September 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Observer Internship - Right Whale Ecology, Provincetown MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 05 Sep '19

05 Sep '19

Right Whale Ecology Program - Observer Internship Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown MA USA The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal Right Whale Ecology Program intern from 2 January – 31 May 2019. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will be the primary vessel observer for the project and will participate in research cruises up to four days a week. Fieldwork responsibilities include photographing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, collecting behavioral and environmental data, recording other sightings events (species, vessels and fishing gear), and working with a habitat research team both in the field and office. Office responsibilities include photo-analysis (downloading images, inputting sightings information, matching individuals to known animals using an online and in-house catalog, cataloging), database entry and maintenance, assisting the aerial team and maintaining vessel field equipment. Minimum Requirements: · A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences · Previous marine mammal survey experience, including experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans · Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters · Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is preferred · Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be prone to serious seasickness · Must be able to live and work well in a team · Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods · Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure Preferred Qualifications: · Experience using iMatch image database software · Experience using GPS equipment · Ability to estimate object ranges from a vessel · Not prone to seasickness · A valid US driver’s license The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions. The intern will often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full field season and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a small stipend to cover general living expenses. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques, and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, matching, and data entry and analysis. Experience in oceanographic sampling can also be gained. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ How to Apply: The application package should include the following attachment(s): 1. A cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals 2. CV/resume 3. College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient) 4. The names and contact information of two references Please email application materials to Stephanie Richardson, srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org with the following text in the subject line: 2019 RW Observer Internship. *Deadline for submissions: September 30, 2019.* -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113

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Right Whale Ecology Program - Habitat Internship
by Stephanie Richardson 05 Sep '19

05 Sep '19

Right Whale Ecology Program - Habitat Internship Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown MA USA The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal Right Whale Ecology Program intern from January 2 - May 31, 2020. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will assist the habitat research associate in the collection and processing of zooplankton in the field and lab. Fieldwork responsibilities include zooplankton collection through tow and pump techniques, marine observer, and environmental data collector. Lab responsibilities include zooplankton species identification and counts, plastics analysis, archiving samples, data entry and maintenance, and maintaining field equipment. Minimum Requirements - A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences - Good memorization skills and strong attention to details - Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is preferred - Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be prone to serious seasickness - Must be able to live and work well in a team - Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods - Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure Preferred Qualifications: - Plankton identification - Microscopy and laboratory experience - Not prone to seasickness - A valid US driver’s license The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions. The intern will often process zooplankton samples independently in the lab, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full five months and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a small stipend to cover general living expenses. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques and zooplankton analysis; and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in boat-based research, zooplankton and environmental collections, plankton identification, plastic analysis, and data entry and analysis. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ How to Apply: The application package should include the following attachment(s): 1) A cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals 2) CV/resume 3) College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient) 4) The names and contact information of two references Please email application materials to Stephanie Richardson, srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org with the following text in the subject line: 2020 RW habitat internship. *Deadline for submissions: September 30th, 2019.* -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113

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New publication on humpback whale song in the South Pacific
by Clare Owen 05 Sep '19

05 Sep '19

Dear MARMAM, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication in Royal Society Open Science: Migratory convergence facilitates cultural transmission of humpback whale song. Clare Owen, Luke Rendell, Rochelle Constantine, Michael J. Noad, Jenny Allen, Olive Andrews, Claire Garrigue, M. Michael Poole, David Donnelly, Nan Hauser and Ellen C. Garland. Abstract: Cultural transmission of behaviour is important in a wide variety of vertebrate taxa from birds to humans. Vocal traditions and vocal learning provide a strong foundation for studying culture and its transmission in both humans and cetaceans. Male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) perform complex, culturally transmitted song displays that can change both evolutionarily (through accumulations of small changes) or revolutionarily (where a population rapidly adopts a novel song). The degree of coordination and conformity underlying song revolutions makes their study of particular interest. Acoustic contact on migratory routes may provide a mechanism for cultural revolutions of song, yet these areas of contact remain uncertain. Here, we compared songs recorded from the Kermadec Islands, a recently discovered migratory stopover, to multiple South Pacific wintering grounds. Similarities in song themes from the Kermadec Islands and multiple wintering locations (from New Caledonia across to the Cook Islands) suggest a location allowing cultural transmission of song eastward across the South Pacific, active song learning (hybrid songs) and the potential for cultural convergence after acoustic isolation at the wintering grounds. As with the correlations in humans between genes, communication and migration, the migration patterns of humpback whales are written into their songs. The paper is available with open access at: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.190337 Kind regards, Clare Owen

