December 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal and Turtle Positions Available in Hawaii
by Charles Littnan - NOAA Federal 17 Dec '19

17 Dec '19

Aloha All- We are announcing two Federal positions open only to U.S. Citizen or Nationals at the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Both positions can be found and applied for through the USAjobs.gov website. Positions opened on Dec 16 and close Dec. 23 due to the recruitment type. Position 1: Research Mathematical Statistician, ZP-1529-3/4 Weblink: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/553483100 Responsibilities: As a Research Mathematical Statistician, you will perform the following duties: • Conduct statistical analyses, designs, codes, documents, runs and summarize various model outputs in the stock analysis and population studies using standard software applications/environments. • Develop guidelines and goals for research work, and support the conservation and management of cetaceans, marine turtles and Hawaiian monk seals in the Pacific Islands region. • Guide project teams and junior scientists in the development of new methods for the statistical analysis of data for stock assessments and other supporting analyses for protected species studies. • Analyze line-transects, mark recapture and other data collection methods to present abundance estimates for protected species at scientific meetings and in scientific reviews and journals. • Collaborate research issues and advice with Pacific Islands Region agencies and stakeholders, interacting and serving with various committees and/or technical working groups. ______________________________________________________________________ Position 2: Supervisory Research Biologist, ZP-0401-4. (Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program Lead) Weblink: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/553483400 Responsibilities As a Supervisory Research Biologist, you will perform the following duties: • Lead a multidisciplinary science program for the management and conservation of the endangered and threatened sea turtles in the Pacific. • Provide program staff with guidance in the identification and implementation of studies to monitor, model, and enhance the status of turtle populations. • Oversee the program’s performances of research in protected species, ecosystem-based science, population assessment, life history, physiology, health and disease, climate impacts, and mortality mitigation. • Participate in field data collection operations including remote camps and research cruises. Please share broadly. If you have any questions about the positions please let me know. If you questions about how to apply please contact the persons listed on the website. There are no exceptions to the citizenship requirement. Cheers, Charles *Charles Littnan, PhD.* Division Director Protected Species Division NOAA IRC NMFS/PIFSC/PSD/Charles Littnan 1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 PH: (808) 725-5711 Fax: (808) 725-5567

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Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Mammal Research Program Spring Internship
by Mackenzie Russell 17 Dec '19

17 Dec '19

Spring 2020 Marine Mammal Research Program Internship Positions available February – May 2020 (3 month minimum; start/end dates flexible) The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN), located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated intern to assist with marine mammal stranding response in coastal Alabama waters. ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner, and works in conjunction with NOAA's NMFS and USFWS to respond to dolphin, whale and manatee strandings. The primary goal of ALMMSN is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings in order to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data which are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. This internship is a physically demanding position, as field response and necropsy events often occur on long days in a variety of weather conditions. Interns will gain useful skills and experience in the fields of marine biology and marine mammalogy. Daily duties include: Field stranding response, data collection, data management, participation in necropsy events, sample handling, and equipment/lab maintenance and cleaning. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in an independent research project based on their interests. Qualification requirements: Student or recent graduate (up to 2 years post-grad) of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program; interest in marine mammal biology, physiology and anatomy; valid driver’s license and clean driving record; 18 years or older; physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs and strong swimmer; ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects; knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses; ability to work at least 30 hrs/week including two weekends per month on call (nights and holidays may be required as necessary with fieldwork). This position is unpaid and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to DISL. Assistance finding housing can be provided. Applicant must be eligible to legally reside in the U.S. for the duration of the internship period. International applicants are encouraged, however no visa assistance can be provided. Interested applicants must send a cover letter, CV and dates of availability to ALMMSN (almmsn(a)disl.org) before January 3rd , 2020 to be considered. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay through the entire internship period. Application review will begin immediately. More information about ALMMSN and the Marine Ecosystem Response Laboratory can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org/ and http://www.disl.org/about/faculty/rcarmichael/ or by contacting ALMMSN at almmsn(a)disl.org. Thank you, DISL Marine Mammal Research Program

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New paper about potential of an acoustic deterrent device to induce hearing impairment in harbour porpoises
by Schaffeld, Tobias 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

