January 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Fourth Marine Mammalogy Summer School
by Karina Acevedo 15 Jan '19

15 Jan '19

Dear Colleagues, The Mexican Society for Marine Mammalogy (SOMEMMA) is pleased to announce its *fourth biennial Marine Mammalogy Summer School, the IV-E3M,* which will take place in La Paz, Mexico, July 14-21, 2019. The IV-E3M offers theoretical and practical knowledge on the biology, ecology, evolution, natural history, physiology and conservation of marine mammals. The IV-E3M is structured in two modules; a *50-h course aimed at undergraduate students with limited or no experience with marine mammals*, that will encompass the biology, ecology, evolution, natural history, physiology and conservation of marine mammals and includes a hands-on field trip to Espiritu Santo National Park aboard a research vessel, and a *20-h advanced module, aimed at postgraduate students or final year undergraduates*, who can select one of six topics: 1) Ecotoxicology and Marine Pollution (course delivered in spanish and english) 2) Stable Isotopes in Ecological and Environmental Studies (course delivered in english) 3) Telemetry as a tool for animal ecology (course delivered in english) 4) Conservation genetics (course delivered in english) 5) Passive acoustic monitoring and photoID database management (course delivered in english) 6) Introduction to marine mammal rehabilitation and disease (course delivered in english) 7) Behavioural ecology of marine mammals (course delivered in spanish) Our instructors are well recognized marine mammalogists from Mexico, Brasil, Canada and the US ( https://www.escuelamexicanademamiferosmarinos.com/copia-de-instructores-2-1 ). Our first two summer schools were targeted exclusively to Mexican students. In 2017, the third summer school broadened its scope and was open to international participants. We had participants from five countries, and the experience was very gratifying for participants and instructors. This year we are once more opening our summer school to international participants. We have strived to maintain costs extremely low: the basic module costs *120 US dollars* (early fee) and the advanced module costs *140 US dollars* (early fee). This fee *includes accommodation*, the course diploma, complementary material, and reading material). More details on the program, instructors and registration costs can be found at: http://www.escuelamexicanademamiferosmarinos.com https://www.facebook.com/4Escu <https://www.facebook.com/4EscuelaMexicanaMastozoologiaMarina/> elaMexicanaMastozoologiaMarina <https://www.facebook.com/4EscuelaMexicanaMastozoologiaMarina/>/ <https://www.facebook.com/4EscuelaMexicanaMastozoologiaMarina/> Hope to see you in La Paz! Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse & Fabiola Guerrero de la Rosa IV-E3M organizers escuelamexicanamm(a)gmail.com -- ----------------------- Think of all the men who never knew the answers. Think of all those who never even cared. Still, there are some who ask why, who want to know, who dare to try. Rod Mckuen (Here he comes again)

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Whale and Dolphin Conservation, North America - Field Research Internships
by Monica Pepe 15 Jan '19

