August 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper describing North Pacific fin whale subspecies
by Eric Archer - NOAA Federal 28 Aug '19

28 Aug '19

On behalf of my coauthors, I'm pleased to announce the publication of our paper in the *Journal of Mammalogy, *entitled, *Revision of fin whale Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus, 1758) subspecies using genetics* Frederick I Archer, Robert L Brownell, Brittany L Hancock-Hanser, Phillip A Morin, Kelly M Robertson, Kathryn K Sherman, John Calambokidis, Jorge Urbán R, Patricia E Rosel, Sally A Mizroch, Simone Panigada, Barbara L Taylor https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyz121 *Abstract* Three subspecies of fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*) are currently recognized, including the northern fin whale (*B. p. physalus*), the southern fin whale (*B. p. quoyi*), and the pygmy fin whale (*B. p. patachonic*a). The Northern Hemisphere subspecies encompasses fin whales in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. A recent analysis of 154 mitogenome sequences of fin whales from these two ocean basins and the Southern Hemisphere suggested that the North Pacific and North Atlantic populations should be treated as different subspecies. Using these mitogenome sequences, in this study, we conduct analyses on a larger mtDNA control region data set, and on 23 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 144 of the 154 samples in the mitogenome data set. Our results reveal that North Pacific and North Atlantic fin whales can be correctly assigned to their ocean basin with 99% accuracy. Results of the SNP analysis indicate a correct classification rate of 95%, very low rates of gene flow among ocean basins, and that distinct mitogenome matrilines in the North Pacific are interbreeding. These results indicate that North Pacific fin whales should be recognized as a separate subspecies, with the name *B. p. velifera* Cope in Scammon 1869 as the oldest available name. -- *Eric Archer, Ph.D.* Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/NOAA) 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 USA 858-546-7121 (work) 858-546-7003 (FAX) Marine Mammal Genetics Group: swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics GitHub: github.com/ericarcher Adjunct Professor, Marine Biology Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California, San Diego http://profiles.ucsd.edu/frederick.archer " *The universe doesn't care what you believe. The wonderful thing about science is that it doesn't ask for your faith, it just asks for your eyes.*" - Randall Munroe "*Lighthouses are more helpful than churches.*" - Benjamin Franklin "*...but I'll take a GPS over either one.*" - John C. "Craig" George

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Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program Intern applications now open
by Jessica Fujii 28 Aug '19

28 Aug '19

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals for two internship programs, 1) Sea Otter Research and 2) Sea Otter Care for January -June 2020. Research internship responsibilities include, but are not limited to, data collection from shore using radio telemetry equipment and making visual observations with spotting scopes. Interns will record daily re-sights, forage observations, and activity budget data on marked wild sea otters. Animal care internship responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of ill, injured or orphaned sea otters, maintenance and cleaning of animal tanks and enclosures, and computer data entry. Interns may also assist with rescues of live-stranded otters, tracking of released otters, and administration of medication to sick otters. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, as well as independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills. All internship opportunities are unpaid or STEM Internships (STEM may include funding provided through your educational institution). College credit may also be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division. Early submission of applications is encouraged. Deadline to apply September 30, 2019. For more information and to apply, go to: Sea Otter Research https://montereybayaquarium.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=APOd8 Sea Otter Care https://montereybayaquarium.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=PROd8 Jessica Fujii SORAC Senior Research Biologist P 831-648-4930 Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org> Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.

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Dual MMO & PAM vacancy in Caribbean
by Recruitment 27 Aug '19

27 Aug '19

Dear MMOs and PAMOs, OSC has the following urgent vacancy in the Caribbean: 1 x dual MMO/PAMO to mobilise end of August for an analogue and digital survey for clearance, followed by geotechnical operations, for 3 weeks plus weather/technical downtime (so potentially 5-6 weeks). We are also filling numerous short-notice vacancies, some with 1-2 days’ notice only, with durations varying from a few days to months, so if personnel are available and seeking work for any duration, it’s worthwhile dropping us an email to see if any projects are aligned. Kind regards, -- Recruitment Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk<http://www.osc.co.uk>

