March 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Announcement
by Mystera Samuelson 21 Mar '19

21 Mar '19

Job Title: Research Technician Organization: The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) Location: Gulfport, MS Job Category: Full-time, hourly wages Salary: Commensurate with Experience To Apply: E-mail a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Mystera Samuelson at msamuelson(a)imms.org<mailto:msamuelson@imms.org>. Be sure to put "IMMS Research Technician" in the subject line. Last Date to Apply: 04/05/2019 Description: The position will be in the research and conservation department at IMMS, and will be to assist in data collection and entry for ongoing studies regarding the biology and natural history of marine mammals and sea turtles in Mississippi and Louisiana coastal waters. This would include photo-id surveys, stranding response, rehabilitation, environmental data acquisition. Duties will include processing data processing in the office, and field and office duties as assigned. This position will require that the successful applicant assist in other departments at the facility, including educational outreach, marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response, necropsies (field or lab), and other duties as assigned. Job task performed will vary from day to day and will include long hours in the field in a variety of weather conditions as well as extended time processing data in the office. Qualifications and experience: * U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status * Completed degree from a four-year college/university in biology or comparable program * Demonstrated knowledge of scientific data collection and management procedures * Knowledge of operating and maintaining water quality instrumentation, GPS devices, digital cameras, boats, and jet skis Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to: * Work in physically demanding environments (e.g., cold weather, extreme heat, rain, humidity, prolonged exposure to biting insects) * Attention to detail in all facets of work * Experience with boat operation, and hauling small boats * Answer hotline calls from the public, for IMMS' 24 hour stranding hotline, regarding stranded sea turtles and marine mammals * Excellent communication skills * Excellent writing skills * Field and laboratory necropsy of deceased animals * Willingness and ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed * Ability to manage volunteers and interns in field and office settings * Assist in database management * Ability to work independently, or as part of a team * Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods * Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and established work ethic * Other duties as assigned The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is an equal opportunity employer. You can learn more about the institute at www.imms.org<http://www.imms.org>. Mystera M. Samuelson, PhD Behavioral Ecologist The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 896-9182 Ext. 1766 msamuelson(a)imms.org

1 0

Call for applications - consultancy on shipping and cetaceans
by Gianna Minton 20 Mar '19