Moin MarMam community, My Co-Authors and I are pleased to advertise our recent publication. We investigated the effect of an acoustic deterrent device on harbour porpoise hearing. Such a device can induce a temporary hearing shift, although it is commonly applied as a mitigation tool in order to prevent hearing impairment. Citation: Schaffeld, T., Ruser, A., Woelfing, B., Baltzer, J., Kristensen, J. H., Larsson, J., Schnitzler, J. G. and Siebert, U. (2019). “The use of seal scarers as a protective mitigation measure can induce hearing impairment in harbour porpoises,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 146, 4288–4298. Download link: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1121/1.5135303 Abstract: Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) are used to deter seals from aquacultures but exposure of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) occurs as a side-effect. At construction sites, by contrast, ADDs are used to deter harbour porpoises from the zone in which pile driving noise can induce temporary threshold shifts (TTSs). ADDs emit such high pressure levels that there is concern that ADDs themselves may induce a TTS. A harbour porpoise in human care was exposed to an artificial ADD signal with a peak frequency of 14 kHz. A significant TTS was found, measured by auditory evoked potentials, with an onset of 142 dB re 1 μPa2s at 20 kHz and 147 dB re 1 μPa2s at 28 kHz. The authors therefore strongly recommend to gradually increase and down regulate source levels of ADDs to the desired deterrence range. However, further research is needed to develop a reliable relationship between received levels and deterrence. Do not hesitate to contact me for further questions. With kind regards, Tobias Schaffeld ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Tobias Schaffeld Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6 / 25761 Büsum / Germany Tel +49 511 856 8164 / Fax +49 511 856-8181 http://www.tiho-hannover.de/kliniken-institute/institute/institut-fuer-terr… --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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New publication: A case study of a near vessel strike of a blue whale: perceptual cues and fine-scale aspects of behavioral avoidance (Szesciorka, Angela)
by Angela Szesciorka 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: Szesciorka AR, Allen AN, Calambokidis J, Fahlbusch J, McKenna MF, Southall BL. 2019. A case study of a near vessel strike of a blue whale: perceptual cues and fine-scale aspects of behavioral avoidance. Front. Mar. Sci. 6:761. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2019.00761 Link to paper (full open-access): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00761/full Abstract: Despite efforts to aid recovery, Eastern North Pacific blue whales faces numerous anthropogenic threats. These include behavioral disturbances and noise interference with communication, but also direct physical harm – notably injury and mortality from ship strikes. Factors leading to ship strikes are poorly understood, with virtually nothing known about the cues available to blue whales from nearby vessels, behavioral responses during close encounters, or how these events may contribute to subsequent responses. At what distance and received levels (RLs) of noise whales respond to potential collisions is difficult to observe. A unique case study of a close passage between a commercial vessel and a blue whale off Southern California is presented here. This whale was being closely monitored as part of another experiment after two suction-cup archival tags providing acoustic, depth, kinematic, and location data were attached to the whale. The calibrated, high-resolution data provided an opportunity to examine the sensory information available to the whale and its response during the close encounter. Complementary data streams from the whale and ship enabled a precise calculation of the distance and acoustic cues recorded on the tag when the whale initiated a behavioral response and shortly after at the closest point of approach (CPA). Immediately before the CPA, the whale aborted its ascent and remained at a depth sufficient to avoid being struck for ∼3 min until the ship passed. In this encounter, the whale may have responded to a combination of cues associated with the close proximity of the vessel to avoid a collision. Long-term photo-identification records indicate that this whale has a long sighting history in the region, with evidence of previous ship encounters. Therefore, experiential factors may have facilitated the avoidance of a collision. In some instances these factors may not be available, which may make some blue whales particularly susceptible to deadly collisions, rendering efforts for ship-strike reduction even more challenging. The fine-scale information made available by the integration of these methods and technologies demonstrates the capacity for detailed behavioral studies of blue whales and other highly mobile marine megafauna, which will contribute to more informed evaluation and mitigation strategies. Keywords: ship strike, blue whale, near collision, active avoidance, behavioral response, perceptual cues Please contact me if you have any questions. Best, Angela -- Angela R. Szesciorka, M.Sc. Ph.D. Candidate, Dr. Nancy Foster Fellow Scripps Institution of Oceanography NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center (c) 650-787-9462 | (w) 858-546-7066

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Research Internship at Dolphin Research Center
by Christina McMullen 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

