December 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Bottlenose Dolphin Project Research in Venezuela. Interns and volunteers program (Sergio Cobarrubia-Russo)
by Sergio Cobarrubia 30 Dec '19

30 Dec '19

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2020. Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC-IVIC) and Provita. BACKGROUND: The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC) of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC, www.ivic.gob.ve) invites the second season of internships-volunteering (2020) in the study of coastal dolphins. LEGC is a scientific team that among its research lines on the fauna of coastal and riparian ecosystems, it has established the first one on aquatic mammals in Venezuela. On the other hand, Provita is an important NGO that contributes to the research and conservation in Venezuela. This research will begin with a project focused on sociobiology (social structure, social networks and bioacoustics) of resident groups of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the central coast of Venezuela. This, after an experience of 5 years in that locality studying ecological aspects of T. truncatus ( https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1) The coast of Aragua not only home this species, but also the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) and the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Of which basic information is collected too. LEGC interns and volunteers are young, hard-working who are willing to contribute to research by learning as they experience fieldwork in teams, field techniques for collecting and processing data and methodologies. All team members and interns share academic space, housing in the Institute, housework in the study area, knowledge and experience in a friendly and multicultural environment. The internship consists of three weeks: The first week of theoretical-practical introduction (24 theoretical hours and 16 practicals hours) at the IVIC Ecology Center ( www.ivic.gob.ve/es/investigacion-3/centros-31/ecologia-316) The second week of seven field surveys for data collection (42 h) on the Cata Bay (Aragua state) and the third week for data processing and analysis at the IVIC Ecology Center (40 h). The volunteering consist of the second and third weeks. WHERE: Theory: LEGC, Center of Ecology (IVIC) Miranda State, Caracas (10 23 N - 66 58 W). Practice: Cata Bay, western coast of the (rain forest) National Park Henry Pittier, Aragua state (central coast of Venezuela) 150 km from Caracas (DC) (10 29 N - 67 44 W). PROGRAM: Interns (Three weeks), Volunteers (Two weeks). 1st WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns). - Monday: What is a cetacean? The cetaceans and the human in history. Origin, evolution and diversity. Adaptations for aquatic life: Anatomy and Physiology. Life histories. Biogeography Distribution. Ecology Behavior. Conservation. - Tuesday: Identification of species reported for Venezuela. Basic logistics for the study of cetaceans on the mainland, sea and air. Basic equipment to collect information. - Wednesday: How to detect cetaceans and record an effective sighting? Basic data to collect during a sighting, calibration and use of GPS. Configuration and use of the SLR cameras. Download of sightings (GIS). Download pictures and selection (software). - Thursday: Daily encounter ratio. Photo-identification as a tool for ecological and behavioral studies. Estimates of abundance. Local distribution and areas of action. - Friday: Residential patterns. Behavior (deployments, states, daily budget). Habitat use. Social structure and social networks. Bioacoustics. Saturday: Break. Sunday: Transfer to the Cata Bay. 2nd WEEK (Cata Bay-Provita, 42 hours. For Interns and Volunteers). The field surveys will be carried out in a fishing vessel of 9 m in length by 2 of beam, no roof. The field work will depend on the climatic conditions, however, the Aragua coast offers few climatic inconveniences throughout the year. There will be 7 mornings of field surveys in the week, after each survey is lunch, rest and then proceed to download the data of sightings and then interpret them preliminarily and discuss them. We recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt, cool pants, hat and sunscreen (30-50 PF). In the field surveys, it will be implemented: - The identification and recognition of the elements of the marine landscape and the method of tracking and detection of cetaceans. - Ethical navigation mode to study cetaceans. - The basic data collection / sighting. - Use of GPS. - Use of SRL digital camera. - Counting of individuals and composition of a group. - Identification of the behavioral states that configure group behavior and its recording. - Use of hydrophone. In the afternoon the information of the sightings will be downloaded: - Sighting forms. - Latitude and longitude. - Photographs and their selection. - Voice recordings (behavior). - Recordings of vocalizations. 3rd WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns and volunteers). PRACTICAL FEES: Accomodation (IVIC students residence and apartment in Cata Bay), food and transport (airport-IVIC-Cata Bay-IVIC-airport) are paid. The cost of internships and volunteers is US $ 720 for the compensation of logistical expenses of the field surveys. For more information, please contact:sergio.cobarrubia@gmail.com. *Ask all your questions, especially to mitigate your concerns regarding Venezuela. Since our nation is the object of an intense media campaign where opinion matrices project false dystopian scenarios.* WHEN: During the year there will be 6 internships-volunteering sessions (February, April, June, August, October, November). For interns, second, third and fourth week of the months scheduled. For volunteers, third and fourth week of the scheduled months. VACANTS: 4 people / session. Not included in the rate: - Meals in restaurants - Free time activities - Personal insurance (all participants must have health and / or travel insurance) - Personal expenses. INTEREST IS EXPECTED: - Being over 18 years - Iterns: Preference will be given to undergraduate students and professional students (biology, marine biology, environmental, conservation and plus). - Volunteer: No preferences. - Have a mature attitude towards the investigation of marine mammals and environment. - Be autonomous and flexible. - To be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors in the sea - Speak Spanish, English or Portuguese. ACADEMIC CREDITS: The LEGC will certify the work performed by intern or volunteer through a diploma with the recognition of the hours (academic-practical) worked. APPLICATION AND QUESTIONS: Applicants must write to sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com with the subject "DOLPHINS PROJECT_Name". You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details about the study area and the species present, the practices and requesting your CV resume, motivation letter (small statement about what your expectations are and why you want to work with LEGC) and the internship month of your choice. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. PLUS: The possibility of making one-day expedition to the pelagic habitat is opened, this other expedition will allow us to watch Atlantic spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins or pilot whales. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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New publication: Conservation Benefits of Whale Watching in Juneau, Alaska
by Alicia Schuler 30 Dec '19