15 Jan '19

WDC North America (NA), located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships and field volunteer positions providing research, policy, education, and advocacy experience in working for an international non-profit organization. Internships are offered to qualified applicants throughout the year, allowing each participant to become proficient at field data collection, educational outreach, and conservation issues of marine mammals. As additional time allows, interns may also assist staff in completing various tasks pertaining to our focal projects. We are currently seeking applicants for our 2019 season. For candidacy requirements and application instructions, visit https://us.whales.org/wdc-na-field-research-internship-program. Applications for the spring (beginning late March/early April) should be submitted by 23:59PM EDT on February 4, 2019. Applications for the summer (beginning in May) should be submitted by 23:59PM EDT on March 3, 2019. Background to the program The WDC internship/volunteer program aims to help participants hone their outreach and data collection and organization skills, while also gaining an introduction to all aspects of working with a conservation non-profit organization. Successful candidates are included in everything from field research to office administration. All interns gain experience with public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels and participating in school talks and other public outreach events throughout the year. Additionally, interns will assist with written communication efforts including social media, blogs, and supporter directed communications. Other potential opportunities include attending workshops/conferences and responding to stranded marine mammals, though these are not guaranteed opportunities. This program exposes interns to real world experiences that will help them develop the skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of marine mammal conservation and research. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. As part of the field work experience, interns will learn species identification, behavioral sequencing, data collection, and photo identification research techniques on marine mammals in the southern Gulf of Maine. They will also have the opportunity to go out on commercial whale watching boats several times per week (field season is April - October) to photograph and record sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as other notable marine wildlife. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. Days in the office will be spent uploading photos and data into our photo identification database or working on any tasks that may be assigned. Based on time of year, the intern program may include some portion of the following: Education and Outreach * Outreach to local schools and the general public * Assisting with and learning about the importance of ecotourism and best practices * Writing blogs about work conducted or current events while interning with WDC * Attendance at conferences and meetings Research * Cataloging individually identifiable humpback and finback whales * Collecting opportunistic marine mammal sightings data in the Southern Gulf of Maine * Collecting images for analysis of body condition of marine mammals through scarring and skin condition * Data coding and cleaning * Attending stranding training and events Conservation * Literature research for preparation of comments submitted to federal agencies * GIS or other mapping techniques At the end of the program, our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals. There is no fee or compensation for the internship/volunteer positions. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300 USD, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant, and those who can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply. The program requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. The internship is a full time position requiring open and flexible availability. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. While international applicants interested in the internship program must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required documentation, WDC can provide supporting documentation as needed upon program acceptance. For candidacy requirements and application instructions, visit https://us.whales.org/wdc-na-field-research-internship-program WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin. Please review our Privacy Notice<https://us.whales.org/privacy-notice-us-applicants> for information on how we collect and store your secure information. Monica Pepe Policy Manager Conservation and Education Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC is 30 Years old!' Help us protect whales and dolphins over the next 30 years]<http://whales.org/> [WDC on Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/uswhalesorg> [WDC on Twitter] <https://www.twitter.com/NA_WHALES_org> [WDC on Instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/whales_org> [WDC on YouTube] <https://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <https://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <https://whales.org/en/newsletter> [WDC on Facebook]<https://www.guidestar.org/profile/02-0749188> [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/CampaignImages/USPledgeNever.png]<http://us.whales.org/pledge-never-to-plunge> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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Aquatic Mammals issue 45.1 available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 Jan '19