20 Mar '19

WWF Canada is issuing a call for applications for a consultant to review the impacts of shipping on cetaceans, with a focus on the risk of ship strikes and shipping-related underwater noise. The Terms of Reference are pasted here below: Please send your application to Aurelie Cosandey-Godin (acosandeygodin(a)wwfcanada.org) by or before April 5th, 2019. A candidate will be selected by April 12th, 2019. *Review of monitoring tools and methods used to reduce ship strike and underwater noise impacts on cetaceans* *Terms of Reference* *Time frame of contract: *April 2019- July 2019 *Reports to*: WWF-Canada and WWF Cetacean Initiative (work will also be reviewed by external partners) *Global Context and background* Maritime transport plays a major role in roughly 90% of all world trade, including 60% of movement of the world’s hydrocarbon products. The volume of shipping traffic worldwide increased 300% between 1992 and 2013, a trend that has continued in more recent years. Furthermore, the speed and size of the largest vessels have increased, and marine vessel-based travel has also escalated, with high-speed passenger ferries increasingly used in coastal and other areas. Some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes overlap directly with important whale habitat, resulting in a high risk – or actual incidence – of injury and mortality to whales that are often unable to effectively avoid vessels’ paths due to high speeds or an inability to adequately take evasive action. Furthermore, collectively the global merchant fleet is the biggest contributor to the doubling in background noise levels underwater in every decade over the last fifty years. Underwater noise created by shipping has the potential to disrupt echolocation used by cetaceans in normal navigation and feeding activities, mask important communication between individuals in cetacean groups, cause short- or long-term displacement from areas, and, in extreme cases cause physical damage and/or (temporary) hearing impairment. For these reasons, mitigation of the impacts of shipping has been chosen as one of the three core pillars of WWF’s new Global Cetacean Initiative. Under this initiative, WWF plans to provide conservation stakeholders, as well as the shipping industry and regulatory bodies with the evidence and tools they need to help reduce and mitigate the risk of ship strikes and the impact of shipping-related underwater sound on cetaceans. This consultancy represents one of the first steps in that process. *Canadian context* Canada is home to 42 different whale populations or communities, 18 of which are considered to be at risk under the Species at Risk Act. Proposed industrial developments on Canada’s three coasts – Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific – are set to significantly increase shipping traffic in regions with large aggregations of whales. This is particularly related to the Arctic, where climate change is leading to reduced ice cover and opening new shipping routes. WWF-Canada is working across the country to establish new and refine existing measures to better protect whales at risk. Our current conservation effort focuses on mitigating threats from shipping – ship strikes and underwater noise. WWF-Canada is also supporting research and innovation in the development of new technologies for real-time tracking and monitoring. In order to support our initiatives and partners, WWF-Canada is developing national guidelines with recommendations on best practices in relation to mitigating the impacts of shipping on cetaceans. Results from this consultancy will be included in WWF-Canada’s guidelines and support our future work. *Terms of Reference* The work envisaged under this consultancy will result in *two separate products*: one review with a worldwide focus with recommendations for a global audience of relevant stakeholders, and another which draws from international case studies and experience to offer specific recommendations for mitigation measures to be implemented in Canadian waters. However, the consultant may present the elements required for both of these final products in one comprehensive report. As such, to meet the objectives of both the Global Cetacean Initiative and WWF-Canada, the outcome of this consultancy should be a report including the following elements: - A comprehensive and global literature review of monitoring methods and management measures/mitigation tools to reduce ship strike and underwater noise on cetaceans; - A synthesis of more detailed information from specific case studies, grouped according to their mitigation category (e.g. slow steaming, traffic separation schemes, real-time Apps to alert ships of whale presence, hull/motor modifications to reduce cavitation/noise, etc.), including an evaluation of their cost-effectiveness; - A summary of ongoing management measures/tools used, and lessons learned from high risk areas by ocean basin building on work conducted by the IWC Scientific Committee <https://iwc.int/ship-strikes> (possibly in a tabular or map-based format); - Recommendations for best practices, and identification of knowledge gaps/research needs on a global level; - A more specific set of recommendations for concrete mitigation measures and priority areas/species to be explored and implemented in Canadian waters. *Suggested Structure and Table of Contents * The document should be written in a style that is scientifically robust and well referenced, but still accessible to non-scientists. Numbered references may be used as a way to include citations without breaking the flow of text. While WWF will conduct the final formatting and professional layout of the report, the inclusion of illustrations/diagrams/maps would be helpful (with appropriate permissions and citations where relevant). Executive summary Abbreviation & acronyms Contents 1) Introduction · International agreements and efforts on mitigation · Overview of the impacts of shipping on cetaceans with a focus on ship strikes and underwater noise. i) Map of known High Risk Areas and emerging HRA (this can refer to the International Whaling Commission’s Strategic Plan to Mitigate the impact of Strikes to Cetaceans <https://iwc.int/private/downloads/dr1UJzeCuNpAWs9Xf9caBw/IWC_Strategic_Plan…>, as well as other workshops and resources provided by the IWC and other sources). ii) Scale of impacts, information gaps and data paucity by ocean basin/species (1) Ship strike (2) Underwater noise 2) Monitoring and Mitigation measures · Review of management measures/tools and their effectiveness, including emerging technologies for real-time data in reducing the impacts of ship strikes and underwater noise on cetaceans. Synthesize findings in a summary table. This can build on a table drafted by the International Whaling Commission <https://iwc.int/document_3616.download> and work undertaken by the IMO on underwater noise (to be provided to the consultant by WWF) . Measures should be classified as area-based measures (e.g. slow-steaming zones, re-routing of shipping lanes) , ship-based measures (e.g. real-time reporting schemes, hull or vessel modifications), or a combination of the two. 3) Ongoing efforts - Case studies demonstrating mitigation measures that have been trialed around the world. · Global Case studies: A minimum of 4 case studies that describe in detail the development, implementation and evaluation of different mitigation methods that have been used to mitigate the impacts of shipping on whales. These should give the reader insight into the stakeholders involved, decision making processes and lessons learned. At least two should address ship strikes, and at least one should address noise reduction, and one may look at synergistic benefits (e.g. reductions in speed resulting in noise reductions, as well as reductions in green house gases). Ideally these will represent different ocean basins, different target species, vessel types and different types of mitigation measures. · Canadian Case studies: These should include: · The Gulf of St-Lawrence and North Atlantic Right Whale; · The Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program, British-Columbia and Southern Resident Killer Whale; · The Saguenay St-Lawrence marine park, Quebec and the St-Lawrence Beluga; · The Mary River area of Baffin Island, Nunavut and Narwhals 4) Lessons learnt, recommendations/best practices: · Conclusions, based on current knowledge, about which methods show the most promise, and are worth investing in. · Summary of best practice for ship strike and noise reduction. · Knowledge gaps and requirements for further research (include specific tools that need to be tested, and in what context); · Recommendations for actions that could be undertaken by governments and IGOs to reduce the risk of ship strikes and impacts of shipping related underwater noise; · Canada-specific recommendations: i) A summary of the strengths and weaknesses of Canada’s current approach to mitigating the impacts of shipping (ship strike and underwater noise) on whales; ii) A list of priority areas and species for future work in Canada; iii) Specific recommendations for additional management and mitigation measures to be implemented in Canada. References Appendixes Acknowledgements *Consultant profile and competencies * The following experience and competencies are essential for the role: - A background in cetacean conservation and familiarity with the shipping industry and its impacts - Strong English writing skills. - Ability to read and understand French. - Self-motivated and able to take initiative to find resources and expertise where required. *Budget * A maximum of 15,000 USD is available for this phase of the project. *Reporting and key contact* - Technical key contacts: Gianna Minton (WWF Global Cetacean Initiative), Thea Jacob (WWF France), Melanie Lancaster (WWF Arctic Programme), Georgina Saad (WWF Mexico), Aurelie Cosandey-Godin (WWF-Canada) - Reporting on deliverables to Aurelie Cosandey-Godin (WWF-Canada) *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 Aurelie Cosandey-Godin (* *acosandeygodin(a)wwfcanada.org* <acosandeygodin(a)wwfcanada.org>*) by or before April 5th, 2019. A candidate will be selected by April 12th, 2019.* -- Gianna Minton Mobile +31 (0) 638325055