Dolphin Research Center - Research Internship Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Summer 2020 term (May-August). DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, providing sanctuary and a forever home to a family of dolphins and sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral, cognitive, and field research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Note: conducting your own research projects is not part of this position. Specific job duties include: · Collecting observational behavioral data · Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions · Assisting in setting up and breaking down equipment for cognitive and acoustic research sessions · Operating video equipment · Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis · General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is February 1st, 2020. To apply, you must complete the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Careers", and then "Internships”. It is mandatory that you please provide the following materials: - A completed Application Form (including your Internship Preferences in order of choice) - A current Resume - Transcript (may be unofficial unless you are seeking a credit for your internship) - Two Letters of Recommendation with an original signature. (If currently enrolled in college, one letter must be from your Faculty Advisor) Application may be submitted online or in physical form. Please send your application, supporting documentation and any additional information you wish that you feel would be beneficial to us in processing your application by email to drc-vr(a)dolphins.org, by fax to the attention of Volunteer Resource at (305) 743-7627, or by regular mail: Dolphin Research Center Attn: Volunteer Resources Department 58901 Overseas Highway Grassy Key, FL 33050 USA Select publications: Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., & King, S.L. (2018). Bottlenose dolphins can understand their partner’s role in a cooperative task. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 20180948. ( http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.0948) King, S.L., Guarino, E., Keaton, L., Erb, L., & Jaakkola, K. (2016). Maternal signature whistle use aids mother-calf reunions in a bottlenose dolphin,Tursiops truncatus. Behavioural Processes, 126, 64-70. King, S. L., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., Hecksher, J., & Jaakkola, K (in press). Further insights into postpatrum signature whistle use in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science. Jaakkola, K. (2014). Do animals understand invisible displacement? A critical review. Journal of Comparative Psychology, Vol. 128, No. 3, 225-239. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., & Hecksher, J. (2013). Switching strategies: A dolphin's use of passive and active acoustics to imitate motor actions. Animal Cognition, 16, 701-709. Jaakkola, K. (2012). Cetacean cognitive specializations. In J. Vonk & T. Shackleford (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Evolutionary Psychology (pp. 144–165). New York: Oxford University Press. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically “less” by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology.

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Dolphin Research Internship – Cambodia
by The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

Dolphin Research Internship – Cambodia Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets, including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social science research and collecting data to use in the implementation of conservation legislation. In September 2017, MCC introduced *The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project,* in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for marine mammals in Cambodia’s Kep and Kampot region, with a large focus on the globally endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. We are currently looking for dolphin research interns to join the team between February – June 2020! * Project activities: * · a minimum of 3 observational land surveys per week using a Theodolite and Pythagoras software; · a minimum of 1 observational boat survey per week; · photo-identification techniques using Discovery software; · passive acoustic monitoring using a C-POD and CPOD.exe software; · social science techniques; · data entry, processing and analysis; · education and outreach; · running a marine mammal stranding network; · scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals and government reports; · designing marine mammal legislation. *Basic internship training schedule* Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project. Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques. Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training. Session 4: Marine vessel identification training. Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training. Session 6: Drone footage analysis training. Session 8: Theory test Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training. Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training. You will also become involved in other project related activities, depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay. *Internship requirements:* We are looking for dedicated, motived and hard-working interns, able to commit for a minimum internship period of one month. Please note, priority will be given to those who can commit to 2 or more months. We are looking for those who will commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. Ideally, we are looking for university students or recent graduates. *Project site description:* The project is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, a 40-minute boat trip from Kep Town, Cambodia. The island is inhabited only by MCC, a team made up of a mixture of interdisciplinary international and local staff. The accommodation and facilities on the island are basic but well-maintained. You will be in shared and catered accommodation with fellow interns and staff members. All project related resources are provided. *Application process and fees:* There is an internship fee associated with this internship, covering: · all food, water, accommodation; · transport to and from the mainland to the project island; · dolphin research training; · scuba diving (if qualified); · and the opportunity to get involved in activities and training at MCC, such as seahorse research or artificial reef management. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume and covering letter, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com

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SHARING RESULTS & DATA – Connecting Conservation Policy and Marine Mammal Science: A Survey of Attitudes and Trends in Publications
by Roxanne Carini 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

SHARING RESULTS & DATA – Connecting Conservation Policy and Marine Mammal Science: A Survey of Attitudes and Trends in Publications Thank you to all who responded to my survey back in September. Results from the survey and a literature review of Marine Mammal Science (1985-2019) were presented in the Public Outreach session at the World Marine Mammal Conference last week in Barcelona. A copy of the poster<https://github.com/RJCarini/MarineMammalScience/blob/master/CariniODonnellC…>, the raw and summarized survey data from 2007 and 2019, and the literature review data may be found at https://github.com/RJCarini/MarineMammalScience. ReadMe files for both datasets and the Matlab code used for text analysis of the literature review data are also posted there. Happy Holidays, Roxanne J Carini Roxanne J Carini, PhD John A Knauss Marine Policy Fellow Marine Mammal Commission rcarini(a)mmc.gov | 301-504-0087 Twitter: @MarineMammalCom<https://twitter.com/MarineMammalCom> Website: www.mmc.gov<https://www.mmc.gov/>

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New book - Schevill & Watkins - The Voices of Marine Mammals
by Michael Moore 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