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New publication
by pmende01 05 Sep '19

05 Sep '19

Dear all MARMAM suscribers, On behalf of my co-author, I am please to announce our new publication: Paula Méndez-Fernandez, Satie Taniguchi, Marcos C. O. Santos, Irma Cascão, Sophie Quérouil, Vidal Martín, Marisa Tejedor, Manuel Carrillo, Caroline Rinaldi, Renato Rinaldi, Dalia C. Barragán-Barrera, Nohelia Farías-Curtidor, Susana Caballero, Rosalinda C. Montone (2019) Population structure of the Atlantic spotted dolphin (/Stenella frontalis/) inferred through ecological markers. Aquat Ecol https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-019-09722-3. The publication is available from the authors or at the link below for four weeks: http://www.springer.com/home?SGWID=0-0-1003-0-0&aqId=3838926&download=1&che… <http://links.springernature.com/f/a/3rE4kDTA-m7Xzifk-enGyA~~/AABE5gA~/RgRfT…> Abstract: Population structure studies play an increasingly integral role in conservation and management of marine mammal species. Genetic markers are commonly used; however, ecological markers (i.e. chemical compounds) are a fairly recent and useful tool to investigate ecological management units. The objective of this study is to investigate the population structure of the Atlantic spotted dolphin (/Stenella frontalis/) within its distribution in the Atlantic Ocean using data from stable isotopes of d13C and d15N and persistent organic pollutants as ecological markers. Based on previous studies that addressed distribution, morphometric analyses and molecular and ecological markers, we hypothesize that there are several ecological management units within the Atlantic Ocean. Our results confirmed population differentiation previously detected using genetic markers. Additionally, dolphins from the south-eastern coast of Brazil do not show complete ecological segregation from the Caribbean ones, while molecular analyses suggested genetic differentiation between the two regions. In the light of these results, we propose that at least two ecological management units should be considered, east and west of the Atlantic Ocean; however, the presence of one or two management units along the Atlantic coast of Central and South America needs further investigation. Best regards, Paula Méndez-Fernandez http://observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr

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National Marine Life Center Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Internship
by Gabbie Nicoletta 05 Sep '19

