November 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

International Veterinary Fellowship
by Shawn Johnson 26 Nov '19

26 Nov '19

INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER (SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA, USA) OUR MISSION The Marine Mammal Center advances global conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education. WHAT MOTIVATES OUR WORK The ocean is in trouble. From the depletion of fish stocks to increasing ocean temperatures, human activity threatens marine ecosystems that are vital to the health of our ocean and all life on earth. As a critical first responder to these threats, The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. Marine mammals are ecosystem indicators, and these animals provide insights into human and ocean health threats. Together, we are taking action today to support a network of scientists and stewards to protect our shared ocean environment for future generations. To advance our mission, we focus our work in three key program areas: 1. Animal Care: With a volunteer force numbering more than 1,200 and the support of a concerned public, the Center is able to respond to marine mammals in distress. Sick and injured animals are treated and rehabilitated at our state-of-the-art veterinary facilities where we care for our patients until they can be released back to their ocean home. Covering a rescue range that spans 600 miles of California coastline and the Big Island of Hawai‘i, the Center responds to more stranded marine mammals than any other organization in the world. Our sought-after experts are deployed locally and internationally to provide technical veterinary expertise and training on best practices ranging from anesthesia to disentanglement. 2. Scientific Research: The Center is a major contributor to the global body of research and knowledge about marine mammal medicine and health. Our veterinary experts develop new clinical techniques to improve marine mammal rehabilitation and care, and investigate the reasons why marine mammals strand and how these factors are connected to ecosystem and human health. Our scientists also investigate how marine mammals use and interact with their ocean environment to better understand and protect them from many threats. Learning from every animal we respond to and studying animals in the wild, our researchers identify novel diseases and pathogens, support endangered and threatened species conservation, identify and help mitigate human-caused threats and partner with scientists around the world on collaborative research that utilizes samples and data collected by the Center. Marine mammal health, ocean health and human health are inextricably linked, and our work advances knowledge of all three to benefit us all. 3. Education: As a teaching hospital, the Center serves as a vital training ground for veterinary professionals from across the globe, expanding the collective understanding and application of marine veterinary science and conservation. Our innovative school and public education programs build a sense of responsibility through a connection to marine mammals and the marine environment, inspiring future ocean stewards and promoting action to protect the ocean. Each year, these education programs and hands-on trainings reach more than 100,000 children and adults, supporting the next generation of informed scientists and engaged citizens who will care for and ensure the health of our ocean and environment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION The Marine Mammal Center was founded in 1975 by three local citizens: Lloyd Smalley, Pat Arrigoni and Paul Maxwell. Since then, and thanks to their vision, the Center is now a global leader in marine mammal health, science and conservation and is the largest marine mammal hospital in the world. The Center operates physical locations in Sausalito, Morro Bay and Moss Landing, CA, as well as in Kona, Hawai‘i, and has an annual operating budget of $11.5M. A team of 80 staff and 1,200 actively engaged volunteers make the Center’s impact possible and keep the Center operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ROLE DESCRIPTION The Marine Mammal Center International Veterinary Fellowship Program (IVFP) provides marine mammal veterinarians across the globe an opportunity to gain experience in marine mammal medicine and rehabilitation. It is expected that successful applicants will return to their pre-existing programs prepared to implement training programs of their own. This position requires a DVM degree or equivalent. Preference will be given to veterinarians that are currently employed with a marine mammal rehabilitation program or non-profit equivalent. This is an unpaid position, but a small stipend is provided for food and incidentals. Airfare to San Francisco, California, as well as shared housing at The Marine Mammal Center Guest House located within the Marin Headlands, will be provided as part of the program. The house is shared during the busy season with other students, researchers, externs and the veterinary intern. This position is available during the busy season for up to three months at a time, between March and September. The Center/National Park Service will support a J-1 visa for training period and require the Fellow to have an international driver’s license. Strong written and spoken English is a requirement. The Marine Mammal Center veterinary staff includes full and part time veterinarians, four veterinary technicians, a medical technologist, pathologist, and research staff. Goals of the program include assisting the veterinary medical staff in providing medical management of a large number of stranded marine mammals (mostly pinnipeds); performing post mortem examinations, sample collection for various research projects, and record keeping. Collaborative research is highly valued at the Center, and development of a research project and scientific publication, either clinical or using retrospective necropsy data, is highly encouraged. Past Fellows have attended international conferences, scientific workshops, or visited other collaborative partners. Opportunities for additional professional development will be supported as they arise. If qualified, applicants should submit the following materials through the website: 1. A current curriculum vitae, limited to 4 pages. Upload in place of resume. 2. Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or clinical performance. Upload letters of reference as “other documents” Please be prepared to answer the following questions when completing the application: 1. Why are you the best candidate for the International Veterinary Fellowship Program? 2. Please describe in detail the experience you have as a clinician (any species). 3. Please describe in detail your experience working with marine mammals. Describe experience with both live and dead marine mammals, in the wild and/or in captive care. 4. Please describe in detail any research experience you have. 5. Please describe current marine mammal stranding response in your country. 6. How do you hope the IVFP will help you to achieve your future goals? What do you see yourself doing in 5 years? Applications (https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/187724/Marine-Mamm…) are due by Friday, December 13th. A selection will be made in the beginning of January 2020. For more information on The Marine Mammal Center please visit our website: www.marinemammalcenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> More information about the IVFP program can be found here: www.marinemammalcenter.org/science/ivfp/<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/science/ivfp/>