1 0

Field-based, JNCC accredited MMO training in partnership with ORCA
by Maja Nimak-Wood CSci CMarSci MIMarEst 20 Mar '19

20 Mar '19

Dear All, We would like to announce that we will be running field-based, JNCC accredited MMO training courses in partnership with ORCA. The three-day residential programme combines classroom-based learning with at-sea practical training, giving participants the theoretical skills needed to work as an MMO before putting it into practice observing real animals in the wild. The course commences with a one-day classroom-based session in Portsmouth before crossing to Santander, passing through one of the top five places in the world to see whales and dolphins - the Bay of Biscay - with the time at sea spent applying the technical skills on deck and observing marine mammals. The dates for the two courses this year are: 30th April-2nd May 2019 and 9th-11th July 2019. The package includes the full training programme, passage aboard the ship and a single occupancy cabin. For more information please visit: http://www.seiche.com/orca-and-seiche-training-announce-innovative-new-trai… Places for this unique course are extremely limited and applicants should email Sarah Hancock at: info(a)seichetraining.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> to find out more and apply. Maja Nimak-Wood CSci CMarSci MIMarEst Marine Mammal Consultant Seiche Environmental Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1409 404050 M: +44( 0)7544 164217 Registered in England & Wales No. 10612696, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

1 0

Introduction to GIS and spatial analysis with R (GISR01)
by Oliver Hooker 19 Mar '19

