April 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Lipid normalization and stable isotope discrimination in Pacific walrus tissues
by Casey Clark 10 Apr '19

10 Apr '19

MARMAM Members, On behalf of my co-authors and myself, I am pleased to share our new paper, titled “Lipid normalization and stable isotope discrimination in Pacific walrus tissues”, recently published in Scientific Reports. Clark, C.T., L. Horstmann, and N. Misarti. 2019. Lipid normalization and stable isotope discrimination in Pacific walrus tissues. Scientific Reports. 9:5843. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-42095-z Abstract: Analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) of animal tissues can provide important information about diet, physiology, and movements. Interpretation of δ13C and δ15N values, however, is influenced by factors such as sample lipid content, tissue-specific isotope discrimination, and tissue turnover rates, which are typically species- and tissue-specific. In this study, we generated lipid normalization models for δ13C and investigated the effects of chemical lipid extractions on δ13C and δ15N in Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) muscle, liver, and skin. We also evaluated tissue-specific isotope discrimination in walrus muscle, liver, skin, and bone collagen. Mean δ13Clipid-free of skin and bone collagen were similar, as were mean δ15N of muscle and liver. All other tissues differed significantly for both isotopes. Differences in δ13Clipid-free and δ15N among tissues agreed with published estimates of marine mammal tissue-specific isotope discrimination factors, with the exception of skin. The results of this work will allow researchers to gain a clearer understanding of walrus diet and the structure of Arctic food webs, while also making it possible to directly compare the results of contemporary walrus isotope research with those of historic and paleoecological studies. This article is open access and can be found using the following link: www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-42095-z <http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-42095-z>. Please feel free to contact me at ctclark(a)alaska.edu <mailto:ctclark@alaska.edu> if you have any questions, or if you have difficulty accessing the paper. Best regards, Casey Clark CFOS/WERC University of Alaska Fairbanks ctclark(a)alaska.edu <mailto:ctclark@alaska.edu>

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Field assistant opportunity this summer in Cedar Key, Florida
by Rebecca Hamilton 09 Apr '19

09 Apr '19

Dear Marmamers, We are seeking 1 full-time field assistant for part of the Cedar Key Dolphin Project 2019 field season this upcoming summer, between June 14th and July 7th. Applicants must be available for this entire period to apply. The field season will be focused on gathering acoustic and behavioral data during specialized foraging tactics as part of a long-term study. Research will take place in Cedar Key, Florida, 3 hours north of Tampa and 60 miles west of Gainesville. The assistant will be expected to work on a boat 6 to 7 days per week, for up to 10 hours at a time. Typical weather conditions in summer include 95 degree heat, high humidity, and no breezes. When the weather does not permit fieldwork, work will consist of photo matching, processing, and data entry. This is a volunteer position. Assistants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to Florida, but housing and food will be covered while on-site. Applicants must be flexible, mature, and hard-working individuals. The team works and lives in close quarters for the duration of the season, so applicants must work well in small groups and have a positive attitude. Prior field experience with photo-ID and boat handling is preferred, but not required. Those with no experience should demonstrate their willingness to learn. An application form and instructions on submitting materials (CV, cover letter, and contact for 3 references) can be accessed through the project website via the following link: https://cedarkeydolphinproject.org/field-assistant-applications<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__cedarkeydolphinproject…> Completed applications are due by April 26th. A short-list of applicants will be asked to conduct a short, informal skype interview in early May. Please contact Masters student Becca Hamilton with any questions: rhamilton(a)umassd.edu<mailto:rhamilton@umassd.edu> Best Wishes, The Cedar Key Dolphin Project

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Open slot for San Juan Islands Summer Field Course
by Spencer Fire 09 Apr '19

