January 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

IMMS Animal Training Internship (Summer)
by Jeanette Gramm 28 Jan '19

28 Jan '19

The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist interns in suggesting suitable housing and locations. Positions are limited. IMMS reserves the right to end an internship at any time. Eligibility Requirements Interns must be: • 18 years or older. • A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. • Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. • Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. • Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. • Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. • Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. • Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. • Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. Duties: The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Enrichment is very important to the well-being of our animals and interns may be asked to design and implement an enrichment device for our dolphins and/or birds. Interns will also give educational presentation to guests before they interact with our animals, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Please check the FAQ<https://imms.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Frequently-Asked-Questions-Anim…> link, as it may answer other questions you may have. To Apply: Please send the following documents to: jgramm(a)imms.org<mailto:jgramm@imms.org> with “Animal Training Internship” in the subject line. · IMMS Animal Training Internship Application<https://imms.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Animal-Care-Internship-Applicat…> · Resume with cover letter. · Two letters of recommendation – Provide at least one academic, and one work/volunteer- related reference if applicable. Letters may be emailed from the applicant or the person providing the recommendation letter. · A copy of your current official college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy. · Full photograph Documents must be in one of the following formats – PDF, .doc, .docx, and must be submitted together with your first and last name and the date in the file name. Ex) 2019Aug_Jane_Doe_Resume, 2019Aug_Jane_Doe_Application, 2019Aug_Jane_Doe_Transcript. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2019. Please visit https://imms.org/internship/ for more information. Jeanette Gramm Marine Mammal Trainer Animal Training Internship Coordinator Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Gulfport, MS

1 0

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Cetacean Programmes Assistant
by Dylan Walker 28 Jan '19

28 Jan '19

Dear Marmamers, We would like to request applications for the role of Cetacean Programmes Assistant (volunteer); 13 February – 11 April 2019. *Overview* The World Cetacean Alliance is looking for up to three volunteers to join a busy and dynamic team working across WCAs current cetacean programmes. Based at our Headquarters in Brighton, UK, successful candidates will assist with: · Developing the programme for the 2019 World Whale Conference. · Assessing applications for Whale Heritage Sites. · Assisting with training course development. · Promoting responsible whale watching certification. · Networking and provision of information resources across the partnership. · Expanding WCAs research programme. The successful candidates will report directly to the CEO, receive in-situ training, and work closely with colleagues at WCA Headquarters. The roles are available from 13 February – 11 April 2019, and will take place at WCA Headquarters, Brighton, United Kingdom. The WCA is unable to cover personal expenses. *Responsibilities* 1. Build relationships, and engage stakeholders and partners working across WCAs programmes. 2. Encourage and support collaborations between experts, advisors, and participants from within and outside the World Cetacean Alliance. 3. Develop and provide resources to assist WCA partners. 4. Communicate progress across the network through media, social media, and direct communication. 5. Work alongside WCA staff to set strategy and guide current programmes. 6. Liaise with WCA staff to ensure coordinated planning, collaborative work efforts, integrated programming and shared success towards agreed goals. *Knowledge* 1. Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to advance the mission. 2. Experience and knowledge of cetaceans, whale watching, and marine conservation issues preferred. 3. Highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong ability to prioritize and deliver against responsibilities and duties. 4. Ability to thrive in a multi-tasking, high energy environment. 5. Ability to excite and engage stakeholders through meetings and personal outreach. *Qualifications* 1. Degree or higher qualification. 2. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to multitask. 3. A proven track record of communicating with different audiences. *Benefits* 1. Gain experience of marine conservation projects. 2. Learn about and network with WCAs 100 partners in 40 countries. 3. Gain insights in ecotourism practices and cetacean welfare issues. 4. Learn new skills and techniques to deliver collaborative projects. 5. Develop media and social media skills. 6. Build on your network of contacts for career development / research or voluntary opportunities. TO APPLY: Please send your C.V. and a cover letter to: Dylan Walker: dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org Applications must be sent in electronic form no later than 8 February 2019. For more information go to: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/ 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.