30 Dec '19

Dear colleagues, I am excited to announce the publication of the following open access article in Tourism in Marine Environments: https://doi.org/10.3727/154427319X15719404264632 Schuler, A.R., & Pearson H.C. (2019). Conservation benefits of whale watching in Juneau, Alaska. *Tourism in Marine Environments, 14*(4), 231-248. doi: 10.3727/154427319X15719404264632 *Conservation Benefits of Whale Watching in Juneau, Alaska* *Abstract*: An increasing number of visitors to Juneau, AK, alongside a predictable population of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), has supported the substantial growth of its whale-watching industry. The industry provides benefits to the community through economic gains, while the experience can foster environmental awareness and support for protection of whales and the environment. However, the sustainability of the industry could be jeopardized if increasing whale-watching vessel pressure affects the health of its resource, the whales. This study investigates whether participation in whale-watching tours in Juneau, AK can support conservation of whales and the environment. Participant knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors were obtained from 2,331 respondents in surveys before, after, and 6 months after a whale-watching tour during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Following a whale watch, the percentage of participants that indicated whale watching as a knowledge source increased (p = 0.022), awareness of guidelines and regulations doubled (p < 0.001), and strong support for regulations increased (p = 0.016). Six months later, these responses remained significantly higher than before the whale watch. Despite knowledge of distance threshold increasing after a whale watch (p = 0.003) and 6 months after (p = 0.021), getting close to whales remained an important factor in a participant's whale watch. Participants had a higher likelihood of strongly supporting guidelines and regulations if they indicated that boats can have a negative impact on whales or were aware of guidelines and regulations. Lastly, participants that acknowledged negative effects on whales from boats had higher overall proenvironmental attitudes. This study indicates that incorporating messages that facilitate participant awareness of guidelines/regulations and the purpose of those measures can support conservation and protection of local whale populations through managing participant expectations and ultimately encouraging operator compliance. The paper can be accessed freely using the following link: https://doi.org/10.3727/154427319X15719404264632 Please feel free to contact me at alicia.r.schuler(a)gmail.com if you have any queries. Happy holidays! Alicia R. Schuler, M.Sc.

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Post-doc position in the Azores
by José Manuel Viegas de Oliveira Neto Azevedo 30 Dec '19