05 Sep '19

MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTERNSHIP The National Marine Life Center is now accepting applications for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Internship for Spring 2020. The application deadline is November 1, 2019. The internship will run from the first week of January through the third week of May. Animal Care Responsibilities: Depending on need and case load, interns will assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including seals, sea turtles, and a variety of native turtle species. Animal Care duties will include animal restraint; cleaning; disinfecting tanks, equipment, and environmental enrichment devices; diet preparation; administering feeds (including tube feeding); record keeping; facility maintenance; and water quality testing. Interns will also assist animal care staff with medical procedures, admission exams, animal necropsies, and release events. Education Responsibilities: Interns will assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, fairs, and festivals. Programs will focus on marine animals, rehabilitation practices, conservation, and STEM activities. Interns will learn how to effectively interpret and educate guests of NMLC on marine animals and conservation. Interns may be asked to work in the gift shop and assist with various office projects such as fundraising and data entry. Opportunities may be available to create displays for the Discovery Center and help create lesson plans and activities that are aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and Ocean Literacy Principles. Other Responsibilities: Each intern is assigned to multiple projects in different areas of the organization, e.g. research, fundraising, rehabilitation, marketing, social media or education. A weekly chore will be delegated to each intern to assist with the upkeep of the facility and equipment. Each intern is required to attend regularly scheduled meetings throughout their time at NMLC. At the end of the internship, each intern will deliver a presentation about their experience and projects to staff, volunteers, and members of the public. Positions are unpaid. Interns must have their own transportation. Housing is not provided, but NMLC will offer suggestions. Qualifications * Must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university; preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or other related fields. * Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. * Must be adaptable, responsible, hard working, willing to learn, and have attention to detail. * Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. * Must be willing to engage in a positive and informative manner with members of the public on a regular basis. * Must be willing to participate in and receive constructive feedback. * Must expect to work 30-40 hours per week, which can include early morning and/or late night seal feedings depending on the season. * If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the start date, and it will be the responsibility of the intern to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted. To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to <mailto:internship@nmlc.org> internship(a)nmlc.org or P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532. Due to the high number of applications, only qualified candidates will be contacted. Gabriella Nicoletta Animal Care Assistant National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 Office: (508)-743-9888 x306 Email: gnicoletta(a)nmlc.org <mailto:gnicoletta@nmlc.org> www.nmlc.org <http://www.nmlc.org>

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Sources for suction cups
by Rui Prieto 05 Sep '19

05 Sep '19

Dear Marmaners, Some days ago I posted a request for information on suction cups vendors, for cetacean tagging work. First, I would like to show my appreciation to all who took time to respond. Below is a list of the suggestions I received, in alphabetical order, in case it is useful to someone else out there. Best regards, Rui Prieto 1900 engineering (https://www.researchmicrospeckle.com/) Andrew Cannon runs 1900 engineering. Among other things they developed and produce multi-material anti-skid suction cups for 'slippery' species (such as blue whales), reportedly with encouraging results. (Thanks to Lars Kleivane from lkarts.no for this tip). CATs (www.CATs.is) CATs produces customized tags, including their own suction cups that can be sold separately. Tags and cups have been extensively tested on several species. (Thanks to Elliot Hazen and Jeremy Kiszka for mentioning CATs). EHEIM (https://www.eheim.com) EHEIM is a distributor of equipment for aquariums, including suction cups. Suction cups from them have been tested for short-term (couple of hours) deployments on dolphins. (Thanks to Klaus Lucke from jasco.com for this tip). Vi-cas (https://vi-cas.com/) The Crittercam people use suction cups from vi-cas, reportedly with good results. Vis-cas is an industrial suction cup manufacturer but they seem to be receptive to work with researchers and modify designs to accommodate special needs (Thanks to Kyler Abernathy from NG Labs for this info).

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New publication: Long-term isolation at a low effective population size greatly reduced genetic diversity in Gulf of California fin whales
by Rivera Leon, V.E. 05 Sep '19

05 Sep '19

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following open-access publication: Long-term isolation at a low effective population size greatly reduced genetic diversity in Gulf of California fin whales https://rdcu.be/bPDXv Abstract The Gulf of California, Mexico is home to many cetacean species, including a presumed resident population of fin whales, *Balaenoptera physalus*. Past studies reported very low levels of genetic diversity among Gulf of California fin whales and a significant level of genetic differentiation from con-specifics in the eastern North Pacific. The aim of the present study was to assess the degree and timing of the isolation of Gulf of California fin whales in a population genetic analysis of 18 nuclear microsatellite genotypes from 402 samples and 565 mitochondrial control region DNA sequences (including mitochondrial sequences retrieved from NCBI). The analyses revealed that the Gulf of California fin whale population was founded ~2.3 thousand years ago and has since remained at a low effective population size (~360) and isolated from the eastern North Pacific (*Nem* between 0.89–1.4). The low effective population size and high degree of isolation implied that Gulf of California fin whales are vulnerable to the negative effects of genetic drift, human-caused mortality and habitat change. Please email me if you have any questions about this work ( v.e.rivera.leon(a)rug.nl) All my best, Vania

