February 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

TIME IS APPROACHING FOR THE ICMMPA5 IN APRIL: REGISTER NOW!
by info_ICMMPA5 27 Feb '19

27 Feb '19

Dear MARMAMers, We are just over a month before the 5th <https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/> International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas<https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/> which will be held in Greece, April 8th- 12th 2019. For registrations and further inquiries please visit https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/ [Email Image] © Frédéric Larrey & Thomas Roger Register to the 5th International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas Are you working, involved or interested in marine mammal conservation throughout the world? The International Committee on Marine Mammal Protected Areas (ICMMPA) in collaboration with WWF Greece are pleased to announce that the 5th International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas will be held in April 2019 in Greece. ICMMPA conferences have been one of the few opportunities dedicated exclusively to bring together expert scientists, MPA practitioners, stakeholders and policy makers involved in marine mammal conservation from around the globe. In 2019, the MMPA community will be celebrating 10 years, since the first International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas held in Hawaii, and this milestone Conference will take place for the first time in Europe and specifically the Mediterranean Sea. The Conference will have the honor to have HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, as the opening speaker, a champion in marine conservation. The ICMMPA joins effort with WWF, one of the biggest conservation NGOs in the world, that works across all levels -from the field to the highest policy level- to strengthen the protection of marine mammals worldwide. We invite you to attend the 5th ICMMPA in Greece to discuss the challenges ahead, to contribute in developing concrete and practical steps towards achieving effective place-based protection and management for marine mammal and to ultimately identify a path forward that will lead ICMMPA into the future. Register today!<https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/registration> For more information about the 5th ICMMPA, contact: Amalia Alberini, Conference Co-host, WWF Greece<mailto:info_ICMMPA5@wwf.gr> or Naomi McIntosh, Chair, ICMMPA<mailto:naomi.mcintosh@noaa.gov> [Email Image] Follow us [social icon] [social icon] [social icon] [social icon] Unsubscribe | <http://WWF-Greece.msnd3.com/unsubscribe/76807a25-0382-421e-9320-e9ec84df4dc…> View in Browser<http://WWF-Greece.msnd3.com/show_campaign/76807a25-0382-421e-9320-e9ec84df4…> Powered by Moosend

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New publication: influence of environmental cycles on the occurrence of dolphins (Oihane Fernandez-Betelu)
by Fernandez, Oihane 27 Feb '19

27 Feb '19

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Fernandez-Betelu, O., Graham, I. M., Cornulier, T., & Thompson, P. M. (2019). Fine scale spatial variability in the influence of environmental cycles on the occurrence of dolphins at coastal sites. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 2548, doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-38900-4 Abstract: Environmental cycles often influence the presence of animals, creating patterns at different temporal scales, which may mean that their effects overlap and/or interact. Interactions between diel and seasonal cycles have been reported to influence fish behaviour but little is known about such interactions in marine top predators. Here, we studied the combined effect of seasonal, tidal and diel cycles on the occurrence of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) within a Marine Protected Area in Scotland. Our analyses were based on echolocation detections from passive acoustic devices (CPODs) deployed at three coastal sites between 2010 and 2016. We described patterns of dolphins' occurrence using circular statistics and then used generalised additive mixed models to explore the relative importance of each cycle and any interactions between them. We found site-specific cyclical patterns of presence that remained constant across years. There was a highly significant interaction between seasonal and diel cycles at two sites around deep channels, where occurrence was diurnal in summer but became nocturnal in autumn. The study demonstrates the highly plastic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins and shows a previously unreported behaviour that has management implications for this and other marine protected areas. The article is open access and can be downloaded from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-38900-4 If you have additional questions, please send an email to: oihane.fdez(a)abdn.ac.uk<mailto:oihane.fdez@abdn.ac.uk> Kind regards, Oihane Fernandez Betelu and co-authors ---- Oihane Fernández Betelu PhD candidate Lighthouse Field Station University of Aberdeen George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL Tel: 01381 600548 [Aberdeen_Uni_logo]<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/> [FB_FindUsOnFacebook] <https://www.facebook.com/lighthousefieldstation> [follow us on twitter logo] <https://twitter.com/cromartylh> Oihane Fernández MPhil Student Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty IV11 8YL. Tel: 01381600548 [Aberdeen_Uni_logo_big low res]<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/> [FB_FindUsOnFacebook-320] <https://www.facebook.com/lighthousefieldstation> [follow us on twitter logo] <https://twitter.com/cromartylh> The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas clàraichte ann an Alba, Àir. SC013683.