30 Dec '19

A notice has just been published advertising a two year post-doc contract for project MEEMO. The call accepts national, foreign and stateless candidates who hold a doctorate degree in areas related to Marine Ecology, Oceanography or Mathematics, and a scientific and professional curriculum suitable for the activity to be developed: Assume the coordination of WP 1 (Explore: whale watching data as ocean sentinels), in liaison with José Azevedo, Marc Fernandez, Manuel Hidalgo and Albrecth Gnauck. Organize the MONICET data according to tidy data principles (Wickham, 2014). Identify the inherent biases of the dataset and develop routines to filter them out. Based on a literature review of which variables can potentially influence cetacean distributions (at different temporal and spatial scales), select climatological and environmental data from open repositories (such as Copernicus or ERDAS). Select the main variables based on an exploratory analysis of how their change over time correlates with the abundance patterns of the different species. Asses the spatial scale of influence of different variables applying scalograms (sensu Alvarez-Berastegui et al. 2014), noting that this scale may differ for different drivers and the impacted ecological processes, and ultimately on the temporal analyses. Apply wavelet coherence (Cazelles et al., 2008, Gnauck et al., 2010) and other time series tools to track periods of synchrony between cetacean abundance and environmental variables. This will be done following a multi-step approach, to better explain the dynamic occurrence of cetaceans according to orographic or oceanographic seascape features. The first three steps cover univariate and multivariate procedures to detect spatial structures and windows of time within the data. The remaining steps deal with dynamic statistical methods to investigate fluctuating frequencies within time series. Data check, computation of probability density functions, and statistical measures including rank correlation between cetacean's occurrences and environmental variables. Cluster analysis (agglomerative methods) to get information on the spatial structure of data. Determination of time scales and windows of change to get information on the temporal structure of the data set based on results of cluster analysis. Determination of spatio-temporal scales of occurrences of cetaceans to get information on seasonality and spatial variability by classical spectral analysis (computation of wavelet power spectra). Computation of wavelet coherence to get information on synchronicity between cetacean occurrences and environmental variables. Derivation and computation of quantitative temporal trends of cetacean occurrences. Support the management of the present MONICET platform and of its ongoing restructuring, in liaison with José Azevedo and Marc Fernandez. Be the lead person validating the data introduced by the whale watching companies during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, and producing the MONICET annual report. Contribute to the drawing and construction of the new MONICET platform and app, namely providing input to the configuration of the database and the products developed from it. Details of the call: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=122104) Project description: https://fgf.uac.pt/en/content/meemo-keep-expand-and-explore-monicet-platfor… [cid:image003.jpg@01D5BF35.83F9DD60] José Manuel N. Azevedo Professor auxiliar (+351) 296 650 313 www.uac.pt<http://www.uac.pt> facebook.com/uac.fct<https://facebook.com/uac.fct>

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PSO Training in Clearwater FL Feb 29 - Mar 1, 2020
by Angela Bostwick 29 Dec '19

29 Dec '19

MPSC is holding a training course which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification in Clearwater, FL on February 29 - March 1, 2020. This class will include a vessel trip and admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the course will be taking place. The vessel trip will provide opportunity to practice the protected species monitoring identification techniques discussed in class; students will also be able to practice manual settings for wildlife photography using digital SLR cameras, and will learn to estimate distance using binoculars with reticles (cameras and binoculars provided for use). This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in various other regions or industries (such as renewable energy, dredging, construction, blasting, and pile driving) where monitoring and mitigation for protected species is needed. The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. Discounts are available for students/recent graduates, government, and members of non-profit organizations. Lunch is provided each day, along with various identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), advice on applying to PSO positions, admission to the aquarium, the vessel trip, and the professional certification. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Killer whale focused Research Internship - South Africa - April & May 2020 (last place remaining)
by Simon Elwen 29 Dec '19

29 Dec '19

Sea Search Research and Conservation (www.seasearch.co.za and www.facebook.com/seasearch is a Cape Town based NPO which conducts a wide range of research and education activities in southern Africa with most researchers/students associated with the University of Stellenbosch. In April and May 2020, we are conducting 2 months of field work in and around Cape Town, South Africa focused on southern Africa's elusive killer whales (including the famous white-shark-eating specialists "Port" and "Starboard"). This work forms part of a larger collaborative effort to study killer whales of the southern African subregion in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Pretoria (SA) and Durham University amongst others. There is one more space for a student to join us as a research intern on this project. Interns will be involved in all aspects of data collection, helping the Sea Search team and our collaborators to track down these fast moving top predators through a combination of boat surveys, shore based monitoring and responding to sighting reports. Encounters with killer whales will be very rare - but research efforts will also focus on a number of other cetacean and prey species around at that time including common, bottlenose and humpback dolphins, Bryde's and humpback whales. Research focuses on collecting skin samples for use in global genetic and trophic ecology studies, attachment of satellite transmitters to study movements and photo-identification data to study the population size and individual movements. We will also be collecting acoustic recordings of animals and deploying moored hydrophones for long-term monitoring. Internships are research focused with an emphasis on learning (and using) field skills in cetacean research such as photo-identification, bioacoustics, biopsy, capture-recapture and behavioural data collection, as well as data management and team work. There is a fee associated with the internship to help cover accommodation, training and project costs. If you are interested in this placement please send a copy of your CV and a brief motivation to info(a)seasearch.co.za. More information about our work and this internship can be found here: www.seasearch.co.za/training <http://www.seasearch.co.za/> Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions regarding this training opportunity. Dr Simon Elwen -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. - Director Sea Search Research & Conservation and the Namibian Dolphin Project Research Associate: Department of Zoology and Botany - Stellenbosch University & Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria

