February 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Evidence of seawater drinking in fasting subadult hooded seals (Cystophora cristata)
by Fernando Alvira 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dear colleagues, please find below the abstract and link to our recently published open access paper on water balance and mariposia in Hooded seals. *Alvira-Iraizoz F, Nordøy ES (2019) Evidence of seawater drinking in fasting subadult hooded seals (Cystophora cristata). Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology.* The purpose of this study was to investigate the total water turnover rate of fasting subadult hooded seals in order to elucidate to what extent these animals rely in seawater drinking/mariposia at this life stage. Considering mariposia is important for later accurate estimations of food consumption using water turnover rate as a proxy. Five subadult hooded seals were kept fasting for 4 days in a seawater pool. Total body water (39.6 ± 2.5 % of total body mass) decreased by 3.1 ± 0.4 % of initial body water over the experimental period. Turnover rates were 16.7 ± 3.9 (influx) and 24.6 ± 4.6 (efflux) ml · dayˉ¹ · kgˉ¹ with a net water loss of 710 ± 51 ml · day-1. It was estimated that the seals drank approximately 947 ml of seawater per day, which corresponds to 61 % of total daily water influx. Initial body water was relatively low as a result of the high body fat (46.9 ± 3.2 % of initial body mass) shown in the animals. It is concluded that subadult fasting hooded seals drink significant amounts of seawater during fasting. Although mariposia stands out as the major source of free water in fasting hooded seals, the amount of seawater ingested is unlikely to provide a net gain of free water as it is provided by metabolic water. However, it may contribute to excrete the excess of urea produced during early phase I of fasting. Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.31893/2318-1265jabb.v7n2p52-59 Regards, Fernando.

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Terms of Reference for a consultancy to draft safe handling and release guidelines for small cetaceans found live in fishing gear
by Gianna Minton 24 Feb '19