19 Mar '19

Introduction to GIS and spatial analysis with R (GISR01) This course will interest anyone working with marine mammal spatial data. https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-gis-and-spatial-analysi… This course will be delivered by Luca Nelli from the 22nd - 26th of April in Glasgow City Centre Course overview: This course aims at providing audience with the essential tools for working with spatially explicit data within the statistical environment R, with particular reference to ecological applications (e.g. species distribution models, resources and habitat selection, home range analyses…). Practical sessions will primarily use the free statistical software, R – prior experience (even if some practice before you come) will be useful. Example data will be provided but participants may also bring their own data. Course program Monday 22nd – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 Introduction to GIS: overview of main softwares. File formats. Coordinate reference systems. Types and structure of spatial objects in R Generating and manipulating spatial objects, projections and transformations. Overview of main libraries for spatial objects: sp, sf, rgeos, rgdal, leaflet, mapview, raster. Tuesday 23rd – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 Introduction to raster data. Plot and visualisation of raster. Informative and non-informative rasters. Terrain tools. RasterStack. Operations with raster. Wednesday 24th – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 Vector data: from simple points to SpatialPointsDataFrame (and SpatialLinesDataFrame and SpatialPolygonsDataFrame). How to import and manipulate vector data. Plot and visualisation of vectors. Geoprocessing tools. Overlay, clip, intersection, union, difference. Proximity analyses. Conversion tools (vector to raster and viceversa). Thursday 25th – Classes from 09:30 to 17:30 More advanced GIS analyses in R: How to interact vector and raster. Cropping and masking spatial objects. Zonal statistics and landscape metrics. Extracting covariate data and other simple GIS operations in R. Friday 26th – Classes from 09:30 to 16:00 Combining QGIS and R. Plotting interactive maps with leaflet and mapview. Email oliverhooker(a)prstatistics.com Check out our sister sites, www.PRstatistics.com <http://www.prstatistics.com/> (Ecology and Life Sciences) www.PRinformatics.com <http://www.prinformatics.com/> (Bioinformatics and data science) www.PSstatistics.com <http://www.psstatistics.com/> (Behaviour and cognition) 1. March 25th – 29th 2019 LANDSCAPE GENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R (LNDG03) Glasgow, Scotland, Prof. Rodney Dyer http://www.prstatistics.com/course/landscape-genetic-data-analysis-using-r-… 2. April 1st – 5th 2019 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL MODELLING FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS USING R (IPSY01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Dale Barr, Dr Luc Bussierre http://www.psstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-statistics-using-r-for-p… 3. April 1st – 5th 2019 INDIVIDUAL BASED MODELS FOR ECOLOGSITS (IBME01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr Aristides (Aris) Moustakas https://www.prstatistics.com/course/individual-based-models-using-r-and-net… 4. April 8th – 12th 2019 MACHINE LEARNING (MLUR01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr Aristides (Aris) Moustakas https://www.prstatistics.com/course/machine-learning-using-r-mlur01/ 5. April 15th – 19th 2019 INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON FOR BIOLOGISTS (IPYB06) Athens, GREECE,, Dr. Martin Jones http://www.prinformatics.com/course/introduction-to-python-for-biologists-i… 6. April 22nd – 26th 2019 GIS USING R (GISR) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr Luca Nelli https://www.prstatistics.com/course/gis-using-r-gisr01/ 7. April 29th – May 3rd 2019 MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES IN R WITH THE VEGAN PACKAGE (VGNR02) Orford Musique, Quebec, Canada, Dr. Guillaume Blanchet https://www.prstatistics.com/course/multivariate-analysis-of-ecological-com… 8. May 6th – 10th 2019 AN EXPLORATION OF R FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS: FROM DATA HANDLING TO MULTILEVEL MODELLING (XPLR01) Myuna Bay, AUSTRALIA, Dr. Sean Murphy https://www.psstatistics.com/course/an-exploration-of-r-for-psychologists-f… 9. May 20th – 24th 2019 MODEL BASE MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF ABUNDANCE DATA USING R (MBMV03) Myuna Bay, AUSTRALIA, Prof. David Warton https://www.prstatistics.com/course/model-based-multivariate-analysis-of-ab… 10. May 20th – 24th 2019 MACHINE LEARNING (MLUR02) Myuna Bay, AUSTRALIA, Dr Aristides (Aris) Moustakas https://www.prstatistics.com/course/machine-learning-using-r-mlur02/ 11. June 10th – 14th 2019 STABLE ISOTOPE MIXING MODELS USING SIAR, SIBER AND MIXSIAR (SIMM04) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Andrew Parnell, Dr. Andrew Jackson www.prstatistics.com/course/stable-isotope-mixing-models-using-r-simm04/ 12. June 