March 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Manatee Observers Needed asap
by Erin McMichael 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

MANATEE OBSERVERS NEEDED ASAP REMSA Inc's Marine Endangered Species Observer (MESO) Program is seeking skilled and experienced Protected Species Observers (ESOs/PSOs) with previous manatee monitoring experience for a project in Jacksonville, FL. Observer invoices are submitted and processed on a bi-weekly basis. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Currently looking for observers available asap and into Fall 2019. JOB DESCRIPTION: Protected Species Observers will conduct protected species observations, watches, and mitigation measures during marine construction projects in Jacksonville Harbor. PSOs will be required to perform duties in adverse/inclement weather and during daylight and nighttime shifts 12 hours in duration. Must be able to work independently and follow technical instructions as required. Previous experience conducting manatee watches is required. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: - Identification of marine animals to species - Maintain watch for marine mammals, specifically manatees, in all mitigation zones - Record sightings of marine species, keep organized and up-to-date logs, complete daily summary reports - Coordinate temporary project shut-downs when manatees are present in project zones - Ability to work outside during any weather conditions for long periods of time - Ability to effectively communicate with team members and construction personnel - Report interactions with endangered/threatened species to REMSA, Inc. personnel, construction company, and various government agencies as instructed REQUIREMENTS: **Must have prior experience monitoring for manatee interactions during construction projects** Must be a U.S. Citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or restrictions Must have (or be eligible to obtain) Endangered/Protected Species approval from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Must have prior marine mammal and sea turtle observation experience Must have or be able to obtain a Federal Transportation Workers Identification Credential card (TWIC) Must have Bachelors Degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related field Knowledge of Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act Must be able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team BENEFITS & SALARY: These are Independent Contractor positions, daily rates depend on experience Housing and daily food stipend provided in addition to daily rate Bi-weekly invoice submission and processing Application Instructions: Interested applicants should send the following application materials: - Detailed resume documenting all relevant experience, education, and skills - Copies of NMFS approval/certifications, FL FWC Manatee Monitoring Form, MMO training certificates - Cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this position Submit all materials as attachments to the posting: .pdf files or MS Word 2003 compatible files to emcmichael(a)remsainc.com or FAX to 757.722.4571 REMSA Inc. Supports a Drug Free Work Place EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability [cid:image001.jpg@01D4E2FB.8D9FDD40]

1 0

postdoc/senior postdoc position
by Mark Jessopp 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

Exciting opportunity for a 12 month (with possibility of further extension) postdoc or senior postdoc position (depending on level of experience) working on the FishKOSM project within the MaREI Centre, University College Cork, Ireland. Working within the Marine Ecology Group, the post holder will be responsible for analysis and write up of data on the diet of higher predators (seals and seabirds) using stable isotope analysis. Blood, blubber and feather samples as well as samples from putative prey species have been previously collected and processed for C and N signatures. Full post details are available at https://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/vacancies/research/full-details-975010-en.html Note deadline for applications is 5th April 2019.

1 0

Northern bottlenose whale responses to sonar - new publication
by Paulus Jacobus Wensveen 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

MARMAM, We are very pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on the behavioural responses of northern bottlenose whales to controlled exposures of navy sonar: Wensveen, P. J., Isojunno, S., Hansen, R. R., von Benda-Beckmann, A. M., Kleivane, L., van IJsselmuide, S., Lam, F. P. A., Kvadsheim, P. H., DeRuiter, S. L., Curé, C., Narazaki, T., Tyack, P. L., and Miller, P. J. O. (2019). “Northern bottlenose whales in a pristine environment respond strongly to close and distant navy sonar signals,” Proceedings of the Royal Society B 286, 20182592. doi:10.1098/rspb.2018.2592 Abstract: Impact assessments for sonar operations typically use received sound levels to predict behavioural disturbance in marine mammals. However, there are indications that cetaceans may learn to associate exposures from distant sound sources with lower perceived risk. To investigate the roles of source distance and received level in an area without frequent sonar activity, we conducted multi-scale controlled exposure experiments (n = 3) with 12 northern bottlenose whales near Jan Mayen, Norway. Animals were tagged with high-resolution archival tags (n = 1 per experiment) or medium-resolution satellite tags (n = 9 in total) and subsequently exposed to sonar. We also deployed bottom-moored recorders to acoustically monitor for whales in the exposed area. Tagged whales initiated avoidance of the sound source over a wide range of distances (0.8–28 km), with responses characteristic of beaked whales. Both onset and intensity of response were better predicted by received sound pressure level (SPL) than by source distance. Avoidance threshold SPLs estimated for each whale ranged from 117–126 dB re 1 µPa, comparable to those of other tagged beaked whales. In this pristine underwater acoustic environment, we found no indication that the source distances tested in our experiments modulated the behavioural effects of sonar, as has been suggested for locations where whales are frequently exposed to sonar. The article is freely available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.2592 or email me for a pdf copy. Kind regards, Paul ≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥≤≥ Dr Paul J. Wensveen Postdoctoral Research Fellow Life and Environmental Sciences University of Iceland Askja, Sturlugata 7, 101 Reykjavík Email: pjw(a)hi.is<mailto:pjw@hi.is> Tel: +354 525 4610 (office) Tel: +354 6269608 (mobile) Skype: paul_wensveen Sea Mammal Research Unit School of Biology University of St Andrews Bute Building, KY16 9TS, St Andrews Email: pw234(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:pw234@st-andrews.ac.uk> Tel: +44 7428129762 Twitter: @_SMRU_