24 Feb '19

The World Wildlife Foundation would like to share the Terms of Reference for a consultancy to draft a set of comprehensive guidelines on the safe handling and release of small cetaceans unintentionally caught in fishing gear, and found alive and viable for release. This consultancy is being hosted by WWF, however, the project will be conducted in collaboration with the IWC, FAO, CMS, IOTC, and the WCPFC, who have all confirmed a need for this type of resource and expressed interest in reviewing, and eventually adopting and disseminating the guidelines once they are produced. It is worth noting that the ToR clearly state that ‘*While these guidelines should NOT be viewed as a solution to the problem of cetacean bycatch, as they will only help a small number of animals that are found live and already compromised, they can be viewed as first step toward engaging fisheries in the process of acknowledging entanglements, and collaborating on solutions to reduce their fishery’s impact on cetaceans. The ultimate goal is to collaborate to prevent bycatch and entanglement from occurring in the first place through effective mitigation measures*.’ The application deadline has been extended to March 1st, so the turn-around time on this is fairly tight. Applications are to be sent directly to Aimee Leslie (aimee.leslie(a)wwfperu.org*)* and Leigh Henry ( Leigh.Henry(a)wwfus.org) WWF: Drafting of technical guidelines on safe handling and release of small cetaceans from fishing gearTerms of Reference *Time frame of contract:* March 2019- May 2019 *Reports to*: OOTN (Wildlife Bycatch) ACAI, WWF Cetacean Initiative (work will also be reviewed by external partners) Context: Entanglement in fishing gear presents the greatest known human-induced threat to small cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises and small whales) around the globe. In 2008 estimated 300,000 cetaceans were unintentionally killed in fisheries each year, a number which is likely to have increased over the past 10 years. While the majority of entangled dolphins are found dead in nets, having asphyxiated when they were unable to surface to breathe, fishers routinely find animals in their nets that are still alive, and could have a good chance of survival if they are handled and released with care. Safe handling and release protocols have been proven to be effective for turtles, and a variety of guidelines have been developed to support fishers who find live turtles in their fishing gear (see for example these <http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/i0725e/i0725e.pdf> produced by the FAO). Safe handling and release guidelines are also available for seabirds <http://www.issfguidebooks.org/longline-2-21/> and sharks <http://www.issfguidebooks.org/longline-2-26/>, although perhaps in less detail than those available for turtles. However, guidelines for the safe handling and release of small cetaceans seem to be almost completely lacking. The few examples that exist, such as those produced by ACCOBAMS <http://www.accobams.org/new_accobams/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/WEB-Cetaces…> represent useful tools, but lack the level of detail required to ensure truly safe practices and enhance survival rates of released animals. WWF and IGO partners, such as the International Whaling Commission, the Convention on Migratory Species, the FAO, and various Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) have identified a need for the development of more detailed technical guidelines on the safe handling and release of small cetaceans entangled in fishing gear. While these guidelines should NOT be viewed as a solution to the problem of cetacean bycatch, as they will only help a small number of animals that are found live and already compromised, they can be viewed as first step toward engaging fisheries in the process of acknowledging entanglements, and collaborating on solutions to reduce their fishery’s impact on cetaceans. The ultimate goal is to collaborate to prevent bycatch and entanglement from occurring in the first place through effective mitigation measures. *Requirements of the guidelines:* The guidelines should: · Draw from and build on existing guidelines that will be provided by the contract holders; · Take into account any other guidelines that the contractor is able to source through online searchers or other sources; take into account the multiple guidelines that have been developed for dealing with live cetacean strandings, which include detailed information on handling and release from beaches; · Take into account relevant provisions in existing guidelines or recommendations relating to safety at sea for fishers · Include the following sections: o An introduction with basic information on small cetaceans and their biology and ecology (particularly those aspects of their ecology that put them at risk of entanglement), and the nature of their interactions with fisheries. o Benefits to the fishing industry in facilitating the safe release of cetaceans. o A detailed diagram showing small cetacean’s basic anatomy, labeling and highlighting those parts of their anatomy that are vulnerable and should be handled with extra care (e.g. the blowhole, eyes). o A detailed list (ideally illustrated) of equipment that fishers should carry on board to assist with the safe handling and release of cetaceans (could be separated into different lists for each of the fisheries/settings below), including, where relevant, equipment that is already carried on board that can be utilized to assist with these efforts and cost effective technologies that would be suitable for use in small scale fisheries and in developing country contexts. o Detailed instructions for safe handling and release from different fishing gears and in different settings, including, but not limited to: gillnets, long lines, purse seines, beach seines, decks of large industrial vessels, decks of small fishing skiffs. In the case of large industrial vessels, advice should include how to safely lower an animal back down into the water without causing further injury. In each case consideration should be given to how to avoid further damage to fishing gear wherever possible. o Ideally, these instructions should be illustrated and/or accompanied by hyperlinks to videos of good practice. While provision of illustrations or videos will not be expected under this contract, descriptions of the content of illustrations, or pasting in of examples from other sources/species would be helpful. o A template for a final section where organisations/users can provide user-specific information on who should be notified with reports of entanglements and how they were handled. *Resources and experts for consultation* In addition to building on existing published resources, the contractor will be expected to consult with a number of recognized experts who will be able to assist with the development of the guidelines. They should include, but are not limited to: · The International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) Large Whale Entanglement Response Coordinator; Stranding Coordinator; and Bycatch Coordinator; · The CMS/ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS Secretariats; · Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). Milestones and deliverables *Milestone* *Deliverables* *Anticipated date* Completion of outline and mapping of resource documents Outline and resource list March 15, 2019 Completion of first draft for review draft April 15th, 2019 Integration of comments and feedback and preparation of final draft for testing in Peruvian fisheries and feedback from IWC Scientific Committee and expert panels on Bycatch, Strandings and large whale entanglement response Revised draft May 1st, 2019 Following the IWC Scientific Committee, the report will be revised with their input and feedback, and then shared with other stakeholders (FAO, CMS, RFMOs) for their feedback and input. A second phase of the project will include these more extensive revisions, commissioning of illustrations, formatting of the guidelines, and dissemination. There may be scope for the consultant to be involved in this second phase of the project. Consultant profile and competencies The following experience and competencies are essential for the role: · A background either in cetacean health and anatomy, or fisheries and bycatch. · Strong English writing skills. · Self-motivated and able to take initiative to find resources and expertise where required. Additional competencies that would be beneficial to the role include: · Ability to read and understand French and Spanish. · Illustration and/or graphic design skills. Budget A maximum of 5,000 USD is available for this phase of the project. Reporting and key contact · Technical key contact with Aimee Leslie · Reporting on deliverables to ACAI Bycatch: key contact is Aimee Leslie Instructions for submitting an application: Please send a letter expressing your interest and demonstrating your qualifications in relation to the Terms of Reference above. Your letter and application should include: · A brief expression of interest; · A summary of your most relevant qualifications; · A proposed budget and timeline, with a breakdown of the number of days expected to be spent on each stage of the project and the rate charged; · An up-to-date CV. · At least 2 examples of relevant work that you have completed in the past. Please send your application to Aimee Leslie (aimee.leslie(a)wwfperu.org) and Leigh Henry (Leigh.Henry(a)wwfus.org) by or before March 1st. A candidate will be selected by March 11th.