17th – 21st 2019 SPATIAL MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF ADAPTIVE GENOMIC VARIATION (SPGN01) Glasgow, Dr. Matt Fitzpatrick https://www.prstatistics.com/course/spatial-modelling-and-analysis-of-adapt… 13. June 17th – 21st 2019 INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON FOR BIOLOGISTS (IPYB06) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Martin Jones http://www.prinformatics.com/course/introduction-to-python-for-biologists-i… 14. June 24th – 28th 2019 MICROBIOME DATA ANALYSIS USING QIIME2 (MBQM01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Yoshiki Vazquez Baeza, Dr. Antonio Gonzalez Pena https://www.prinformatics.com/course/microbiome-data-analysis-using-qiime2-… 15. June 24th – 28th 2019 ADVANCED PYTHON FOR BIOLOGISTS (APYB03) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Martin Jones www.prinformatics.com/course/advanced-python-biologists-apyb03/ 16. July 1st – 5th 2019 BIOACOUSTICS FOR ECOLOGISTS: HARDWARE, SURVEY DESIGN AND DATA ANALYSIS (BIAC01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Paul Howden-Leach https://www.prstatistics.com/course/bioacoustics-for-ecologists-hardware-su… 17. July 1st – 5th 2019 DATA VISUALISATION AND MANIPULATION USING PYTHON (DVMP01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Martin Jones http://www.prinformatics.com/course/data-visualisation-and-manipulation-usi… 18. July 8th – 12th 2019 INTRODUCTION TO BAYESIAN HIERARCHICAL MODELLING USING R (IBHM03) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Andrew Parnell https://www.psstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-bayesian-hierarchical-m… 19. July 29th – August 2nd 2019 INTRODUCTION TO SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL DATA USING R (ISPE01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Jakub Nowosad https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-spatial-analysis-of-eco… 20. September 2nd – 6th 2019 APPLIED METHODS FOR ANALYSING CAPTURE-RECAPTURE (MARK-RECAPTURE) DATA USING SPATIALLY EXPLICIT AND NON-SPATIAL TECHNIQUES (MARK01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Joanne Potts, Dr. David Borchers https://www.prstatistics.com/course/applied-methods-for-analysing-capture-r… 21. September 16th – 20th 2019 R PACKAGE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT AND REPRODUCIBLE DATA SCIENCE FOR BIOLOGISTS (RPKG01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Cory Merow, Dr. Andy Rominger https://www.prstatistics.com/course/r-package-design-and-development-and-re… 22. September 30th – October 4th 2019 GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS USING R (GMMR02) Glasgow, Scotland, Prof. Dean Adams, Prof. Michael Collyer, Dr. Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou http://www.prstatistics.com/course/geometric-morphometrics-using-r-gmmr02/ 23. October 7th – 11th 2019 GENERAL ADDITIVE MODELS (GAM) AND MIXED MODELS (GAMM) (GAMM01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr Aristides (Aris) Moustakas https://www.prstatistics.com/course/general-additive-models-gam-and-mixed-m… 24. October 7th – 11th 2019 CONSERVATION PLANNING USING PRIORITIZR : FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE (PRTZ01) Athens, GREECE, Dr Richard Schuster and Nina Morell https://www.prstatistics.com/course/conservation-planning-using-prioritizr-… 25. October 21st – 25th 2019 A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MIXED MODELS (INCLUDING TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION) (MMTS01) Athens, GREECE, Dr Aristides (Aris) Moustakas https://www.prstatistics.com/course/a-complete-guide-to-mixed-models-includ… 26. November 11th – 15th 2019 APPLIED BAYESIAN MODELLING FOR ECOLOGISTS AND EPIDEMIOLOGISTS (ABME05) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr Matt Denwood, Emma Howard https://www.prstatistics.com/course/applied-bayesian-modelling-for-ecologis… 27. November 18th – 22nd 2019 INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURED POPULATION MODELS AND DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION MODELS (IIPM01) Athens, GREECE, Dr Cory Merow https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-structured-population-m… 28. November 25th – 29th 2019 ADVANCED RANGE, NICHE, AND DISTRIBUTION MODELING (ASDM01) Athens, GREECE, Dr Cory Merow https://www.prstatistics.com/course/advanced-range-niche-and-distribution-m… -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 2018 publications - Alternative routes to piscivory: Contrasting growth trajectories in brown trout (Salmo trutta) ecotypes exhibiting contrasting life history strategies. Ecology of Freshwater Fish. Phenotypic and resource use partitioning amongst sympatric lacustrine brown trout, Salmo trutta. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. DOI 10.1093/biolinnean/bly032 prstatistics.com facebook.com/prstatistics/ twitter.com/PRstatistics groups.google.com/d/forum/pr-statistics-post-course-forum prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/ 6 Hope Park Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9NA +44 (0) 7966500340

