November 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on population structure and historical demography in northern bottlenose whales
by Laura Joan Feyrer 23 Nov '19

23 Nov '19

For those interested in genetic assessments of population structure and historical demography in cetaceans we have recently published our open access study: Feyrer, L.J., Bentzen, P., Whitehead, H., Paterson, I.G. and Einfeldt, A., 2019. Evolutionary impacts differ between two exploited populations of northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus). Ecology and Evolution. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.5813 Abstract Interpretation of conservation status should be informed by an appreciation of genetic diversity, past demography, and overall trends in population size, which contribute to a species' evolutionary potential and resilience to genetic risks. Low genetic diversity can be symptomatic of rapid demographic declines and impose genetic risks to populations, but can also be maintained by natural processes. The northern bottlenose whale Hyperoodon ampullatus has the lowest known mitochondrial diversity of any cetacean and was intensely whaled in the Northwest Atlantic over the last century, but whether exploitation imposed genetic risks that could limit recovery is unknown. We sequenced full mitogenomes and genotyped 37 novel microsatellites for 128 individuals from known areas of abundance in the Scotian Shelf, Northern and Southern Labrador, Davis Strait, and Iceland, and a newly discovered group off Newfoundland. Despite low diversity and shared haplotypes across all regions, both markers supported the Endangered Scotian Shelf population as distinct from the combined northern regions. The genetic affinity of Newfoundland was uncertain, suggesting an area of mixing with no clear population distinction for the region. Demographic reconstruction using mitogenomes suggests that the northern region underwent population expansion following the last glacial maximum, but for the peripheral Scotian Shelf population, a stable demographic trend was followed by a drastic decline over a temporal scale consistent with increasing human activity in the Northwest Atlantic. Low connectivity between the Scotian Shelf and the rest of the Atlantic likely compounded the impact of intensive whaling for this species, potentially imposing genetic risks affecting recovery of this population. We highlight how the combination of historical environmental conditions and modern exploitation of this species has had very different evolutionary impacts on structured populations of northern bottlenose whales across the western North Atlantic.

1 0

New Publication: Cold-related Florida manatee mortality in relation to air and water temperatures
by Stacie Hardy - NOAA Federal 22 Nov '19

22 Nov '19

My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the following paper in PLoS ONE: Hardy SK, Deutsch CJ, Cross TA, de Wit M, Hostetler JA (2019) Cold-related Florida manatee mortality in relation to air and water temperatures. PLoS ONE 14(11): e0225048. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225048 Cold-related Florida manatee mortality in relation to air and water temperatures Many tropical and subtropical species are sensitive to sudden temperature changes, especially drops in temperature. During winters 2009–2010 and 2010–2011, unusually cold temperatures occurred in many parts of Florida, USA, resulting in increased mortality of Florida manatees, sea turtles, fish, corals, and other species. The Florida manatee, in particular, is highly susceptible to cold stress and death when water temperatures drop below 20°C. We sought to characterize the magnitude and timing of reports of cold-related manatee carcasses in relation to fluctuations in water and air temperatures in central-east and central-west Florida during the six winters from 2008 to 2014. We used a generalized linear model to predict counts of manatee carcasses with a cold-related cause of death reported over 7-day bins in relation to various short-term (two weeks or less) and cumulative (incrementally summed from the start of the winter) heating-degree-day effects (HDD; < 20°C) and a categorical winter variable. Using water temperature data, the top-ranked model in both regions included a short-term temperature effect (14-day HDD sum) that preceded increases in reports of cold-related manatee carcasses by 7 days. Cumulative exposure to cold weather over the winter amplified effects on mortality in the central-east region. Quantifying the relationship between cold events and manatee mortality helps us prepare for rescue and salvage operations when extremely cold weather is forecast. This is especially important because anticipated loss or degradation of warm-water refuges due to human activities and sea level rise could potentially impact the manatee population in the future. These methods could also be applied to other species susceptible to cold-related mortality. The full text can be read and downloaded using the following link (open access): https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225048 -- *Stacie Koslovsky Hardy* Polar Ecosystems Program Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 206-526-6433