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Mobile Marine Mammals and Marine Protection
by Sue Sayer 24 Feb '19

24 Feb '19

Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust are hugely grateful to our regional network of citizen scientists and our science team of authors, who have made this recent publication possible: Pinnipeds, people and photo identification: the implications of grey seal movements for effective management of the species Key words Citizen science; grey seals; marine management; marine protected areas, mobile marine species; photo ID Citation Sayer S, Allen R, Hawkes LA, Hockley K, Jarvis D, Witt MJ (2018). Pinnipeds, people and photo identification: the implications of grey seal movements for effective management of the species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315418001170 Abstract Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) of the North-east Atlantic are protected at designated European Marine Sites (Special Areas of Conservation, SACs) typically during their reproductive periods and in the UK at Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As a mobile marine species, grey seals spend other parts of their annual life cycle in non-designated habitat. There is limited information on individual grey seal movements in south-west England. Citizen science photo identification (PID) revealed the movements of 477 grey seals at a regional scale (54 haul-outs up to 230 km apart) for over a decade. Reconstructed movements showed considerable individual variability. Four SACs were linked to up to 18 non-designated sites and two SSSIs in Cornwall were linked to a maximum of 41 non-designated sites. Observations support the value of existing SSSIs at both the well-connected West and North Cornwall sites. Thirteen Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were visited by grey seals from four SACs and two SSSIs in Cornwall. As a mobile species, grey seals could be included in English MPA management plans. The application of functional linkage from SACs and SSSIs, informed by the movements evidenced in this research, could aid management efforts. This analysis reveals grey seal movements occur across a complex network of interconnected designated and non-designated sites that need to be managed holistically for this species for which the UK has a special responsibility. Interested? We welcome feedback Please email sue(a)cornwallsealgroup.co.uk<mailto:sue@cornwallsealgroup.co.uk> for a pdf copy of the paper. Many thanks Sue Sayer Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust (Charity number: 1162936) www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk<http://www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk/> Cornwall's internationally renowned, multi award winning seal conservation charity (CSA<https://www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk/2018/12/csa-award-csgrt/>; CV<https://www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk/2018/11/we-only-won/>, CMG<https://www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk/2017/11/award-for-csgrt/>) Identifying and monitoring local seals and protecting their marine environment Sign up to our newsletters<http://eepurl.com/dHdy3j> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/CornwallSealGroupResearchTrust/> Youtube<https://www.youtube.com/user/Suesseals> 'Seal Secrets'<https://www.nhbs.com/seal-secrets-book> book published 2012 and reprinted 2013 Amazon Smile Account<https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ref=smi_ext_ch_1162936-0_dl?_encoding=UTF8&ein=1…> Donations at Just Giving<https://www.justgiving.com/cornwallsealgroup>

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ACCOBAMS Courses for Highly Qualified MMO/PAM operators, April 2019
by aylin akkaya 23 Feb '19