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New publication using UAS to detect seal entanglements
by maria clara martins 27 Feb '19

27 Feb '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are delighted to announce a recent publication of our paper in Marine Mammal Science: Martins, M. C., Sette, L. , Josephson, E. , Bogomolni, A. , Rose, K. , Sharp, S. M., Niemeyer, M. and Moore, M. (2019), Unoccupied aerial system assessment of entanglement in Northwest Atlantic gray seals (Halichoerus grypus). Mar Mam Sci. doi:10.1111/mms.12590 Entanglement prevalences in hauled-out gray seals were estimated using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for the first time. In Massachusetts and Maine, U.S.A. Prevalences ranged from 0.83% to 3.7% which is high compared to other pinniped populations. The only identifiable material causing these entanglements was monofilament net, which reflects the presence of gillnet fisheries in New England waters. Gillnet ligatures around the necks of growing seals lacerate underlying vital structures and are a severe animal welfare concern. UAS are an important tool for detecting entanglements. This study advances our understanding of the conservation and animal welfare aspects of fisheries entanglements. An online version of the article can be accessed here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12590 King Regards,Maria Clara Iruzun Martins and co-authors

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 2019. 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 2019 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you book the internship until 31st December 2018. *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship 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 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 others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow link is a short video about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- *AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] <https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal> [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/AimmportugalOrg> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Sem vírus. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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New publication on blue whale migration, resource tracking, and memory
by Briana Abrahms 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the recent publication of our paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Abrahms, B., Hazen, E.L., Aikens, E.O., Savoca, M.S., Goldbogen, J.A., Bograd, S.J., Jacox, M.G., Irvine, L.M., Palacios, D.M., and Mate, B.R. Memory and resource tracking drive blue whale migrations. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1819031116. Abstract: In terrestrial systems, the Green Wave Hypothesis posits that migrating animals can enhance foraging opportunities by tracking phenological variation in high quality forage across space (i.e., ‘resource waves’). To track resource waves, animals may rely on proximate cues and/or memory of long-term average phenologies. Although there is growing evidence of resource tracking in terrestrial migrants, such drivers remain unevaluated in migratory marine megafauna. Here we present a novel test of the Green Wave Hypothesis in a marine system. We compare ten years of blue whale movement data with the timing of the spring phytoplankton bloom resulting in increased prey availability in the California Current Ecosystem, allowing us to investigate resource tracking both contemporaneously (response to proximate cues) and based on climatological conditions (memory) during migrations. Blue whales closely tracked the long-term average phenology of the spring bloom, but did not track contemporaneous green-up. In addition, blue whale foraging locations were characterized by low long-term habitat variability and high long-term productivity compared to contemporaneous measurements. Results indicate that memory of long-term average conditions may have a previously underappreciated role in driving migratory movements of long-lived species in marine systems, and suggest that these animals may struggle to respond to rapid deviations from historical mean environmental conditions. Results further highlight that ecological theory of migration is conserved across marine and terrestrial systems. Understanding the drivers of animal migration is critical for assessing how environmental changes will affect highly mobile fauna at a global scale. An online version of the article can be accessed here: https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2019/02/19/1819031116 The underlying data have also been published as a Movebank Repository under a Creative Commons Zero license as: Mate BR, Palacios DM, Irvine LM, Follett TM (2019) Data from: Behavioural estimation of blue whale movements in the Northeast Pacific from state-space model analysis of satellite tracks. Movebank Data Repository. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5441/001/1.5ph88fk2. Best wishes, Briana Abrahms and co-authors