1 0

ECHOLOCATION CLICKBAIT: New publication on click packets and long-range echolocation in dolphins
by Michael Ladegaard 28 Jan '19

28 Jan '19

Dolphin echolocation behaviour during active long-range target approaches Michael Ladegaard, Jason Mulsow, Dorian S. Houser, Frants Havmand Jensen, Mark Johnson, Peter Teglberg Madsen, James J. Finneran Journal of Experimental Biology 2019 222: jeb189217 doi: 10.1242/jeb.189217 Published 25 January 2019 Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to present our publication titled Dolphin echolocation behaviour during active long-range target approaches. If this sounds remotely interesting then you might enjoy our movie of how the echolocation behaviour may change as a dolphin approaches a target (Movies 1 and 2, supplementary info: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/2/jeb189217.supplemental ). In our study, we show that long-range (>100 m) echolocation in free-swimming dolphins may involve the production of click packets and subsequent reception of echo streams. This markedly differs from the typical click-echo-click-echo mode of echolocation that is observed in most toothed whale echolocation studies. Our data also suggests that dolphins not always adjust their clicking rates so that a target echo is received before the emission of another outgoing click, which is also very different from how echolocation is generally understood and described. If you would like to read more about our study, you may access the full publication here: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/2/jeb189217 Alternatively, please send me an email if you would like a pdf. Best, Michael Michael Ladegaard Postdoc building 1130, room 110 Mobile: (+45) 4076 4035 Email: michael.ladegaard(a)bios.au.dk<mailto:mail@au.dk> Web: Michael Ladegaard<http://pure.au.dk/portal/en/persons/id(7365cdb9-ab50-4488-9839-034eb5c3cd5e…> Department of Bioscience - Zoophysiology Aarhus University C. F. Møllers Allé 3, building 1131 8000 Aarhus C Email: mail(a)au.dk<mailto:mail@au.dk> Web: http://bios.au.dk/en/ Lab: http://marinebioacoustics.com/ ABSTRACT Echolocating toothed whales generally adjust click intensity and rate according to target range to ensure that echoes from targets of interest arrive before a subsequent click is produced, presumably facilitating range estimation from the delay between clicks and returning echoes. However, this click–echo–click paradigm for the dolphin biosonar is mostly based on experiments with stationary animals echolocating fixed targets at ranges below ∼120 m. Therefore, we trained two bottlenose dolphins instrumented with a sound recording tag to approach a target from ranges up to 400 m and either touch the target (subject TRO) or detect a target orientation change (subject SAY). We show that free-swimming dolphins dynamically increase interclick interval (ICI) out to target ranges of ∼100 m. TRO consistently kept ICIs above the two-way travel time (TWTT) for target ranges shorter than ∼100 m, whereas SAY switched between clicking at ICIs above and below the TWTT for target ranges down to ∼25 m. Source levels changed on average by 17log10(target range), but with considerable variation for individual slopes (4.1 standard deviations for by-trial random effects), demonstrating that dolphins do not adopt a fixed automatic gain control matched to target range. At target ranges exceeding ∼100 m, both dolphins frequently switched to click packet production in which interpacket intervals exceeded the TWTT, but ICIs were shorter than the TWTT. We conclude that the click–echo–click paradigm is not a fixed echolocation strategy in dolphins, and we demonstrate the first use of click packets for free-swimming dolphins when solving an echolocation task.

1 0

Webinar announcement: DEPONS model version 2.0 release and webinars
by Cara Gallagher 25 Jan '19