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Dolphin Research Internship in Savannah, Georgia
by Perrtree, Robin 27 Aug '19

27 Aug '19

Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) internships The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia and is led by Dr. Tara Cox. The SSUDS lab studies spatial ecology, conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, catalog matching to other study areas in the SE USA, contaminant loads, and genetics of common bottlenose dolphins. The SSUDS Lab selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year: * Winter/Spring (positions January to May, applications due by October 1st); * Summer (positions May to August, applications due by March 1st); * Fall (positions August to December, applications due by June 1st). Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. There may be additional opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. The SSUDS lab is currently accepting applications for Spring 2020 interns. There are 2 positions available. Application deadline is October 1st. Dates: Jan 6 - May 29 (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to ~30 hours per week, and time will be split between lab and field work. Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per month, with additional surveys in May. Duties: Lab duties: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, recording data, photographing dorsal fins, and measuring environmental variables Stranding response: although strandings are rare and unpredictable, you may be asked to help with data collection and necropsies Class: Interns are welcome to sit in on the GIS course taught by Dr. Cox in the spring. Please note that hours spent in class do not count towards lab hours. Extra Opportunities: Local Volunteer Opportunities: Previous interns have taken advantage of their spare time to get involved with our network of marine science researchers in Georgia 1) Other SSU Marine Science Program Labs (field and lab research on shrimp, flatfish, oyster restoration, marine chemistry, etc.) 2) Tybee Island Marine Science Center (environmental education) 3) Skidaway Institute of Oceanography 4) GA DNR Non-game Division (cetacean, manatee, and sea turtle research) Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office; MS Access and ArcGIS experience a plus * Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English * Enthusiastic and dedicated, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor * Strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and attention to detail * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/heat/cold on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu>. All attached files must be named starting with your last name (e.g. Lastname-SSUDS_application_spring_2020.doc, Lastname-transcript). Please combine your application materials into 1-2 files. * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students or other interns. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab or other labs in the Marine Sciences Program. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: https://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/mar-env-science/marine-science/index.sht… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Marine Science Research Center room 111 912-358-3301<tel:(912)%20358-3301>

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Two upcoming Special Issues on Individual Identification and Photographic Techniques
by Special Issue 25 Aug '19

25 Aug '19

*Two upcoming Special Issues on Individual Identification and Photographic Techniques* For enquires, e-mail: ID.Spec.Issue(a)gmail.com Two peer-reviewed Special Issues are currently in preparation for the journals *Mammalian Biology* (*MamBio*, 5-Year Impact Factor: 1.9) and *Journal of* *Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology* (*JEMBE*, 5-Year Impact Factor: 2.3) *- MamBio:* Individual Identification in Mammalian Ecological and Behavioural Research *- JEMBE:* Applications of Photographic Techniques in Studies of Marine Vertebrates *The topic:* Individual identification and photographic techniques have been widely used in marine mammal studies for many years. More recently, they have been adopted in studies of a wide range of animal taxa, both marine and terrestrial, from variety of mammals to reptiles, sea birds, elasmobranchs, etc. Similarly, dedicated computer software and image processing applications have been growing in their data management capabilities and analytical power. It is safe to say that even though photographic individual identification is well established as a research tool, the application of photographic techniques continues to broaden and increasingly more researchers include such techniques in their field studies. A compendium of research articles describing current research developments, representative case studies, conservation management implications, and likely future applications in studies of marine and terrestrial mammals (MamBio) and marine vertebrates (JEMBE) will be both timely and a good source of reference for future research. We welcome contributions in a form of original research articles, technical notes on methodological and/or analytical application(s), short concept notes, or review articles (for review articles, please consult their suitability first). *Timeline:* - *MamBio:* Submissions due by Feb/Mar 2020; publication in the 3rd or 4th issue of 2020 - *JEMBE:* Submissions due by Sep/Oct 2020; publication in the 2nd issue of 2021 All submissions will be handled by the MamBio and JEMBE online system. Dedicated submission portal for MamBio will be open for manuscript submission in early-2020, and for JEMBE in mid-2020. Accepted papers will be published online within couple of weeks following their acceptance. There will be no publication costs; and the whole Special Issue of *Mammalian Biology* will be available for free download as Open Access for 1 month following the publication, with no costs to the authors. For expression of interest and enquires, contact the editorial team at the following e-mail address: ID.Spec.Issue(a)gmail.com