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M.Sc. position at UBC
by David Rosen 26 Nov '19

26 Nov '19

<>The Marine Mammal Energetics and Nutrition Lab at the University of British Columbia is seeking a M.Sc. student to construct a sea otter bioenergetic model (some experimental work may also be incorporated). The position starts Spring 2020, although an additional position may open for Fall 2020. The MMean Lab uses conservation physiology of marine mammals to provide science-based management, protection, and recovery. Much of our research is undertaken with marine mammals under human care. Additional information is available on the web (https://mmeanlab.oceans.ubc.ca/ <https://mmeanlab.oceans.ubc.ca/>) and on Twitter (@MmeanLab). Deadline for the Spring position is noon PST December 18th, 2019. Send applications (cover letter, CV, list of 2-3 academic/personal references) to Dr. David Rosen at rosen(a)zoology.ubc.ca

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PhD opportunities at the University of St Andrews
by Sonja Heinrich 26 Nov '19

26 Nov '19

We have several exciting and funded* PhD opportunities available at the University of St Andrews, UK - please see the School of Biology website for details (PhD projects at the SOI/SMRU): https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/phd-study/phd-study-projects/phd-… Please note different deadlines & funding opportunities - some closing very soon! 01 December 2019 (*funded for students worldwide): - The seasonal ocean dynamics of the Amundsen Sea Embayment (using telemetry & oceanographic data from seal-born sensors)- Supervisor: Dr Lars Boehme - Impacts of fishing-induced changes in forage fish school structure on African penguin foraging - Supervisor: Prof Andy Brierley 13 December 2019 (*funded for UK/EU students): - A lab on a chip: using nano-plasmonics tongues for building miniaturized ecosystem sensors (SUPER DTP)- Supervisor: Dr Lars Boehme - 06 January 2020 (*funded for UK/EU students) - Killer whale predation of harbour seals in the coastal waters of Scotland: investigating the ecological drivers and consequences of an apex predator-prey interaction - Supervisors: Dr Gordon Hastie & Dr Saana Isojunno Posted on behalf of my colleagues. Best wishes from Scotland, Sonja Dr Sonja Heinrich Sea Mammal Research Unit School of Biology University of St Andrews Scotland, UK

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NETFLIX OCEANS SERIES - LOOKING FOR MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH STORIES
by Ruth Harries 26 Nov '19

26 Nov '19

**Looking for groundbreaking new marine mammal behavior and conservation stories for an ambitious new Ocean series for Netflix** Across six astounding episodes, the series will reveal the surprising wonders of our planet's great oceans and the stories of the remarkable creatures that live within them, while also highlighting the growing challenges they face. If you are working on (or know of) exciting new marine mammal research that you think would make a great story, would look great on-screen and that the world needs to know about, then we'd love to hear from you! Please contact us at: oceanstories(a)wildspaceproductions.co.uk - Many thanks. -- *Ruth Harries* Assistant Producer www.wildspaceproductions.co.uk mobile: +44772 505 6885