23 Feb '19

ACCOBAMS Courses for Highly Qualified Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring operators (PAM)Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) under the agreement signed with ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area) will be running a brand new training course to qualify individuals as Marine Mammal Observers and operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring systems. There will be a limited number of fully subsidised positions for Turkish students and early-career researchers, and these will be offered on a first come, first served basis.When: 15th to 21th April 2019/ Where: Marmaris, Turkey / Price: €1000 (€800 students)The Qualification:The ACCOBAMS qualification qualifies people to work as MMOs/PAM operators throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 24 countries, where it is the agreed course requirement for such work. After the course, The ACCOBAMS highly qualified MMO/PAM operators will be able to work to minimize the impact of noise on cetaceans, by applying the knowledge, expertise and skills acquired during the training course, and to use the standard procedures, forms and manuals, in accordance with the ACCOBAMS principles.Speakers and Presenters:MMO&PAM operator Patrick Lyne and Ayça Eleman; Dr. Aylin Akkaya Baş; Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Akif Erdoğan; Dr. Ayaka Amaha Öztürk; Dr. Jonathan GordonRequirements:-Graduated/current student in biology or ecology or have experience that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its conservation.-Minimum 30 days-at-sea as a marine observer (with references/records )-Ability to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea-Ability to communicate in English-Have a theoretical understanding of acoustic issues-Ability to recognise the different vocalizations of marine mammalsTopics Covered in the Training Course:-Introduction to underwater acoustics-Introduction to marine mammals and acoustics-Introduct. to human activities generating underwaternoise and impacts on marine mammals-Introduction to existing regulations, mitigation procedures and ACCOBAMS Guidelines-Introduction to the role of MMO/PAM-Introduction to the “life style” onboard-Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the acoustic and visual sightings.-Using PAM for survey and research-Introduction to hardware used for PAM-Hands on training with PAMGUARD-Tips and troubleshooting.For more information or to apply e-mail: akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com-Price covers the training, certificate and accommodation for 7 nights (meals not included).-There will be two days of boat based training where there is a strong chance of beaked whales and sperm whales encounters that allows you to practice your learned skills during the course.All the best,Aylin Akkaya BasMarine Mammals Research AssociationWww.dmad.org.tr

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New publication: Acoustic occurrence and behavior of ribbon seals in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas
by Heloise Frouin-Mouy 23 Feb '19

23 Feb '19

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Frouin-Mouy, H., Mouy, X., Berchok, C.L., Blackwell, S.B., Stafford, K.M., 2019. Acoustic occurrence and behavior of ribbon seals (Histriophoca fasciata) in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. Polar Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-019-02462-y Abstract: Due to the difficulty of studying ice seals in their natural environment, distribution and movement patterns of ribbon seals (Histriophoca fasciata) over large spatio-temporal scales are poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed their distribution patterns in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, using passive acoustic data collected between August 2012 and July 2013 at 53 recording sites. Ribbon seal downsweeps were found using spectrogram correlation autodetection, at 30 of these recording sites. These detections were further manually analyzed to investigate the vocal repertoire and quantify the diel pattern in acoustic presence. We found that the Beaufort Sea shelf and the northern Bering Strait/southern Chukchi Sea are ecologically important for ribbon seals during the open-water season. Our results suggest that the northeastern Chukchi Sea serves as part of a migration corridor to and from the Chukchi Plateau and/or Beaufort Sea. In the Bering Sea, most detections occurred from February to June. Vocal activity was higher at nighttime than during the daytime prior to the peak calling period, while during the peak calling period, diel rhythm became less pronounced. The number of calls, proportional use of downsweeps, and bandwidth of downsweeps (estimated broadband source level 170-178 dB re 1 μPa-m) increased during the breeding period, from March to June, peaking in May. An additional call type, the "shuffle", was identified in this study. These results improve our understanding of the migration, occurrence, and acoustic behavior of ribbon seals in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. A full-text view-only version of the paper can be read from: https://rdcu.be/bm5ey<http://em.rdcu.be/wf/click?upn=lMZy1lernSJ7apc5DgYM8cYkjZDu07u8RNDlXw3zBMg-…> Best regards, Heloise Heloise Frouin-Mouy, Ph.D. Bio-acoustician ______________________ JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd 2305-4464 Markham Street Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8 Canada Tel: +1-250483-3300 x2012 Fax: +1-250-483-3301 www.jasco.com<http://www.jasco.com/> An ISO 9001 certified company

