June 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

job opening at IMMS
by Mystera Samuelson 27 Jun '19

27 Jun '19

Please post the following job announcement: Veterinary Technician and Stranding Technician Agency The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Location Gulfport, Mississippi, USA Job Category Full time Position Website http://www.imms.org/ Salary TBD Description We are seeking a veterinary technician/assistant to provide support to our veterinarian for resident animals (dolphins, sea lions, sharks, birds, reptiles, etc.), sea turtle and marine mammal rehabilitation, and stranding response. Job duties will be varied based on season, but will include animal care, data entry, providing laboratory support, necropsies, pharmacy ordering, and other tasks as needed. This position will require providing medical and technical assistance, care, and daily treatments to all of the animals at IMMS, including residents and those in rehabilitation. The person hired for this position will assist in maintaining diagnostic equipment, as well as ordering and maintaining inventory for laboratory consumables and drugs. (IMMS resident animals include: dolphins, sea lions, birds, reptiles, fish etc.). Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and to be "on call" as needed * Strong communication skills, personable, pleasant and comfortable with the ability to speak to the public * This position requires several hours of outdoor year-round work and requires staff to be physically fit and able to lift 50 lbs. Qualifications * Graduate from an approved and accredited bachelor's degree in directly related field (environmental biology, veterinary technical care, conservation, education, animal health technology, etc.) or equivalent required. Preferred registered/licensed veterinary technician. * Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a zoo, wildlife center, or with exotic animals required. Preference will be given to applicants with sea turtle and/or marine mammal experience. Direct experience in wild animal rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary technical experience, research and public education is preferred. * Applicants must have valid driver's license. * Experience with Microsoft Office and databases is desirable. * Must have knowledge in the use of medical equipment such as; digital radiology, endoscopy, ultrasound, anesthesia machine, doppler, cold laser therapy, V.A.C therapy, and fluid administration * In good physical condition with the ability to work outdoors under extremely adverse conditions (high humidity, rain, heat and direct sunlight) * Applicants may need to complete a probationary period. Please send a cover letter to dmoore(a)imms.org - highlighting your qualifications (maintaining veterinary hospital (supplies, drugs, animal care), computer skills, veterinary technician experience, etc.), CV/resume, and list 3 references that can be contacted. Please include your last name in the file's name. Remember to attach the required documents. Please explain your qualifications and why you are interested in this opportunity in your cover letter. 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

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FALL 2019 INTERNSHIP
by Davide Ascheri 27 Jun '19

27 Jun '19

CETACEAN- MARINE FAUNA- RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN ITALY WHERE: Imperia, Italy WHEN: September-October-November Minimum required: 30 days Number of interns per month: 2/3 About The project The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente” http://delfinidelponente.costabalenae.it/ is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for this species and historically, sightings have been more rare and sporadic than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with a depth not exceeding 200 m. Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change has been noted in recent years in the area. Reports of bottlenose dolphins by others research groups, fishermen and whale watching vessels are almost tripled compared to previous seasons. Therefore, the project aims to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. It is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only on the distribution during the summer, but also changes during the different seasons. During the dedicated survey, data on marine birds ( Gannets, Shearwaters, Terns .. ), fish species and turtles are collected. Programme: Interns are invited to assist the biologists of Costa Balenae in different activities: - participation in field research activities in the Pelagos Sanctuary - monitoring the presence and distribution of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) during dedicated surveys (10-12 per month) - environmental and ecological data collection regarding the species inhabiting the Ligurian Sea (cetaceans, fishes, seabirds ..) - transcription of data collected at sea, database updating - photo-identification and matching of bottlenose dolphin photos - opportunistic surveys - land-based surveys - lessons and training about cetacean ecology, biology and the most important research techniques used The internship is a great opportunity for anyone keen to start a career in cetacean research or simply willing to acquire fieldwork and data processing skills. This experience will give you the chance to work in the Pelagos Sanctuary and enjoy its unique marine biodiversity as well as traveling and exploring the beautiful Liguria region. Thanks to this internship you will support cetacean research and conservation in one of the most crowded and busy areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Fieldwork will be made in coastal waters (Western Ligurian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard dedicated vessels (5-6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. During fieldwork, participants will gain first-hand experience in collecting data on cetaceans, seabirds and other marine fauna. Interns will improve their skills on cetaceans boat-based surveys as well as on the use of the photo-ID technique. Surveys are weather dependent and they can change during the period. Interns will be busy 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or labwork). During their free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums, sailing. Skills/qualification: · Minimum age of 18 · Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is preferred but not required, · Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) · Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research · Speak, read and write in fluent English · Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent · Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun or in harsh conditions . Be prepared to spend long days in an office environment in cause of bad weather · Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team Internship fee Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy), own insurances, and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. Information about Costa Balenae Costa Balenae is a cooperative organization founded by a group of biologists and naturalists with twenty years of experience in the fields of scientific research, environmental education, territorial development, and sustainable tourism. The passion for nature, its conservation and the development of commercial tourism activities that make knowledge, awareness and sustainability a point of strong entrepreneurial imprinting are the main characteristics of the cooperative. http://delfinidelponente.costabalenae.it/ How to apply: Send your CV with a letter of interest (please indicate the preferred period, date of arrival and departure) to info(a)costabalenae.it addressed to Elena Fontanesi and Davide Ascheri no longer than the 15th of July. For any further enquiry and detail, please send an email to info(a)costabalenae.it Davide Ascheri and Elena Fontanesi Biologist - Costa Balenae Whale and Nature Watching info(a)costabalenae.it http://delfinidelponente.costabalenae.it/