14 Jan '19

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 45, issue 1, 2019) of Aquatic Mammals. For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 45.1/45.2 will be mailed in late March. 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> Elena B. Eder, Mônica M. C. Muelbert, Mark A. Hindell, Randall W. Davis, Diego H. Rodríguez, and Mirtha N. Lewis. (2019). Foraging Strategies of Female Elephant Seals from Península Valdés, Patagonia, Inferred from Whisker Stable Isotope Signatures of Their Pups. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.1 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.1> Eve Jourdain, Richard Karoliussen, Charlotte Curé, Mathilde Massenet, Lance Barrett-Lennard, and Graeme M. Ellis. (2019). A Case of Natural Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Entrapment in Northern Norway: From Assessment to Rescue. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 14-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.14 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.14> Shauna McBride-Kebert, Jessica S. Taylor, Heidi Lyn, Frank R. Moore, Donald F. Sacco, Bandana Kar, and Stan A. Kuczaj II. (2019). Controlling for Survey Effort Is Worth the Effort: Comparing Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Habitat Use Between Standardized and Opportunistic Photographic-Identification Surveys. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 21-29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.21 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.21> Júlio Cardoso, Arlaine Francisco, Shirley P. de Souza, and Salvatore Siciliano. (2019). Rough-Toothed Dolphins (Steno bredanensis) Along Southeastern Brazil: Report of an Anomalous Pigmented Juvenile and Description of Social and Feeding Behaviors. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 30-36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.30 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.30> Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Nancy Jennings, Ruby van Kester, and Rowanne Huisman. (2019). Reduction in Body Mass and Blubber Thickness of Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) Due to Near-Fasting for 24 Hours in Four Seasons. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 37-47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.37 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.37> Valentina Franco-Trecu, Massimiliano Drago, M. Florencia Grandi, Alvaro Soutullo, Enrique A. Crespo, and Pablo Inchausti. (2019). Abundance and Population Trends of the South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis) in Uruguay. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 48-55. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.48 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.48> Aline B. de Mello, Julia M. B. Molina, Maja Kajin, and Marcos C. de O. Santos. (2019). Abundance Estimates of Guiana Dolphins (Sotalia guianensis; Van Bénéden, 1864) Inhabiting an Estuarine System in Southeastern Brazil. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 56-65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.56 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.56> Wendy Noke Durden, Greg O’Corry-Crowe, Steve Shippee, Teresa Jablonski, Sarah Rodgers, Marilyn Mazzoil, Elisabeth Howells, Elizabeth Hartel, Brooke Potgieter, Catalina Londono, Lydia Moreland, Forrest Townsend, Stephen McCulloch, and Gregory Bossart. (2019). Small-Scale Movement Patterns, Activity Budgets, and Association Patterns of Radio-Tagged Indian River Lagoon Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 66-87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.66 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.66> Blanca Morales-Guerrero, Diane Gendron, Laura M. Martinez-Levasseur, and Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse. (2019). Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Skin Contains Eumelanin and Pheomelanin. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 88-98. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.88 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.88> Christian D. Ortega-Ortiz, Elena Wonneberger, Ibiza Martínez-Serrano,Tadashi Kono-Martínez, Francisco Villegas-Zurita, Luis M. Enríquez Paredes, Myriam Llamas González, Aramis Olivos-Ortiz, Marco A. Liñán-Cabello, and Manuel Gerardo Verduzco-Zapata. (2019). Consequences Potentially Related to a Meteorological Event on a Resident Group of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Mexican Pacific. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 99-105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.99 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.99> Juan José Alava, Pedro J. Jiménez, Patricia A. Fair, and Lance Barrett-Lennard. (2019). First Record of a Live-Stranded Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in Coastal Ecuador and Insights on Killer Whale Occurrence in Ecuadorian Waters. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 106-115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.106 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.106> Aldo S. Pacheco, Sebastián Silva, Belén Alcorta, Salvador Gubbins, Chiara Guidino, Fiorella Sanchez-Salazar, Andrea Petit, Miguel A. Llapapasca, Nadia Balducci, Eduardo Larrañaga, María A. Zapata, Estefanía Grados, Camila Valdivia, Giancarlo Pinasco, Ana M. García-Cegarra, Daniel Cáceres, Daniella Biffi, Lorena Silva, Andrea Auger, Daniella Borda, Ana Belen Reyes, Romina Carnero-Huamán, Damian Villagra, Esteban Duque, Santiago Pinilla, Nicola Ransome, Ana Paula Suarez, and Vannesa Jaramillo-Calle. (2019. Cetacean Diversity Revealed from Whale-Watching Observations in Northern Peru. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 116-122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.116 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.116> Dagmar Fertl. (2019). Book Review: Deep Thinkers: Inside the Minds of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises. Aquatic Mammals. 45(1), 123-124.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.123 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.1.2019.123>

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PhD on Vessel Collisions with Large Whales
by Sarah Marley 14 Jan '19