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Final push for survey--Marine Mammalogists: Who are We?
by Cynde McInnis 25 Nov '19

25 Nov '19

Hi Folks, Thank you to the many people who have filled out this survey already! This is a reminder that the survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZFGQRKT> for Marine Mammalogists: Who are We? is closing this week. Please take a few minutes to fill it out if you haven't already. We would love to hear from anyone working within the field of marine mammals--in any capacity. Thanks so much and hope to see you in Barcelona! Cynde McInnis and Diane Alps Click here for the survey also!!!<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZFGQRKT>

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New Publication: Multiple harmful algal toxin exposure in Indian River Lagoon dolphins, 2002-2011
by Spencer Fire 25 Nov '19

25 Nov '19

My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the following paper in Aquatic Toxicology: Fire SE, Browning JA, Durden WN, Stolen MK (2019). Comparison of during-bloom and inter-bloom brevetoxin and saxitoxin concentrations in Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphins, 2002-2011. Aquatic Toxicology 105371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105371 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166445X19307040 ABSTRACT Harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins have severe negative impacts on marine mammals, particularly for Florida bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) which frequently experience mass mortality events. Dolphins on the Florida Atlantic coast inhabit a region endemic to two HAB species, Karenia brevis and Pyrodinium bahamense, which produce the neurotoxins brevetoxin (PbTx) and saxitoxin (STX), respectively. Although toxic HABs and associated dolphin mortality events have been reported from this region, there is a lack of available data necessary for comparing toxin exposure levels between bloom (‘exposed’) conditions and non-bloom (‘baseline’) conditions. Here we present a 10-year dataset of PbTx and STX concentrations detected in dolphins stranding in this region, and compare the toxin loads from HAB-exposed dolphins to those detected in dolphins recovered in the absence of a HAB. We analyzed liver tissue samples from dead-stranded dolphins (n = 119) recovered and necropsied between 2002–2011, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) modified for use with mammalian tissues. For dolphins recovered during baseline conditions, toxin-positive samples ranged in concentration from 0.27-1.2 ng/g for PbTx and from 0.41-1.9 ng/g for STX. For K. brevis-exposed dolphins, concentrations of up to 12.1 ng PbTx/g were detected, and for P. bahamense-exposed dolphins, concentrations of up to 9.9 ng STX/g were detected. Baseline PbTx values were similar to those reported in other regions where K. brevis blooms are more frequent and severe, but HAB-exposed PbTx values were considerably lower relative to these other regions. Since no baseline STX dolphin data exist for any region, our data serve as a first step towards establishing reference STX values for potential dolphin mortality events associated with STX-producing blooms in the future. This study demonstrates that although HABs in eastern Florida are only infrequently associated with dolphin mortalities, the presence of toxins in these animals may pose significant health risks in this region.

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New publication: Long-term trends and a risk analysis of cetacean entanglements and bycatch in fisheries gear in Australian waters
by Vanessa Pirotta (HDR) 24 Nov '19

24 Nov '19

Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication: Long-term trends and a risk analysis of cetacean entanglements and bycatch in fisheries gear in Australian waters Vivitskaia Tulloch, Vanessa Pirotta, Alana Grech, Susan Crocetti, Michael Double, Jason How, Catherine Kemper, Justin Meager, Victor Peddemors, Kelly Waples, Mandy Watson and Robert Harcourt. Biodivers Conserv (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01881-x Abstract Assessments of fisheries interactions with non-target species are crucial for quantifying anthropogenic threatening processes and informing management action. We perform the first multi-jurisdictional analysis of spatial and temporal trends, data gaps and risk assessment of cetacean interactions with fisheries gear for the entire Australian Exclusive Economic Zone. Bycatch and entanglement records dating from 1887 to 2016 were collected from across Australia (n = 1987). Since 2000 there has been a substantial increase in reported bycatch and entanglements and this is likely the result of improved monitoring or recording by some jurisdictions and fisheries as well as changing fishing effort, combined with continuing recovery of baleen whale populations after cessation of commercial whaling. A minimum of 27 cetacean species were recorded entangled, with over 30% of records involving interactions with threatened, vulnerable or endangered species. Three times the number of dolphins and toothed whales were recorded entangled compared to baleen whales. Inshore dolphins were assessed as most vulnerable to population decline as a result of entanglements, though humpback whales, common bottlenose dolphins, and short-beaked common dolphins were the most frequently caught. Only one-quarter of animals were reported to have survived entanglement, either through intervention or self-release from fishing gear. Spatial mapping of the records highlighted entanglement hotspots along the east and west coast of the continent, regions where high human population density, high fishing effort, and high density of migrating humpback whales all occur, augmented by high captures of dolphins in shark control gear along the east coast. Areas of few entanglements were more remote, highlighting substantial bias in entanglement reporting. Our gap analysis identified discrepancies in data quality and recording consistency both within and between jurisdictions. Disparities in the types of fisheries data provided for the analysis by different state agencies limited our ability to compile bycatch data in a representative and systematic way. This research highlights the need for improved standardised data recording and reporting by all agencies, and compulsory sharing of detailed fisheries interaction and effort data, as this would increase the value of entanglement and bycatch data as a conservation and management tool. Vanessa Dr. Vanessa Pirotta Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia Twitter: @vanessapirotta Watch my TEDx talk here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PXgFoTtwi0>