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Announcing new paper on chronic stress in captive orcas
by Lori Marino 27 Jun '19

27 Jun '19

We would like to announce the publication of our peer-reviewed paper: The Harmful Effects of Captivity and Chronic Stress on the Well-being of Orcas (Orcinus orca) by Lori Marino, Naomi Rose, Heather Rally, Ingrid Visser, Hope Ferdowsian and Veronica Slootsky in Journal of Veterinary Behavior. The link to the full paper is here: https://whalesanctuaryproject.org/content/uploads/Marino-et-al-2019-Chronic… Abstract Orcas are large, deep-diving cetaceans who are known for their global distribution, wide-ranging behavior, intelligence, and social complexity. They possess one of the largest and most complex brains in the mammalian kingdom. However, they are the third most common species of cetaceans kept in aquariums and marine theme parks. Most spend many years, and sometimes decades, in captivity. At the time of writing, 63 individuals are held in concrete tanks globally. The scientific data on how both wild-caught and captive-born orcas fare in captivity is increasingly robust in demonstrating that they cannot thrive under artificial circumstances in concrete tanks. In captivity, orcas exhibit a wide range of abnormal behaviors and often die at an early age from infections and other health conditions that are uncommon in a wild setting. Though numerous papers and reports describe these adverse effects, they do not offer a clear and systematic explanation for why captive orcas suffer chronic stress and how it affects their well-being. We describe likely mechanisms for the high levels of morbidity and mortality in captive orcas, including the impact of chronic stress on physiology and illness. We conclude that orcas are poor candidates for maintenance in captivity and suggest that a radical shift is required in their treatment, in order to meet their complex needs. Contact: Lori Marino Marinolori(a)outlook.com

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New Paper: Potential benefits of vessel slowdowns on endangered southern resident killer whales
by Ruth Joy 26 Jun '19