1 0

REMOTE ACOUSTIC MONITORING IN THE NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS – CALL FOR PRE-PROPOSALS
by Shoemaker, Mandy L CIV USN NFEXWC PHE CA (USA) 19 Mar '19

19 Mar '19

NOAA and the U.S. Navy are working to better understand underwater sound within the National Marine Sanctuary System. Humpback whales are known to occur throughout the main Hawaiian Islands and certain parts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. However, their presence in most parts of the PMNM is still poorly documented and understood. Remoteness and adverse winter ocean conditions make studying whales in this part of the archipelago challenging using conventional vessel-based survey methods. Autonomous gliders offer an opportunity to overcome traditional limitations by surveying areas of interest acoustically for the occurrence of song produced by male humpback whales during the winter breeding season. The Navy seeks proposals that employ glider technology coupled with acoustic monitoring capabilities to survey areas of interest in the PMNM. Proposals should offer the technology and logistical resources necessary to conduct acoustic glider surveys in the areas of interest and deliver the resulting acoustic data to the Navy. The Offeror may include a separate optional task to post-process and report on the data. The Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, is leading the solicitation process and is requesting pre-proposals for this topic. Details regarding the need topic can be viewed within Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Solicitation # N3943019S2133 at https://www.neco.navy.mil/ or https://www.fbo.gov/. There is no specific format required for the pre-proposal, however, the information required in the pre-proposal is outlined in Appendix A of the announcement. The pre-proposal should be consolidated into one single file (pdf format) and the main text of the pre-proposal (excluding CVs) should not exceed 5 pages in length. All pre-proposals should be submitted via email to mandy.shoemaker(a)navy.mil. Pre-proposals for this topic will be accepted until 11:59 PM PDT on 30 April 2019. If invited, Offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal. Mandy Shoemaker Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center

1 0

New pubblication: Dynamics of blood circulation during diving in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): the role of the retia mirabilia
by cinzia centelleghe 19 Mar '19

19 Mar '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Dynamics of blood circulation during diving in the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*): the role of the retia mirabilia. Marco Bonato, Paola Bagnoli, Cinzia Centelleghe, Mike Maric, Ginevra Brocca, Sandro Mazzariol, Bruno Cozzi. Abstract: The retia mirabilia are vascular nets composed of small vessels dispersed among numerous veins, allowing blood storage, regulation of flow and pressure damping effects. Here, we investigated their potential role during the diving phase of the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*). To this effect, the whole vertebral retia mirabilia of a series of dolphins were removed during post-mortem analysis and examined to assess vessel diameters, and estimate vascular volume and flow rate. We formulated a new hemodynamic model to help clarify vascular dynamics throughout the diving phase, based on the total blood volume of a bottlenose dolphin, and using data available about the perfusion of the main organs and body systems. We computed the minimum blood perfusion necessary to the internal organs, and the stroke volume and cardiac output during the surface state. We then simulated breath-holding conditions and perfusion of the internal organs under the diving-induced bradycardia and reduction of stroke volume and cardiac output, using 10 beats min-1 as the limit for the heart rate for an extended dive of over 3 min. Within these simulated conditions, the retia mirabilia play a vital role as reservoirs of oxygenated blood that permit functional performances and survival of the heart and brain. Our theoretical model, based on the actual blood capacity of the retia mirabilia and available data on organ perfusion, considers the dynamic trend of vasoconstriction during the diving phase and may represent a baseline for future studies on the diving physiology of dolphins and especially for the blood supply to their brain. The paper is available online on http://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/5/jeb198457.long Kind Regards Cinzia Centelleghe -- Cinzia Centelleghe, DVM, PhD Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA) Università degli Studi di Padova Cetaceans strandings Emergency Response Team (CERT) Banca per i Tessuti dei Mammiferi Marini del Mediterraneo (BTMMM) AGRIPOLIS - Ed. Prima Stecca Viale dell'Università 16 35020 - Legnaro (PD) 049.8272572 cinzia.centelleghe(a)gmail.com <lleghe(a)gmail.com> cinzia.centelleghe(a)unipd.it

1 0

Undergraduate Marine Science Semester Internships Posted
by K Frost 18 Mar '19

18 Mar '19

The *Semester by the Bay* program in Homer, Alaska at University of Alaska Anchorage-Kenai Peninsula College-Kachemak Bay Campus has posted multiple undergraduate internship opportunities for the Fall 2019 semester! Semester by the Bay offers undergraduate courses in marine biology (marine mammals, seabirds, fishes, tide pool invertebrates, etc,) with unique hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in the lab and field, such as behavioral ecology of beluga whales, sea otters, and harbor seals, acoustics of harbor porpoises, marine mammal skeletal articulation/museum preparation, marine debris assessment, seining and identification of estuarine fishes, behavior of seabirds at island rookeries, among others. In addition, most students participate in community-based internships and/or volunteer opportunities with governmental or non-governmental researchers while studying with us. Internships in the fields of marine and coastal biology and marine mammals that offer free housing are still available! *This opportunity is reserved for undergraduates.* Interested juniors and seniors should submit an application of interest. Please see www.semesterbythebay.org <https://owa.uaa.alaska.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx> and/or contact Kim Frost at kafrost2(a)alaska.edu <nejohnson2(a)alaska.edu> for more information. -- -- Kim Frost Student and Enrollment Services Coordinator Kachemak Bay Campus/KPC/UAA Strengths: Context-Individualization-Intellection-Learner-Responsibility [image: Description: Description: facebook_log.jpg] <https://www.facebook.com/Kachemakbaycampus> This message is intended for the sole use of the individual to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose, or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this item in error, please notify the original sender and destroy this item, along with any attachments.