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Volunteer positions available in Cape Town - Sep-Nov 2019 - Sea Search
by Simon Elwen 24 Aug '19

24 Aug '19

Sea Search Research & Conservation is a research focused NPO based in Cape Town, South Africa. We currently have openings for 2 long-term volunteers for the period 01 Sep to 30 Nov 2019 to assist with data processing, outreach activities and ad hoc field work focusing on humpback whales and humpback dolphins. As an integral part of a small team working with the project directors and post graduate students - this is a great way to get a wide range of research experience. Volunteers will be directly involved in all day to day activities including data input, photo ID and/or acoustic data processing, public outreach and equipment maintenance but will mainly work on a dedicated data set or project. We welcome participants who might be interested in working on a specific project with the possibility of continuing this as part of their own studies. Placement may be undertaken as credit towards your under- or post-graduate degree (course dependent). Please note, there is an associated fee which covers supervision, training and a contribution to the project for the period. Additionally - volunteers maybe interested in joining the marine mammal research techniques course being run in Nov (see website for details) Please contact info(a)seasearch.co.za with a CV and brief motivation by email. More information about our group is available on our website here: www.seasearch.co.za or facebook/seasearch Kind regards Dr Simon Elwen -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. NRF Research Fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Based at Sea Search Africa - 4 Bath Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town. Phone: +27 21 788 1206 (Office SA), +27 71 139 5951 (Mob SA) www.seasearch.co.za & www.namibiandolphinproject.org

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Winter Internship - Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Program
by Sarah R. Mccormack 23 Aug '19

23 Aug '19

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Winter 2020. The application deadline is October 13, 2019. Internship duration is January 7, 2020 – May 29, 2020. Please note that all positions are non-compensatory and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. Position Overview Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Once accepted, interns will be assigned to a focus area of either necropsy or rehabilitation. Interns will be cross-trained in all aspects of stranding response, however, daily tasks will be assigned to interns according to focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by internship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Duties * Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field. * Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass removal, and cleaning. * Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies. * Assist staff with new admits and daily treatments of patients. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care. * Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear. * Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings. * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork. * Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff. Qualifications * Must be at least 18 years old. * Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or have recently graduated (within last two years). * Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and wind. * Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team. * Should be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals. * Should be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans (preferred). Willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required). * Background in biology and familiarity with stranding response (preferred). * Experience with DSLR cameras and Microsoft Access (preferred). Position Requirements * Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving. * Possess a valid driver’s license. Internship Learning Objectives Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills: * Perform post-mortem examinations on sea turtle and marine mammals. * Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including vitals collection, wound treatment, administering medications, and blood processing. * Complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Level A forms. * Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access. Intern Schedule Intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Minimum Commitment Required 24 hours per week for the duration of the internship. Intern Supervisor/Mentor VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor. Work Location Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Animal Care Center Application Requirements If applying via email, please send application to interns(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:interns@virginiaaquarium.com> and copy vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com>. A complete Stranding Response Intern packet must include the following components. Incomplete applications will not be considered. * Cover letter including preferred focus area (necropsy or rehabilitation) and internship expectations. While we will do our best to accommodate intern preferences, staff will make the final focus area determination. There is some flexibility with internship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter. * Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form. * Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. Letters can be sent separately to vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com> * Resume * College transcript(s) For more information about the application process, please visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/about-us/Pages/internship-application.aspx Sarah McCormack Stranding Technician P: (757) 385-6485 C: (917) 880-2160 SMccormack(a)VirginiaAquarium.com Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center<http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/><http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/><http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/> Stranding Response Hotline: (757) 385-7575 717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 [cid:94240a82-74ca-4c9e-8bc7-c52a070d8154]

