight(a)pewtrusts.org<mailto:eknight@pewtrusts.org> www.lenfestocean.org<http://www.lenfestocean.org/>|twitter: @lenfestocean<https://twitter.com/LenfestOcean>

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Aquatic Mammals issue 44.5 available online, including a tribute to Jeanette Thomas
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 14 Sep '18

14 Sep '18

Dear MARMAM and ECS Talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 44, issue 5, 2018) of Aquatic Mammals. Please note that this issue features a tribute to Dr. Jeanette Thomas, 4th managing editor of Aquatic Mammals. Please also visit the supplemental materials page of the web site to see two videos of Jeanette from the journal’s Historical Perspectives series. Links to a purchase page for each article are included below. For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 44.5/44.6 will be mailed in November. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com <mailto:aquaticmammals@gmail.com> Robert M. Timm et al. (2018). In Memoriam: Jeanette A. Thomas Followed by Memories from Jeanette’s Family and Colleagues. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 459-468. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.459 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.459> Maria E. Rechimont, Ana L. Lara-Domínguez, Eduardo Morteo, Ibiza Martínez-Serrano, and Miguel Equihua. (2018). Depredation by Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico in Relation to Fishing Techniques. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 469-481. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.469 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.469> Jennifer E. Flower, Jennifer N. Langan, Benjamin N. Nevitt, Sathya K. Chinnadurai, Rita Stacey, Marina Ivančić, and Michael J. Adkesson. (2018). Neonatal Critical Care and Hand-Rearing of a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Calf. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 482-490. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.482 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.482> Mark A. Grace, Laura Aichinger Dias, Katherine Maze-Foley, Carrie Sinclair, Keith D. Mullin, Lance Garrison, and Lauren Noble. (2018). Cookiecutter Shark Bite Wounds on Cetaceans of the Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 491-499. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.491 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.491> Lauren Mazikowski, Heather M. Hill, and Michael Noonan. (2018). Young Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) Exhibit Sex-Specific Social Affiliations. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 500-505. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.500 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.500> Raphaela Stimmelmayr and Douglas Borchman. (2018). Lens Lipidomes Among Phocidae and Odobenidae. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 506-518. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.506 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.506> Manuela Zadravec, Zvonimir Kozarić, Snježana Kužir, Mario Mitak, Tomislav Gomerčić, Miroslav Benić, and Martina Đuras. (2018). Whale Poaching Detection Based on Microscopic Characteristics of Bottlenose Dolphins’ (Tursiops truncatus) Bone Fragments. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 519-528. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.519 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.519> Giacomo Franci and Annalisa Berta. (2018). Relative Growth of the Skull of the Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Using a 3D Laser Surface Scanner. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 529-537. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.529 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.529> Yuka Mishima, Tadamichi Morisaka, Yuki Mishima, Tadashi Sunada, and Yoshinori Miyamoto. (2018). Redefinition and Sexual Difference of Contact Calls in Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas). Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 538-554. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.538 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.538> Eric E. Pulis, Randall S. Wells, Gregory S. Schorr, David C. Douglas, Mystera M. Samuelson, and Moby Solangi. (2018). Movements and Dive Patterns of Pygmy Killer Whales (Feresa attenuata) Released in the Gulf of Mexico Following Rehabilitation. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 555-567. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.555 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.555> Marie Christine M. Obusan, Lemnuel V. Aragones, Windell L. Rivera, and Maria Auxilia T. Siringan. (2018). Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Cetaceans Stranded in the Philippines. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 568-579. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.568 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.568> James P. Estes. (2018). Historical Perspectives: The History and Future of Marine Mammal Ecology. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 580-594. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.580 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.580> Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara. (2018). Book Review: Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Aquatic Mammals, 44(5), 595-596. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.595 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.5.2018.595>

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL - LAST PLACES
by AIMM Internships 13 Sep '18

13 Sep '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 | Regards, André Cid -- 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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New publication: Tail walking in a bottlenose dolphin community: the rise and fall of an arbitrary cultural ‘fad’
by Luke Rendell 13 Sep '18

13 Sep '18

Dear colleagues, The following paper was published online last week: Tail walking in a bottlenose dolphin community: the rise and fall of an arbitrary cultural ‘fad’ M. Bossley, A. Steiner, P. Brakes, J. Shrimpton, C. Foster & L. Rendell Published 5 September 2018. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2018.0314 Abstract Social learning of adaptive behaviour is widespread in animal populations, but the spread of arbitrary behaviours is less common. In this paper, we describe the rise and fall of a behaviour called tail walking, where a dolphin forces the majority of its body vertically out of the water and maintains the position by vigourously pumping its tail, in a community of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). The behaviour was introduced into the wild following the rehabilitation of a wild female individual, Billie, who was temporarily co-housed with trained dolphins in a dolphinarium. This individual was sighted performing the behaviour seven years after her 1988 release, as was one other female dolphin named Wave. Initial production of the behaviour was rare, but following Billie's death two decades after her release, Wave began producing the behaviour at much higher rates, and several other dolphins in the community were subsequently sighted performing the behaviour. Social learning is the most likely mechanism for the introduction and spread of this unusual behaviour, which has no known adaptive function. These observations demonstrate the potential strength of the capacity for spontaneous imitation in bottlenose dolphins, and help explain the origin and spread of foraging specializations observed in multiple populations of this genus. Full paper: http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/14/9/20180314 Data and code: https://osf.io/xjmdt/ Open access post-print accepted manuscript: https://bit.ly/2QnbMDY Best wishes, Luke -- Dr. Luke Rendell MASTS (masts.ac.uk) Reader in Biology Tel: (44)(0)1334 463499 E-mail: ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk WWW: http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/ler4 School of Biology, University of St. Andrews Sir Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH U.K. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (SC013532)

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New review article on the population consequences of disturbance (PCoD)
by Enrico Pirotta 12 Sep '18

12 Sep '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following review of the applications of the population consequences of disturbance (PCoD) framework is now available online: Enrico Pirotta, Cormac G. Booth, Daniel P. Costa, Erica Fleishman, Scott D. Kraus, David Lusseau, David Moretti, Leslie F. New, Robert S. Schick, Lisa K. Schwarz, Samantha E. Simmons, Len Thomas, Peter L. Tyack, Michael J. Weise, Randall S. Wells and John Harwood (2018). Understanding the population consequences of disturbance. Ecology and Evolution. Abstract: Managing the nonlethal effects of disturbance on wildlife populations has been a long‐term goal for decision makers, managers, and ecologists, and assessment of these effects is currently required by European Union and United States legislation. However, robust assessment of these effects is challenging. The management of human activities that have nonlethal effects on wildlife is a specific example of a fundamental ecological problem: how to understand the population‐level consequences of changes in the behavior or physiology of individual animals that are caused by external stressors. In this study, we review recent applications of a conceptual framework for assessing and predicting these consequences for marine mammal populations. We explore the range of models that can be used to formalize the approach and we identify critical research gaps. We also provide a decision tree that can be used to select the most appropriate model structure given the available data. The implementation of this framework has moved the focus of discussion of the management of nonlethal disturbances on marine mammal populations away from a rhetorical debate about defining negligible impact and toward a quantitative understanding of long‐term population‐level effects. Here we demonstrate the framework's general applicability to other marine and terrestrial systems and show how it can support integrated modeling of the proximate and ultimate mechanisms that regulate trait‐mediated, indirect interactions in ecological communities, that is, the nonconsumptive effects of a predator or stressor on a species' behavior, physiology, or life history. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.4458 Please do not hesitate to contact me for any question regarding our work. Best Regards, Enrico Pirotta

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