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2020 DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 24 Nov '19

24 Nov '19

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 2020. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board; · Secchi disk methodology; · Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2020 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you, if you book you internship until 31th December 2019. *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: https://www.aimmportugal.org/application-form AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want to do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | *AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] <https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal> [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/AimmportugalOrg>

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New publication: A survey of the oral cavity microbiome of New Zealand fur seal pups (Arctocephalus forsteri)
by Arsalan Emami-Khoyi 24 Nov '19

24 Nov '19

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new technical note: * A survey of the oral cavity microbiome of New Zealand fur seal pups (Arctocephalus forsteri)* In this research, we established a healthy base-line for microbial diversity in the oral cavity of New Zealand fur seal pups at one year of age before complete weaning. Our pool sequencing methodology represents a rapid and cost-effective method to monitor the health of pinniped colonies. This article is available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12639 Regards -- * "If something is true, no amount of wishful thinking will change it." * *Richard Dawkin*s Arsalan Emami-Khoyi Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Wildlife Genomics University of Johannesburg_Center for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation Auckland Park 2006 South Africa Email: Arsalane(a)uj.ac.za Cellphone:+27 79 88 14 628 Skype: Arsalan Emami-Khoyi Website:https://sites.google.com/site/drpeterteske/postdocs

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Internship posting please
by Karen Helms 23 Nov '19

23 Nov '19

Spring Animal Care Internship - Northcoast Marine Mammal Center The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, California, is seeking applicants for several internships in marine mammal stranding response and rehabilitation. Internships are a minimum of 12 weeks, with longer commitments encouraged. Applicants will be living and working in Crescent City, CA. The spring term (Harbor Seal Pupping Season) is the busiest and most "hands-on" term at NMMC. There are three spring internships available. Interns will participate in: * marine mammal rescue and health assessment * food preparation and feeding patients * wound care and medication administration * blood draw and subcutaneous fluid administration * observing surgeries and necropsies * cleaning pens, pools, kennels and hospital facility * fundraising events and special projects Qualifications: * must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances on the beach in adverse conditions such as hot and cold temperatures, humidity, rain, and wind * must be willing to work 5 days a week including evenings, weekends, and holidays * must be self-motivated, articulate, reliable, and responsible * must work well independently as well as with a team * must possess a valid driver's license * must have experience with Microsoft Office, Word and Excel * interns are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution for university credit This is an unpaid position with no housing provided. All interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. A vehicle is preferred as public transportation is very limited and will not allow for participation in rescues which frequently happen on short notice. Application Deadline: January 17, 2020. Internship Start Date: March 2, 2020 (start date may be flexible) To Apply: please include the following and submit via email to volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org<mailto:volunteer@northcoastmmc.org>. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone calls or faxes please. * a cover letter that includes preferred term length (3-month minimum with longer time commitments encouraged) * a current curriculum vitae/resume * three references familiar with the applicant's academic/professional performance Karen Helms, Executive Director Northcoast Marine Mammal Center 424 Howe Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531 Office: (707) 465-6265 | Direct: (425) 444-1386 www.NorthCoastMMC.org<http://www.NorthCoastMMC.org> [NMMC-Logo[web]]

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