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New PhD project for Australian and New Zealand applicants
by Michael Noad 22 Aug '19

22 Aug '19

A new PhD position is available through the Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory at the University of Queensland, Australia. Please note that this position will be supported by an Australian government scholarship and therefore only Australian and New Zealand residents are eligible to apply. Please note that applications close 20 September. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Understanding natural and anthropogenic influences on population health in the eastern Australian humpback whale population Project description Population studies on marine mammals, whether to assess the population-level effects of anthropogenic noise, or monitoring population recovery, requires knowledge on parameters that affect energy intake and energy use. Any natural (e.g. reduction in food availability) or anthropogenic disruptions (e.g. behavioural disturbance leading to increased energy use) may have implications for population survival and growth. This PhD project will fill a major gap in knowledge for eastern Australian humpback whale population health, energy use during migration, and fecundity. The project has two broad aims: 1. To develop baseline population health parameters for a healthy humpback whale population during migration, including body condition for both sexes and pregnancy rates for females. 2. To develop a model relating reproductive status, body condition, and energy use, in migrating humpback whales with a particular emphasis on reproductive females. Outcomes will be used to monitor changes in population health and fecundity, which are essential for predicting the future of the population. These have important conservation implications in managing the growth trajectory of the population, potential population crashes due to natural causes (the population has reached carrying capacity), and anthropogenic disturbances. Data collection will involve sampling humpback whales from the eastern Australian population during both their northward migration towards the Great Barrier Reef calving grounds and southward migration towards the Antarctic feeding grounds. Sampling will be conducted off North Stradbroke Island near Brisbane in June/July and September/October, 2020 and 2021. Drone footage will be collected simultaneously with biopsies. Progesterone concentrations will be measured using enzyme-immunoassays (EIAs) and pregnancy status (non-pregnant, pregnant) assigned to females using lab facilities at the Moreton Bay Research Station. Body condition will be estimated by photogrammetry methods. The scholarship We are offering an opportunity for an excellent PhD candidate to work with Dr. Rebecca Dunlop and Associate Professor Michael Noad, co-leaders of the Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, based at Moreton Bay Research Station, North Stradbroke Island, at the University of Queensland (https://ceal.lab.uq.edu.au/) The candidate with apply for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship (https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/scholarships) which lasts up to 3.5 years full time. This scholarship is only available to Australian and New Zealand residents/citizens, therefore only those with eligible citizenship/visa conditions should apply. Why work with us? The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Lab currently has a team of 8 PhD students, 1 honours student, and a small number of interns. As a team, we primarily focus on cetacean acoustic behaviour and the effects of anthropogenic noise, cetacean physiology, and cetacean population dynamics. This project will be primarily focused on cetacean physiology and population dynamics. We value a team-based approach, where supervisors and researchers work effectively together on various projects. We also value gender equity and cultural diversity within the lab. As part of the lab PhD programme, we offer experience in field data collection, grant and report writing, and statistical data analysis. We are also able to offer students industry placements, where we encourage and support students to gain real-world experience. Our lab would provide a challenging but impactful PhD experience and, as such, we are seeking an enthusiastic and capable student with a strong interest in undertaking scientific research in physiology and population ecology. Eligibility To be eligible, you must meet the entry requirements for a higher degree by research<https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/uq-research-degrees>. Essential - Strong interest in animal physiology - Experience in the scientific process; experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis and scientific writing. This could be evidenced in either a completed honours, or masters, project. - Ability to work independently as well as part of a team - Willingness to commit to CEAL and be based at MBRS Desirable but not essential - Experience in lab-based work, specifically Enzyme Immunoassays - Experience in field work and field data collection - Experience working on and/or driving boats - Evidence of scientific outputs; conference presentations and/or published scientific papers - Experience in marine mammal research How to apply The documents required for application are: 1) a curriculum vitae inc. details of education as well as research and development activities; 2) a copy of all academic transcripts 3) a letter explaining your motivation for applying for this position 4) names and contact detail of two referees. A reference letter from each referee is also desirable Email items 1 to 4 to r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au> and mnoad(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:mnoad@uq.edu.au> by the closing date of 20th September 2019.