1 0

New publication: Histology is important for stable isotope analysis in baleen plates
by Diego Rita 22 Nov '19

22 Nov '19

Dear Marmam, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Mammalian Biology: *Histological structure of baleen plates and its relevance to sampling for stable isotope studies* *Rita, D.; Borrell, A.; Víkingsson, G.; Aguilar, A (2019) *Histological structure of baleen plates and its relevance to sampling for stable isotope studies. Mamm Biol. 99, 63:70. doi:10.1016/j.mambio.2019.10.004 *Abstract*: Stable isotope analysis of baleen plates is a widespread technique for studying baleen whales. Typically, subsamples along the growth axis of the baleen plate are extracted and analysed to examine time-related variation in their stable isotope signals. However, baleen plate tissue is composed of two different tissues: a pair of cortex layers flanking an internal medulla. These two histological components exhibit differential development, and their consolidation as a tissue is therefore likely non-synchronic. This could influence stable isotope results because the stable isotope signal may differ in each subsample according to the proportion of the two histological components extracted from the tissue. In this study, stable isotope analysis was combined with optical microscopy examination of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) baleen plates to understand the ontogeny of the two histological components. In both of them, the δ15N values followed a sinewave pattern along the growth axis of the baleen plate. However, the δ15N values of the cortex appeared to be advanced compared to those of the medulla. Additionally, the amplitude of the δ15N values in the oscillations was higher in the cortex than in the medulla. The histological examination revealed that these differences are caused by earlier and faster synthesis of the cortex layer compared to that of the medulla. Because the stable isotope ratios of the two layers differ, we propose that in this type of studies only the outer-most part (closest to the surface) of the cortex should be subsampled and analysed. Additionally, to include the most recently formed tissue, this subsampling should start well below the zwischensubstanz, or baleen “gum”. The paper can be accessed using the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1616504719301272 Or send me an e-mail (diegorita(a)ub.edu) for the full text. Best regards, Diego Rita

1 0

new publication - Hg and Se in Caribbean cetaceans taken for human consumption
by Russell Fielding 22 Nov '19

22 Nov '19

Dear MARMAM list members, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent study on mercury and selenium concentrations, and selenium:mercury molar ratios, in several species of small cetaceans taken for human consumption in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The paper is currently in press with *Environmental Research* and can be accessed here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935119307054 Abstract: This study measured the concentration of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se), and calculated the Se:Hg molar ratios in the muscle, blubber, liver, and kidney of small cetaceans (false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens; killer whale, Orcinus orca; Risso's dolphin, Grampus griseus; short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus; and dolphins of the genus Stenella) taken for human consumption off St. Vincent, West Indies. Overall, 122 samples were analyzed; mean THg concentrations (μg/g dry weight) were highest in the liver (730), followed by the kidney (274), muscle (76.4), and blubber (4.57). To explain variability in muscle THg concentrations, carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios were analyzed to explore differences in dietary carbon source and relative trophic position, respectively, among species. There was no relationship between δ15N and THg concentration, but there was a positive relationship between δ13C and THg concentration. On average for each species, the Se:Hg molar ratios were>1 in blubber and<1 in muscle. All liver samples and the majority of kidney, muscle, and blubber samples exceeded the FAO/WHO human consumption advisory level of 1 μg/g wet weight. Based on our estimations, consuming only 6.6 g of muscle a week would exceed the MeHg provisional tolerable weekly intake of 1.6 μg MeHg/kg body weight/week for a 60 kg person. Given the high THg concentration in these cetaceans and the frequency at which these tissues are consumed, this is a potential human health issue that warrants further investigation. Our key findings include the following: - Mean wet-weight concentrations of total mercury in muscle, liver, and kidney from all species sampled, and blubber in the majority of species, exceed the FAO/WHO advisory level of 1 μg/g - Our study measured the highest total mercury concentrations reported for killer whales, which are among the species taken for food in the study area - Selenium:mercury molar ratios show selenium may have a protective effect against mercury toxicity in the blubber, is variable in the liver and kidney, and is unlikely to have a protective effect in muscle - A potential risk to public health exists in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, owing to the concentration of mercury found in this popular food product We hope this paper is of interest to many within the MARMAM community. Russell Fielding --- Russell Fielding, Ph.D. Department of Earth and Environmental Systems The University of the South Sewanee, TN 37383 USA email: russell.fielding(a)sewanee.edu web: sewanee.edu/faculty/fielding *on research leave at the University of the West Indies-Cave Hill <https://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/>, Barbados (2019-2020)*

