January 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Australian Dolphin Research Project Ecovolunteer Opportunities
by Liz Hawkins 08 Jan '19

08 Jan '19

Hi All, Dolphin Research Australia is a marine research, education and conservation charity that provides long-term independent research and education programs. We are pleased to announce that we have eco-volunteer opportunities available for participants to join our Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Expeditions in 2019. We have 4 day and 8 day eco-volunteer expeditions available between May and July 2019. The project offers a unique learning experience for those passionate about dolphins and the marine environment who want to contribute to increasing knowledge, awareness and improving conservation efforts while supporting the research efforts. The research project focuses on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Australian humpback dolphins and aims to assess and monitor the abundance and health of these populations in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and South East Queensland region. Participants have the opportunity to join the research team and have a hands-on and participatory experience working from small research vessels whilst being based at the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station on the beautiful North Stradbroke Island located near Brisbane, Australia. Participants will assist in collecting data on the behaviour, acoustics and habitat use of coastal dolphins. No previous experience is required and all training will be provided to participants. Participants, however, do need to have the following; - An enthusiastic and positive attitude - Willingness to learn and work with a small team - General interest in dolphin biology and ecology - Be able to work long-hours on a small vessel (not susceptible to chronic sea sickness) - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both written and oral) - Good fitness level (the work requires agility to work on small vessels and participants will be required to regularly get on and off small boats, move around the vessel whilst underway and at times in choppy conditions) Please check our website www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> or email us directly at info(at)dolphinresearchaustralia.org for more information, prices and dates. Kind Regards Liz Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.org <mailto:liz@dolphinresearchaustralia.org> Ph: (02) 6676 1473 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> ABN: 42095866467 ** Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a marine conservation, education & research charity -find out more about us & how you can help at <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org **

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Marine Mammals of Maine Internship Opportunity
by Walk, Dominique 08 Jan '19