09 Apr '19

Due to a cancellation, there is one open slot for a student wishing to enroll in the Marine Mammal Studies in the Pacific Northwest (MAR3621/MAR5621) course being offered by Florida Tech this May in Friday Harbor, WA. Enrollment is open to all majors, both undergraduate and graduate students or early-career professionals. See previous announcement below for details, requirements, and contact info: ***** This May, Florida Tech will be taking a group of motivated students to Friday Harbor Laboratories in the San Juan Islands to observe and study marine mammals in their natural environment. The course earns you 3 credits that count toward your degree either at the undergraduate or graduate level. Course description: Students will learn the methods, equipment and concepts that many wildlife field biologists use as a daily part of their job, and will participate in an existing research program. Daytime activities will consist primarily of boat-based and land-based surveys of harbor seals, sea lions, killer whales and baleen whales common to the Salish Sea ecosystem. By the end of the course, the students will be trained in digital photography, boat handling, behavioral/spatial data collection, and other practical skills commonly required for a career in wildlife biology. Evening lectures and other activities will provide theoretical knowledge of important aspects of marine mammal behavior, physiology and anatomy, as well as lectures from local experts in the field (plus a demonstration of an animal necropsy!). During the course, students will also develop their own research project and become familiar with how raw data is translated into results that affect marine mammal conservation policy. Please contact Dr. Fire directly for more information or to sign up for the course. Course title: Marine Mammal Studies in the Pacific Northwest (MAR3621/MAR5621) Instructor: Spencer Fire (sfire(a)fit.edu<mailto:sfire@fit.edu>) Dates: May 6-15, 2019 Location: Friday Harbor, WA and adjacent coastal waters Total cost: $3600 (includes 3 credits of tuition, travel expenses, lodging, meals, and an occasional cookie) Check out our Instagram feed<https://www.instagram.com/thefirelab/> for photos from last year's course --------------- Spencer Fire, Ph.D. Asst. Professor of Biological Sciences Florida Institute of Technology 150 W. University Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901 321.674.7138 sfire(a)fit.edu

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Call for Marine Mammal Observers for surveys in Macaronesia (CETUS Project - Isabel Sousa Pinto)
by Ana Mafalda Tomás Correia 08 Apr '19

08 Apr '19

The Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) / Faculty of Sciences from University of Porto (FCUP)is in its 8th year of cetacean monitoring in Macaronesia aboard cargo ships. This year, routes will be from Continental Portugal (Porto/Lisbon) to Madeira (Caniçal) and Continental Portugal to Azores (Ponta Delgada/Horta/Praia da Vitória). We are seeking for volunteers for the 2019 MMOs team for the following survey periods: 1. End of June to August 2019; 2. End of August to October 2019. *You can either apply for one or two survey periods, but you can only be selected for one of them*. *The internship includes:* - An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing and analysis; - Round-trip sea-surveys departing from Mainland Portugal in the routes stated above; - Free time to visit Mainland Portugal and the Islands; - Food and accommodation during on-board periods (both sailing and in the visiting ports); - Accommodation in Porto (Mainland Portugal) during the training and in-between sea campaigns. The program is based in Porto where volunteers will be welcomed to receive the training in the monitoring protocol and accommodated in-between sea campaigns. Each campaign can last up to 2 months on the same route. We encourage the use of this experience for university reports or internships (given that the course director allows it) or for other scientific results (presentation at conferences, scientific papers, …). Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. Relevant experience at sea and with cetacean monitoring is preferable. *Requirements:* - Accident or travel or university insurance that cover foreign countries (specifically Portugal); - Payment of 50€ caution (this will be returned at the end of the internship provided you are responsible with survey material and accommodations both in land and in the ship); - Volunteers are in charge of their own travel arrangements and living costs when in land; - Trip costs between boarding ports and land accommodation are not covered (a couple of train trips between Porto and Lisbon may be required); - This volunteer position does not requires a monetary contribution. Application deadline is *May 4th*. Results will be announced by the end of May (a skype interview may be required). To apply please send a Motivation Letter (state whether you are applying for the 1stor the 2nd period, or both) and a *Short* Curriculum Vitae (highlight experience in cetacean monitoring) to cetusproject.pt(a)gmail.com. We will confirm your application was received so check your inbox and *if you do not receive a confirmation email within 2 working days, please send the email again or contact us through facebook.* For more information feel free to contact us through e-mail ( cetusproject(a)gmail.com) Facebook (www.facebook.com/CetusProject/) and check our website (*www.*cetusproject.com). -- *Ana Mafalda Correia* Bolseira Doutoramento / PhD Student [image: http://www.ciimar.up.pt/informatica/signature/signature1.png] CIIMAR | Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N 4450-208 Matosinhos | Portugal | Tel. (+351) 223 401 805 <+351%2022%20340%201805> E-mail: eafonso(a)ciimar.up.pt <xxxxxxxx(a)ciimar.up.pt> | www.ciimar.up.pt | www.facebook.com/ciimar.up.pt [image: http://www.ciimar.up.pt/informatica/signature/signature2.jpg] *Knowledge of the Ocean as a basis for the sustainable management and exploitation of resources*

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Marine conservation volunteer positions available
by Frikkie 07 Apr '19