1 0

Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Field Camp Volunteer Recruitment
by Lizabeth Kashinsky 21 Nov '19

21 Nov '19

*Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Field Camp Volunteer Recruitment* The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works with the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii to conduct research and recovery activities on the Hawaiian monk seal population in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. JIMAR is currently seeking Field Camp Volunteer applicants to assist paid program staff at five remote field sites. Field teams work in groups of ~2-4 people at each site for ~4-5 months to study endangered Hawaiian monk seals as part of a long-term annual population monitoring and conservation program. Activities include conducting trend counts, tagging seals, identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks, monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, vaccinating against morbillivirus, performing necropsies, collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis, collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis, and removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. Researchers at some sites may participate in shark mitigation activities. Approximately five weeks of mandatory full-time (40 hours/week M-F) training and packing in Honolulu will be required before deployment via NOAA ships to field sites. Once deployed, all food and lodging costs are covered for the entire duration. The position is physically challenging and living conditions are rugged. Expect rustic conditions (the surrounding environment includes numerous seabird colonies and sun exposure, living in tents, no infrastructure, no running water, bathing in the ocean, no internet or cell phone coverage, and limited communication with the outside world via satellite phone/email, etc.). Some sites require extensive boating operations. Deployment to a remote field site is a serious undertaking. Delays in scheduled pick-up and drop-off dates due to weather or ship mechanical issues may occur, as well as long response times for emergencies, including evacuation. Volunteers also assist program staff for up to a week or more after the end of the season to unpack, clean, and inventory gear and equipment. All other qualifications being equal, preference will be given to applicants who live on Oʻahu so they can be incorporated into our program as soon as possible to gain useful experience before the official training begins. See attached pdf for more information and instructions on how to apply. For more information about our program, go to: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian-monk-seal#science

1 0

Marine Mammal Response & Recovery Volunteer Internship Opportunity: O'ahu
by Aliza Milette-Winfree - NOAA Federal 20 Nov '19