26 Jun '19

Dear MARMAM-Users, We are pleased to announce that the following new paper has been published online: "Potential benefits of vessel slowdowns on endangered southern resident killer whales": Joy, R., Tollit, D.J., Wood, J., MacGillivray, A., Li, Z.L., Trounce, K. and Robinson, O., 2019. Potential benefits of vessel slowdowns on endangered southern resident killer whales. Frontiers in Marine Science, 6, p.344. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00344 ABSTRACT A voluntary commercial vessel slowdown trial was conducted through 16 nm of shipping lanes overlapping critical habitat of at-risk southern resident killer whales (SRKW) in the Salish Sea. From August 7 to October 6, 2017, the trial requested piloted vessels to slow to 11 knots speed-through-water. Analysis of AIS vessel tracking data showed that 350 of 951 (37%) piloted transits achieved this target speed, 421 of 951 (44%) transits achieved speeds within one knot of this target (i.e., ≤12 knots), and 55% achieved speeds ≤ 13 knots. Slowdown results were compared to ‘Baseline’ noise of the same region, matched across lunar months. A local hydrophone listening station in Lime Kiln State Park, 2.3 km from the shipping lane, recorded 1.2 dB reductions in median broadband noise (10–100,000 Hz, rms) compared to the Baseline period, despite longer transit. The median reduction was 2.5 dB when filtering only for periods when commercial vessels were within 6 km radius of Lime Kiln. The reductions were highest in the 1st decade band (-3.1 dB, 10–100 Hz) and lowest in the 4th decade band (-0.3 dB reduction, 10–100 kHz). A regional vessel noise model predicted noise for a range of traffic volume and vessel speed scenarios for a 1133 km2 ‘Slowdown region’ containing the 16 nm of shipping lanes. A temporally and spatially explicit simulation model evaluated the changes in traffic volume and speed on SRKW in their foraging habitat within this Slowdown region. The model tracked the number and magnitude of noise-exposure events that impacted each of 78 (simulated) SRKW across different traffic scenarios. These disturbance metrics were simplified to a cumulative effect termed ‘potential lost foraging time’ that corresponded to the sum of disturbance events described by assumptions of time that whales could not forage due to noise disturbance. The model predicted that the voluntary Slowdown trial achieved 22% reduction in ‘potential lost foraging time’ for SRKW, with 40% reductions under 100% 11-knot participation. Slower vessel speeds reduced underwater noise in the Slowdown area despite longer passage times and therefore suggest this is an effective way to benefit SRKW habitat function in the vicinity of shipping lanes. For any questions do not hesitate to contact me. Best regards, Ruth Joy. rjoy(a)sfu.ca http://www.sfu.ca/~rjoy/ http://www.smruconsulting.com/ > >

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Marine Mammal Internship Opportunity - CETUS Project in Madeira Island
by Anja Badenas 26 Jun '19

26 Jun '19

Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM/ARDITI) is currently opening INTERNSHIPS FOR SUMMER AND AUTUMN in Madeira Island (Portugal) The Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM) is a research unit within the Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), located in Madeira Island, Portugal. OOM seeks to become a centre of excellence dedicated to research and permanent monitoring of the ocean. This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary scientific community, joining several institutions with the aim of promoting cooperation and resource optimization. http://oom.arditi.pt *OOM/ARDITI is looking for interns to help with our marine mammals’ research project based in Madeira Island, Portugal.* We are currently filling *2 positions* for *September – October *and* 2 positions *for *November - December 2019* Priority will be given to those interns who are available both periods. *Internship Details:* In the Madeira Archipelago, located in Macaronesia (NE Atlantic), 29 species of cetaceans have been recorded. There is a daily ferry boat that conducts trips between the 2 main islands of the archipelago, Madeira and Porto Santo. Interns will be onboard the ferry boat and will be enrolled in data collection through visual surveys 3 days per week. Interns must cover all their accommodation, travel and food expenses. These positions are unpaid but we encourage candidates to seek grants where we can post as host institution. To cover for logistic expenses, there is a monthly fee of 75eur, paid fully upon arrival. Non-European candidates must cover their own insurance expenses. *Internship description:* - Training on monitoring protocol and cetacean identification; - Sea surveys Madeira-Porto Santo; - Educational activities in local schools or to the general public (when possible); - Free time to visit Madeira and Porto Santo; - Accident insurance. Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. Interns should be independent and proactive. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and gain experience at sea. Application deadline is 12th July. If you are interested in interning with OOM/ARDITI, please send a CV and a letter of interest to anja.badenas(a)mare-centre.pt . Thank you, Anja Badenas, MSc OOM-ARDITI-MARE Phone: +351291721246 <+351%20291%20721%20246>

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AIS Inc. Offering BSEE/BOEM Compliant PSO Training Course
by Kathryn Roy 25 Jun '19

