September 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Mote Marine Laboratory, Manatee Research Program Internships (New deadline)
by Christina Nau 24 Sep '19

24 Sep '19

*Program Description* The Manatee Research Program studiesseveral aspects of the biology of manatees inhabiting the waters of southwestern Florida, including population dynamics, population genetics, habitat use, distributional patterns and social behavior. Field data and samples are collected using photo-identification, aerial surveys, and non-invasive genetic sampling. >From spring through early fall, photo-identification, genetic, and behavioral sampling are conducted primarily in Sarasota and Manatee counties.During the winter, field work is conducted primarily in Charlotte Harbor and the Ft. Myers area.Aerial surveys are conducted twice per month (during the non-winter) in Sarasota County to assess relative abundance and distribution of manatees in those waters.The long-term database of the program contributes to management and conservation measurements for Florida manatees. Additionally, the program collaborates with manatee researchers throughout the state of Florida and the Caribbean.For more information about, please visit: https://mote.org/research/program/manatee-research. *WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING INTERNS TO BEGIN IN**January or February 2020**, WITH APPLICATIONS DUE BY **November 1st 2019**.* *Internship Description* Internships are available during all four seasons and must be a MINIMUM of 12 weeks.Hours are typically Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, although some longer days may be required for field work (especially during the winter season). Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field and about 80% of their time in the office/lab.Field work duties include assisting with data collection, boat handling, and equipment use and maintenance.Field work requires spending long hours in the field, sometimes in uncomfortable weather conditions.Office/Lab duties include data entry, processing, matching images to known animals, equipment maintenance, and miscellaneous tasks and errands. There is no financial compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available. A few scholarships may be available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only). *Required Qualifications* ·Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies ·A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or a related field is preferred ·Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access); previous experience using ArcMap GIS is a plus but not required ·Excellent communication skills; fluent in English ·Must be physically able to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects ·Knowledge of photography/SLR camera use and/or drawing skills are a plus ·Desire and willingness to acquire knowledge and skills related to marine mammal field work and capable of working well as a team ** *To apply for a Manatee Research Program internship:* ·Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory’s website (https://mote.org/research/internships/college-internship-program-overview) and be sure to select “Manatee Research Program” as your first choice ·Complete and provide to Mote’s intern office all other application materials including: *a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and */*curriculum vitae* /_(incomplete applications will not be considered)_ Applicants may contact the Manatee Research Program’s intern coordinator, Christina Nau, (cnau(a)mote.org <mailto:cnau@mote.org>) with questions regarding the internship. -- Christina Nau Manatee Research Program Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota FL 34236 Phone: (941) 388-4441 ext. 471 cnau(a)mote.org

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New Publication: Seal and Polar Bear Behavioral Response to an Icebreaker Vessel in Northwest Greenland
by Kate Lomac-MacNair 23 Sep '19