14 Jan '19

Dear Marmam community, The University of Portsmouth is currently seeking applications for a fully-funded 3yr PhD on "Vessel Collisions with Large Whales: Behavioural responses and areas of risk". This project aims to quantify vessel collision risks for fin whales in the Bay of Biscay. ORCA, a cetacean conservation charity, has been utilising platforms-of-opportunity to collect cetacean sightings around the world since 2001. On-board observers collect data relating to effort, ship location/speed/heading, and whale sightings. The current project will both utilise ORCA’s long-term dataset and conduct fieldwork to collect additional data. Behavioural analyses will assess fine-scale behaviour of whales during vessel encounters, whilst density surface models will be used to identify high-risk areas. A full project description is available on FindAPhD: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/vessel-collisions-with-large-whales-b… This is a competition-funded PhD project, and open to UK / European students only. The bursary covers tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant in line with the RCUK rate (£14,777 for 2018/19) for three years. The successful applicant will commence in October 2019 under the supervision of Dr Sarah Marley (University of Portsmouth), Professor Alex Ford (University of Portsmouth), and Ms Lucy Babey (ORCA). Requirements: - BSc (minimum second-class or equivalent) or a Masters degree in a relevant subject - English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (with no component score below 6.0) The following would also be advantageous: - Previous field experience, including vessel-based surveys, behavioural observations, and marine mammal observation - Proficiency in R and GIS software - Strong background in statistical techniques The deadline for applications is 17th February 2019. To apply, please refer to the FindAPhD advert listed above. For more information, please contact Dr Sarah Marley (sarah.marley(a)port.ac.uk) All the best, Sarah *Dr Sarah Marley * PhD Applied Physics *| *MRes Marine Mammal Science *| *BSc Zoology (Hons.) Lecturer in Marine Vertebrate Zoology* |* University of Portsmouth Blog Editor *|* Journal of Animal Ecology Associate Editor *|* Austral Ecology *Email: *sarah.marley86(a)gmail.com *| Twitter: *@sarahmarley86 <https://twitter.com/sarahmarley86> *| **Web:* www.sarahmarley.com *Recent Papers* Behavioural and acoustical responses of dolphins to vessel traffic and underwater noise (2017) <https://goo.gl/GXmcin> Acoustic characteristics of urban vs pristine dolphin habitats (2017) <https://goo.gl/ecFrE8> Spatial and temporal variation in dolphin acoustic habitats (2017) <https://goo.gl/nxFn1V> Diversity and variation in fish choruses (2016) <https://goo.gl/32edkU>

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Marine Acoustician Job Opportunity
by Sarah Courbis 13 Jan '19

13 Jan '19

Ecology and Environment, Inc. is seeking a full time Marine Acoustician. This position will be responsible for marine acoustic propagation modeling associated with marine mammal take estimation for Incidental Harassment Authorizations and marine acoustic research. Our successful candidate will be proficient in several types of models including parabolic, normal, and/or ray tracing software. It is preferred that the applicant have experience with permitting under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the acoustic criteria applied by NMFS for permitting. This is a national position that can work from any of the company’s domestic office locations. Responsibilities: - Conduct marine acoustic propagation modeling for stationary and mobile noise sources in varied oceanic environments and integrate with statutory requirements and associated regulations - Assist with noise-related impact assessments and take estimation analyses for marine organisms - Conduct and/or interpret marine noise monitoring, research, and analyses - Support with report writing and preparation of environmental documentation/analyses and permit requests Requirements: - Master’s Degree in Oceanography, Engineering, or related discipline - 5+ years of experience in modeling acoustic propagation of sound sources in marine environments - Experience with evaluation of impacts of noise on marine organisms, particularly marine mammals - Experience with models including parabolic, normal, and/or ray tracing options; proficiency with RAM modeling code required - Familiarity with NOAA Fisheries acoustic criteria for protected marine species, and the principles of underwater acoustics including attenuation, transmission loss, and methods to determine Zones of Influence - Experience preparing environmental documents for submission to NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, or Bureau of Ocean Energy Management a plus - Excellent verbal communication, technical writing, and research skills - Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team - Proficient in Microsoft Office and Matlab - Ability to travel to support business needs - Experience working in Latin America and Spanish/Portuguese language skills a plus We are a global network of innovators and problem solvers, dedicated professionals and industry leaders in scientific, engineering, and planning disciplines working together with our clients to develop technically sound, science-based solutions to the leading environmental challenges of our time. E&E offers opportunities for growth in a team-oriented environment. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S.; Visa sponsorship will not be provided. Please view our website at www.ene.com to apply on-line. Ecology and Environment, Inc. is an EO and AA employer – M/F/Vets/Disabled/and other protected categories.