07 Apr '19

The ORCA Foundation, a voluntourism division of Ocean Blue Adventures is seeking volunteers to join its comprehensive marine conservation programme in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Volunteers play a major role in the programme where they are expected to perform a large portion of the work. Through in-field training and hands-on assistance in a wide variety of meaningful projects you can make a valuable contribution to increased knowledge and awareness. Your participation in conservation and education projects will involve regular hikes on local beaches to perform marine debris clean-ups; alien plant eradication; river health assessments; assistance at seabird rehabilitation and animal welfare centers; and environmental education of pre-school children. You will regularly assist marine biologists in the field where you will gain valuable experience in boat-based and land-based monitoring techniques involving some of Plettenberg Bay’s charismatic marine top predator species (ex. southern right whales, humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape fur seals and Great white sharks). In particular, you will assist with endangered humpback dolphin photo-ID fieldwork and record sightings of other marine animals during dedicated boat-based surveys. In addition, whenever there are opportunities you will join Ocean Blue Adventures’ whale and dolphin watching boat trips to record opportunistic data. You will also participate in marine mammal stranding response and necropsy; seal population monitoring; processing of prey remains from seal scats, seal-fisheries interaction and seal-shark interaction monitoring in the Robberg Marine Protected Area. Sample processing and data entry forms an important component of the programme, and you will be expected to perform a large portion of this work. No previous experience is required to join the programme. It is however recommended that you have the following qualities in order to make a valuable contribution: · General interest in marine biology, research, conservation and education · Enthusiastic, positive, mature and independent attitude · Willingness to learn and work well within our small team · Adaptable and patient due to the weather dependent nature of fieldwork · Ability to work long hours on small vessels · Moderate fitness level to hike long distances in the field · Attention to detail · Willingness to perform tedious behavioural observations from cliff-top vantage points · Willingness to perform tedious data entry duties · Ability to communicate fluently in English (both written and oral) For more information about the programme, associated fees or how to apply please visit www.orcafoundation.com or email bookings(a)orcafoundation.com. Regards Frikkie van der Vyver, MSc Pr.Sci.Nat. (400163/16) Marine Biologist Plettenberg Bay South Africa +21(0)76 661 5741 www.orcafoundation.com Plett Stranding Network: 079 463 4837 (to report marine mammals ashore, dead or alive)

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New publication: DNA metabacoding reveals Bryde's whale diet & zooplankton communities
by Rochelle Constantine 07 Apr '19

07 Apr '19

Hello We recent published our paper using DNA metabarcoding to identify zooplankton community structure and Bryde's whale diet. Carroll EL, Gallego R, Sewell MA, Zeldis J, Ranjard L, Ross HA, Tooman LK, O'Rorke RO, Newcomb RD & Constantine R. 2019. Multi-locus DNA metabarcoding of zoolpnakton communities and scat reveal trophic interactions of a generalist predator. Scientific Reports 9: 281 It's open access so please download it using this link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-36478-x Abstract: To understand the ecosystem dynamics that underpin the year-round presence of a large generalist consumer, the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni brydei), we use a DNA metabarcoding approach and systematic zooplankton surveys to investigate seasonal and regional changes in zooplankton communities and if whale diet reflects such changes. Twenty-four zooplankton community samples were collected from three regions throughout the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, over two temperature regimes (warm and cool seasons), as well as 20 samples of opportunistically collected Bryde's whale scat. Multi-locus DNA barcode libraries were constructed from 18S and COI gene fragments, representing a trade-off between identification and resolution of metazoan taxa. Zooplankton community OTU occurrence and relative read abundance showed regional and seasonal differences based on permutational analyses of variance in both DNA barcodes, with significant changes in biodiversity indices linked to season in COI only. In contrast, we did not find evidence that Bryde's whale diet shows seasonal or regional trends, but instead indicated clear prey preferences for krill-like crustaceans, copepods, salps and ray-finned fishes independent of prey availability. The year-round presence of Bryde's whales in the Hauraki Gulf is likely associated with the patterns of distribution and abundance of these key prey items. If you have any questions just get in touch Nga mihi nui Rochelle (on behalf of the authors) Rochelle Constantine, PhD School of Biological Sciences | Te Kura Matauranga Koiora University of Auckland | Te Whare Wananga o Tamaki Makaurau Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand | Aotearoa E: r.constantine(a)auckland.ac.nz P: +64 09 923 5093 M: 0274 574 909

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UMB Marine Mammal Bio Course on Nantucket: Summer 2019
by Stephanie Wood 07 Apr '19

07 Apr '19

Dear Colleagues- Dr. Solange Brault and I are pleased to share the following course announcement: Course: Marine Mammal Biology (BIOL 340/540 - 3 credits) When: 30 June – 13 July 2019 Where: University of Massachusetts, Boston Nantucket Field Station https://www.umb.edu/nantucket/higher_education Cost: $1960.00 USD BIOL 340 (includes housing) $2455.00 USD BIOL 540 (includes housing) Instructors: Dr. Solange Brault Dr. Stephanie A. Wood Course Description: A 2-week intensive course in which students will apply the principles and knowledge they’ve acquired so far in different specialties of biology, toward understanding the evolutionary history, adaptations, population ecology, and conservation of marine mammals. The location of this course at the UMass Boston Nantucket Field station will provide opportunities for students to participate in field research (data collection and analyses) and other active learning experiences related to food habits, population monitoring and behavior (topics subject to change). Applications are due on 1 May and can be found here: https://www.umb.edu/nantucket/higher_education/courses/marine_mammal_biology For more information please contact: stephanie.wood(a)umb.edu<mailto:stephanie.wood@umb.edu>