23 Sep '19

We are pleased to announce the publication of a the following paper: Lomac-MacNair, Kate; Andrade, José Pedro; and Esteves, Eduardo (2019) "Seal and Polar Bear Behavioral Response to an Icebreaker Vessel in Northwest Greenland," *Human–Wildlife Interactions*: Vol. 13: Iss. 2, Article 13. ABSTRACT Icebreaker vessels are important scientific tools, enabling access and research within the polar regions of the world, including the High Arctic. These vessels have the potential to overlap with marine mammal habitats in infrequently studied areas. Marine mammal behavioral responses to icebreaker vessel presence and distance at which responses occur are not well documented or understood. During the Petermann 2015 Expedition on the icebreaker *Oden*, seal and polar bear (*Ursus maritimus*) data were collected in Petermann Fjord (Northwest Greenland), the adjacent Nares Strait region, and transit to and from Thule, Greenland over 31 days (July 30 to August 30, 2015). We examined behavioral responses from 4 pinniped species: bearded seal (*Erignathus barbatus*), ringed seal (*Pusa hispida*), harp seal (*Pagophilus groenlandicus*), and hooded seal (*Crystophora cristata*), as well as the polar bear to an icebreaker vessel in a rarely studied region of northwest Greenland. We investigated the rate of flush response, entering the water from a previously hauled out (i.e., resting) location on ice in relation to seal distance to the vessel. Our results showed a significant difference (independent *t*-test, *P *≤ 0.001) between seal distance to the vessel when a flush response occurred (mean = 467.1 m, SD = 212.39 m) and when no flush response occurred (mean = 1334.0 m, SD = 433.89 m). There were fewer flush responses by seals to the icebreaker at distances >600 m and no flush responses by seals to the icebreaker at distances >800 m. We used a logistic model to describe the relationship between the proportion of seals that flushed and distance from the icebreaker. Results of the logistical model showed the estimated distance at which 50% of the seals flushed to be 709.45 m (SE = 9.24, *t* = 76.8, *P *< 0.0001). Three polar bears were recorded during the transit, and a behavioral response (e.g., look, approach, move away) was recorded for all 3 sightings. Our preliminary findings are relevant to assess potential impacts of increasing vessel activity in the High Arctic and to assist in the development of effective monitoring and mitigation strategies. Our paper is available online at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol13/iss2/13 Or via e-mail request to klomacmacnair(a)gmail.com Cheers, Kate Lomac-MacNair PhD Candidate Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal klomacmacnair(a)gmail.com

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Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship: Estimating abundance of insular cetaceans in Hawaiian waters
by Lars Bejder 23 Sep '19