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Seal Rescue Ireland - Animal Care and Education Internship - Immediate Start Dates Available
by Intern Coordinator 13 Jan '19

13 Jan '19

Seal Rescue Ireland: Animal Care and Education Internship Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a charity organisation which operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. As the only facility that fully rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and common seal (Phoca vitulina) pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes. SRI is currently accepting applications for their dual focus Animal Care and Education Internship programme. With rolling start dates year around, this high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 12 weeks, but longer time commitments are encouraged. After completion of initial training, interns who excel may be invited to stay longer and offered higher levels of responsibility with the potential for compensation through living expenses. Reports to: Animal Care Manager Job Summary: This position provides the intern with a well rounded experience of both hands-on marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation work, and promoting public understanding of marine conservation as a whole. The candidate’s time will be split in half between assisting in the daily care of the animals and hospital operations, and providing educational tours to the public, assisting with fundraising projects, and assisting with administrative duties. The variation of responsibilities provide interns with excellent understanding of what it takes to successfully operate the many different aspects of a wildlife charity. Additionally, each intern gets the opportunity to independently plan one fundraiser project, to learn leadership and organisational skills. Interns that excel may be offered additional levels of responsibility to pursue specialized skill sets. Requirements: For consideration, applicants must have a background in areas of study such as Pre-Vet, Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science or other animal related field. Applicants must be able to follow written and oral instruction, possess effective communication skills, and be passionate about marine animals and their environment. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around enclosures, and must be physically fit and able to lift 25 kg. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt in a fast paced, ever changing environment and have a positive, purposeful attitude. They must be willing to work long hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Previous animal care and handling experience as well as public speaking skills are preferred, however interns will receive training to develop these skills. Duties Include: - Daily animal diet preparations and routine cleaning of enclosures and work areas. - Assist with rescue and release of stranded animals. - Take shifts overseeing the stranding hotline and coordinate seal rescue and transport. - Assist in the care of seals (feeding, restraining, medical treatment, daily care). - Help ensure that the clinical areas are stocked, hygienic and prepared to receive animals. - Maintain and update medical records. - Provide assistance to management and rehabilitation staff as needed. - Assist with fundraisers and educational events. - Assist with clerical duties and office work as needed - Participate in educational talks and tours. This is an unpaid position. Intern housing is available for 90 Euro/week (including food) on a first come first served basis. Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses. Please visit our website at (http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) to download the application form. Then send completed with your resume and cover letter to: intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Attention: Animal Care and Education Internship Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sealrescueireland Registered Charity: RCN 20108519

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Open Access Article re Ropeless Fishing
by Michael Moore 12 Jan '19

12 Jan '19

How we can all stop killing whales: a proposal to avoid whale entanglement in fishing gear ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsy194,https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsy194 https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsy194… Abstract Whales are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act; endangered species, such as the North Atlantic right whale, receive additional protection under the Endangered Species Act. However, their regulations have failed to satisfy conservation and animal welfare concerns. From 1990 to 2011 the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis, NARW) population grew at a mean of 2.8% annually. However, population trends reversed since 2011; the species is in decline, with only ∼100 reproductively active females remaining. This failure is driven by vessel collisions and increasingly fatal and serious entanglement in fixed fishing gear, whose rope strength has increased substantially. Chronic entanglement, drag, and associated morbidity have been linked to poor fecundity. Genuine solutions involve designating areas to be avoided and speed restrictions for ships and removing fishing trap ropes from the water column. A trap fishing closure for NARW habitat in the Cape Cod Bay (U.S.) area has been in place seasonally since 2015. 2017 mortalities in Eastern Canada elicited substantive management changes whereby the 2018 presence of NARW in active trap fishing areas resulted in an effective closure. To avoid these costly closures, the traditional trap fishery model of rope end lines attached to surface marker buoys has to be modified so that traps are marked virtually, and retrieved with gear that does not remain in the water column except during trap retrieval. Consumer demand for genuinely whale-safe products will augment and encourage the necessary regulatory changes so that trap fisheries conserve target and non target species. The PDF can be downloaded for free at this link <https://watermark.silverchair.com/fsy194.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_…> Michael Moore Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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New Publication of first Mitogenome for Sowerby's and True's Beaked whales
by Laura Joan Feyrer 12 Jan '19