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Protected Resources Job Opportunity
by Jon Kurland - NOAA Federal 22 Aug '19

22 Aug '19

NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, Protected Resources Division, is advertising to fill a Marine Mammal Specialist position, ZP-401-3 (GS 11/12 equivalent), primarily to coordinate our Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The division is responsible for the conservation and recovery of marine mammals including whales, fur seals, ice seals, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions. The position will be located either in Anchorage or Juneau. The person hired for this job will work in a team environment to support NOAA staff and partners in responding to stranded and entangled marine mammals. The person will also conduct analyses and implement conservation actions to promote the management and recovery of protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act, including consultations with other federal agencies under section 7 of the ESA to assess and minimize impacts to listed species, and will have opportunities for engagement in other marine mammal conservation activities. We're looking for someone with excellent project management, analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills. The announcement is now posted at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/543340000. Please encourage qualified people to apply. Anyone who has questions about the job should feel free to contact Aleria Jensen (aleria.jensen(a)noaa.gov, 907-586-7248) or me (jon.kurland(a)noaa.gov, 907-586-7638). Please forward this email to others who may be interested. Thanks! Jon Kurland Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Region

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Pinniped Entanglement Response Workshop at upcoming WMMC in Barcelona
by Kim Raum-Suryan - NOAA Federal 22 Aug '19

22 Aug '19

Dear MARMAM members, If you are attending the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona in December 2019 and are interested in pinniped entanglement response, we are having a "Pinniped Entanglement Prevention and Response" workshop on Sunday, December 8, from 08:30-5:30. We look forward to seeing you there! To register for the workshop, please go to: https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/ and remember that early registration for the conference closes September 4, 2019. More details about the workshop can be found below. *Workshop Summary: *Entanglement in marine debris and fishing gear is increasingly recognized as a serious source of human-caused mortality for pinniped populations world-wide. Pinniped rescue specialists and researchers around the world are working to address this issue, but these efforts are often made in isolation from one another. To provide increased global collaboration and communication among scientists, non-government organizations, non-profits, and others, the Pinniped Entanglement Group (PEG) was created in 2009. The PEG collaborates to reduce pinniped entanglements in marine debris and fishing gear through education, outreach, and rescue. This workshop is intended to bring together researchers, managers, and responders interested in working toward the common goal of reducing global pinniped entanglements and interactions with fishing gear. This is an opportunity to unite those already working on pinniped entanglement prevention and response or those interested in learning more about this topic to share ideas and exchange techniques and methods. The morning session will consist of presentations including 1) pinniped entanglement prevention, 2) entanglement response best practices, 3) fishery interactions and effective deterrents, 4) tool techniques and development, and 5) outreach and education. The afternoon session will start with a panel of experts available to answer questions followed by a group discussion. The discussion period will provide an opportunity to share techniques, establish new connections, identify data gaps, and plan for next steps. This conference provides a valuable opportunity for our global community to meet face to face to improve responses to pinniped entanglement, advance mitigation to reduce marine plastic pollution and to advance the global PEG and their efforts to reduce pinniped entanglements worldwide. *Dissemination of Workshop Results: *A summary report of the workshop will be shared with workshop participants and with the global Pinniped Entanglement Group (PEG). We would also like to produce a journal article based on a review of the issue and identification of priorities for mitigation. If you have questions, please contact Kim Raum-Suryan at kim.raum-suryan(a)noaa.gov , Dave Zahniser at zahniserd(a)tmmc.org, or Rebecca McIntosh at rmcintosh(a)penguins.org.au Thank you, Kim Raum-Suryan, Dave Zahniser, and Rebecca McIntosh -- *Kim Raum-SuryanMarine Mammal Biologist* *Protected Resources Division, Alaska Region, **NOAA Fisheries* *PO Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 * *(907) 586-7424 **Kim.Raum-Suryan(a)noaa.gov <Kim.Raum-Suryan(a)noaa.gov> *

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