20 Nov '19

*VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY* Are you interested in a career working with marine mammals or endangered species? The NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office, in Honolulu, Hawaii, has a limited number of volunteer opportunities in marine mammal stranding response and Hawaiian monk seal recovery for highly dedicated and motivated individuals. NMFS oversees marine mammal health and stranding response activities, including responding to live and dead cetaceans and monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. NMFS is also responsible for collecting endangered Hawaiian monk seal sighting data, overseeing responses to Hawaiian monk seal haul outs and pupping events, and other activities supporting monk seal recovery. For more information on these programs please visit: http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_marine_mammal_response.html http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_hms_how_noaa_helps.html *Duties:* Volunteers will support NMFS staff and partners in conducting marine mammal response and Hawaiian monk seal recovery activities, with opportunities to be involved in a variety of ongoing projects, including data collection, data entry and queries, answering the marine mammal hotline, developing educational materials and outreach products, assisting with outreach events, trainings, and community engagement activities, and other field duties as they arise. Volunteers may also have opportunities to take part in live and dead marine mammal stranding response, assisting with duties such as, monitoring animals of concern, documentation and assessment, logistics, carcass retrieval, and necropsies. This opportunity will provide volunteers with a foundation in endangered species management and marine mammal health and stranding response. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in the highly competitive field of marine mammal management, science, and behavior while working side by side with professionals in the field of wildlife management and conservation biology. *Requirements:* · Must be a US Citizen · Commitment of *a minimum of 16 hours per week* (Mon.-Fri. during regular business hours) with some additional weekend availability for a *minimum of 6 months*. *Preference will be given to those who are available for a longer commitment (1+ years).* This opportunity is flexible in nature, therefore work hours, start and end date of each volunteer’s program, and duties may vary based on the individual’s availability, skills, and NMFS program needs. · College student or recent graduate- coursework in biology, marine biology, psychology, social science, Hawaiian studies, communications, social marketing, animal science, computer science, zoology, ecology or related field is preferred. · Must be able to work in a team environment, have good communication skills, be flexible, detail oriented, and be able to work independently. · Dedicated and able to diligently work long hours in computer databases. · Work can be physically demanding. Volunteers must be comfortable working in the elements (rain or shine), be able to lift 40 lbs, walk long distances on beaches, and be able to swim. · Working knowledge of word processing software, spreadsheets and databases, GIS, and computer networks would also be advantageous. · Volunteers must have reliable transportation and be willing and able to submit fingerprints for a background check. *Application Requirements* If you are interested in this unpaid volunteer opportunity, *please submit your application materials to: **piro.mmrvolunteers(a)noaa.gov* <piro.mmrvolunteers(a)noaa.gov>* by December 15, 2019. *Include your unofficial transcripts, a resume, and a cover letter summarizing any related professional or volunteer experiences and relevant educational background that describes why you would be a good fit for this position, and 2 letters of recommendation. *Include the length of time you are able to commit, hours and days that you are available, and desired start date*. To be considered, the email subject line *must *read: *LAST NAME_MM Response & Recovery 2020 Volunteer * -- Aliza Milette-Winfree aliza.milette(a)noaa.gov O'ahu Marine Mammal Response Coordinator NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office Protected Resources Division

1 0

New publication: Humpback Whale Movements and Behavior in Response to Whale-Watching Vessels in Juneau, AK
by Alicia Schuler 20 Nov '19

20 Nov '19

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce the publication of the following open access article in Frontiers in Marine Science: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00710 *Humpback Whale Movements and Behavior in Response to Whale-Watching Vessels in Juneau, AK* Schuler AR, Piwetz S, Di Clemente J, Steckler D, Mueter F and Pearson HC (2019) Humpback Whale Movements and Behavior in Response to Whale-Watching Vessels in Juneau, AK. Front. Mar. Sci. 6:710. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2019.00710 *Abstract*: The whale-watching industry in Juneau, Alaska relies primarily on the presence of North Pacific humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*). To meet demands from the rapidly growing tourism industry, the number of whale-watching vessels in this region has tripled over the last 18 years. As a result, increased vessel presence could have negative effects on humpback whales, ranging from short-term behavioral disturbance to long-term impacts. The current humpback whale viewing regulations are outdated and may not be as effective as they were 18 years ago, when both the whale-watching industry and humpback whale population were smaller. The present study assessed how humpback whale movement and behavioral patterns were affected by (1) vessel presence and number of vessels present, and (2) time spent in the presence of vessels. The study also determined how humpback whale behavioral state transitions were affected by vessel presence. A total of 201 humpback whale focal follows were conducted during summer 2016 and 2017. Based on linear mixed effects models, whales in the presence (vs. absence) of vessels exhibited 38.9% higher deviation in linear movement (p = 0.001), 6.2% increase in swimming speed (p = 0.047) and a 6.7% decrease in inter-breath intervals (IBI) (p = 0.025). For each additional vessel present, deviation increased by 6.2% (p = 0.022) and IBI decreased by 3.4% (p = 0.001). As time spent in the presence of vessels increased, respiration rate increased (p = 0.011). Feeding and traveling humpback whales were likely to maintain their behavioral state regardless of vessel presence, while surface active humpback whales were likely to transition to traveling in the presence of vessels. These short-term changes in movement and behavior in response to whale-watching vessels could lead to cumulative, long-term consequences, negatively impacting the health and predictability of the resource on which the industry relies. Current formal vessel approach regulations and voluntary guidelines should be revisited to reduce vessel pressure and mitigate potential negative effects of this growing whale-watching industry. The paper can be accessed freely using the following link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00710 Please feel free to contact me at alicia.r.schuler(a)gmail.com if you have any queries. Best regards, Alicia R. Schuler, M.Sc.