25 Jan '19

Hello MARMAM, The Disturbance Effects of Noise on the Harbour Porpoise Population in the North Sea (DEPONS) model investigates the potential effects of wind farm construction noise on Harbour Porpoise. The research programme has been running since 2012 and is now coming to an end with Version 2.0 of the model launched on January 21st, 2019. The DEPONS team warmly invites you to view and participate in the two DEPONS Webinars. WEBINAR 1 - THE DEPONS STORY; UNDERWATER NOISE, HARBOUR PORPOISE, AND THE OFFSHORE WIND INDUSTRY This webinar occurred on January 21st, 2019, but was recorded and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIdpVfg50FY&feature=youtu.be The first webinar presented the subject of underwater noise and offshore wind. It explored the context of the DEPONS programme and how it has progressed our understanding and management of the impact of noise on harbor porpoises. It included presentations by Jesper Kyed Larsen (Vattenfall), Richard Sibly (University of Reading), Ross Culloch (Marine Scotland), and Jacob Nabe-Nielsen (Aarhus University). WEBINAR 2 - DEPONS V2.0; MODEL UPDATE AND USE 13th February 2019 12.00-13:00 GMT Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8209343435647796225 The second webinar will go in to more detail about version 2.0 of the model and is aimed at model practitioners, regulators and subject experts. The speakers will cover the basics of the DEPONS model and introduce version 2.0 and how to operate the model and interpret model outcomes. Speakers; Jesper Kyed Larsen (Vattenfall), Jacob Nabe-Nielsen (Aarhus University). There will also be an opportunity for Q&A. For more information on the DEPONS project check out the project website here: http://bios.au.dk/om-instituttet/organisation/havpattedyrforskning/projekte… We very much hope you can join. Sincerely, The DEPONS team ______________________________________ *Cara Gallagher* PhD Fellow Department of Bioscience Aarhus University Roskilde, Denmark

1 0

New Paper_Differential population dynamics of a coastal porpoise correspond to the fishing effort in a large estuarine system
by menjilam＠163.com 24 Jan '19

24 Jan '19

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our recent research: Lin W, Karczmarski L, Li J, Chan SCY, Guo L, Wu Y (2019) Differential population dynamics of a coastal porpoise correspond to the fishing effort in a large estuarine system. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 0 doi 10.1002/aqc.2998. Abstract The finless porpoise (genus Neophocaena) is susceptible to fishery‐caused mortality, and its numbers are thought to be in decline across its entire range. However, population demographics have rarely been quantified for this genus, with a few exceptions of the narrow‐ridged form (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) in waters off Japan, Korea, and in the Yangtze River of China, all of which show a drastic decline in recent decades. Similar analyses have not been performed for the Indo‐Pacific (known also as the wide‐ridged) finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) that inhabits (sub‐)tropical waters; thus, reliable risk assessments are lacking. The demographic dynamics of the Indo‐Pacific finless porpoise in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region were investigated by analysing 307 cases of beached carcasses that were recovered between 1996 and 2014. The mean instantaneous rate of increase r indicated a declining trend of 3.6% loss per annum during 1996–2005, and a subsequent recovering trend with 0.76% increase per annum during 2006–2014. The individual‐based Leslie matrix model constructed with the most up‐to‐date demographic parameters suggests that the conservation status of the finless porpoise in the PRD region corresponds to Near Threatened (NT) according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature criterion A3. This temporal demographic change may be due to changes in fishing effort, which has been declining locally since the late 1990s. Although more quantitative evidence is needed, it is shown that regulated management of coastal fisheries can serve as an effective tool in securing the long‐term persistence of Indo‐Pacific finless porpoise in the PRD region, which likely applies also elsewhere in the genus/species' range where coastal fisheries overlap with the porpoise habitat. Results provide baseline ecological indicators that can facilitate further monitoring of the population status and trend. The paper is available at the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/aqc.2998 Or alternatively, a pdf can be requested at: menjilam(a)163.com Best regards, Wenzhi Lin menjilam(a)163.com

1 0

FWC Manatee Photo-identification Internship
by Johnson, Jennifer 24 Jan '19

24 Jan '19

Manatee Photo-identification Internships The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency. For more information about FWRI, please visit: http://www.myfwc.com/research/. FWRI's manatee photo-identification research focuses on long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The program's primary goal is to document individual manatees, which allows us to estimate annual adult survival and reproductive rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use and behavior. Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, entering information into databases, scanning data sheets and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based; however, during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, assisting with manatee genetics research, special projects and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency. Two positions are available each year: one in winter (November to March) and one in summer (May to September). Start and end dates are flexible; however, a minimum commitment of four weekdays per week for four months is required. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the institute. Positions are open until filled, and priority will be given to candidates who can commit for longer periods. Qualifications: * Computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred. * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters and lenses preferred but not required. * The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment. * A valid U.S. Driver's License. * Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: * A cover letter describing the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts. (unofficial are sufficient) * Names and contact information for three references. Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applicants may contact FWRI's Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Rood, (Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Kari.Rood@MyFWC.com>, 727-502-4737) with questions regarding the internship.