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1 week left to apply: WDC, North America - Field Research Internships
by Monica Pepe 22 Feb '19

22 Feb '19

Whale and Dolphin Conservation(WDC), North America, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships and field volunteer positions providing research, policy, education, and advocacy experience in working for an international non-profit organization. Internships are offered to qualified applicants throughout the year, allowing each participant to become proficient at field data collection, educational outreach, and conservation issues of marine mammals. As additional time allows, interns may also assist staff in completing various tasks pertaining to our focal projects. We are currently seeking applicants for our 2019 season. For candidacy requirements and application instructions, visit https://us.whales.org/wdc-na-field-research-internship-program. Applications for the summer (beginning as early as May) should be submitted by 23:59PM EDT on March 3, 2019. Background to the program The WDC internship/volunteer program aims to help participants hone their outreach and data collection and organization skills, while also gaining an introduction to all aspects of working with a conservation non-profit organization. Successful candidates are included in everything from field research to office administration. All interns gain experience with public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels and participating in school talks and other public outreach events throughout the year. Additionally, interns will assist with written communication efforts including social media, blogs, and supporter directed communications. Other potential opportunities include attending workshops/conferences and responding to stranded marine mammals, though these are not guaranteed opportunities. This program exposes interns to real world experiences that will help them develop the skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of marine mammal conservation and research. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. As part of the field work experience, interns will learn species identification, behavioral sequencing, data collection, and photo identification research techniques on marine mammals in the southern Gulf of Maine. They will also have the opportunity to go out on commercial whale watching boats several times per week (field season is April - October) to photograph and record sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as other notable marine wildlife. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. Days in the office will be spent uploading photos and data into our photo identification database or working on any tasks that may be assigned. Based on time of year, the intern program may include some portion of the following: Education and Outreach * Outreach to local schools and the general public * Assisting with and learning about the importance of ecotourism and best practices * Writing blogs about work conducted or current events while interning with WDC * Attendance at conferences and meetings Research * Cataloging individually identifiable humpback and finback whales * Collecting opportunistic marine mammal sightings data in the Southern Gulf of Maine * Collecting images for analysis of body condition of marine mammals through scarring and skin condition * Data coding and cleaning * Attending stranding training and events Conservation * Literature research for preparation of comments submitted to federal agencies * GIS or other mapping techniques At the end of the program, our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals. There is no fee or compensation for the internship/volunteer positions. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300 USD, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant, and those who can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply. The program requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. The internship is a full time position requiring open and flexible availability. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. While international applicants interested in the internship program must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required documentation, WDC can provide supporting documentation as needed upon program acceptance. For candidacy requirements and application instructions, visit https://us.whales.org/wdc-na-field-research-internship-program WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin. Please review our Privacy Notice<https://us.whales.org/privacy-notice-us-applicants> for information on how we collect and store your secure information. Monica Pepe Policy Manager Conservation and Education Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC is 30 Years old!' Help us protect whales and dolphins over the next 30 years]<http://whales.org/> [WDC on Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/uswhalesorg> [WDC on Twitter] <https://www.twitter.com/NA_WHALES_org> [WDC on Instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/whales_org> [WDC on YouTube] <https://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <https://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <https://whales.org/en/newsletter> [WDC on Facebook]<https://www.guidestar.org/profile/02-0749188> [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/CampaignImages/USPledgeNever.png]<http://us.whales.org/pledge-never-to-plunge> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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Seeking volunteer research assistants for the forthcoming 2019 field season in Shark Bay
by Pernille Meyer 22 Feb '19