The New Bedford Whaling Museum’s publication /Voices of Marine Mammals: William E. Schevill and William A. Watkins: Pioneers in Bioacoustics /honors the groundbreaking work of Schevill and Watkins, of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, in the field of marine bioacoustics. The book consists of twelve chapters by different authors, who worked with or whose work was influenced by Watkins and Schevill. The Whaling Museum recently received a donation from WHOI of Watkins’ and Schevill’s instruments and research, which anchor its newly expanded exhibition/Whales Today/. The publication speaks to the themes of the scientific trajectory of bioacoustics. It also includes a flexi-disc with audio recordings of Watkins, Schevill, and marine mammal sounds. While there are many publications on whale vocalizations and current threats to overall ocean ecosystems health in regards to noise pollution and other acoustical impacts, none focus specifically on the remarkable contributions of Watkins and Schevill. Using these two scientists and their work as the focal point, this book fills a significant gap in scholarship. Available online for purchase: https://www.whalingmuseum.org/explore/publications/voices-of-marine-mammals… Editor: Christina Connett Brophy Chapter Authors: Michael Moore, Peter Tyack, Philip Hamilton & Marilyn Marx, Karen Moore Dourdeville, Douglas Wartzok, Carlton Ray, Robert Wallace, Sam Ridgway, Kurt Fristrup, Susan Parks, Laela Sayigh

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New publication: Using passive acoustic monitoring to investigate the occurrence of cetaceans in a protected marine area in northwest Ireland
by Todd, Nicole 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

Dear MarMam list, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in Estuarine, Coast and Shelf Science: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272771419300514?via%3Di… Abstract: Under the EU Habitats Directive, cetacean species must be maintained at favourable conservation status in European waters. Whether this is achieved via protected area designation, curtailment of activities such as fishing or construction, or time restrictions on noise, it is dependent on understanding the temporal patterns in occurrence. Our ability to study this is often limited by the relatively short time-series of data available to researchers. This study uses nine years of passive acoustic monitoring data paired with environmental covariates to better understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of harbour porpoise and dolphin species using generalised estimating equations-generalised linear models (GEE-GLMs). This long-term time-series included periods of increased disturbance due to construction of an underwater gas pipeline in the area, enabling us to investigate the effect of construction on species occurrence. Harbour porpoise and dolphins occurred in every season, with detections peaking in winter. We found a negative association between dolphins and porpoises throughout the year. Inter-annual variation in occurrence was evident, with a cyclical bi-annual pattern highlighted for both species suggesting a complex pattern of movement. Construction activity had a significant negative effect on the presence of porpoise but not dolphins. However, no long-term decrease in detection rates of porpoise was recorded. This study highlights the importance of understanding what factors influence cetacean occurrence as well as the temporal scale of disturbance effects for planning and management of construction activities in coastal areas. If you have any questions, or you would like me to send you a PDF copy of the paper, don't hesitate to contact me. Many thanks, Nicole --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nicole Todd| PhD student MaREI Centre | School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Science University College Cork +353 (0)21 486 4435 @NicoleRETodd

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New Publication - Dolphin Health Assessments
by Ashley Barratclough 15 Dec '19

15 Dec '19

Dear Members, My Co-Authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication in Frontiers: Barratclough, Ashley, Randall S. Wells, Lori H. Schwacke, Teresa K. Rowles, Forrest M. Gomez, Deborah A. Fauquier, Jay C. Sweeney et al. "Health Assessments of Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Past, Present, and Potential Conservation Applications." Frontiers in Veterinary Science 6 (2019): 444. Available to all at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2019.00444/full <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2019.00444/full> ABSTRACT: The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a global marine mammal species for which some populations, due to their coastal accessibility, have been monitored diligently by scientists for decades. Health assessment examinations have developed a comprehensive knowledge base of dolphin biology, population structure, and environmental or anthropogenic stressors affecting their dynamics. Bottlenose dolphin health assessments initially started as stock assessments prior to acquisition. Over the last four decades, health assessments have evolved into essential conservation management tools of free-ranging dolphin populations. Baseline data enable comparison of stressors between geographic locations and associated changes in individual and population health status. In addition, long-term monitoring provides opportunities for insights into population shifts over time, with retrospective application of novel diagnostic tests on archived samples. Expanding scientific knowledge enables effective long-term conservation management strategies by facilitating informed decision making and improving social understanding of the anthropogenic effects. The ability to use bottlenose dolphins as a model for studying marine mammal health has been pivotal in our understanding of anthropogenic effects on multiple marine mammal species. Future studies aim to build on current knowledge to influence management decisions and species conservation. This paper reviews the historical approaches to dolphin health assessments, present day achievements, and development of future conservation goals. Keywords: dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, conservation, health assessment, veterinary medicine Best, Ashley

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