1 0

IMMS Research Internship
by Jessica Post 23 Jan '19

23 Jan '19

The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns may participate in projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-ID research as well as any other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. Principle Duties include: data entry, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-ID fin images, learning to use photo-ID programs such as Darwin (fin matching software) and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21' boat), and learn how to use ArcGIS Secondary Duties include: assisting animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting educational staff Field Days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 degrees F in summer to 30 degrees F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 years or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be ab le and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this internship program. This is an unpaid positions and interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will assist interns in finding rooms available to rent, usually with other staff members. The deadline to apply for the summer session (May 6-July 26, 2019 or June 3-August 23, 2019) is March 1, 2019. For application and full details on how to apply please visit our website at https://imms.org/internship/ Jessica Post Research Assistant Research Intern Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503

1 0

Allied Whale and BHWW Co. Research Assistant Positions: 2019 Field Season
by Tanya Lubansky 23 Jan '19

23 Jan '19

Allied Whale (AW), the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. (BHWW) seek 5 interns/research assistants for the 2019 field season. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. Two summer positions (mid-May *through* August 31st) and three full season positions (mid-May *through* October 31st) are available. *College of the Atlantic students can receive flexibility in start and end dates. *Overview of position*: This is a unique internship program in that the selected individuals will have the opportunity to participate and receive training in a wide range of marine mammal research activities while receiving income when working as a crew/scientist aboard commercial whale watching trips operating from Bar Harbor, Maine. Allied Whale currently supports field projects in the trophic ecology of humpback and fin whales, the ongoing housing and maintenance of the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog and fin whale photo-ID catalog, an active marine mammal stranding response program, and a research/education partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. In addition, Allied Whale maintains the facilities on and conducts research from the Mount Desert Rock Marine Research Station situated on a remote offshore island. The interns play a critical role in the success of the field season and serve as support to all aspects of summer activities within both Allied Whale and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. *Description of duties*: Upon arrival in May, all interns will receive research, boat crew, and Gulf of Maine natural history training by both Allied Whale and the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company staff. As the Allied Whale field season does not begin until early June- the first several weeks will be focused on learning whale watch deckhand responsibilities and performing humpback whale photo-ID with the NAHWC in the office or stranding response. Once the season is in full swing, interns will rotate through shifts working as a Research Assistant/Deckhand (RA) for the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., shifts working as dock attendant for the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., shifts in the Allied Whale office, and time off. Every week, schedules will be different and weather dependent. A typical week in June-August may include two days scheduled as researchers on Whale Watch vessels, two days scheduled in the AW office, one day scheduled as dock attendant for the BHWW, and two days off. Weather may cause shifts to be canceled and some weeks may be lighter in load or responsibilities. Interns will also rotate through week-long shifts on Mount Desert Rock. *Below are specific expectations for each designated shift:* *Whale watch trips: *Research responsibilities on the whale watch trips include searching for whales, photo-identification of whales and behavioral data collection. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, helping seasick passengers and passenger safety. RAs are also responsible for assisting the naturalist in promoting education and conservation programs on each trip. Maintaining a positive, professional, friendly and outgoing demeanor while engaging whale watch passengers and fellow crew is compulsory. When whale watch trips cancel for weather, crew may be asked to report for duty to complete maintenance on the vessel. *Dock attendant duties: *Dock attendants are critical for the daily smooth operation of boat trips at the BHWW Co. Attendants assist in security screening, loading passengers onto boats, tying boats to docks as trips depart or return, delivering lunches to crew on boats, pumping gas for visiting vessels, and communicating trip schedule changes to the public. These shifts are not dependent on weather. *Allied Whale office shifts: *On scheduled office days, interns will be required to be available in the Allied Whale office from 9AM-5PM. During those hours, interns will compare individual whales to the NAHWC catalog, enter their whale watch data into the database, manage the Adopt-a-Whale program, and answer phone calls to the office. Allied Whale’s stranding program is responsible for responding to all dead or stranded marine mammals in northern Maine, primarily seal species. Interns will be on call to assist with field stranding response and to participate in necropsies (animal autopsies). Interns scheduled for office shifts will also be on call for boat research days. *Allied Whale boat research days: *When weather permits, interns will assist Allied Whale staff and graduate students on trips offshore to collect biopsy samples of humpback and fin whales. While on board one of the research vessels, interns will be responsible for collecting photo identification images of whales and recording data. Interns will be responsible for processing images from these trips. *Mount Desert Rock*: We hope for interns to complete several shifts (each at least a week in length) at our offshore research station Mount Desert Rock. While on the island, interns will participate in land-based whale monitoring from the lighthouse tower, seal counts, gull counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station. Interns will collect weekly samples of seal scat to contribute to a collaborative microplastics project. Interns will also receive experience working in a remote off-the-grid location. *Pay/Housing*: Those accepted to the program are able to earn income by their work on the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Deckhands are paid $50 per trip (at the height of summer, there are 2 trips running a day) plus considerable tips. Interns also receive a free First Aid Certification and TWIC card from the BHWW Co. Provided housing in downtown Bar Harbor is mandatory for a fee. Rent will be approximately $375 a month for a bed in a shared room. While at Mount Desert Rock, food is provided for free. The BHWW Co. also provides funding for RAs to attend the annual North Atlantic Right Whale Conference in New Bedford, Massachusetts in November. *Qualifications*: Applicants should have a college background in biology, ecology, and/or marine sciences. Previous data collection experience in a research setting and knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. Prior experience offshore and skills in DSLR photography are also assets. Due to Coast Guard requirements, all crew onboard US commercial vessels and therefore *all research assistant/interns, must be US citizens or have permanent resident alien status.* Also, all interns will be drug screened prior to employment and will be enrolled in a random drug testing program. Applicants should be physically and mentally fit: able to lift and carry 50 pounds, comfortable around dead and decomposing animals, and able to hike up to 5 miles carrying gear for stranding response. *Most importantly, applicants must be positive in attitude, flexible to quickly changing schedules, able to work independently, and be seaworthy/comfortable working on boats*. Lastly, because of the community living situation both in Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Rock, applicants must get along well with others and be able to handle working in a team setting. *To apply*: Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to: Dr. Tanya Lubansky ( tlubansky(a)coa.edu) *Letters may be sent either directly from the references or by the applicants. *Please specify which position you are interested in (summer or full-season)*. Deadline of application is *February 22nd*.

1 0

Seeking field assistants for research on tropical dolphins around Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
by Rebecca Haughey 22 Jan '19