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Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas
by Kelly Melillo Sweeting 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2017. These internships have field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 9-12 weeks, depending on DCP's schedule. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. Interns will spend the field portion of this internship at our Bimini, Bahamas, research site, where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: --Travel to and assist for approximately 6 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning in late, following the office component) --Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions (weather and schedule dependent) --Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data entry and analysis tasks --Assist with on-board and outreach education as well as web-based projects --Represent DCP in an enthusiastic, responsible, mature and respectful manner At the office: --Travel to and assist for 4-5 weeks at our Port Saint Lucie, Florida (FL) office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning in late May) --Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, event sampling from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds --Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public, as needed Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions, including extreme heat. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve snorkeling and free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both in a small office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Although international applicants are invited to apply, all applicants should know that interns are responsible for their own daily transportation to/from the FL office and public transportation is limited in this area; therefore, all interns should have their own transportation while in FL. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Florida. There is a $1,100.00 fee that will cover housing in the field (on-island transportation not needed). Room, board and transportation while in Florida are the responsibility of the intern. Although assistance in finding housing may be available, the ability to find suitable housing in Florida is ultimately the interns’ responsibility. We recommend all applicants complete a preliminary housing search in advance of submitting their applications. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/get-involved/internships. Please read this page thoroughly before applying or emailing questions . Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Applications are due 28 February 2017. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (via telephone or Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates in early March. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/about-dolphins/scienti…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2012. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 25:21-43. Dudzinski, KM, Danaher-Garcia, N, Gregg, JD. 2013. Pectoral fin contact between dolphin dyads at Zoo Duisburg, with comparison to other dolphin study populations. Aquatic Mammals. 39(4): 335-343. Melillo-Sweeting, K, Turnbull, S and Guttridge, T. 2014. Evidence of shark attacks on Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Bimini, The Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12082 Melillo-Sweeting, K., Yeater, D., Dudzinski, KM. 2015. Dolphin sightings near the coast of Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003 – 2013. Aquatic Mammals 41.3: 245-251. DOI: 10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.245. _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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JOB: Senior Scientist and Marine Mammal Program Chair, New England Aquarium.
by Daniel Pendleton 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/991628.html Senior Scientist and Marine Mammal Program Chair<https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/991628.html> -- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life NEAq We seek a dynamic and accomplished Senior Scientist with a proven record of fundraising and scholarship in marine mammal science to lead New England Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life (ACCOL) Marine Mammal Program. Reporting to the VP and Chief Scientist of the ACCOL, the individual in this role is expected to integrate his/her own established research program into successful ACCOL legacy programs that include right whale ecology and conservation, bycatch reduction, health assessments, climate effects, wind farm assessments, and marine protected areas, and to collaborate with other research/conservation efforts across the organization. In addition, the individual in this role will have high-level oversight for the current right whale team, but taxonomic focus need not be limited to that species alone. While some salary coverage will be provided for this position, the individual is expected to collaborate closely with the NEAq Development team and contribute to broader ACCOL fundraising needs. This includes the procurement of extramural funds commensurate with other ACCOL Senior Scientists to support his/her programmatic and staff costs. Launched in 2016, The Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life (ACCOL; http://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/) represents the research and conservation division of the New England Aquarium (NEAq). With the overarching goal of transforming science into action, the ACCOL builds on the NEAq's nearly 50-year legacy of pioneering research and stakeholder conservation engagement to strengthen the health and resilience of our oceans. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Senior Scientist and Program Leadership * Lead scientific/strategic direction of his/her program in accordance with broader ACCOL strategies, priorities, and targeted outcomes. * Conduct primary scientific research related to the Marine Mammal Program including experimental design, field work, data collection, data analysis, and publication of results, demonstrating a high level of scholarship in his/her field of study. * Responsible for the timeliness and quality of scientific activities and deliverables. * Represent the Marine Mammal Program regionally, nationally and internationally by presenting original research at scientific conferences, workshops and public engagements and responding to media requests. * Recruit, supervise, mentor and advise Marine Mammal Program staff and students and contribute to the coordination and leadership of the ACCOL in general (both internally and externally). * Identify emerging conservation issues and research opportunities for the Marine Mammal Program, and develop partnerships and collaborations to pursue those when appropriate. * In coordination with the NEAq Development Department, lead a high level of annual fundraising (6-7 figures) from external sources to support Marine Mammal Program research. * Work closely with ACCOL administrative staff and Finance Department to oversee financial and reporting/funding requirements for contracts and grants. * Serve as the leader and key spokesperson of the Marine Mammal Program, as well as an ambassador for the ACCOL as a whole (both internally and externally) to diversify funding sources, and increase research and impact. * Work closely with the NEAq's Marketing/Communications as a spokesperson for matters related to marine mammals as needed; function as an expert consult for exhibit messaging. * Coordinate with other ACCOL programs and leadership to seek synergies and leverage opportunities where the Marine Mammal Program can contribute to the advancement of other programmatic outcomes across the ACCOL. * Other duties as applicable. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Training and Experience * The candidate must have a highly accomplished scientific research program with a marine conservation orientation, and be a recognized authority in his/her field. * Ph.D. required. Post-doctoral training or additional advanced degrees are desirable. * 8+ years of relevant research experience, with at least five years leading a lab or program that includes technical staff, early career scientists and/or graduate students. * Strong record of publications in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. * Demonstrated ability to raise annually significant (6-7 figures) levels of government and private funding to support a large-scale lab/program. * Evidence that research outputs have contributed to environmental management/policy measures, processes and/or regulations. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Proven leadership skills and abilities to manage/lead a multidisciplinary group of staff and colleagues, including research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and interns/volunteers. * Ability to run multi-institutional collaborations and to identify future opportunities for same. * Deep understanding of the marine ecological and conservation issues surrounding marine mammals. * Strong statistical or modeling background for scientific analyses would be helpful. * Ability to form partnerships with scientific community, fishing industry, decision makers, regulators, funders, and other key decision makers and influencers in field. * Outstanding oral and written communication skills in order to disseminate research findings and write successful research grants, and to serve as an effective ambassador for the Marine Mammal Program and the ACCOL. * Must be a collegial team player who is committed to strengthening the quality of work, productivity, profile and mission impact of the ACCOL. * Must be willing to travel to national and international professional conferences and workshops to represent his/her program and the broader ACCOL. Application Requirements 1. Please submit a cover letter and CV with your online application. 2. Applicants who are invited to interview, will be required to provide two letters of recommendation. 3. While we encourage interested parties to apply and be considered right away, the deadline for submission is Friday March 29, 2019.