1 0

New paper on Seasonal, diel and tidal rhythms in Harbour porpoise detections in the Wadden Sea
by Schaffeld, Tobias 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

Dear colleagues and MARMAM Members, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our recent publication in PLOS ONE: Time and tide: Seasonal, diel and tidal rhythms in Wadden Sea Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) <https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0213348> Zein B, Woelfing B, Dähne M, Schaffeld T, Ludwig S, et al. (2019) Time and tide: Seasonal, diel and tidal rhythms in Wadden Sea Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). PLOS ONE 14(3): e0213348 Abstract: Odontocetes have evolved a rich diversity of prey- and habitat-specific foraging strategies, which allows them to feed opportunistically on locally and temporally abundant prey. While habitat-specific foraging strategies have been documented for some odontocete species, this is less known for the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). We collected multiple years of acoustic data using echolocation click loggers to analyse porpoise occurrence and buzzing behaviour, indicating feeding, in the German Wadden Sea (North Sea). Seasonal, diel and tidal effects were studied using Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE-GAMs). Locally season, time of day and tidal time significantly influenced the probability of porpoise detections and detection of foraging sequences (buzzes). Hunting strategies, and therefore frequency of buzzes, were likely affected by prey distribution and large differences between POD locations indicated that porpoises used highly specific behaviour adapted to tide and time of day to efficiently feed on the available prey. Strong seasonal and spatial variation in diel and tidal effects underline the importance of long-term observations. Studies on porpoise behaviour are often based on short-term observations and might rather reflect a seasonal than a general pattern. The results of this study show clearly that significant changes in porpoise behaviour can be found in short and long-term observations. Here some features are based on short term determinants and others are stable over years and care should be taken about drawing general conclusions based on local patterns. Highly variable spatio-temporal patterns indicate a high flexibility of porpoises in a highly variable environment and address a challenge for complex conservation management plans. The open-access paper can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213348. 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… --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity
by Naomi Rose 24 Mar '19

24 Mar '19

Fellow MARMAMers: I am pleased to announce the publication of the 5th edition of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity." The 4th edition of this white paper, first published by The Humane Society of the United States in 1995, was released in 2009. After a decade, the Animal Welfare Institute and World Animal Protection have published an updated version, released on March 8, 2019. It is available here for download: https://awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/AWI-ML-CAMMIC-5…. If you are interested in a hard copy, please contact me. ____________________________ [13_AWILogo_ONLY] NAOMI A. ROSE, PH.D. Marine Mammal Scientist ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE 900 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003 naomi(a)awionline.org<mailto:naomi@awionline.org> T: +1 202 446 2120 ~ F: +1 202 446 2131 ~ C: +1 240 401 4269 www.awionline.org<http://www.awionline.org/> P Please consider the animals and their habitat before printing.

1 0

Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Course (11-18 July 2019; Millport, Scotland)
by Chris Parsons 24 Mar '19