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New publication - Tsai and Chang 2019 Pleistocene Eubalaena
by Tsai, CH 29 Dec '19

29 Dec '19

Dear colleagues We are very pleased to announce a new paper - describing a Pleistocene *Eubalaena* (right whale) from Taiwan. Tsai C.-H. and Chang C.-H. 2019. A right whale (Mysticeti, Balaenidae) from the Pleistocene of Taiwan. Zoological Letters 5:37 doi:10.1186/s40851-019-0153-z Abstract Current patterns of biological distribution result from the deep past. Of particular interest, some closely related species appear at high latitudes of both hemispheres, but not in between, a pattern known as antitropical distribution. However, the timing, pathway, and drivers of antitropical distributions remain mostly unknown. Here we describe a new fossil, a left tympanic bulla (part of the ear bones), from the Middle/Late Pleistocene (0.78–0.01 mya, but not excluding the possibility of Holocene in age, as the specimen was dredged from the sea bottom and the geological horizon remains uncertain) of Taiwan. The tympanic bulla is diagnostic in baleen whales, and this specimen shows morphological features that are identical to extant *Eubalaena*, including: relatively large size (the anteroposterior length is 117 mm); rectangular outline in medial view; short anterior lobe, judging from the remaining of the lateral furrow; squared anterior margin; prominent transverse crease on the involucrum; transversely compressed in anterior view; well-developed and rounded outer lip; and parallel involucral and main ridges. Although incomplete, the morphological characters and overall similarity to extant *Eubalaena* allow a reliable taxonomic assignment to *Eubalaena* sp. The occurrence of a Pleistocene *Eubalaena* on the southern margin of the western North Pacific is the first balaenid fossil evidence indicative of the biotic interchange between two hemispheres leading to the origin of antitropical distribution in the Pleistocene; alternatively, this specimen might merely represent an extra-limital record of the North Pacific *Eubalaena*. Furthermore, this find suggests that the *Eubalaena* interchange, being one of the largest species displaying antitropical distribution pairs in the history of life, likely took place along the western Pacific. Notably, this does not preclude the *Eubalaena* interchange from other routes, such as the eastern Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean, and future finds should test the scenario for the biotic interchange between Northern and Southern Hemispheres of *Eubalaena*. The paper is freely accessible: https://zoologicalletters.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40851-019-015… Alternatively, feel free to email me for a pdf copy or further discussion: whaletsai(a)ntu.edu.tw or craniata(a)gmail.com Happy holidays and happy new year. Regards Tsai 蔡政修（Cheng-Hsiu Tsai さいまさのぶ) Lab of evolution and diversity of fossil vertebrates（古脊椎動物演化及多樣性實驗室） Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University（台灣大學生命科學系） No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 106-17, Taiwan（台灣 106-17 台北市羅斯福路 4 段 1 號） Email: whaletsai(a)ntu.edu.tw; craniata(a)gmail.com; cheng-hsiu.tsai(a)otago.ac.nz https://www.facebook.com/NTUWhaleTsai/?modal=admin_todo_tour

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 26 Dec '19

26 Dec '19

*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 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 *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. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | André Cid -- *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 article on common dolphin -fishery interactions
by Hélène Peltier 23 Dec '19