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New paper on blue whale reproductive competition and D-Calls
by Elena Schall 05 Sep '19

05 Sep '19

We are pleased to announce our new paper in Marine Mammal Science on blue whale reproductive competition and the use of D-Calls: *Visual and passive acoustic observations of blue whale trios from two distinct populations* Elena Schall, Lucia Di Iorio, Catherine Berchok, Diego Filún, Luis Bedriñana‐Romano, Susannah J. Buchan, Ilse Van Opzeeland, Richard Sears & Rodrigo Hucke‐Gaete This note is available as an early view version with open access under the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12643 Best regards, Elena Schall -- Elena Schall PhD Student Ocean Acoustics Lab Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research Klußmannstr. 3d 27570 Bremerhaven email: elena.schall(a)awi.de Phone: +49(471)4831-2157

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High qualified MMO/PAM course Savona Italy, october.
by Moidjio CRCAD 04 Sep '19

04 Sep '19

Dear marine mammals observers community, Menkab el respiro del mare in partnership with Moidjio CRCAD is welcoming you in the Pelagos sanctuary, in Savona for an ACCOBAMS accredited course to become an observer of excellence ! Our has develop a complete course with a big emphasis on PAM and field practice with our expert team of both organisation. This is one of the best place to train as you will have the opportunity to observe for Cuvier Beaked whales, Spermwhales, fin whales, striped dolphins and bottlenose dolphins plus more if lucky. We are planning a 6 days course with plenty of sea time (4days) and practice with Pam gears and PAMGUARD software file setting to built your own !!!! The cost is of 650 Euros. Please contact violi.biagio(a)gmail.com or moidjio(a)hotmail.com Space are limited and demand high! Book asap. Benjamin Wambergue and Biagio Violi. Sent from Outlook Mobile<https://aka.ms/blhgte>

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Request for Proposals - ACS-LA Student Travel Grants to World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona, Spain Dec 9-12, 2019.
by ACS-LA.Grants 04 Sep '19

04 Sep '19

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of applications for 2019 Student Travel Grants. Deadline for Submission is 1-October-2019, Awards Announced 15-October. The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS funds students traveling to conferences that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. ACS-LA is pleased to announce the availability of two student travel grants, in the amount of $500.00 each, to students traveling to the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona, Spain, 9-12 December 2019 (https://www.wmmconference.org) Guidelines for Research Grants: The two $500 travel grants will be awarded to two students exhibiting outstanding commitment to research on marine mammals. Students should either be attending school in California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in California. Presenting at the WMMC is not a requirement for applying for the student travel grant, but priority will be given to students presenting a poster at the conference. Eligibility: 1. Applicant needs to be a student (undergraduate or graduate) and be attending the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona Spain in December 2019. Proof of registration will be required prior to receiving your award. Preference will be given to those presenting a poster or oral talk at the WMMC. 2. Applicant should be a student attending an accredited institution and living in California or who’s research focus is on Marine Mammals located in or around California. Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover letter summarizing why you are qualified to receive this award and how this grant will help you. Cover letter must include the following: a) Title of poster presentation being given at the WMMC (if presenting) and the abstract submitted to WMMC. Note: presenting is not required to receive a travel grant award. If not presenting, write “not presenting”. b) Your area of interest or area of research c) Applicant Contact Information (Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers) d) Current school and major including current supervisor and department. If you are an undergraduate please indicate special areas of interest for you and give the name of your supervising professor if you have one. 2. Proof that applicant is a student (photo of the front and back of current student ID card). 3. A one-page CV or Resume. 4. Note: Upon acceptance of the award, proof of W<<C registration will be required prior to receipt of grant award check. Conference attendance is required to receive this award. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 1 October, 2019. Awards will be announced by 15 October, 2019. Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. To join ACS-LA, please go to http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ <http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/> and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org <http://www.acsonline.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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