08 Jan '19

*Marine Mammals of Maine 2019 Summer Internship Opportunity* Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is a non-profit organization federally authorized to respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles between Kittery and Rockland, Maine. MMoME covers some of the busiest seal stranding coastline, averaging 300 live and dead animals annually. MMoME also operates a triage and rehabilitation center which provides critical care to sick and injured pinnipeds. Additionally, our mission heavily encompasses research, education and outreach, and is dedicated to promoting environmental conservation. MMoME is offering 2 different internships for the 2019 summer harbor seal pup season. *Core Internship:* seeking 6 motivated, flexible and independent interns for the months of May through August, or May through October. Interns are critical in fulfilling our mission and are given the unique opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. The internship is based out of Midcoast Maine (Harpswell), though travel throughout our response region and the Northeast will be necessary. Interns will be required to dedicate a minimum of 40-50 hours per week to the internship (minimum of 4 days/week), and will include holidays, weekends and night feeds. This internship is unpaid, though seasonal job opportunities are available in the area. Housing is not provided but staff may be able to assist with sourcing options. *KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:* · *ANIMAL RESPONSE:* respond to live and dead cetacean, pinniped and sea turtle strandings to collect Level A data, perform health assessments, and monitor, relocate, collect for humane euthanasia, or rescue. Carcass collection for disposal or necropsy will also be required; · *IN-HOUSE PATIENT CARE:* assist with all aspects relating to the care of sick, injured and abandoned pinnipeds undergoing short, or long-term care at the center. Tasks include meal prep, tube-feeding, assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint for exams, running lab samples, medical record maintenance, cleaning, and transport to long-term care facilities; · *NECROPSY:* transport carcasses to necropsy and compost sites, assist with necropsy of fresh dead pinnipeds and cetaceans, and archive necropsy samples; · *EDUCATION AND OUTREACH:* give presentations to the public about the organization, attend outreach events, and help create educational materials; · *OTHER TASKS:* additional time during this internship will be spent on data entry, fundraising, cleaning, and other tasks as needed. *REQUIREMENTS:* · The internship is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in, or recently graduated (within 2 years) from an accredited college or university (this internship is not yet designed for those pursuing DVM degrees); · The ideal candidate is working towards a career in marine mammal science, veterinary medicine, marine biology, environmental education, or related fields; · Must commit to at least three months, and be available from May 13– August 15, or October 15. MUST be able to start *no later than May * *20th, 2019;* · Must have a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and comfortable driving a full-size truck in urban and rural areas; · Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, and be adaptable to a changing and unpredictable schedule; · Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, eager to learn, flexible, able to work under little supervision, and detail oriented are encouraged to apply; · Preference given to individuals with a demonstrated interest in marine mammals, and are specifically interested in marine mammal response, rescue, and care. Previous marine mammal experience or animal husbandry a plus; *Advanced Marine Mammal Internship:* MMoME is seeking Advanced Response and Care interns to start May 1st through September 30th (end date can be flexible). Advanced interns will also work 40-50 hours/week (4 days/week) including holidays, weekends, and night feeds. This internship is unpaid though seasonal jobs are available in the area, and housing is not provided but MMoME may be able to assist with sourcing options. The Advanced interns will carry out the same duties outlined for Core Interns, and additionally will assist staff with: · Obtaining and processing diagnostic samples from stranded marine mammals, as well as triage and rehabilitation pinnipeds in MMoME’s care; · Clinical procedures, injections, and fluid therapy; · Dispensing oral medications as directed by MMoME staff and veterinarian; · After-hours medical care of triage or rehab patients in need of extended critical care as directed by staff and veterinarian; · Lead volunteer and intern shifts. Requirements listed above for Core Internship apply for Advanced Interns, in addition to: · Must be either a 4th year (or more) undergraduate student, a recent graduate within the last 4 years, or actively enrolled in a graduate program; · Must have prior experience working directly with marine mammals, or experience working in a clinical setting with other wildlife; · Must have demonstrated experience handling marine mammals or other large wildlife. *HOW TO APPLY:* Please send a letter of interest, resume and contact information for two references to info(a)mmome.org by February 8th, 2019. Your application should additionally include which internship you are applying for, and the start and end dates you can commit to for that internship. We look forward to your application for this exciting experience! *Dominique Walk* *Assistant Stranding Coordinator* *Marine Mammals of MaineOffice: 207-833-3312* *Reporting Hotline: 1-800-532-9551* *www.mmome.org <http://www.mmome.org>*

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Stranding Response Batten Fellowship - Virginia Aquarium
by Sarah R. Mccormack 07 Jan '19

07 Jan '19

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting applications for a Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellow. The application deadline is January 30, 2019. Fellows are expected to begin in May, but the start date is flexible. Housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Fellows are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. This competitive position includes compensation to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period. Position Overview Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) Fellows promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Fellows will be trained in all aspects of stranding response. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by fellowship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Duties * Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field. * Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass removal, and cleaning. * Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies and equipment. * Assist staff with new patients, including: daily treatments, restraining animals for exams, collecting vital rates (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, taking photographs, administering medications, and performing wound care. * Assist with research projects and field activities involving sea turtles and marine mammals. * Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning/restocking gear and supplies. * Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator training. * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, completing response paperwork, and when trained acting as stranding and live animal lead (under the supervision of a staff member), as well as acting as after-hours hotline point of contact. * Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff. Required Qualifications * Must be at least 18 years old. * Must be a rising junior, recent graduate, or currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in a science-based (or veterinary) program. * Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team. * Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances (>5 mi/8 km) on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and/or wind. * Be able to swim and be comfortable in and around open water and boats. Preferred Qualifications * Demonstrate interest in a career in marine or veterinary science. * Have some experience in stranding response, field research, and/or wild/exotic animal care. * Have basic math and computer skills using MS spreadsheets, relational databases, and data entry (advanced programs such as SQL, GIS, R, etc. preferred). * Be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals. * Be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans. Willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required). Position Requirements * Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving. * Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. * Be available to perform support activities (24-7) as needed during the period of appointment. Fellowship Learning Objectives * Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills: * Perform basic post-mortem examinations on sea turtle and marine mammals. * Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including collecting vital rates, treating wounds, administering medications, and processing blood samples. * Be able to complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Marine Mammal Stranding Level A forms. * Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access. * Complete an individual research project with a final deliverable (research paper and oral presentation). Fellow Schedule Fellow is expected to be available 4-5 days per week, 8am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Minimum Commitment Required 800 hours Fellow Supervisor/Mentor VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor Work Location Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Animal Care Center Application Requirements A complete application includes: * Cover letter. There is some flexibility with Fellowship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter. Please indicate the specific Batten Fellowship opportunity to which you are applying. * Fellowship expectations letter. This should include what you expect to do and get from your experience at VAQS. * Resume * College transcript(s) * Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. If applying via email, please send application to interns(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:interns@virginiaaquarium.com> and send a copy of the application to vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com>. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If applying via mail, please send application to: Volunteer Services Office – Batten Fellows Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Boulevard Virginia Beach, VA 23451 For more information about the application process, please visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/about-us/Pages/Fellowships.aspx Sarah McCormack Stranding Technician Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Stranding Response Program 757-385-6485 (office) 757-385-7575 (stranding hotline)

