November 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seal sighting off southern Sri Lanka: Help needed
by Asha de Vos 20 Nov '19

20 Nov '19

Dear all A few hours ago I was sent a video of a seal off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. We have never documented such a sighting in the past and therefore I wanted to seek the help of experts in this community. 1. The videos are a little grainy but any thoughts on ID? https://www.facebook.com/ranga.surfing.3 and https://www.instagram.com/p/B5FcF-RB8tp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 2. Can anyone help me dig out records of other sightings (of vagrants ?) in the Northern Indian Ocean? 3. We don't have much information other than where it was spotted and this video, the navy (who reported this to me) have a boat patrolling the area just in case it reappears (it vanished after this video was taken). Is there anything to keep in mind in the event it is seen again? Thank you Asha -- -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Asha de Vos Ph.D. Founder/Executive Director, Oceanswell Pew <http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/marine-fellows/fellows-directory/2016/…> | TED <https://www.ted.com/speakers/asha_de_vos> Fellow National Geographic* Explorer* <https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/explorers-week/asha-de-vos/> WEF Young Global Leader www.oceanswell.org

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New paper on noise emissions from whale-watching vessels and other small boats
by Jennifer Wladichuk 19 Nov '19

19 Nov '19

Dear MARMAM, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the open access publication of the following paper in The Journal of Ocean Technology, available here <https://www.thejot.net/article-preview/?show_article_preview=1091>: Wladichuk, J.L., D.E. Hannay, A.O. MacGillivray, Z. Li, and S. Thornton. 2019. Systematic Source Level Measurements of Whale Watching Vessels and Other Small Boats. Journal of Ocean Technology 14(3): 108-126. *Abstract* Marine mammals rely heavily on sound for foraging, communicating, and navigating. As noise in the ocean increases, their ability to perform these important life functions can be affected. Improving our knowledge of how sound impacts marine mammals is particularly important in coastal waters where the spatial distributions of vessels and marine mammals overlap, as exemplified by the critical habitat for the endangered Southern Resident killer whale (SKRW). The impacts of small vessel traffic (including the commercial and recreational whale watching that is directed on this population) has been difficult to assess as there is a data gap for small vessel noise emissions. In this study, two autonomous marine acoustic recorders were deployed in transboundary Haro Strait (British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, USA) from July to October 2017 to measure sound levels produced by whale watching vessels and other small boats. During this period, 20 different volunteer vessels were assessed operating at a range of speeds - nominally 5 knots, 9 knots, and cruising speed (generally 20-30 knots) to represent whale watching, approach, and transit speeds, respectively. This paper presents source levels with speed in frequency bands which have specific application to SRKW. In general, landing crafts produced the highest source levels (overall mean = 166 ± 5 dB re 1 μPa m), followed by catamarans (160 ± 10 dB re 1 μPa m), RHIBs (158 ± 11 dB re 1 μPa m), monohulls (157 ± 12 dB re 1 μPa m), sailboats (153 ± 9 dB re 1 μPa m), and the small vessel with a 9.9 HP outboard engine was the quietest across speeds and frequency bands measured (150 ± 10 dB re 1 μPa m). Most vessel types demonstrated a higher rate of increase in source level with speed in the higher frequency band, representative of their echolocation range. Analysis also compared spectral levels between different propulsion types. Feel free to contact me (Jennifer.wladichuk(a)jasco.com<mailto:Jennifer.wladichuk@jasco.com>) if you'd like a copy of the high-resolution PDF. Kind regards, Jen Wladichuk Jennifer Wladichuk, Ph.D. Project Scientist ________________________________ JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd 2305-4464 Markham Street Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8 Canada Tel: +1-250-483-3300 x2006 Fax: +1-250-483-3301 www.jasco.com<http://www.jasco.com/> Subscribe to the JASCO Newsletter<http://eepurl.com/cY6b5v> An ISO 9001 certified company P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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Stranding Coordinator
by Jessica Post 18 Nov '19