12 Jan '19

A technical note that may be of interest for the marine mammal science community: "Complete mitochondrial genomes and phylogeny of two rare whale species: True’s (Mesoplodon mirus: True 1913) and Sowerby’s (Mesoplodon bidens: Sowerby 1804) beaked whales" Beaked whales of the genus Mesoplodon are rarely encountered and information on their basic biology is lacking. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of True’s (Mesoplodon mirus) and Sowerby’s (Mesoplodon bidens) beaked whales to high depth (>120X). The length of the de novo assembled genomes was 16,342 bp (M. mirus) and 16,347 bp (M. bidens), with GC compositions of 37.7 and 39.2%, respectively. A maximum-likelihood phylogeny supports the hypotheses that M. mirus is most closely related to Mesoplodon europaeus, and that M. bidens is the basal species of the genus. These data provide molecular resources that will aid in further understanding population genetics and evolution in this rare and poorly understood group of cetaceans. Anthony L. Einfeldt, Ian G. Paterson & Laura J. Feyrer (2019) Complete mitochondrial genomes and phylogeny of two rare whale species: True’s (Mesoplodon mirus: True 1913) and Sowerby’s (Mesoplodon bidens: Sowerby 1804) beaked whales, Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 4:1, 275-276, DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2018.1541719 Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23802359.2018.1541719 Cheers, Laura Feyrer @deepdivewhales Whitehead Lab Biology Dept. Dalhousie University Halifax, NS

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Marine Animal Entanglement Response Specialist II - Provincetown MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 11 Jan '19

11 Jan '19

*Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown MA 02657 USA* *Marine Animal Entanglement Response Specialist II* *Full Time (40 hours per week)* The Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown MA) is seeking a Response Specialist for its Marine Animal Entanglement Response program. CCS is a private, non-profit institution with an emphasis on marine mammal research and conservation. Response specialists are on call to disentangle whales and sea turtles following strict protocols that emphasize human safety and data collection. Specialists participate in at-sea operations, data processing, administrative tasks and supervision of trainees. They are expected to interface with the public and professional mariners and to participate in other CCS research programs as needed. CCS is searching for level-headed candidates that can work calmly and problem solve under stressful conditions. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in a biological field; at least one year of at-sea working experience; small boat handling experience; excellent computer and communication skills; strong focus and attention to detail; the ability to work and communicate well at sea and in a wide range of weather conditions. Prior experience working with large animals and database management skills are desirable. Applicants must be physically able to execute the work of the position, including long days at sea. Weekends and scheduling flexibility required. This position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. It is open to citizens of the US and those authorized to work in the US. The position offers a fantastic benefits package, with health/dental insurance, paid vacation and retirement plan. Interested candidates please submit cover sheet, resume and two references to: Stephanie Richardson at srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org Please include in subject title Response Specialist II search and use PDF documents. *Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2019* -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4695 Office Hours: Mon. Wed. Fri. 9 AM - 3 PM <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Research Assistant – Humpback Whale Research Program, Provincetown MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 11 Jan '19

11 Jan '19

*Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown MA USA* *Research Assistant – Humpback Whale Research Program * *Full Time (40 hours per week)* The Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown, MA) is seeking a Research Assistant for its Humpback Whale Research Program. Research assistants participate in field research, data and sample processing, photo-identification, catalog and database maintenance, field operations, administrative tasks and the supervision of program interns and volunteers. They are also expected to interface with the public and to participate in other CCS programs, as needed. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology or another biological field; at least one year of relevant research experience; excellent computer and communication skills; strong focus and attention to detail; the ability to maintain a flexible schedule and to work at sea over extended periods and in a wide range of weather conditions. Prior photo-identification experience, data management skills and small boat operation skills are desirable. This position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. It is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the United States. The position offers a fantastic benefits package, with health/dental insurance, paid vacation and retirement plan. Please forward a cover letter, resume and two letters of reference to: Stephanie Richardson, srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org . Please include in subject line Humpback Whale Research Assistant Search, also we ask that you use PDF documents. *Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2019* -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4695 Office Hours: Mon. Wed. Fri. 9 AM - 3 PM <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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