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Summer Internship - Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Program
by Sarah R. Mccormack 07 Jan '19

07 Jan '19

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Summer 2019. The application deadline is January 30, 2019. Interns are expected to begin in May, but the start date is flexible. Please note that all positions are non-compensatory and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. Position Overview Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Once accepted, interns will be assigned to a focus area of either necropsy or rehabilitation. Interns will be cross-trained in all aspects of stranding response, however, daily tasks will be assigned to interns according to focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by internship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Duties * Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field. * Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass removal, and cleaning. * Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies. * Assist staff with new admits and daily treatments of patients. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care. * Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear. * Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings. * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork. * Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff. Qualifications * Must be at least 18 years old. * Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or have recently graduated (within last two years). * Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and wind. * Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team. * Should be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals. * Should be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans (preferred). Willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required). * Background in biology and familiarity with stranding response (preferred). * Experience with DSLR cameras and Microsoft Access (preferred). Position Requirements * Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving. * Possess a valid driver’s license. Internship Learning Objectives Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills: * Perform post-mortem examinations on sea turtle and marine mammals. * Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including vitals collection, wound treatment, administering medications, and blood processing. * Complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Level A forms. * Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access. Intern Schedule Intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Minimum Commitment Required 24 hours per week for the duration of the internship. Intern Supervisor/Mentor VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor. Work Location Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Animal Care Center Application Requirements If applying via email, please send application to interns(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:interns@virginiaaquarium.com> and copy vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com>. A complete Stranding Response Intern packet must include the following components. Incomplete applications will not be considered. * Cover letter including preferred focus area (necropsy or rehabilitation) and internship expectations. While we will do our best to accommodate intern preferences, staff will make the final focus area determination. There is some flexibility with internship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter. * Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form. * Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. * Resume * College transcript(s) For more information about the application process, please visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/about-us/Pages/internship-application.aspx Sarah McCormack Stranding Technician Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Stranding Response Program 757-385-6485 (office) 757-385-7575 (stranding hotline)

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Research Internship Opportunity at Dolphin Research Center
by Christina McMullen 07 Jan '19