18 Nov '19

Stranding Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is located in Gulfport, MS and was established in 1984 for the purposes of studying marine mammals in the northern Gulf of Mexico. IMMS is also the only rehabilitation facility for marine mammals and sea turtles in Mississippi. The Stranding Coordinator duties include: rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, maintenance of all rehabilitation facilities, answering and responding to calls of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, and coordinating the schedules of the stranding program volunteers. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: * Appropriately coordinate field response/rescue of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. * Assist with overseeing the daily operations of the rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles including animal care and facility maintenance. * Oversee the training of all volunteers within the Animal Rescue Program and coordinate the scheduling of rehabilitation volunteers. * Collect Level-A and STSSN data and specimens in the field and assist with carcass disposal, when necessary. * Provide educational information to the public when responding to stranding reports. * Assist in conducting public outreach programs, and media relations. * Conduct or assist veterinarian in necropsy examinations both onsite and in the field including, but not limited to, clean-up and waste management. * Coordinate release of rehabilitated marine mammals and sea turtles. * Perform accurate data entry into databases for all reported sightings and stranding's. * Demonstrate understanding of the hazards employees and volunteers are exposed to and must be certain that volunteers are properly trained in the use of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that will protect them from that hazard. Position Requirements: * Must be willing to consistently provide full time assistance for stranding calls and responses. Must be willing to work with a diverse group of people with a wide variety of experience. * Must have public speaking experience. Strong communication skills (oral and written) * Ability to work under harsh weather conditions. * Ability to develop stranding teams and work well with members as well as work independently when required. * Grant writing skills are highly desirable. * Valid driver's license and a good driving record. * Must be physically able to execute the work of the position. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. * Must be legally able to work in the United States. * Weekends and scheduling flexibility required. Desired Qualifications: * BS or MS in Marine Biology, Wildlife and Fisheries, or related field * Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook * Experience supervising staff/interns in the field and office settings * Experience with the reporting process for marine mammal and sea turtle strandings (Level A and STSSN forms) * Experience with marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies * Experience assisting in veterinary procedures for marine mammals and sea turtles * Experience with marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation To Apply: * In order to apply please send your CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to moby(a)imms.org<mailto:moby@imms.org>. Please include "Stranding Coordinator Position" in the subject line of the email. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Start date is flexible, and salary is commensurate with experience.

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Seasonal position with Glacier Bay National Park's humpback whale monitoring program
by Neilson, Janet 18 Nov '19

18 Nov '19

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is hiring a seasonal biological technician for summer 2020 to assist with the park's long-term humpback whale monitoring program based in Bartlett Cove, Alaska. This paid position will begin in spring 2020 and will be full-time (40 hours/week) for up to six months. The application period is open from November 18-22, 2019. This position is primarily office-based but may involve some field work (maximum one day per week) assisting with skiff-based surveys for humpback whales and other marine mammals. The main duties of this position are data entry and data management in a variety of software programs to support the humpback whale monitoring program (including Microsoft Office Access, Excel, and Word; ArcGIS; and ThumbsPlus photo management software). Other duties include assisting with marine mammal strandings, maintaining a whale skeleton exhibit, and maintaining research equipment. Previous experience with cetacean photo identification and/or stranding response are a plus but not a requirement. Attention to detail and an ability to work independently are a must. Interested applicants may contact Janet Neilson (Janet_Neilson(a)nps.gov) or Chris Gabriele (Chris_Gabriele(a)nps.gov) for more information. For additional information about the Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve humpback whale monitoring program go to https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/nature/whales.htm We will be hiring this position at either the GS-6 or the GS-7 federal pay scale. We encourage interested applicants to apply for both positions listed below (submit two separate applications). Additional information about the positions is found in the online announcements and at the Glacier Bay National Park Employment FAQ link https://www.nps.gov/glba/getinvolved/workwithus.htm GS-6 announcement: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/549936500 GS-7 announcement: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/549936700 ***Please note that all application materials must be received by November 22, 2019. This is a firm deadline.*** -- Janet Neilson Humpback Whale Monitoring Program Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, Alaska 99826

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BC Marine Mammal Symposium
by David Rosen 18 Nov '19

18 Nov '19

The 27th Annual BC Marine Mammal Symposium will be held Saturday November 23, 2019 from 0930-1700 Pacific time. This is a very informal event bringing together local researchers, students, stakeholders, and members of the public. The event will be live-streamed (including on-line questions)from the University of British Columbia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAOjcEmzP2E <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAOjcEmzP2E> Please send any inquiries to bc.symposium(a)oceans.ubc.ca