22 Feb '19

Dear MARMAM Community, We are seeking two full-time volunteer research assistants for the Dolphin Alliance Project’s (http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/) forthcoming field season in Shark Bay, Western Australia, a remote World Heritage Area. Specifically, you will assist one of two PhD students. Both assistants are needed from August/September through November (13 – 17 weeks). One project, running from May through August, investigates thedevelopment of alliance behaviour and juvenile males’ social bonds. The other project, running from August through November, investigates the effects of habitat configuration and acoustic detection range on male alliance behaviour. Fieldwork is based at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort in the eastern gulf of Shark Bay. You will assist with boat-based surveys, and the collection of photo-ID, behavioural, acoustic, genetic, and ecological data from the resident dolphins and their environment. Assistants should be adaptable and patient, as our fieldwork schedule is highly weather dependent: when the weather permits, we will work long hours on the water and on consecutive days; when the weather does not permit fieldwork, we will be working on photo-matching and processing, data entry, and our long-term database. The effort is well worth it, as you will gain insight into the behaviour of an incredible population of dolphins that form multi-level alliances, and those that exhibit foraging specialisations (including sponging tool-use), as well as a diverse array of other wildlife (e.g. sharks, rays, turtles, dugongs). We seek dedicated, hard-working individuals with the willingness and ability to acquire new skills, as well as work diligently on routine tasks. As we live and work closely in small teams for extended periods, we need easy-going, team players who maintain a mature and positive attitude. Prior field experience with cetaceans, including familiarity with conducting photo-ID and the handling of small (<6m) boats are highly desirable qualities. Please note that these are volunteer positions. You will need to make your own way to Shark Bay, but food and shared accommodation (in the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort backpackers) on-site are covered. Only those who can commit to the entire field season will be considered. Applicants should send a CV (max 3 pages), including contact details of two referees, and a short (max 1 page) cover letter in a single PDF to Kathryn Holmes (kathryn.holmes(a)research.uwa.edu.au) and Pernille Sørensen ( pernille.sorensen(a)bristol.ac.uk) The application deadline is Friday, 8th of March 2019. Best wishes, Kathryn and Pernille ------------------------------------------ Kathryn Holmes, PhD Candidate School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Email: kathryn.holmes(a)research.uwa.edu.au Pernille Meyer Sørensen, PhD Candidate School of Biological Sciences Life Sciences Building | 24 Tyndall Avenue University of Bristol | Bristol BS8 1TQ | U.K. Email: pernille.sorensen(a)bristol.ac.uk

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Eco-volunteer Opportunities - Greece, Northern Aegean Dolphin Project
by Κimonas Koemtzopoulos 22 Feb '19

22 Feb '19

Dear All, On behalf of MOm/ Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for our summer 2019 research season of the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project. The project takes place in the pristine National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades and focuses on the photo-identification and behavioural data collection for the populations of Striped Dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba*), Common Dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) and Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) regularly found in the area as well as the occasional encounter with Cuvier’s Beaked Whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*) and Risso’s Dolphins (*Grampus griseus*). *Location*: National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades - Alonissos, Greece *Dates*: 10 June – 15 September 2019 *Duration*: Minimum 1 Week *You will*: - Receive Training and Experience in marine mammal research methods - Participate in daily boat-based research expeditions (weather-dependent) - Participate in data collection and data analysis (Behavioural data, Photo-ID) - Learn about cetacean biology, ecology and conservation - Actively contribute to marine conservation in a Marine Protected Area - Experience life on a beautiful Greek Island in a pristine Marine Protected Area. *Requirements*: No previous experience is required. All you need is an interest in Cetacean biology, ecology and conservation and a positive attitude. Joining one of our weekly expeditions requires a participation fee which covers shared accommodation, two meals/day, training/lessons and part of the operational costs of the project. *How to Participate*: To participate in the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project please visit: www.northernaegeandolphinproject.com or send an email expressing your interest to k.koemtzopoulos(a)mom.gr For information on MOm please visit: www.mom.gr For reviews of the experience by previous participants please visit our facebook pages: www.facebook.com/NorthernAegeanDolphinProject/ www.facebook.com/mom.gr Best wishes to all! Κίμων Κοεμτζόπουλος - *Βιολόγος MSc* *MOm/Εταιρεία Μελέτης & Προστασίας Μεσογειακής Φώκιας* Kimon Koemtzopoulos - *Biologist MSc* *MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal* www.mom.gr info(a)mom.gr T: 0030 *2105222888* M: 0030 *6937580071*