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New paper on the origin and spread of phocine distemper in Europe
by Morten Tange Olsen 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dear all It is my pleasure to announce our new paper on the origin and spread of phocine distemper in European harbour seals: Stokholm I, Härkönen T, Harding K, Siebert U, Lehnert K, Dietz R, Teilmann J, Galatius A, Havmøller LW, Carroll E, Hall A, Olsen MT (2019) Phylogenomic insights to the origin and spread of Phocine Distemper Virus in European harbour seals in 1988 and 2002. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 133 (1): 47-56, doi: 10.3354/dao03328 ABSTRACT: The 1988 and 2002 phocine distemper virus (PDV) outbreaks in European harbour seals Phoca vitulina are among the largest mass mortality events recorded in marine mammals. Despite its large impact on harbour seal population numbers, and 3 decades of studies, many questions regarding the spread and temporal origin of PDV remain unanswered. Here, we sequenced and analysed 7123 bp of the PDV genome, including the coding and non-coding regions of the entire P, M, F and H genes in tissues from 44 harbour seals to shed new light on the origin and spread of PDV in 1988 and 2002. The phylogenetic analyses trace the origin of the PDV strain causing the 1988 outbreak to between May 1987 and April 1988, while the origin of the strain causing the 2002 outbreak can be traced back to between June 2001 and May 2002. The analyses further point to several independent introductions of PDV in 1988, possibly linked to a southward mass immigration of harp seals in the winter and spring of 1987-1988. The vector for the 2002 outbreak is unknown, but the epidemiological analyses suggest the subsequent spread of PDV from the epicentre in the Kattegat, Denmark, to haul-out sites in the North Sea through several independent introductions. Please see https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v133/n1/p47-56/ or email me for a pdf copy Kind regards Morten Morten Tange Olsen Assistant Professor Section for Evolutionary Genomics Natural History Museum of Denmark Department of Biology University of Copenhagen MOB +45 42661525 morten.olsen(a)snm.ku.dk<mailto:morten.olsen@snm.ku.dk>