23 Sep '19

Dear Marmam Readers, We have a post-doctoral fellowship available. For details, please read below. *Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship:* *Estimating abundance of insular cetaceans in Hawaiian waters* *Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa* *Fellowship description and duties:* The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) (www.mmrphawaii.org) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology ( https://www.hawaii.edu/himb/) in close collaboration with NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) ( https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/pacific-islands) is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral fellow in the area of marine mammal population assessment (including abundance estimation and demographic modelling), to join our lab. The successful candidate will design, lead and implement research investigating the abundance of insular cetaceans, with a main emphasis on spinner dolphins, off the Main Hawaiian Islands. *Research context and specific focus:* Hawaii has an unparalleled richness of natural resources and biodiversity that includes 30 species of whales and dolphins in its State and Federal waters. Cetaceans serve an important educational, economic and cultural role in Hawaii. Hawaii also hosts a rich cultural history, strong industries based on tourism and fisheries, vast renewable energy resources (e.g. wind and solar), and a significant strategic contingent of our Nation’s defence – with some of these having the potential to negatively impact Hawaii's cetaceans. While cetaceans are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, many of their current and emerging threats are not well-understood. Given the important value of marine mammals throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago and coupled with the current levels of human pressures, it is important to manage cetaceans sustainably through informed science. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) Pacific Islands Region is mandated to assess, study and manage over 140 stocks of cetaceans across >2 million square miles across the North, South and Western Pacific basins. The scope and scale of NOAA’s significant mandate unfortunately leaves some important species and emerging problems unaddressed. The MMRP is a research laboratory whose specific mission is to bridge rigorous science with management and implementation into policy. The MMRP is working closely with PIFSC to help address some of their needs. The successful candidate will be tasked to specifically focus on developing robust quantitative assessments of abundance (and potentially demography, and/or human-impacts) for insular cetacean species in the Main Hawaiian Islands. The post may involve working at the cutting edge of current population estimation methods, and potentially developing new methods if current approaches do not suffice. Potential exists for collaboration with leading statistical ecologists based at St Andrews University, Scotland. It is expected that the successful candidate will liaise and collaborate with local, regional, and international scientists and stakeholders to ensure maximum applicability and utility of the research findings. *Required qualifications:* · A Ph.D. in either (1) ecology with strong quantitative component, (2) statistics/ mathematics with a strong ecological component; (3) bioacoustics with demonstrable components of ecology and statistics; · An excellent track record demonstrating advanced skills in wildlife population assessment (i.e. estimation of abundance and/or other demographic parameters; · An excellent publication record illustrating ability to conduct novel, independent research. · Demonstrated proficiency with R (or related programming languages) and with software tools for wildlife population assessment; · Demonstrated aptitude for applying advanced computational tools in a research setting; · Considerable experience processing, manipulating, and analyzing large datasets; · Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills; · Strong attention to detail, and meticulous work style, as evidenced by previous research; · Excellent time management skills, including the ability to meet project goals in a timely manner, and follow through on projects to completion; · Demonstrated ability to mentor, or an interest in mentoring, junior laboratory members; · Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to communicate research findings at professional meetings and in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. *Desirable qualifications:* · PhD on marine mammals. · An excellent track record in the design, successful execution, analysis and publication of wildlife population assessment surveys, particularly for abundance estimation, and in the context of marine mammal surveys. · Demonstrable understanding of advanced abundance estimation methods including distance sampling, capture-recapture, spatial capture-recapture, and other emerging approaches. · Demonstrated ability to develop new statistical methods, or work closely with those developing such methods. · Experience in the use of passive acoustic monitoring. · Experience as a small boat operator. · Ability to travel for fieldwork and conferences. *Research Environment:* The postdoc will be based in the lab of Lars Bejder (www.mmrphawaii.org) at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB). HIMB is within the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST; www.soest.hawaii.edu) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. HIMB provides unparalleled research opportunities, in particular due to its unique location on Moku o Loe Island (Coconut Island) in Kaneohe Bay on the windward side of the island of Oahu (~ 24 km from the main university campus in Manoa). The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Centre (PIFSC). It is expected that the candidate will contribute to mentoring graduate students in the MMRP lab, and actively engage, participate and contribute to other areas of research and administration in the program. The MMRP is rapidly developing a supportive and stimulating research environment with a group of highly collegial scientists who are committed to scientific outreach and policy, to open science, and to enhancing diversity in STEM. We offer a family-friendly, flexible work environment where work-life balance is encouraged. *Appointment and application:* The postdoc fellowship is initially for one year, renewable for up to three-four years based on performance. Fellowship stipend is commensurate with experience within guidelines set by the university. The start date is negotiable, but preferably in early 2020. *To apply:* Candidates should submit the following materials via email to Dr Bejder (lbejder(a)hawaii.edu) in a single PDF document, with your last name in the file name and the subject heading “MMRPpostdoc application” by *20 October 2019 *(Hawaii–Aleutian Standard Time): · A letter explaining your motivation for applying for this fellowship, how your prior research experience qualifies you for the fellowship, how you satisfy the required and desirable qualifications, and your career goals; · A CV (including publication list, which may include publications in advanced stages of preparation that will be likely in the review process by the above postdoctoral fellowship deadline date); · Names and contact details for three references. Individual qualifications and background, academic excellence, and collegiality will be the primary criteria in selecting the successful candidate. We are committed to equality and diversity and encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. -------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [image: University of Hawaii at Manoa] Lars Bejder | Director, Marine Mammal Research Program | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology | *Website*: www.mmrphawaii.org | mobile: ++ 1 808 892 9490 | email: lbejder(a)hawaii.edu | skype: lbejder1971 | address: 46-007 Lilipuna Rd, Box 1346 Kaneohe, HI 96744 [image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/MMRPUH/> [image: twitter] <https://twitter.com/MMRP_UH> Recent publications: * Bejder, L., Videsen, S., Hermannsen, L., Simon, M., Hanf, M. and Madsen, 2019. Low energy expenditure and resting behaviour of humpback whale mother-calf pairs highlights conservation importance of sheltered breeding areas. *Scientific Reports <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-36870-7>*. 9:771 * van Aswegen, M., Christiansen, F., Symons, J., Mann, J., Nicholson, K., Sprogis, K. and Bejder, L. 2019. Morphological differences between coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) populations identified using non-invasive stereo-laser photogrammetry. *Scientific Reports <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48419-3>*. 9: 12235 * Senigaglia, V., Christiansen, F., Sprogis, K., Symons, J. and Bejder, L. 2019. Food-provisioning negatively affects the reproductive success of female bottlenose dolphins and calf survival. *Scientific Reports <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-45395-6>*. 9:8981