23 Dec '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce you the publication of a new article : / / Peltier, H., Authier, M., Dabin, W., Dars, C., Demaret, F., Doremus, G., Van Canneyt, O., Laran, S., Mendez-Fernandez, P., Spitz, J., Daniel, P., Ridoux, V. /(/2020) /Can modelling the drift of bycaught dolphin stranded carcasses help identify involved fisheries? An exploratory study. /Global Ecology and Conservation. vol. 21. e00843. The aim of this work is to test an approach that could help identify the fisheries potentially involved in a given stranding event. We explored this methodology during the multiple stranding event of common dolphins in winter 2017 along the French Atlantic coasts, related to fishery interactions. Abstract: Between the 1st of February and the March 31, 2017, 793 stranded cetaceans were found along the French Atlantic coasts. Common dolphins made up 84% of these strandings, and most of these presented evidence of death in fishing gear. The aim of this work is to test an approach that could help identify the fisheries potentially involved in a given stranding event. To do this we examined how the distributions of likely areas of mortality of bycaught dolphins, inferred from carcass drift modelling, coincide with fishing effort statistics of various fleets, generated from the Vessel Monitoring System, in the area over the same dates. Using reverse drift modelling, two main mortality areas were identified. A total of 3690 common dolphins (IC95% [2230; 6900]) were estimated to have died in fishing gear within the Bay of Biscay during this unusual stranding event. There was a positive correlation between the origin of stranded bycaught dolphins and the fishing effort distribution of French midwater pair trawlers, Spanish otter bottom trawlers and French Danish seiners. This co-occurrence highlights a risk and identifies fisheries that require further investigation (through observers or e-monitoring). These fisheries differed in their fishing gear, but two characteristics appear to be shared: they targeted predatory fishes (sea bass and hake) in winter and used high vertical opening gear. The paper is freely available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00843 We wish you great Christmas holidays! Best wishes On behalf of all co-authors, Helene Peltier -- ---------------------------------- Hélène PELTIER -PhD Observatoire PELAGIS UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle-CNRS 5, allées de l'océan 17000 La Rochelle, France LD: +33 (0) 5 46 50 76 83 St: +33 (0) 5 46 44 99 10 http://observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/

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Field Course Deadline Extended - January 15, 2020
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 21 Dec '19

21 Dec '19

STUDY ABROAD BIMINI, THE BAHAMAS BI/PS 247 Bimini Field Course in Cetacean Ecology for Biology/Psychology Majors and Non-Majors/Majors elective (3 Credits) Summer 2020: May 26 - June 1, 2020 Please apply before January 15, 2020! Led by Dr. Deirdre Yeater in the Sacred Heart University Psychology department in collaboration with Dolphin Communication Project, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will enjoy a hands-on learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. On the program, you will earn three credits while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors. You will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. The field work at Bimini will consist of 4 to 5 hour boat surveys. If the group is able to make underwater observations, you will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students accepted will be limited by the size of the research vessel. Therefore, you should apply as soon as possible. You MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program. Application Deadline Jan. 15! For more information, contact: Sacred Heart University Office of Global Affairs studyabroad(a)sacredheart.edu<mailto:studyabroad@sacredheart.edu> www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad<http://www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad> Bahamas or Dolphin Communication Project http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/ Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998

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Marine Animal Wildlife Response Internship at Alaska Sealife Center
by Savannah Costner 21 Dec '19

21 Dec '19

To MARMAM, The Alaska SeaLife Center is currently recruiting for Summer 2020 Marine Animal Wildlife Response Internship. Role Description: Interns will be exposed to and gain experience in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of Alaska’s stranded wild marine mammals and birds. In addition to learning animal restraint and husbandry skills, interns are expected to work with the public in-person while out in the field and over the phone in a professional and courteous manner. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and be able to get on hands and knees to restrain marine mammal patients. Under the guidance of Wildlife Response staff, the Intern will be trained and expected to perform the following duties: - Make daily animal diet preparations and perform routine cleaning of quarantine and work areas. - Assist with rescue and release of stranded animals as opportunities present. - Assist with the Stranded Animal Hot Line and interact with the public professionally. - Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitating animals and facility. - Participate in educational talks or tours, and assist in the creation of computerized learning modules. - Maintain and update computerized medical records, and assist in archival record digitization. - Assist in pool cleanings and water quality testing. - Help ensure that the rehabilitation clinic and quarantine area are stocked and prepared to receive animals. Please include the following as an attachment to your online application; 1-page cover letter, resume and at least 1 reference. Click here<https://www.alaskasealife.org/employment_opportunities> to apply. The deadline to apply for the Summer 2020 Internship is Sunday, January 19th. Thank you Savannah Costner <https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter> <https://twitter.com/alaskasealife> <http://instagram.com/alaskasealifecenter> <https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaska-sealife-center> *Savannah Costner* *Animal Care Specialist *Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 <https://maps.google.com/?q=1329%C2%A0%E2%80%A2+301+Railway+Ave%C2%A0%E2%80%…> Direct: 907-224-6399 *ASLC 24-hour Stranded Animal Hotline* 1-888-774-7325 (SEAL) www.alaskasealife.org

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