25 Jun '19

Do you love the ocean? Looking for an exciting new career that will allow you to travel and observe marine wildlife? Are you hard working, flexible, and a team player? Then look no further and join the growing industry of Protected Species Observers (PSO)! AIS is a nationwide leader in providing protected species monitoring services to government agencies and private companies operating in the marine environment. Our Protected Species Observer training curriculum was created by NMFS approved PSOs and AIS scientists, in consultation with BOEM, BSEE, and NMFS staff. Individuals that successfully complete the training and meet the minimum qualifications described below, may be eligible to serve on offshore enterprise projects as a professional PSO, compliant with BSEE and NMFS standards. Based in the US Northeast, AIS is near one of the richest offshore wildlife refuges in the world. During our three day training in historic downtown New Bedford, you'll experience two days of 'in class content' and one day of in-situ training aboard the FV Gunsmoke, putting your new skills to the test out on Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. In between sessions, you'll be free to explore the town where Ishmael's story began and even explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Trainees will receive marine species and behavior identification training through activities designed to simulate real in-field detection events. Throughout the course trainees will participate in active discussions and exercises to ensure a comprehensive understanding of topics. Our training will introduce you to: * Sound in the Sea * Federal Legislations and Regulations * Protected Species Identification including: whales, dolphins, turtles, seals, manatees and fish that are covered under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico * Roles and Responsibilities of a PSO * Monitoring and Communication Techniques * Data Management and Reporting * Hands on practice with 'Tools of the Trade' * Life at Sea * Meet a PSO! When is the training? July 29-31, 2019 Where is the training taking place? New Bedford, MA How much does the course cost? The three day training is $675 per person. This includes classroom and in situ training by our highly experienced training staff, a training manual, daily lunches, access to PSO equipment during the class, and vessel charter fees for the offshore training component. What am I responsible for? Travel to and from the training and accommodations. AIS will send you information on our group rate with a local hotel once you have registered for the training course. I'm ready to be a PSO! Welcome to the first step in becoming a BOEM/NMFS compliant Protected Species Observer! To register for the course, head to our website http://aisobservers.com/wordpress/protected-species-observer-training/ to fill in the required fields and submit your resume. We'll follow up with an email confirming your enrollment and payment options. Please call or email Kathryn Roy with any questions 774-392-7127, KathrynR(a)aisobservers.com<mailto:KathrynR@aisobservers.com>

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Checklist of marine mammal parasites in New Zealand and Australian waters
by Lehnert-Sobotta, Kristina 25 Jun '19

25 Jun '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the publication of our checklist in Journal of Helminthology: Lehnert, K., Poulin, R., & Presswell, B. (n.d.). Checklist of marine mammal parasites in New Zealand and Australian waters. Journal of Helminthology, 1-28. doi:10.1017/S0022149X19000361 Abstract: Marine mammals are long-lived top predators with vagile lifestyles, which often inhabit remote environments. This is especially relevant in the oceanic waters around New Zealand and Australia where cetaceans and pinnipeds are considered as vulnerable and often endangered due to anthropogenic impacts on their habitat. Parasitism is ubiquitous in wildlife, and prevalence of parasitic infections as well as emerging diseases can be valuable bioindicators of the ecology and health of marine mammals. Collecting information about parasite diversity in marine mammals will provide a crucial baseline for assessing their impact on host and ecosystem ecology. New studies on marine mammals in New Zealand and Australian waters have recently added to our knowledge of parasite prevalence, life cycles and taxonomic relationships in the Australasian region, and justify a first host–parasite checklist encompassing all available data. The present checklist comprises 36 species of marine mammals, and 114 species of parasites (helminths, arthropods and protozoans). Mammal species occurring in New Zealand and Australian waters but not included in the checklist represent gaps in our knowledge. The checklist thus serves both as a guide for what information is lacking, as well as a practical resource for scientists working on the ecology and conservation of marine mammals. A PDF copy can be obtained from the authors on request! Kind regards, Kristina Lehnert ******************************************** Dr. Kristina Lehnert Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6│25761 Buesum│Germany Phone +49 (0) 511 856 8171

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Summer job posting-Research and Community Outreach Assistant
by Jessica Torode 24 Jun '19