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New publication: The characteristics of krill swarms in relation to aggregating Antarctic blue whales
by Elanor Miller 17 Nov '19

17 Nov '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce our recent article published in Scientific Reports and available in open access at the following link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52792-4 Miller, E.J., Potts, J.M., Cox, M.J., Miller, B.S., Calderan, S., Leaper, R. Olson, P.A., O'Driscoll, R.L*.*, Double, M.C. The characteristics of krill swarms in relation to aggregating Antarctic blue whales. *Sci Rep* 9, 16487 (2019) doi:10.1038/s41598-019-52792-4 Abstract: We model the presence of rare Antarctic blue whales (*Balaenoptera musculus intermedia)* in relation to the swarm characteristics of their main prey species, Antarctic krill (*Euphausia superba*). A combination of visual observations and recent advances in passive acoustic technology were used to locate Antarctic blue whales, whilst simultaneously using active underwater acoustics to characterise the distribution, size, depth, composition and density of krill swarms. Krill swarm characteristics and blue whale presence were examined at a range of spatiotemporal scales to investigate sub meso-scale (*i.e.,* <100 km) foraging behaviour. Results suggest that at all scales, Antarctic blue whales are more likely to be detected within the vicinity of krill swarms with a higher density of krill, those found shallower in the water column, and those of greater vertical height. These findings support hypotheses that as lunge-feeders of extreme size, Antarctic blue whales target shallow, dense krill swarms to maximise their energy intake. As both Antarctic krill and blue whales play a key role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem, the nature of their predator-prey dynamics is an important consideration, not only for the recovery of this endangered species in a changing environment, but for the future management of Antarctic krill fisheries. Kind regards, Elanor Miller

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Seal rescue internship Holland
by vincent serbruyns 17 Nov '19

17 Nov '19

A Seal, a rescue center for Harbour- and Grey seals in Stellendam, Holland is accepting applications for internship and volunteer positions during winter and spring (from the 15th of December 2019 till the 1st of April 2020). A Seal is a nonprofit organization that aims to be a centre of expertise for marine mammals with a focus on rehabilitation of the Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) which are the most common marine mammals of the dutch part of the North Sea. A Seal’s Internship Program is structured and designed to provide students in animal care and veterinary assistance(undergraduate degree and intermediate vocational degree) with hands-on experience in the field of seal rehabilitation. Responsibilities: * Assisting during all phases of seal rehabilitation (intake; quaranteens; inside baths; outside baths and release at the Dutch coast). * (Force- and tube-) feeding of the seals * Food preparation * Cleaning of pens and common facilities Qualifications: . Must possess a strong work ethic, have high attention to detail and the ability to work with limited supervision . Must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, friendly and able to work in a team of volunteers . Must be 18 or older . Must be available on weekends, holidays and during the evening hours . During this internship the intern will experience physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals. Prior experience is not required and all training is provided. This is an unpaid position. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Those who can work full-time hours for at least 4 weeks will be given preference. Please visit www.aseal.nl<http://www.aseal.nl> for more information on our center (in dutch). Application with full CV can be sent to: More information can be acquired from: Vincent Serbruyns (Manager Animal care / Intern coordinator) A Seal - Zeehondenopvang Stellendam Haringvlietplein 3a 3251 LD Stellendam Holland Europe E-mail : vincent.serbruyns(a)aseal.nl Office: 0031 (0)88 27 47 780 www.aseal.nl<http://www.aseal.nl> Connect with us on social media! Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/stichtingaseal/?fref=ts

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New publication: Toxoplasmosis and Sarcocystis spp. infection in wild pinnipeds of the Brazilian coast
by Laura Reisfeld 15 Nov '19