24 Mar '19

Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Course (11-18 July 2019; Millport, Scotland) This field course is an intensive, comprehensive yet thoroughly enjoyable introduction to studying marine mammals. With dedicated vessel surveys, lab practicals, shore work and lectures that cover the whole spectrum of marine mammal science; this course is a one-of-kind experience into the world of whales, dolphins and seals led by experienced professionals. Their biology, physiology, ecology, conservation and sampling strategies will be detailed over the course by experts in different fields, with specific focus on practical sessions where data will be collected and analysed. These practicals include: a line-transect survey for birds and cetaceans, a seal colony behavioural study, an acoustic workshop, an otter diet analysis and a land-based observation for megafauna. The Clyde is home to a wide variety of marine megafauna and is the perfect setting for observing mammals and birds in the wild. The use of the marine station’s research vessel RV Actinia, state-of-the-art lab facilities, comfortable lecture theatres and specialist equipment are an integral part of this course, along with the specialisms of the teaching staff involved. Please note this course is aimed at those who are currently undertaking, or have recently undertaken, a degree in a relevant scientific discipline or those pursuing post-graduate studies. The course currently hosts regular undergraduate cohorts from the Universities of Glasgow and Stirling, and is frequently attended by visiting international students. Course cost RESIDENT(SOLE OCCUPANCY): £731 (includes food and accomodation for the course duration) RESIDENT(SHARED ROOM): £682 (includes food and accomodation for the course duration) NON-RESIDENT: £642 To register please visit: https://www.field-studies-council.org/…/marine-mammals-8159… Extra Nights If you are interested in staying at the Centre for additional nights, before or after the course, please contact the Centre for availability and costs which start from £25 for B&B, or £40 full board (we can confirm B&B availability 4 weeks prior to the course). Sunday rate £35. Partner Rate For those paying the sole occupancy price, we are offering our guests a special rate for those who would like a twin room for them and their partner not enrolled on an FSC course, at £35 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast. US students If you are based in the US and wish to take the course and/or wish to take the course for US college (undergraduate or graduate credit; 4.0 credit hours) please contact Dr Chris Parsons (ecm-parsons(a)earthlink.net) for information on how to get to the field station and/or obtaining US credit.

1 0

INTERACTIVE FIELD COURSE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: COA's Marine Mammal Scientist-in-Training
by Brandon Southall 24 Mar '19

24 Mar '19

MARMAM, On behalf of the California Ocean Alliance (COA), we are proud to bring to your attention an exciting summer program designed to engage, inspire and empower high school students in marine mammal science. COA is a non-profit collaboration of world-renowned marine scientists, educators, and policy experts working together to ensure that marine mammals and their habitats thrive into the next century. One of COA's missions is to develop a world-class marine mammal research and education program that provides opportunities to inspire a new generation of marine scientists and conservationists. Our vision is for COA scientists to be directly integrated with those we strive to affect, including students, community leaders, and educators. To support this effort, we have launched a new summer educational program designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal biology and conservation. Through a combination of field and classroom-based experiences, we offer students the opportunity to engage with leading researchers in the field of marine mammal science, in hopes of training the next generation of scientists to safe-guard our marine resources. This is an intensive, one-week course designed for high school students which draws on the expertise of researchers from Hopkins Marine Station (Stanford University), the University of California Santa Cruz, Southall Environmental Associates, and Moss Landing Marine Laboratory. Each student will have unique opportunities to work side-by-side directly with expert scientists to study seals, sea lions, whales, and dolphins in Monterey Bay. To learn more about the details of the program, please visit caoceanalliance.org<http://caoceanalliance.org>. The program is open to all who are interested and we request donations sufficient to cover program expenses for families of students who are able. We are dedicated to making this opportunity open to all students by providing learning opportunities for underrepresented and lower-income students from across our central California community. Thanks to the gracious support of a number of foundations and individuals, COA is offering some partial and full scholarships throughout the summer to students in need of financial assistance. If you are interested in being considered for this scholarship program, please make reference to your financial need in your application. Camp Details Age: High school students, ages 14-18 2019 Session Schedule - 3 week-long sessions: Week 1: July 8th-12th; Week 2: July 22nd-26th Week 3: August 5th-9th Application procedure: To apply, please submit the 1-page application (available on our website: www.caoceanalliance.org<http://www.caoceanalliance.org/>) to ccasey(a)caoceanalliance.org<mailto:ccasey@caoceanalliance.org>. Questions? Please call (510) 541-1066. If you wish to be considered for financial support, please make a reference to this in your in your application. Thank you for applying to the Marine Mammal Scientist-in-Training Program or spreading the word to interested students! Brandon Southall, Caroline Casey, Kristin Southall, Ari Friedlaender, John Calambokidis, Robert Mazurek, Jeremy Goldbogen, and many others supporting COA

1 0

DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 24 Mar '19

24 Mar '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 *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>

1 0

Volunteer Position - Research and Outreach Assistant
by Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch 24 Mar '19