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New Publication: Vessel Operations in the Arctic, 2015-2017
by Greg Silber 23 Sep '19

23 Sep '19

MARMAM Colleagues: This is to note the availability of our recently published paper on "Vessel Operations in the Arctic, 2015-2017". Arctic waters are inhabited by numerous marine mammal species. Human activities expose these species to potential impacts from introduced underwater noise, ship strikes, oil spills, and entanglement in fishing gear. Receding ice levels in the rapidly changing region will increase vessel accessibility to Arctic waters compounding exposure of marine mammals and their habitats to negative anthropogenic influences. In this study we quantified Arctic-wide vessel activities in a three-year period including inter-year changes in features of commercial shipping, cruise ship, and energy extraction operations. We discuss implications for Arctic marine ecosystems and organisms reliant on them and conservation efforts aimed at reducing the threats. The paper is available at: at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00573/full; and https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335887725_Vessel_Operations_in_the… Silber, G.K., and J.D. Adams. 2019. Vessel Operations in the Arctic, 2015–2017. Front. Mar. Sci., 18 September 2019 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00573 ABSTRACT The Arctic is among the most rapidly-changing regions on Earth. Diminishing levels of sea-ice has increased opportunities for maritime activities in historically inaccessible areas such as the Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage. Degradation of Arctic marine ecosystems may accompany expanding vessel operations through introduced underwater noise, potential for large oil spills, among other things; and may compound stressors already effecting biological populations due to climate change. Assessments are needed to track changes in vessel traffic patterns and associated environmental impacts. We analyzed Arctic-wide vessel Automatic Identification System data 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 to quantify the amount and spatial distribution of vessel operations, assess possible changes in these operations, and establish a baseline for future monitoring. Nearly 400,000 vessel transits were analyzed. Number of trips, hours of operation, and amount of sea surface exposed to vessel traffic were used to compare operations between 14 delineated waterways. Operations were extensive and diverse: an average of 132,828 trips were made annually by over 5,000 different vessels. Transits were made in all areas studied and all months of the year. Maritime activities were intensive in some areas, but ice-limited in others. Amount of sea surface exposed to vessel traffic exceeded 70% in all but three areas. Bulk carriers, cargo ships, passenger/cruise ships, research survey ships, and vessels supporting oil/gas-related activities were represented. However, fishing vessels, primarily in the Barents, Bering, and Norwegian Seas, surpassed operations of all other vessel types and comprised about one-half of all voyages each year. We observed no overt increasing or decreasing trends in vessel traffic volume in our limited study period. Instead, inter-year variation was evident. While the number of unique vessels and transits increased year-to-year, hours of operation declined in the same period. Abundance/distribution of fisheries resources, economic feasibility of Arctic marine travel as weighed against inherent risks, and other factors likely accounted for inter-year variation in regional activity levels. Measures have been established to protect Arctic marine ecosystems but may need strengthening to address potential ecosystem threats from existing and growing commercial and industrial activities in the region. Gregory Silber Smultea Environmental Sciences Washington Grove, MD, USA gregsilber2(a)gmail.com

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New report: Assessing extrapolation in models of cetacean density/abundance
by Phil Bouchet 23 Sep '19

23 Sep '19

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the release of a new report on extrapolation in density surface models of cetacean populations. Bouchet PJ, Miller DL, Roberts JJ, Mannocci L, Harris CM and Thomas L (2019). From here and now to there and then: Practical recommendations for extrapolating cetacean density surface models to novel conditions. CREEM Technical Report 2019-01, 59p. The report summarises current approaches to extrapolation detection and diagnosis, with an emphasis on spatial models of cetacean density/abundance such as those typically resulting from line transect surveys. This work is an output from the Living Marine Resources (LMR)-funded DenMod project, and is a collaboration between the University of St Andrews, Duke University, and the University of Montpellier. The report is freely available and can be accessed here: https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/handle/10023/18509. In addition, relevant R code for extrapolation assessments can be downloaded from our Github site. https://densitymodelling.github.io/model-extrapolation/ Note that this work will be presented at the upcoming World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona (Pre-conference workshop on advancing marine species density surface modelling: Saturday 7th 1:30 PM -5:30 PM; Main conference talk: Mon 9th 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM), and that a dedicated R package is currently being developed to capture the methods described in the report (and more). Future releases/updates will be announced on this list. Best wishes, Phil --------------------------------------------------- Dr. Phil Bouchet Postdoctoral Research Fellow School of Mathematics and Statistics Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM) The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens University of St Andrews, St Andrews Fife KY16 9LZ, Scotland (UK) --------------------------------------------------- pjbouchet(a)gmail.com | pb282(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Twitter @pjbouchet • Web pjbouchet.github.io • ResearcherID K-5365-2012