24 Jun '19

Research and Community Outreach Assistant (Contract) Ocean Wise Conservation Association The B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network (BCCSN) is a program of Ocean Wise's Coastal Ocean Research Institute, a citizen science initiative that collects sightings of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and sea turtles from mariners and coastal residents for conservation-based research. Based on Saturna Island and in collaboration with the Saturna Island Marine Research and Education Society (SIMRES), the BCCSN Research and Community Outreach Assistant will, through a variety of outreach efforts, help promote the BCCSN and encourage local mariners, residents and visitors to report their sightings and follow the "Be Whale Wise" guidelines when out on the water. This individual will be responsible for collaborating with SIMRES to plan appropriate outreach events, to recruit volunteers, to conduct marina visits to educate boaters, and to deliver youth and public programming on cetaceans. They will also conduct a shore-based study of harbour porpoise habitat use and behaviour in relation to vessel presence, and represent the BC Cetacean Sightings Network and Ocean Wise at public events and during media interviews. Please note the following important information: * This position is located on Saturna Island, BC. The successful applicant will be responsible for securing their own accommodation and transportation. * This is a two-month summer position with an expected start date of July 8th, 2019. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Assists with the shore-based harbour porpoise habitat usage study by: * Recruiting and managing a team of community volunteers (5-10) to conduct porpoise research; * Assisting with and supervising data collection; * Deploying and retrieving hydrophones and using them to make recordings; * Managing and analyzing data and summarizing findings. Helps build public awareness of cetaceans around the Southern Gulf Islands by: * Conducting mariner outreach and education by coordinating and undertaking Dock Talks at marinas; * Planning, preparing and attending outreach events such as festivals and other special events around the Gulf Islands to promote the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network and to build public awareness of cetaceans; * Conducting outreach to youth on marine mammals and marine conservation by working with local science camps and other organizations targeting young people; * Developing and maintaining professional links and collaborations with conservation groups, government agencies, ecotourism companies, and commercial and sport fishermen; * Responding to enquiries from staff, members of the public, and the media. Consciously desires to improve the Ocean Wise and its processes by: * Promptly aiding in Emergency Protocols; * Maintaining and supporting organizational safety standards; * Continually improving our impact on the environment and greening of operations through support of EMS protocols; * Actively demonstrating Ocean Wise's values and code of conduct; * Performing additional duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS This job is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program. Mandatory requirements are: * Between 15-30 years of age * Eligible to work in Canada Education & Experience * Minimum of two years of post-secondary education in biology, natural sciences, environmental studies, marine science, or related field; * Experience delivering educational programs or talks; * Experience with data collection and management; * Valid BC driver's license; * Project management experience an asset; * Supervisory experience an asset; * First Aid certification is an asset; * Volunteer recruitment and management an asset. Skills * Strong organizational skills; * Knowledge of marine mammal biology and ecology; * Outgoing, energetic, and comfortable with public speaking and engaging the public; * Self-motivated and able to work well under minimal supervision; * Intermediate skills in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software; * Excellent project management and time management skills; * Ability to learn and adapt in a constantly changing environment; * Resourceful, a problem-solver, skilled in meeting priorities and able to adapt to unexpected situations; * Excellent writing skills; * Ability and maturity to deal with a wide variety of ages and personalities. Working Conditions and requirements * The incumbent will work in a shared office environment with the usual ergonomic risks; * During outreach events, candidate will be exposed to sun, season weather, noise and large crowds; * During shore-based research, incumbent will be exposed to sun, season weather, and rough terrain; * Will be required to lift up to 25kg; * Candidate must own or have access to a vehicle for work-related travel (mileage and gas compensated); * Candidate must be able to travel with the region, sometimes overnight, and to occasionally work evenings and weekends; * Flexibility and availability in schedule are required during the week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; * Residency on Saturna Island an asset. Please apply online at https://recruiting.ultipro.ca/VAN5001VAMSC/JobBoard/3cc32760-97d8-475c-b01d… Jessica Torode-Scott Coordinator, BC Cetacean Sightings Network Jessica.Torode(a)ocean.org<mailto:Jessica.Torode@ocean.org> D 604-659-3770 ________________________________ Our vision is a world in which oceans are healthy and flourishing. | ocean.org [Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/oceanwise>[Twitter]<https://twitter.com/oceanwise>[Instagram]<https://www.instagram.com/oceanwise/>[Youtube]<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0hLWXESQRctgaVPT-8N7Rw>[Snapchat]<https://www.snapchat.com/add/oceanwise> [Ocean Wise Logo]<http://www.ocean.org/> ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING - THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ADDRESSEE, IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT OUR INTERNAL RECORDS. PLEASE THEN DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU ________________________________ We enjoy talking to you - If you do not wish to receive further information from us (where applicable), please email PRIVACY(a)OCEAN.ORG or write to our policy officer at Ocean Wise Conservation Association, PO Box 3232 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8 For more information about our privacy or anti-spam policies, please visit www.ocean.org