1 0

New publication on the effect of jamming stimuli on echolocation behavior
by Laura Kloepper 18 Mar '19

18 Mar '19

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of myself and my coauthor Brian Branstetter, we are pleased to announce our publication in *The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America* titled "The effect of jamming stimuli on the echolocation behavior of the bottlenose dolphin, *Tursiops truncatus.*" Abstract: Echolocating bats and odontocetes face the potential challenge of acoustic interference from neighbors, or sonar jamming. To counter this, many bat species have adapted jamming avoidance strategies to improve signal detection, but any such avoidance strategies in dolphins is unknown. This study provides an investigation into whether dolphins modify echolocation behavior during jamming scenarios. Recorded echolocation clicks were projected at different click repetition rates and at different aspect angles relative to two dolphins' heads while each dolphin was performing a target detection task. Changes in the timing, amplitude, and frequency of structure of the dolphin's emitted signals were compared to determine if and how dolphins modify echolocation when faced with potentially interfering conspecific echolocation signals. The results indicate that both dolphins demonstrated different responses when faced with jamming scenarios, which may reflect optimal strategies according to individual auditory perception abilities. This paper can be accessed at https://asa.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1121/1.5093636 or by requesting a PDF from lkloepper(a)saintmarys.edu. Regards, -- Dr. Laura Kloepper Assistant Professor Department of Biology Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, IN 46556 lkloepper(a)saintmarys.edu 574-284-4668 @ProfLKloepper laurakloepper.net <http://laurakloepper.net>

1 0

The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) Call for Applications - Director of Intervention Program
by Mélissa Tremblay 18 Mar '19

18 Mar '19

The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) Call for Applications - Director of Intervention Program Description of Organization The Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network (QMMERN) is an umbrella group of organizations and institutions that work with marine mammals. The Network is responsible for organizing, coordinating and implementing measures aimed at reducing accidental mortality of marine mammals, rescuing animals in difficulty, and facilitating the acquisition of data from animals that have died in St. Lawrence waters. The Network receives over 500 calls and handles approximately 300 cases a year. It documents and monitors cases, evaluates whether or not a response is warranted, responds as needed, or provides assistance to specialized response teams. QMMERN revolves around a group of more than 150 volunteers to assist in various types of interventions. The Network contributes to a number of research projects, in addition to helping manage a national data bank. Coordinating the QMMERN and managing its call centre and new intervention program is the responsibility of the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM), a non-profit organization dedicated to scientific research and conservation education with a focus on the whales of the St. Lawrence and their habitat. Job Description Beginning in 2019, the Network will launch an intervention program with mobile response units to cover all of southern Quebec. The selected candidate will be called upon to develop and implement this program, create intervention protocols and consolidate the network of partners and volunteers who can support response efforts. He or she will be responsible for training and coordinating teams and will participate in interventions. The future Director will be required to complete a number of trainings and workshops with various partners of the Network in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada in the first two years of his or her mandate. Primary Responsibilities Under the supervision of the scientific coordinator and in close collaboration with other team members, the individual should be capable of assuming many of the responsibilities outlined below. However, the position will be tailored according to the applicant's strengths and complementarity with other members of the team. Development Phase * Develop and update procedures, protocols and response kits; * Develop the volunteer network and its training program; * Establish new partnerships. Field Interventions * Evaluate cases and determine appropriate interventions; * Supervise interventions performed by mobile response teams, volunteers and support teams; * Lend assistance to specialized response teams; * Participate in handling calls and emergency standby duty; * Prepare weekly debriefing meetings with call centre administrator. Management and Communication * Manage human resources associated with response teams (hiring, training, scheduling and meetings); * Assist coordinator in certain management/administrative tasks; * Assist coordinator of Canadian Marine Animal Response Alliance and various entities of Fisheries and Oceans Canada; * Support call centre administrator and head of communications in the production of various communication tools. Requirements of Position Experience * University degree in a relevant field (biology, veterinary medicine); * At least 3 years of experience in coordination, project management or similar position involving multidisciplinary teams; * Experience in crisis management and ability to work in the midst of an emergency. Skills * Excellent field work skills and physical ability to perform demanding work at sea and on land; * Team player with strong interpersonal skills; * Fluent in French and English (written and spoken); * Excellent analytical and problem-solving capacity; * Sense of organization and planning; * Ability to work under pressure; * Versatile, resourceful and autonomous. Availability and Motivation * Highly flexible with regard to work schedule depending on the case(s) being handled; * Willingness to be on call evenings, weekends and holidays; * Motivated to fill position for at least two years. Added Advantages * Database management skills, knowledge of marine mammals, the marine environment, fisheries and eastern Quebec; * Experience working at sea and operating watercraft; * Knowledge of not-for-profit sector. Working Conditions, Salary and Benefits * Full-time position; * Annual salary: $45,000 to $55,000; * Duration of position: preferably long term, with a six-month probation period; * Possibility of working either out of Québec City or Tadoussac, with occasional travel; * Mobile phone with plan provided; * Scheduled start date: as soon as possible, no later than May 1. Other benefits: friendly working atmosphere in an exciting sector offering the opportunity to work alongside researchers (marine mammals and related fields) and environmental education specialists with years of experience in stimulating projects, office at the Centre Culture et Environnement Frédéric-Back (Québec City) and a stone's throw away from the Saguenay Fjord (Tadoussac), seasonal social activities, possibility of accompanying research teams at sea. To apply Interested in this job offer? Email your CV and cover letter to reseau(a)gremm.org Deadline: April 5, 2019 We thank all applicants for their interest; only selected applicants will be contacted.