07 Jan '19

Dolphin Research Center Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the *Summer* 2019 term (May - August). DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of dolphins and sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral, cognitive, and field research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Note: conducting your own research projects is not part of this position. Specific job duties include: · Collecting observational behavioral data · Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions · Assisting in setting up and breaking down equipment for cognitive and acoustic research sessions · Operating video equipment · Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis · General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is* February* 1st. You can find all application information and more at www.dolphins.org. Click "Careers", and then "Internships”. To apply, you must submit an application form. This can be downloaded for a physical submission, or submitted electronically on our website. Additionally, it is mandatory that you please provide the following: - A completed Application Form (including your Internship Preferences in order of choice under Section B) - A current Resume - Transcript (may be unofficial unless you are seeking a credit for your internship) - Two Letters of Recommendation with an original signature. (If currently enrolled in college, one letter must be from your Faculty Advisor) Application materials may be submitted electronically, or traditionally via regular mail. For an electronic submission, you may submit the applicant form via our website, and email all supporting documentation to the provided recipient. For a traditional application format, please send your printed application form, supporting documentation, and any additional information you wish that you feel would be beneficial to us in processing your application by fax to the attention of Volunteer Resource at (305) 743-7627, or by regular mail: Dolphin Research Center Attn: Volunteer Resources Department 58901 Overseas Highway Grassy Key, FL 33050 USA Select publications: King, S.L., Guarino, E., Keaton, L., Erb, L., & Jaakkola, K. (2016). Maternal signature whistle use aids mother-calf reunions in a bottlenose dolphin,Tursiops truncatus. Behavioural Processes, 126, 64-70. King, S. L., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., Hecksher, J., & Jaakkola, K (in press). Further insights into postpatrum signature whistle use in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science. Jaakkola, K. (2014). Do animals understand invisible displacement? A critical review. Journal of Comparative Psychology, Vol. 128, No. 3, 225-239. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., & Hecksher, J. (2013). Switching strategies: A dolphin's use of passive and active acoustics to imitate motor actions. Animal Cognition, 16, 701-709. Jaakkola, K. (2012). Cetacean cognitive specializations. In J. Vonk & T. Shackleford (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Evolutionary Psychology (pp. 144–165). New York: Oxford University Press. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically “less” by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology ReplyForward

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Alaska Whale Foundation 2019 Research Program - call or volunteers
by Andy Szabo 07 Jan '19

07 Jan '19

Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is seeking volunteers to participate in a series of research projects at its field station on Baranof Island, Southeast Alaska (latitude 57.0877 N, longitude 134.8342 W). Successful applicants will assist in collecting and/or analyzing data for projects examining humpback whale health, foraging ecology, and social biology. Responsibilities: Volunteers will work in a team of 4-6 individuals and will split their time between on-the-water activities and data work. AWF’s field station is a cooperative living environment so volunteers will also be responsible for cooking, cleaning and basic equipment maintenance. Volunteers are expected to cover the costs of getting to/from either Petersburg or Sitka, Alaska and to supply their own foul-weather gear (rain gear, boots, etc.) appropriate for work in the Alaskan temperate rainforest and marine environment. Compensation: In return for participation, AWF will provide travel within Southeast Alaska to AWF’s field station, room and board, and Mustang-style survival suits and additional safety gear. AWF can also assist students that wish to develop for-credit independent projects through their own academic institutions. Schedule: Volunteers are asked to participate in one of two ~7-week ‘blocks’. The tentative dates for these are: i) May 15 – July 2; and, ii) July 24 – September 14. Volunteers should plan to arrive in Southeast Alaska no later than noon on the first day and depart no sooner than noon on the final day of the appropriate block. Because of the logistics involved with travel to/from the field station, we cannot accommodate arrival and departure outside of these dates/times. Qualifications: All applicants will be considered; however, preference will be given to individuals that are pursing or have recently been awarded a BS/BA degree or higher in biology, environmental science or similar field, and who have basic first aid training. Additionally, the following will be viewed favorably: - Desire to pursue a career in marine sciences - Experience operating small boats, especially in marine waters - Experience working in remote field settings - An ability to work well with colleagues in both research and cooperative living situations - Demonstrable proficiency in social media Interested individuals should apply through Alaska Whale Foundation’s website: www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers. Please include a link to a single PDF file that includes your CV, a brief cover letter (no more than 500 words) and contact information for two references. Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, February 1 @ midnight PST. Interviews for qualified candidates will be conducted in early- to mid- February, and final decisions will be made no later than February 22. Further announcements will be posted on Alaska Whale Foundation’s Facebook page. For more information on Alaska Whale Foundation, please visit: www.alaskawhalefoundation.org.