22 Jan '19

Fieldwork dates: 1st April 2019 - 30th September 2019 Application deadline: Thursday 31st January 2019 Project title: Ecology and conservation biology of the Indo Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) in the North West Cape, Western Australia Institution: Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL); Flinders University; South Australia www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au Overview: I am seeking field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-Identification and laser photogrammetry of Australian humpback and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins around the North West Cape in North-Western Australia for 6 months from the 1st of April 2019. I am looking for four research assistants for April-June and another four for July-September. Commitment to a full 3 month period is required. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research and contribute to a project with very high conservation and management value. Furthermore, it provides assistants the opportunity to conduct research in a truly unique natural setting along the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Coast, home to one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world, Ningaloo Reef. The region is highly abundant with marine life, including seasonal visits from whale sharks (April-August), humpback whales (June-November), Killer whales (July-August) and manta rays (June-October). It really is a spectacular research setting! About the project: This project is part of a PhD I am doing at Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia with CEBEL. The aim of this study is to establish baseline ecological information on the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population in the North West Cape of WA and improve the scientific basis behind their conservation and management. The project has four main objectives: 1. Estimate the abundance, site fidelity and residency patterns of the bottlenose dolphin; 2. Identify critical habitat areas for feeding, socialising, resting and breeding; 3. Assess the social structure and home ranging patterns of the bottlenose dolphins; 4. Estimate age and growth curves for the population and sex of individuals using laser photogrammetry Location: We will be staying in a spacious house in Exmouth for the duration of the field season. Duties: The season will be split into "boat days" and "land days" which is purely dependant on weather. "Boat days": Boat work is conducted 7 days a week (often for extended hours) throughout the entire field season depending on weather conditions. Boat days will consist of preparing and cleaning of the boat and field equipment, boat based transect surveys searching for dolphin groups, taking images of dorsal fins and recording information on group size, composition, behaviour and environmental data. At times, there will be opportunities to drive the boat. At the conclusion of the day, photo-id images will be loaded onto the CEBEL computer and cameras will be charged and set up for the next morning. In order to keep on top of data entry, it is expected that some work will be done in the evenings on returning to the house. A structured schedule will be set up with rotations of field duties, time off and specific duties for each person. "Land days": when conditions are less than ideal, expect to spend time in the office doing data entry, scoring photographs and fin matching. During these days, there will be also be opportunities to explore the surrounding area, which is an ideal location for those who enjoy scuba diving, surfing, hiking and wildlife. Cooking and housekeeping will be shared among participants. What to expect: Field assistants need to be available full-time, including weekends, and be prepared for early morning departures (6-7AM), long days (8-10 hours) on the water in warm weather for multiple consecutive days, and lengthy days transcribing data. Fieldwork is weather dependant. If the weather is not right, we will not be conducting surveys and could spend several days in a row on land. However, if the weather is good it could be several days before we get a day on land. Bring some books or movies to watch in the down time. Ningaloo is home to a large array of marine fauna so expect to see whales, sea turtles, whale sharks, dugongs, manta rays, sharks, and crystal clear waters over beautiful tropical reefs. Most of all, expect to learn a lot while having an awesome time. Prerequisites: * Enrolled in or completed a degree in marine science, ecology, biology, animal behaviour, life sciences or a related field (highly desirable); * Experience in working on a small boat and no history of sea sickness (essential); * Experience driving a boat (highly desirable); * Experience in photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); * Experience in field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable); * Experience in working in remote areas (highly desirable) * Be team-oriented and have an enthusiastic and proactive attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); * Be flexible as weather dependant fieldwork requires flexibility and involves plans changing - sometimes at the last minute (essential); * Proficient use of Microsoft Excel (highly desirable); * Experience in using photo identification software (highly desirable); * Fluent in English (essential) Expenses: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Perth and living expenses. At the beginning and end of the season there will be space in the 4WD heading up to Exmouth and down to Perth so only one way transport to or from Exmouth will be required (Direct flights from Perth to Exmouth are available). Costs for accommodation and food will be split among the research leader and participants ($100-$200 a week each). How to apply: If you are interested in being part of 'Team Tursiops' please send a CV (max. 3 pages), a 1-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience in regards to the above prerequisites, and contact details of two relevant referees to rebecca.haughey(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:rebecca.haughey@flinders.edu.au> by Thursday 31st of January 2019. Short-listed candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Rebecca Haughey PhD candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University * rebecca.haughey(a)flinders.edu.au * www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/>

1 0

Deadline February 1: Alaska Whale Foundation 2019 Research Program - Call for Volunteers
by Andy Szabo 22 Jan '19

22 Jan '19

This is a reminder that the deadline to apply for a volunteer position with Alaska Whale Foundation for the 2019 field season is Friday, February 1 @ midnight PST. Successful applicants will join AWF’s research team in Southeast Alaska and assist in collecting and/or analyzing data for projects examining humpback whale health, foraging ecology, and social biology. For more information on AWF’s volunteer program, including how to apply, visit: www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers<http://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers>. For general information on Alaska Whale Foundation, visit: www.alaskawhalefoundation.org<http://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org>.

1 0