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ARGENTINA COURSE: Introduction to Isotopic Ecology for the Study of Marine Mammals ### LAST WEEK FOR REGISTRATIONS ###
by Damian Vales 23 Sep '19

23 Sep '19

COURSE: Introduction to Isotopic Ecology for the Study of Marine Mammals ### LAST WEEK FOR REGISTRATIONS ### This course will be delivered by Drs Seth D Newsome (UNM, USA), Luciana Riccialdelli (CADIC-CONICET), Damián G Vales (CESIMAR-CONICET), and Rocío Loizaga (CESIMAR-CONICET) in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Patagonia Argentina, from 8th – 12th November 2019. The course is intended to anyone using stable isotope analysis to study marine mammals' ecology. Course overview: The course will cover the theoretical concepts that underlie the application of stable isotopes as natural tracers for the study of the ecology of marine mammals. The use of different sampling designs, data collection, and sample preparations in accordance to the research question posed will be addressed. The use of specific software for the statistical analysis of isotopic results and their corresponding interpretation will also be taught. Finally, the course will cover an introduction to the ecological application of compound-specific stable 15N and 13C isotope analysis of amino acids. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets and problems to discuss during the course. Language: The course will be taught in English (SDN) and in Spanish (LR, DGV, RL). Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 35 people, and the course will cost 2,500 ARS per person. Please visit the following links for further details: https://jam.sarem.org.ar/introduccion-a-la-ecologia-isotopica-para-el-estud… http://www.madryn.unp.edu.ar/index.php/facultad-ciencias-naturales/posgrado… Inscription (web form): https://goo.gl/forms/uzSp7H6MW5hwDUjR2 If you have any questions please email: posgrado.fcn.madryn(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Seth, Luciana, Rocio and Damián Dr. Damián G. Vales Investigador Asistente CONICET Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos (LAMAMA) Centro Para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR, CONICET) Boulevard Brown 2915, (U9120ACD) Puerto Madryn, Argentina Tel: 54 (280) 4883184 Int 1252 Fax: 54 (280) 4883543 E-mail: vales(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar http://www.conicet.gov.ar/new_scp/detalle.php?id=29848&datos_academicos=yes

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New publication: First Leucistic Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Sighting Registered in the Gulf of California, Mexico.
by Hector Perez 22 Sep '19

22 Sep '19

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I'm excited to announce our publication (short note) in Aquatic Mammals, which describes the first leucistic event of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) registered in the Gulf of California. Pérez-Puig, H., Heckel, G., & Meltzer, L. (2019). First Leucistic Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Sighting Registered in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals, 45(5), 507–512. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.5.2019.507 Short summary: As with all mammals, coloration patterns of the skin, and of the eyes in cetaceans, depends almost entirely on the quantity of melanin in the organism. Leucism can result when the production of melanin is minimal but not completely absent; the deficiency of pigmentation of the skin results in an abnormally white appearance, while the eyes maintain a normal color. Abnormal pigmentation has been recorded in at least 25 cetacean species, including bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. Few sightings of those cetaceans with abnormally white pigmentation have been recorded in Mexico. The majority of bottlenose dolphin sightings with this abnormally white pigmentation have been recorded on the Atlantic coasts from Texas to North Carolina. Therefore, the sighting reported and described herein represents the second odontocete in Mexico and the first confirmed sighting of a leucistic bottlenose dolphin in the Gulf of California. This atypical coloration has never been reported in other studies on this species in the same or adjacent regions in the Gulf of California. For more information, the article is now available to the public on The Aquatic Mammals Web site using the following link: https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art…<https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art…> For a PDF copy, please you can also send a email: hector.perez(a)prescott.edu Best regards, Héctor. _______________________________________ M.C. Héctor Pérez Puig Investigador Residente - Programa de Mamíferos Marinos Centro de Estudios Culturales y Ecológicos Prescott College A.C. Resident Researcher - Marine Mammal Program Prescott College Kino Bay Center for Cultural and Ecological Studies w. www.prescott.edu/kino-bay-center/index.html<http://www.prescott.edu/kino-bay-center/index.html> e. hector.perez(a)prescott.edu<mailto:hector.perez@prescott.edu> t. (01662)-242-0024