1 0

Research assistant position Wales 2020
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 20 Nov '19

20 Nov '19

The Sea Watch Foundation is seeking a Research Assistant/Intern Coordinator for the 2020 summer season. This is an UNPAID position but accommodation is provided free of charge. The Research Assistant is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” and coordinating the project interns. The project is based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, and works towards delivering on the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. Start Date: April 6th 2020 End Date: November 1st 2020 Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Coordination between the Monitoring Officer, Sightings Officer and project interns – in charge of the intern shared house and the intern weekly office rota. Assisting the Monitoring Officer & Sightings Officer in training interns and other volunteers in land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, database entry, and more. Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all phases of the research. Assisting the Sightings Officer with maintenance of the national sightings network. Optional opportunity to undertake a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer. Research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicant’s interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have completed a BSc degree (or higher) in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and experience are beneficial. The applicant should ideally have some experience using DSLR cameras. Practical experience of photo-identification (both photography and matching) is desirable. Experience with other equipment regularly used by Sea Watch Foundation such as hydrophone, theodolite, digiscope and aerial camera drone is advantageous. The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in use of Access and GIS would be advantageous. Knowledge of other relevant software such as PAMGuard or Raven is useful but not essential. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player since the project will involve working closely with other researchers, but must also be able to supervise small groups of people given that they will be coordinating a team of at least 8 interns. The Research Assistant and interns live and work together on a daily basis which requires a high degree of diplomacy and interpersonal skills to maintain relationships and team morale. Previous experience working successfully in similar roles is essential. Applicants should be aware that they will be assisting in running ongoing, established research projects that routinely inform government agencies on the status of cetaceans in the UK and accordingly are expected to take the internship seriously and prioritise it over extra-curricular activities. Working in a small NGO environment in a tight knit team can be a challenging experience and requires a high degree of flexibility, tolerance and a positive attitude. Applicants must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly without direct supervision. The work load is varied and therefore a high degree of organisation, attention to detail and ability to prioritise are essential. If a personal research project is undertaken, this brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication, and for presentation at the European Cetacean Society Conference. However, this is a challenging position and it is up to the Research Assistant to pursue project work while not prioritising it over existing tasks. The Research Assistant is expected to work 6 days a week with office hours running from 9AM to 6PM with an hour lunch break. Field work regularly falls outside of office hours, particularly land-based watches which take place throughout the day in two hours shifts from 7AM to 9PM. Line transect surveys are all day surveys and will typically start in the early morning hours and run for at least 8 hours. The Research Assistant is also entitled to one week’s holiday during the season, the dates of which should be agreed upon at the start of placement if at all possible. This position is unpaid but (shared) accommodation will be provided in the intern house free of charge. The Research Assistant will be responsible for their own travel expenses to New Quay for the 2020 field season. Due to the touristic background of New Quay, part-time paid evening work is generally easy to find if required by the applicant. There are a number of external organisations that may offer grants to partially cover living expenses. International applications are welcome but it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure visa requirements are met and the chosen visa option should be highlighted in the application form. To apply: Please send your CV and Research assistant application form (available from the Sea Watch Foundation website https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/) and contact details of two referees, reporting any relevant experience you have, to Katrin Lohrengel- katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Deadline: 14th January 2020. Please specify RESEARCH ASSISTANT/INTERN COORDINATOR in your subject title. Successful applicants will be notified of the outcomes by 10th February 2020.