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Seal Rescue Ireland - Education Coordinator Internship - Immediate Opening Available
by Intern Coordinator 22 Feb '19

22 Feb '19

Education Coordinator Internship - Seal Rescue Ireland Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a charity organisation which operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. As the only facility that fully rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and common seal (Phoca vitulina) pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes. SRI is currently accepting applications for their Education Coordinator Intern position. With openings starting immediately, this high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 6 months, but longer time commitments are encouraged. After completion of initial training, interns who excel may be invited to stay longer and offered higher levels of responsibility. This is an unpaid position however qualified candidates will receive compensation through living expenses (food and accommodation in staff housing). Reports to: Operations Manager Job Summary: The Education Coordinator will be in charge of everything related to the various education programs which cater to children as young as 2 years old all the way up to presentations geared towards adults. The coordinator will need to be able to plan, develop and execute educational programs, crafts, games, materials and activities which are tailored to each group’s specific needs, interests and curriculum. They will plan/attend community outreach events, school visits, SRI birthday parties, fundraisers, and conferences and promote awareness of SRI’s mission of marine conservation. They will also be responsible for training interns and volunteers on giving daily educational tours of the Centre as well as providing customer care at the gift shop. There may be some involvement in assisting in the husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals if interested. Requirements: Applicants must have a background and dedicated interest in areas of study such as Zoology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Education, Oceanography, Child Development or related field. Background knowledge of marine mammals is preferred but not required. Applicants must be organized, personable, self-motivated, resourceful and have experience facilitating events and lessons for large groups. They will be expected to manage staff and volunteers appropriately. Great networking and public speaking skills are a must. Interns will be expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and diplomacy whenever they are representing Seal Rescue Ireland. We are looking for a candidate that works well as a team and is comfortable around individuals of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will help take the education program to the next level. Finally, applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Clean driving record and ability to drive in the Republic of Ireland is desired. Duties Include: • Schedule, coordinate and develop all educational programs • Create educational plans and materials • Plan and attend community outreach events to represent SRI • Plan and assist with fundraisers and events • Lead groups of children and adults in educational activities • Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (if interested) • Provide assistance to the rehabilitation staff as needed • Give educational tours of the facility to visitors, school groups • Train interns and volunteers on giving educational tours of the facility and working the gift shop • Performs other duties relating to the Centre’s goals and mission statement as required. This is an unpaid position, however accommodation in staff housing (includes food) is provided for this role. Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses. Please visit our website at (http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) to download the application form. Then send completed with your resume and cover letter to: intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Attention: Education Coordinator Internship Check us out on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sealrescueireland/ Registered Charity: RCN 20108519

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Occurrence of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in offshore waters of southeastern Brazil.
by Alessandra Rocha 21 Feb '19

21 Feb '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication: Rocha A, Marchetto C, Pacheco L and Secchi ER. 2019. Occurrence of blue whales (*Balaenoptera musculus*) in offshore waters of southeastern Brazil. Marine Biodiversity Records. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-019-0163-8 Abstract: At-sea sightings of blue whales, *Balaenoptera musculus*, in Brazil are rare. A mother-calf pair was observed in deep (2645m) waters off southeastern Brazil (22°11′S 038°58′W); during a seismic survey in July 2014. It is unknown to which of the subspecies the animals sighted belong. The presence of a calf suggests that blue whales use deep waters off Brazil as calving or nursing grounds. The identification and conservation of wintering grounds for blue whale populations is important to promote the recovery of blue whales as their numbers were critically reduced as a result of commercial whaling. An open access PDF copy can be downloaded from http://em.rdcu.be/wf/click?upn=lMZy1lernSJ7apc5DgYM8eHSezOXtFfXTYFJeG1xLBk-… Kind regards, Alessandra Rocha. -- Bolsista do *Projeto de Conservação da Toninha no litoral norte do Rio Grande do Sul: integrando pesquisa e o conhecimento das comunidades pesqueiras -* Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos do RS - GEMARS Mestre em Oceanografia Biológica (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande) Médica Veterinária (Universidade Federal Fluminense) Alessandra Rocha.

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