15 Nov '19

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our article about Toxoplasmosis and Sarcocystis spp. infection in wild pinnipeds of the Brazilian coast. Reisfeld L, Sacristán C, Ferreira Machado E, Sánchez-Sarmiento AM and others (2019) Toxoplasmosis and Sarcocystis spp. infection in wild pinnipeds of the Brazilian coast. Dis Aquat Org 136:235-241. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03410 In this study the presence of T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. was surveyed in 51 stranded pinnipeds from Brazil. Immunohistochemical and molecular assays were employed in those cases compatible with Sarcocystidae infection. T. gondii cysts were detected in the central nervous system and heart of a South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis), associated with meningoencephalitis, myocarditis and endocarditis, and subsequently confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Four additional specimens - two Subantarctic fur seals (A. tropicalis), one Antarctic fur seal (A. gazella) and another South American fur seal - presented intrasarcoplasmic cysts compatible with Sarcocystis spp. (all negative to Sarcocystis neurona immunohistochemistry) in muscle samples, without associated inflammatory response. The B1 gene was amplified in the five pinnipeds infected by Sarcocystidae protozoans. To our knowledge, this is the first report of toxoplasmosis in wild South American pinnipeds and of Sarcocystis spp. in South American and Subantarctic fur seals. You can discover more in the links: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31724556 and https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v136/n3/p235-241/ For further questions please e-mail at lauravet(a)aquariodesaopaulo.com.br<mailto:lauravet@aquariodesaopaulo.com.br> Best regards Laura Reisfeld DVM, MSc, Aquario de Sao Paulo Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - FMVZ University of São Paulo (Brazil)

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Population Ecologist
by Jessica Post 15 Nov '19

15 Nov '19

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is located in Gulfport, MS and was established in 1984 for the purposes of studying marine mammals in the northern Gulf of Mexico. IMMS is also the only rehabilitation facility for marine mammals and sea turtles in Mississippi. The Population Ecologist will be responsible for overseeing the daily aspects of the IMMS common bottlenose dolphin Photo ID program, including boat trips, data analysis and evaluation, and the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Applicant should be legally able to work in the United States and fluent in written and spoken English. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: * Conduct regular photo-identification surveys of the Mississippi Sound and surrounding areas, examining the population structure and ecology of the Mississippi Sound, Lake Borgne, Bay Boudreau bottlenose dolphin BSE stock * Develop new lines of inquiry, building upon core research activities at IMMS * Assist in project oversight and reporting * Management of Darwin and FinBase databases * Prepare grant/permit applications and reports as needed * Assist with marine mammal and sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release as needed * Assist in the post-release monitoring of sea turtles and marine mammals through use of satellite tags * Supervise staff/interns in the field and office settings * Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals using new and existing data sets * As needed, assist in lab-based marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies as well as field necropsies of marine mammals. Desired Qualifications: * PhD in Ecology, Marine Biology, Biology, or related field * Ability to manage databases, such as FinBase (experience with Access a plus) * Experience with ArcGIS and R * Familiarity with the reporting process for marine mammal and sea turtle strandings * Demonstrable knowledge of population dynamics and statistics To Apply: In order to apply please send your CV, cover letter, 1-2 copies of recently published works, and contact information for 3 references to moby(a)imms.org<mailto:moby@imms.org>. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Start date is flexible, and salary is commensurate with experience. Jessica Post Research Assistant Research Intern Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503

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Survey Do captive care facilities contribute to conservation of marine mammals?
by Szonya Szamokovlija 15 Nov '19

15 Nov '19

Hello, my name is Szonya Szamokovlija, I am studying environmental conservation at Bangor University. For my final year project, I’m doing a survey on Do captive care facilities contribute to the conservation of marine mammals? Responses to this survey will be analyzed for my dissertation. Please complete this survey if you have a professional interest in mammal conservation (in the wild or captivity). This includes anyone working in (including in volunteer capacity) or studying zoology, marine biology, or conservation related subjects. The survey will take approximately 3 minutes. Please send it on to your colleagues and friends if you can, thank you! I am not recording any individually identifiable information. Thank you for being a part of this project! If you would like to know more, or have any concerns please contact me at: afua7e(a)bangor.ac.uk. Remember; your answers will only be used for research purposes and your answers are completely anonymous at every stage of the research process. https://ee.humanitarianresponse.info/x/#zKnc8MXf Enketo Express for KoBo Toolbox<https://ee.humanitarianresponse.info/x/#zKnc8MXf> Queued records, except those marked as draft , are uploaded automatically, in the background, every 5 minutes when the web page is open and an Internet connection is available.To force an upload in between automatic attempts, click Upload. version: Clear Storage × ee.humanitarianresponse.info Szonya Szamokovlija afua7e(a)bangor.ac.uk School of Natural Science Environmental Conservation 500482604 Mae croeso i chi gysylltu gyda'r Brifysgol yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg You are welcome to contact the University in Welsh or English Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dilewch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio a defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office.

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