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Protected Species Observer Training in Newport, OR Oct 5-6
by Angela Bostwick 21 Sep '19

21 Sep '19

MPSC is holding a training course in Newport, Oregon which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on October 5th and 6th, 2019. This class will include a vessel trip and admission to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where the course will be taking place. The vessel trip will provide opportunity to practice the protected species monitoring identification techniques discussed in class; students will also be able to practice manual settings for wildlife photography using digital SLR cameras, and will learn to estimate distance using binoculars with reticles (cameras and binoculars provided for use). This course will also include a special guest speaker from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), who will discuss life as an observer and different types of wildlife observer work. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with NMFS to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in various other regions or industries (such as renewable energy, dredging, construction, blasting, and pile driving) where monitoring and mitigation for protected species is needed. The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. A discounted rate is available for students/recent graduates, government/veterans, and non-profit organizations. Lunch is provided each day, along with various identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), advice on applying to PSO positions, admission to the aquarium, the vessel trip, and the professional certification. MPSC will also be holding a PSO course in Galveston, TX on September 28-29, which will include a vessel trip and a tour of the TAMUG sea turtle care facility. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Ocean ethics, and John Reynolds' last work
by Wallace, Richard 21 Sep '19

21 Sep '19

Dear Marmam folks, I thought it would be of general enough interest to the Marmam community to share with you some of the work that John E. Reynolds, III was doing when he passed away in December 2017, and which has just now been published. For those who didn’t know John, he was senior scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory, and long-time chair of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission and (before that) chair of MMC’s Committee of Scientific Advisors. John, Sherryl Gilbert, and I were working on an analysis of lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and were in the process of writing it up when he passed. The resulting article, a forum piece in the journal BioScience, is entitled “Improving the integration of restoration and conservation in marine and coastal ecosystems: Lessons from the Deepwater Horizon disaster.” It was published online this week, is open access, and is available here: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biz103. The paper describes the challenges of learning and applying conservation lessons from the Deepwater Horizon and previous oil industry disasters, and culminates in our joining with the many voices in our community who have long called for an ocean ethic. Though it may seem pie-in-the-sky to pit calls for an “ocean ethic” against the neoliberal forces of oil exploration, John was forever optimistic about soldiering on, despite the odds. We honor and remember him with this publication and hope that it contributes to further consideration of the values and advocacy needed to protect our marine and coastal species and ecosystems. Sincerely, Rich Wallace -- Richard L. Wallace Professor, Department of Environmental Studies Co-Director, Whittaker Environmental Research Station Ursinus College 601 E. Main Street Collegeville, PA 19426 USA (610) 409-3730 https://www.ursinus.edu/live/profiles/103-richard-wallace P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

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Sirenews call for articles due 1 October
by James Powell 20 Sep '19

20 Sep '19

Sirenews call for articles. The editors of Sirenews, the IUCN newsletter for the Sirenia Specialist Group, wish to invite authors to submit short articles related to sirenian research and conservation to sirenews(a)sea2shore.org<mailto:sirenews@sea2shore.org>. Material should be submitted in MS Word, less than 500 words in length and may contain photographs, tables and graphs. Recent literature, abstracts, announcements, and news of general interest may also be submitted. Deadline for submission is 1 October 2019. Buddy Powell Bob Bonde Editors

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