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New publication "Using 3D Models to Improve Estimates of Marine Mammal Size and External Morphology"
by sadamcza sadamcza 24 Jun '19

24 Jun '19

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our article "Using 3D Models to Improve Estimates of Marine Mammal Size and External Morphology" in Frontiers in Marine Science. The article is available at the link provided below. Abstract Studies of animal morphology inform our understanding of many combined aspects of biology, including thermal ecology, biomechanics and energetics. Studies that accurately describe the size and shape of marine mammals, for example, can be particularly useful in understanding the challenges an endotherm faces when moving and thermoregulating in an aquatic environment. The relationship between surface area (SA) and volume (V) plays a key role in the energetics of thermoregulation and locomotion, but detailed morphometric measurements of marine mammals are often limited. Thus, SA and V are typically estimated using a series of conical frustrums and cylinders (the truncated cones method), which provides a repeatable but abstracted depiction of morphology. In contrast, digital 3D modeling systems can offer more detailed representations of animal size and shape. We compared the results of the truncated cones method and a 3D modeling system (produced using the open access software Blender) in quantifying the SA and V of both long-finned pilot whales and short-finned pilot whales (*Globicephala* spp.). We developed a 3D model of pilot whales using measurements and images collected by stranding networks. The 3D model provided a more realistic depiction of pilot whale morphology than the truncated cones method, particularly in the tail stock region where the truncated cones method greatly overestimated both SA and V. The difference between SA and V estimates of the two methods was greater for larger individuals within species, suggesting that as animals become larger, the truncated cones method increasingly overestimated SA and V. Further, the 3D model was more robust to changes in the number of morphometric girth measurements used when estimating SA and V compared to the truncated cones method. Results of this study demonstrate that 3D models can provide realistic depictions of cetacean morphology and can be used to provide more accurate estimates of morphological metrics than geometric models of morphology. The 3D modeling techniques employed in this study could be used in a variety of other applications which require accurate estimates of morphological metrics. Adamczak, S.K., Pabst, A., McLellan, W.A., and Thorne, L.H. (2019). Using 3D Models to Improve Estimates of Marine Mammal Size and External Morphology. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00334 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00334/full?&utm_sou… -- _______________________ Stephanie K. Adamczak, M.S. Ph.D. Student, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Santa Cruz

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BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN - ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2019.
by Sergio Cobarrubia 24 Jun '19