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Second Call: Training Course - An Introduction To Using GIS/QGIS In Biological Research, 18-19 March 2019
by Colin D. MacLeod 07 Jan '19

07 Jan '19

This is the second call for attendees for our upcoming introductory training course for those who wish to learn how to use GIS in biological research, and it will provide an introduction to using GIS in a wide variety of biological research situations, including marine mammal research, and the course includes two marine-mammal-specific practical exercises (one based around calculating the observed abundance per unit survey effort of dolphins using a grid-based approach, and one based around mapping species richness for North Atlantic beaked whales). It is primmarily based around a GIS software package called QGIS, which is free to use. As a result, it is one of the best options for doing GIS for self-employed MMOs, small environmental consultancies, NGOs, those working on small marine mammal research projects with limited budgets for purchasing software licences and students working at universities who do not have access to commercial GIS software packages. The course will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 18th and 19th of March 2019, and it will be taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, who has more than 15 years experience in using GIS for a wide variety of biological purposes. For those who cannot attend this course in person, a shorter online course based on the same materials is available from our sister site www.GISforBiologists.com. The course will primarily be based around QGIS (also known as Quantum GIS), which provides a user-friendly, open-source, free alternative to commercial GIS software packages, and it is becoming increasingly widely used in both academic and commercial organisations As a result, it is aimed at both those with no GIS experience, but wish to learn how to do GIS with QGIS, and also those who are familiar with using commercial GIS software, such as ArcGIS, but who wish to learn how to use QGIS as an alternative. However, this course is taught using software-independent approach, and it is also open to those who wish to learn how to use ArcGIS to do biological GIS. The practical exercises on this course will be based on those in the recently published GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates by Dr MacLeod, and a free copy of this book will be provided to all participants. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 16 people, and the course will cost £295 per person (£200 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, visit http://gisinecology.com/an-introduction-to-using-gis-in-biological-research/ or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Glasgow has great transport links and is within half a days travel by car or by fast train links from most cities in the UK. For example, it can be reached in as little as 4h 30mins from London by train. It can also be reached by direct flights from many European cities and the flight time is generally under four hours. The exact venue for the course will be confirmed closer to the time of the course, but it will be held in Glasgow city centre. Attendees will be responsible for their own accommodation. However, Glasgow provides a wide range of accommodation options to fit most budgets. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Seal Rescue Ireland, Media and Outreach Internship
by Intern Coordinator 07 Jan '19

07 Jan '19

Seal Rescue Ireland: Media and Outreach Internship Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a registered charity organisation which operates a very 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 in ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes. SRI has a growing social media presence, and is gaining international recognition for our work. SRI is currently accepting applicants for a Media and Outreach Intern with openings available immediately and rolling start dates year round. This is a full time position for a minimum of 12 weeks but longer commitments are encouraged. After completion of initial training, interns who excel may be invited to stay on longer and offered higher levels of responsibility with the potential for compensation through living expenses. Reports to: Director Job Summary: This position will provide the intern with work experience in all aspects of a rescue and rehabilitation centre with primary focus on producing quality photographs, video and media content for use on our website, social media, monthly newsletter, adoptions programme, marketing, educational and fundraising projects. The intern will spend half their time developing media content, and the other half of their time assisting with educational tours, fundraising and clerical tasks. This position requires a skilled photographer who will be responsible for capturing consistent photographs and videos of the animals in care to tell their stories, daily activities at the centre, and events on and off-site (i.e. rescues, releases, educational talks, outreach events, etc.), as well as developing content consistent with SRI’s message of ocean conservation and sustainability. Partial involvement in assisting in husbandry care of rehabilitation animals is an option if interested. Requirements: Applicants must have a keen interest in marine conservation, biology and environmental stewardship, as well as skills in developing media content and photography with proven examples of your work to be submitted with your application. You must be in a position to bring your camera equipment with you. Applicants must have effective communication skills, the ability to represent SRI in professional manner and work well in a team setting. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Public speaking skills, graphic design and website development skills are highly encouraged. Duties Include: - Participate in educational talks and tours. - Assist in design, development and maintenance of the SRI website - Keep up to date photographs and video of the seals in care - Photograph events and daily tasks for use in media, marketing and promotional purposes - Develop educational and promotional written content - Provide assistance to the managers and rehabilitation staff as needed. - Assisting with fundraisers and educational events - Assisting with clerical duties and office work as needed - (Optional)-Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (feeding, medical treatment, daily care, routine cleaning of enclosures and work areas.). - (Optional)-Assist with rescue and release of stranded animals. 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 all travel expenses. Please visit our website (http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) to download the application form. Then send your resume, cover letter, and application form along with examples of your writing and photography to: intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Attention: Animal Care and Education Internship Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sealrescueireland Registered Charity Number: 20108519