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*save the date* Symposium 11 April 2019 - Bright Future? Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea
by Sascha Klöpper 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dear colleagues, Save the date for a scientific symposium on Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea. The event is organized by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat and the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Visitor Centre within the scope of the `Harbour Porpoise Days 2019´ in Wilhelmshaven. Scientific symposium Bright Future? Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea UNESCO-Weltnaturerbe Wattenmeer Besucherzentrum Wilhelmshaven, Südstrand 110b 11 April 2019 You are invited to distribute this information within your network. Contact: kloepper(a)waddensea-secretariat.org Looking forward to seeing you in Wilhelmshaven, more information on the programme soon to come. Kind regards, Sascha Klöpper Sascha Klöpper | Deputy Executive Secretary Common Wadden Sea Secretariat Virchowstrasse 1, D-26382 Wilhelmshaven T +49 (0)4421 9108-14 | M +49 (0)151 61130990 waddensea-secretariat.org | waddensea-worldheritage.org Please note that in the event that this is the first time you are being contacted by us we will process your personal data in connection with this invitation only. If you do not consent to the processing of your personal data please let us know by email (info(a)waddensea-secreteriat.org) We will then immediately delete all personal data of yours that we have recorded. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you should have any questions. For further information concerning data protection please visit our homepage (https://www.waddensea-worldheritage.org/terms)

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Last-minute Call for internship in Madeira Archipelago
by Rita Ferreira 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

*LAST-MINUTE CALL FOR INTERNSHIPS FOR APRIL* *CIIMAR-Madeira/OOM/ARDITI is looking for 2 interns to participate in CETUS-Madeira, a marine mammals’ research project based in Madeira Island, Portugal* We are currently filling *2 positions for 1st April – 31 May 2019*. *Internship Details:* In Madeira Archipelago, located in Macaronesia (NE Atlantic), 29 species of cetaceans are recorded. Daily, there is one ferry boat that conducts trips between the 2 main islands of the archipelago, Madeira and Porto Santo. The interns will be enrolled in data collection through visual surveys 3 days per week. Interns must cover all their accommodation, travel and food expenses, except onboard, where food is provided. These positions are unpaid but we encourage candidates to seek grants where we can post as host institution. In order to cover for logistic expenses, there is a monthly fee of 75eur. Non-European candidates must cover their own insurance expenses. *Internship description:* - Training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing and analysis; - Sea surveys between Madeira and Porto Santo; - Educational activities in local schools or to the general public, when possible; - Participation on research trips, when possible; - Free time to visit Madeira and Porto Santo; - Accident insurance. Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and gain experience at sea. If you are interested in interning, please send a CV and a letter of interest to rita.ferreira(a)oom.arditi.pt. Thank you, Rita Ferreira MSc Oceanic Observatory of Madeira – ARDITI http://oom.arditi.pt MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Center Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, Piso 0 9020-105 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal +351 291 721 216

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