24 Jun '19

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN - ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2019. Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC-IVIC) and Provita. BACKGROUND: The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC) of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC, www.ivic.gob.ve) invites the first season of internships-volunteering (2019) in the study of coastal dolphins. LEGC is a scientific team that among its research lines on the fauna of coastal and riparian ecosystems, it has established the first one on aquatic mammals in Venezuela. On the other hand, Provita is an important NGO that contributes to the research and conservation in Venezuela. This research will begin with a project focused on sociobiology (social structure, social networks and bioacoustics) of resident groups of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) in the central coast of Venezuela. This, after an experience of 5 years in that locality studying ecological aspects of T. truncatus *(https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1). The coast of Aragua not only houses these species, but also the Bryde's whale (*Balaenoptera edeni*), the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) and the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Of which basic information is collected too. LEGC interns and volunteers are young, hard-working who are willing to contribute to research by learning as they experience fieldwork in teams, field techniques for collecting and processing data and methodologies. All team members and interns share academic space, housing in the Institute, housework in the study area, knowledge and experience in a friendly and multicultural environment. The internship consists of three weeks: The first week of theoretical-practical preparation (24 theoretical hours and 16 practicals hours) at the IVIC Ecology Center ( www.ivic.gob.ve/es/investigacion-3/centros-31/ecologia-316) The second week of seven field surveys for data collection (42 h) on the Cata Bay (Aragua state) and the third week for data storage and analysis at the IVIC Ecology Center (40 h). The volunteering consist of the second and third weeks. WHERE: Theory: LEGC, Center of Ecology (IVIC) Miranda State, Caracas (10 23 N - 66 58 W). Practice: Cata Bay, western coast of the (rain forest) National Park Henry Pittier, Aragua state (central coast of Venezuela) 150 km from Caracas (DC) (10 29 N - 67 44 W). PROGRAM: Interns (Three weeks) ? Volunteers (Two weeks). 1st WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns). - Monday: What is a cetacean? The cetaceans and the human in history. Origin, evolution and diversity. Adaptations for aquatic life: Anatomy and Physiology. Life histories. Biogeography Distribution. Ecology Behavior. Conservation. - Tuesday: Identification of species reported for Venezuela. Basic logistics for the study of cetaceans on the mainland, sea and air. Basic equipment to collect information. - Wednesday: How to detect cetaceans and record an effective sighting? Basic data to collect during a sighting, calibration and use of GPS. Configuration and use of the SLR cameras. Download of sightings (GIS). Download pictures and selection (software). - Thursday: Daily encounter ratio. Photo-identification as a tool for ecological and behavioral studies. Estimates of abundance. Local distribution and areas of action. - Friday: Residential patterns. Behavior (deployments, states, daily budget). Habitat use. Social structure and social networks. Bioacoustics. Saturday: Break. Sunday: Transfer to the Cata Bay. 2nd WEEK (Cata Bay-Provita, 42 hours. For Interns and Volunteers). The field surveys will be carried out in a fishing vessel of 9 m in length by 2 of beam. The field work will depend on the climatic conditions, however, the Aragua coast offers few climatic inconveniences throughout the year. There will be 5 morning of field surveys in the week, after each survey is lunch, rest and then proceed to download the data of sightings and then interpret them preliminarily and discuss them. In the field surveys, it will be implemented: - The identification and recognition of the elements of the marine landscape and the method of tracking and detection of cetaceans. - Ethical navigation mode to study cetaceans. - The basic data collection / sighting. - Use of GPS. - Use of SRL camera. - Counting of individuals and composition of a group. - Identification of the behavioral states that configure group behavior and its recording. - Use of hydrophone. In the afternoon the information of the sightings will be downloaded: - Sighting forms. - Latitude and longitude. - Photographs and their selection. - Voice recordings (behavior). - Recordings of vocalizations. 3rd WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns and volunteers). PRACTICAL FEES: Accomodation, food and transport (airport-IVIC-Cata Bay-IVIC-airport) are paid. The cost of internships and volunteers is US $ 690 for the compensation of logistical expenses of the field surveys. For more information, please contact:sergio.cobarrubia@gmail.com. WHEN: During the year there will be 6 internships-volunteering sessions (February, April, June, August, October, November). For interns, second, third and fourth week of the months scheduled. For volunteers, third and fourth week of the scheduled months. VACANTS: 4 people / internship or volunteerng. Not included in the rate: - Meals in restaurants - Free time activities - Personal insurance (all participants must have health and / or travel insurance) - Personal expenses. INTEREST IS EXPECTED: - Being over 18 years - Iterns: Preference will be given to undergraduate students and professional students (biology, marine biology, environmental, conservation and plus). - Volunteer: No preferences. - Have a mature attitude towards the investigation of marine mammals and environment - Be autonomous and flexible - To be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors in the sea - Speak Spanish, English or Portuguese. ACADEMIC CREDITS: The LEGC will certify the work performed by intern or volunteer through a diploma with the recognition of the hours (academic-practical) worked. APPLICATION AND QUESTIONS: Applicants must write to sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com with the subject "DOLPHINS PROJECT_Name". You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details about the study area and the species present, the practices and requesting your CV resume, motivation letter (small statement about what your expectations are and why you want to work with LEGC) and the internship month of your choice. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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