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Post for Marmam: Irrawaddy Dolphin Research Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project 05 Apr '19

05 Apr '19

Irrawaddy Dolphin Research Internship – Coastal Cambodia Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets, including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social science research and collecting data to use in the implementation of conservation legislation. In September 2017, MCC introduced *The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project,* in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. We are currently looking for dolphin research interns to join the team from May – August 2019! *Project activities: * · a minimum of 3 observational land surveys per week using a Theodolite and Pythagoras software; · a minimum of 1 observational boat survey per week; · photo-identification techniques using Discovery software; · passive acoustic monitoring using a C-POD and CPOD.exe software; · social science techniques; · data entry, processing and analysis; · education and outreach; · running a marine mammal stranding network; · scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals and government reports; · designing marine mammal legislation. *Basic internship training schedule* Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project. Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques. Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training. Session 4: Marine vessel identification training. Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training. Session 6: Drone footage analysis training. Session 8: Theory test Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training. Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training. You will also become involved in other project related activities, depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay. *Internship requirements:* We are looking for dedicated, motived and hard-working interns, able to commit for a minimum internship period of one month. Please note, priority will be given to those who can commit to 2 or more months. We are looking for those who will commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. Ideally, we are looking for university students or recent graduates. *Project site description:* The project is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, a 40-minute boat trip from Kep Town, Cambodia. The island is inhabited only by MCC, a team made up of a mixture of interdisciplinary international and local staff. The accommodation and facilities on the island are basic but well-maintained. You will be in shared and catered accommodation with fellow interns and staff members. All project related resources are provided. *Application process and fees:* There is an internship fee associated with this internship, covering: · all food, water, accommodation; · transport to and from the mainland to the project island; · dolphin research training; · scuba diving (if qualified); · and the opportunity to get involved in activities and training at MCC, such as seahorse research or artificial reef management. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume and covering letter, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com

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Survey on frequency and impact of unprofessional peer reviews
by Silbiger, Nyssa J 05 Apr '19

05 Apr '19

Good afternoon colleagues: My colleague, Dr. Amber Stubler at Occidental College, and I are conducting an anonymous research study to better understand the impacts of receiving unprofessional peer reviews in STEM fields, the frequency at which they are received, and the subsequent impacts on a researcher’s perception of their abilities. Because marine mammal research is a part of STEM we would really value your input. If you have ever published a peer-reviewed study as first author, please consider filling out this anonymous survey (https://oxy.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2h5lUZkxR28deZv<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__oxy.qualtrics.com_jfe_…>). The survey will take 2-10 minutes to complete. Information collected from this study will be kept confidential and no unique personal identifying information will be collected. Please consider distributing widely among students and STEM professionals (both academic and non-academic). If you have any questions or concerns about the research, you can contact Dr. Amber Stubler at astubler(a)oxy.edu<mailto:astubler@oxy.edu> or Dr. Nyssa Silbiger at nyssa.silbiger(a)csun.edu<mailto:nyssa.silbiger@csun.edu>. https://oxy.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2h5lUZkxR28deZv Thank you very much for your time. Dr. Nyssa Silbiger and Dr. Amber Stubler (Occidental College #IRB00009103, California State University, Northridge #IRB00001788) -- ****************************************************************************************************************** Dr. Nyssa Silbiger Assistant Professor Department of Biology California State University, Northridge 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8303 website: http://nyssasilbiger.com Twitter: @NSilbiger Tel: (818) 677 - 4427 [https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1jqUCwyzl1cOqxsjUHQWyGfFnd4zQ…]

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IMMS Fall Research Internship
by Jessica Post 05 Apr '19

05 Apr '19

The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns may participate in projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-ID research as well as any other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills Principle Duties include: data entry, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-ID fin images, learning to use photo-ID programs such as Darwin (fin matching software) and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21' boat), and learn how to use ArcGIS Secondary Duties include: assisting animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting educational staff Field Days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this internship program. This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will assist interns in finding rooms available to rent, usually with other staff members. The deadline to apply for the fall session (August 5-October 25, 2019 or September 16-December 6, 2019) is June 1, 2019. For application and full details on how to apply please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship/ Jessica Post Research Assistant Research Intern Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503

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