24 Mar '19

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch is a charity based on the Isle of Man dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans in Manx waters through research and education. We are recruiting four full-time volunteer Research and Outreach Assistants for the 2019 season. The placement runs from 20th May to 6th September and you need to be available for the entire duration. You will be joining our small but active team and become involved in all areas of our research and outreach work, alongside running our Visitor's Centre. The majority of your time here will be split between five activities: land-based surveys, boat-based surveys, manning the visitor's centre, office tasks, and public outreach. You will be working alongside MWDW's three operational staff and local volunteers on a rota of indoor and outdoor tasks. Land-based surveys are a fantastic way of observing cetaceans and basking sharks behaving naturally in their environment, without causing them any disturbance. These surveys take place regularly, when the weather is calm, sometimes occurring from first to last light for several consecutive days. Boat based surveys are often a summer highlight and will take place as weather and other factors permit, and allow us to collect photo-identification images and offshore data. You will get opportunities to go out with local tourist boat operators, going aboard to guide passengers and collect data and photographs. Volunteers must be aware that these trips are extremely weather dependent and can be very infrequent, we will not guarantee you a certain number of trips during your stay. The principal office activities you will participate in are data entry and photo-identification analysis. You will be taught how we enter and process the data we record on our surveys. Photo-identification allows us to keep a record of re-sightings of individuals and to give us another derivative of abundance. Public outreach and awareness-raising is a key element of our work. We run monthly public watch events at a beauty spot in the south of the island where you will talk to people about local species and help them to spot animals. We attend numerous small events such as carnivals and fun-days with our travelling information stall. The newly opened Manx Whale and Dolphin Visitor's Centre is in the heart of Peel, attracting many locals and tourists. We offer information about local species, recent sightings, how and where to spot them, general cetacean facts and a small merchandise area. The Young Scientist's Area features a collection of locally found bones and activity area. Workshops for children will be organised for the summer months. As a volunteer for Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, you will be spending the summer in the beautiful ‘city’ of Peel on the Isle of Man. Peel is a fantastic place to live with two beaches, an impressive castle, entertaining pubs and the chance of seeing basking sharks from the breakwater. We do not have a typical working week as we must take advantage of good weather when it is available. We work most weekends, but you will get two days off per week. Previous volunteers have taken up part-time evening work to help with living costs. Experience is not essential but a strong desire to further a career in conservation, marine biology or environmental education is important. You must have a strong work ethic and be able to think pro-actively, learning from the role and using your own initiative to develop new projects over the course of the summer. If you can bring a car, this would open much more flexibility in terms of exploring the island and conducting surveys without a member of staff. You will be living in shared accommodation within a beautiful big town house in the centre of Old Peel. There are two single rooms and one twin, so you may have to share (same sex). The bathrooms, kitchen, dining/living area and the garden are shared. Rent is £75 per week. You can get to the Isle of Man easily from the UK or Ireland via the ferry (Steam-Packet) or a flight to our airport (Ronaldsway). To apply, please email info(a)mwdw.net with a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like to come and volunteer with us. Applications deadline is Sunday 7th April after which we will contact successful applicants offering an interview. -- *Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch* Charity number 1188 *phone:* +441624 610 131 *address:* Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, 31 Michael Street, Peel, IM5 1HD *web:* mwdw.net <http://www.mwdw.net/> *email:* info(a)mwdw.net

1 0

New paper on abundance estimates of Guiana dolphins in the Cananeia estuary, Brazil
by Marcos Santos 23 Mar '19

23 Mar '19

Dear Marmamers, just sharing that a new paper on abundance estimates of Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*) in the Cananeia estuary, southeastern Brazil, is now available. Cheers, Prof. Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos Laboratorio de Biologia da Conservacao de Mamiferos Aquaticos (LABCMA) Instituto Oceanografico, Universidade de Sao Paulo Mello, AB; Molina, JMB; Kajin, M & Santos, MCO 2019. Abundance estimates of Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*; Van Bénéden, 1864) inhabiting an estuarine system in southeastern Brazil. *Aquatic Mammals* 45(1): 56-65. ABSTRACT: Baseline demographic information is essential for effective conservation and management strategies for most living species. The abundance of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) is poorly known, yet species conservation is considered a high priority in areas where human activities may induce population declines. This study estimated abundance for Guiana dolphins in the Cananeia estuary (25o03' S, 47o55' W) in southeastern Brazil using mark-recapture data and Pollock’s Robust Design Model. Systematic boat-based photo-identification surveys were based on data collected in the summer and winter of 2015 and in the summer of 2016. A total of 55 capture events allowed identification of 133 different individuals. The best model indicated a popula- tion with random temporary emigration, a time-constant survival rate, and heterogeneous time-varying capture probabilities among primary periods. The temporary emigration rate (γ’’= γ’) was 0.05 (± 0.03). Estimated population sizes were 430 (95% CI: 410 to 451) individuals in the summer of 2015, 384 (95% CI: 366 to 403) individuals in the winter of 2015, and 414 (95% CI: 392 to 438) individuals in the summer of 2016, indicating that environmental variables among seasons may have a mild effect on the estimated size of this surveyed population. These estimates should stand as an important baseline for future comparisons. Systematic, long-term monitoring of this population is recommended, and is required to accurately assess population trends.

1 0