1 0

ACCOBAMS workshop during 5th ICMMPA
by Lea David 18 Mar '19

18 Mar '19

Dear marmam members, please find below an announcement of a workshop that will be hold during the 5^th International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas (ICMMPA5), intitled : * * *THE IDENTIFICATION OF NEW ACCOBAMS CCH: A COLLABORATIVE THREAT-BASED MANAGEMENT APPROACH* Tuesday 9^th April 2019 – (14:15-18:30) /The Westin Resort, Costa Navarina, Messinia, Greece/ PROVISIONAL AGENDA The aim of this session is to present the ongoing ACCOBAMS threat-based management approach whichincorporates the concepts of both /Cetacean Critical Habitats/ (CCH) and /Important Marine Mammal Areas/ (IMMAs) and to propose appropriate management tools and mitigation measures. For an appropriate management of main human activities in the ACCOBAMS area, main resulting threats for cetaceans will be presented as well as examples of existing legislative framework and proposed mitigation measures in some specific areas with their strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations of the workshop will assist the ACCOBAMS Permanent Secretariat in providing the Countries with advices on targeted and effective conservation measures. 1.*INTRODUCTION *(Maylis SALIVAS, Léa DAVID) 1.1.ACCOBAMS 1.2.CCH approach *2.**MARITIME TRAFFIC *(Aurélie MOULINS, Simone PANIGADA, Alessio MAGLIO) 2.1.Main threats for cetaceans (ship strikes and continuous noise) 2.2.Legislative tools 2.3.Examples of proposed mitigation measures *3.**SEISMIC SURVEYS AND MILITARY SONARS *(Alessio MAGLIO, Maylis SALIVAS) 3.1.Main threat for cetaceans (impulsive noise) 3.2.Legislative tools 3.3.Examples of proposed mitigation measures ** *4.**FISHERIES ACTIVITIES *(Ayaka OZTURK, Ibrahim BEN AMER) 4.1.Main threats for cetaceans (By-catch and depredation) 4.2.Legislative tools 4.3.Examples of proposed mitigation measures ** 5.*WHALE WATCHING ACTIVITIES *(Aurélie MOULINS, AFB?) 5.1.Main threat for cetaceans (Harassment) 5.2.Legislative tools 5.3.Examples of proposed mitigation measures ** 6.*EXAMPLE IN A SPECIFIC MPA *(Fabrizio ATZORI) ** *7.**CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS *(Léa DAVID, Maylis SALIVAS) ** For more information please contact:* * *Léa DAVID*(léa.david2(a)wanadoo.fr <mailto:léa.david2@wanadoo.fr>) and *Maylis SALIVAS* (msalivas(a)accobams.net <mailto:msalivas@accobams.net>) -- Léa DAVID Docteur en cétologie EcoOcéan Institut 18 rue des Hospices 34090 Montpellier +33 (0)467842887 +33 (0)609496839 ecoocean(a)wanadoo.fr lea.david2(a)wanadoo.fr http://www.ecoocean-institut.org

1 0