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New paper on elephant seal movement, feeding and condition
by Enrico Pirotta 07 Jan '19

07 Jan '19

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online:: Enrico Pirotta, Lisa K. Schwarz, Daniel P. Costa, Patrick W. Robinson, and Leslie New (2019). Modeling the functional link between movement, feeding activity, and condition in a marine predator. Behavioral Ecology. Abstract: The ability to quantify animals’ feeding activity and the resulting changes in their body condition as they move in the environment is fundamental to our understanding of a population’s ecology. We use satellite tracking data from northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), paired with simultaneous diving information, to develop a Bayesian state-space model that concurrently estimates an individual’s location, feeding activity, and changes in condition. The model identifies important foraging areas and times, the relative amount of feeding occurring therein, and thus the different behavioral strategies in which the seals engage. The fitness implications of these strategies can be assessed by looking at the resulting variation in individuals’ condition, which in turn affects the condition and survival of their offspring. Therefore, our results shed light on the processes affecting an individual’s decision-making as it moves and feeds in the environment. In addition, we demonstrate how the model can be used to simulate realistic patterns of disturbance at different stages of the trip, and how the predicted accumulation of lipid reserves varies as a consequence. Particularly, disturbing an animal in periods of high feeding activity or shortly after leaving the colony was predicted to have the potential to lead to starvation. In contrast, an individual could compensate even for very severe disturbance if such disturbance occurred outside the main foraging grounds. Our modeling approach is applicable to marine mammal species that perform drift dives and can be extended to other species where an individual’s buoyancy can be inferred from its diving behavior.. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded from: https://academic.oup.com/beheco/advance-article/doi/10.1093/beheco/ary183/5… Please do not hesitate to contact me for any question regarding our work. Best Regards, and Happy New Year! Enrico Pirotta

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5th ICMMPA ANNOUNCEMENT: EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED ΤΟ 31st JANUARY 2019
by info_ICMMPA5 07 Jan '19

07 Jan '19

[Email Image] © Frédétic Larrey & Thomas Roger 1st Announcement of the 5th International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas Are you working, involved or interested in marine mammal conservation throughout the world? The International Committee on Marine Mammal Protected Areas (ICMMPA) in collaboration with WWF Greece are pleased to announce that the 5th International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas will be held in April 2019 in Greece. ICMMPA conferences have been one of the few opportunities dedicated exclusively to bring together expert scientists, MPA practitioners, stakeholders and policy makers involved in marine mammal conservation from around the globe. In 2019, the MMPA community will be celebrating 10 years, since the first International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas held in Hawaii, and this milestone Conference will take place for the first time in Europe and specifically the Mediterranean Sea. The Conference will have the honor to have HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, as the opening speaker, a champion in marine conservation. The ICMMPA joins effort with WWF, one of the biggest conservation NGOs in the world, that works across all levels -from the field to the highest policy level- to strengthen the protection of marine mammals worldwide. We invite you to attend the 5th ICMMPA in Greece to discuss the challenges ahead, to contribute in developing concrete and practical steps towards achieving effective place-based protection and management for marine mammal and to ultimately identify a path forward that will lead ICMMPA into the future. Early registrations are now open! Register today!<https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/registration> For more information about the 5th ICMMPA, contact: Amalia Alberini, Conference Co-host, WWF Greece<mailto:info_ICMMPA5@wwf.gr> or Naomi McIntosh, Chair, ICMMPA<mailto:naomi.mcintosh@noaa.gov> [Email Image] Follow us [social icon] [social icon] [social icon] [social icon] Unsubscribe | View in Browser<http://#trackingDomain%23/show_campaign/%23campaign:key%23/%23recipient:key%23/%23ab%23> Powered by Moosend

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