1 0

Research internships in Wales 2020
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 20 Nov '19

20 Nov '19

Interns are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) with the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project”. This is a voluntary, UNPAID position. Interns will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: Land-based surveys Boat-based surveys Photo-identification matching Data entry Raising public awareness Education initiatives and events Assisting with and participation in training courses and other needs of the charity. In addition to these tasks, we have some specialist equipment, two hydrophones and a drone, to opportunistically collect acoustic and aerial data during boat-based surveys. Sea Watch have also been contributing to a project to collect dolphin blow samples for population genetics and microbiome analyses. Interns interested in these subjects may also have the opportunity to assist in data collection for these projects. Interns are required from early April until the end of October 2020. The research season is split into four separate periods, each lasting 7 weeks. The research periods for the 2020 season are: Period 1: April 13 - May 31  Period 2: June 1- July 19  Period 3: July 20 - September 6  Period 4: September 7 - October 25 Interns are expected to arrive on the first day of their chosen period and depart on the first day of the next period. Start and end dates are not flexible. Preference will be given to those applying for more than one period. Interns will be based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales. Accommodation is provided by a private landlord through rental of a house that interns share at a rate of around £74 per person per week. Rooms are shared between two or three people, with a total of nine people in the house at any given time. Please be aware that while all effort is made to accommodate interns in single sex rooms, in some cases it might not be possible. If you have a strong preference, please indicate so in the application form and we will try our best to accommodate this. Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Important skills/qualifications Essential: an ability to work independently in a meticulous and reliable manner strong commitment to volunteering work willingness to work long hours outdoors in often changeable Welsh weather good IT skills (Office package) an ability to get on well with others in a small team and in shared accommodation Desirable: a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar prior experience in boat-based survey work good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking experience in interacting with the public All interns will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins. Normal office hours are from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs but field work regularly falls outside these hours, particularly land-based watches which take place throughout the day in two hour shifts from 07:00 to 21:00. Interns will sometimes be scheduled onto ‘early’ and ‘late’ shifts to accommodate these. Line transect surveys are all day surveys and will typically start in the early morning hours and run for at least 8 hours. Prospective interns should be aware that they will be contributing to ongoing, established research projects that routinely inform government agencies on the status of cetaceans in the UK, and accordingly are expected to take the internship seriously and prioritise it over extra-curricular activities. Working in a small NGO environment in a tight knit team can be a challenging experience and requires a high degree of flexibility, tolerance and a positive attitude. After initial training, interns will often be expected to work in the absence of direct supervision so the ability to work independently and maintain a positive, proactive outlook is essential. Internships with Sea Watch have frequently led to established posts in national and international research and conservation bodies, as well as providing a stepping stone for students to undertake doctoral studies in marine mammal science. International applications are welcome but it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure visa requirements are met and we ask applicants to highlight their chosen visa option in their application. Please note that Sea Watch Foundation is unable to sponsor visa applications for Research Interns. If you are interested in this position, please contact Katrin on katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk with a completed Research intern application form (available on the Sea Watch website: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/) and CV by 30th January 2020. Decisions will be made by 18th February 2020.

1 0

Webinar on managing the impacts of underwater noise
by Frank Thomsen 20 Nov '19

20 Nov '19

Hi everyone, I would like to make you aware of a webinar, I will be giving on the 26th November on 'Managing the impacts of underwater noise'. I will provide some background for better understanding of the issue and introduce the risk based approach to managing the impacts of noise on marine mammals (and other marine life). I will also show new technologies for whale movement modelling in response to sound impacts such as agent based models. There is a chance for Q&A at the end of the 1 h session. More information and to sign on here: https://www.theacademybydhi.com/course-sessions/managing-the-impacts-of-und… Best regards, Frank Thomsen PhD Senior Scientist and Sales Executive [DHI logo] The expert in WATER ENVIRONMENTS DHI A/S Agern Allé 5 DK-2970 Hørsholm Denmark CVR-no: 36466871 Tel: +45 4516 9200 Direct: +45 4516 9446 Mobile: +45 2940 4355 frth(a)dhigroup.com<mailto:frth@dhigroup.com> www.dhigroup.com<http://www.dhigroup.com> Privacy policy<http://www.dhigroup.com/privacy> This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorised to receive this message for the intended recipient), you may not use, copy, disseminate or disclose any information contained in it thereof. If you have received this communication in error, please advise the sender appropriately by reply e-mail, and then delete it. Thank you very much.

1 0