January 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Re: [MARMAM] Post-doctoral position in Dolphin Functional Genomics, Museum and Institute of Zoology, Poland
by Andre Moura 30 Jan '20

30 Jan '20

Dear Marmam subscribers, A postdoctoral research assistant position is available at the research group led by Dr Andre E. Moura at the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (MIZ-PAS). The research group is focused on cetacean ecology and evolution, and this position will focus on genomic analyses of striped dolphin in relation to Morbillivirus infection. The position is available for 33 months, and includes a three month probation period. The expected start date is early April 2020, or sooner if the successful candidate is available. The research group is based at the Research Station of the MIZ-PAS in Gdańsk, and maintains strong links with the main research facilities of the MIZ in Warsaw. Therefore, research visits at the main MIZ facilities in Warsaw may be required as part of the job duties. The Research Station also hosts groups working on canid genomics and avian immunogenetics. The post-doctoral assistant will possess expertise in evolutionary genomics, population genomics or bioinformatics. Candidates can have a background (BSc or MSc degree) in biology, zoology, bioinformatics, computer science, or related fields, and a PhD degree (awarded or to be awarded soon) in a relevant area. The PhD degree should have been awarded no earlier than 7 years before the start of employment. The candidate must be eligible to work in Poland at the time of appointment. A list of required skills can be seen at the end of this message. To apply, the following documents should be sent to Andre Moura at avmoura(a)miiz.waw.pl no later than 28.02. 2020: 1. Copy of a PhD certificate 2. Curriculum vitae including a publication list, with the following statement provided at the end and signed: “I give my consent to the processing of personal data provided in my application documents by the Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS for the purpose of the recruitment process, pursuant to the Personal Data Protection Act of 10 May 2018 (Journal of Laws 2018, item 1000) and in agreement with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation; L 119 from 04.05.2016)”. IMPORTANT: Applications that do not include this statement cannot be processed. 3. Motivation letter (maximum one page) 4. A copy of one research paper to be evaluated in the recruitment process 5. Contact details of two persons who can be contacted for references. The interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place in early March at the Research Station of the Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS in Gdańsk-Górki Wschodnie. A Skype interview can be arranged. Informal inquiries can also be addressed to Andre Moura. Essential skills: 1. Experience with preparing NGS libraries and processing NGS data 2. Good knowledge of evolutionary theory and/or population genetic theory 3. Experience of Linux/Unix environment; 4. Experience with at least one coding language (e.g. Python, Perl, Unix Shell scripts); 5. Good organisational skills; 6. Experience with large databases; 7. Ability to work independently and to communicate with a multi-disciplinary team; Desirable skills: 8. Experience with analysing whole-genome datasets, aligning to reference genomes, SNP detection; 9. Experience with software for evolutionary genomic analyses; 10. Experience with online genomic databases; 11. Good understanding of natural selection theory; 12. Good understanding of mammalian immune system; 13. Experience of working in an international team. Research environment The research at the MIZ is focused on a broad range of themes in animal biology, including systematics, biogeography, evolutionary biology, ecology and population genetics. Andre Moura research group is part of the Laboratory of the Molecular and Biometric Techniques led by Prof. Wieslaw Bogdanowicz, grouping researchers focused on population genetics, phylogeography and evolutionary genomics of a broad range of animal taxa. MIZ laboratories contain modern equipment for genomic analyses, including Pacific Biosciences RSII long-read sequencer and Illumina MiSeq System. The state-of-the-art ancient DNA laboratory carries out work on mammalian palaeogenetics. The Museum zoological collection is among the largest and most valuable in Europe.

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New publication - Identification of seal foraging areas (horizontal vs. vertical approaches)
by yann.planque＠univ-lr.fr 30 Jan '20

30 Jan '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share you our new publication on *'Comparing the horizontal and vertical approaches used to identify foraging areas of two diving marine predators'* by Yann Planque, Mathilde Huon, Florence Caurant, David Pinaud and Cécile Vincent, in Marine Biology. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00227-019-3636-8 *Abstract*: Accurately locating the foraging areas of diving marine predators is central to understanding their ecology and implementing conservation and management regulations. This study compares horizontal and vertical approaches of identifying seal foraging areas. We analysed GPS locations and dive data obtained from GPS/GSM tags fitted on eight grey seals (/Halichoerus grypus/) and nine harbour seals (/Phoca vitulina/). In the horizontal dimension, we used the First Passage Time to identify Area-Restricted Search (ARS) behaviour. In the vertical dimension, we used two dive criteria indicating benthic foraging behaviour: dive shape and vertical descent speed. The two approaches were spatially compared using the Index of Differences in Spatial Pattern. We found that the two approaches highlight similar hotspots when pooling all individuals of the same species. However, the degree of overlap varied considerably at the individual level. Some individuals performed most of their likely foraging dives (vertical dimension) in areas where they also displayed ARS behaviour (horizontal dimension), while others performed these dives both in and outside ARS zones. We suggest that comparing foraging areas detected from horizontal and vertical approaches (1) can strengthen the confidence in the efficiency of approaches to accurately spatialize the actual foraging effort of a diving predator at the scale of a colony (sampled with several individuals); and (2) provides more comprehensive insights into potential interindividual differences in foraging strategies as some divergent individual strategies may not be detected using only horizontal movements. *Reference*: Planque, Y., Huon, M., Caurant, F., Pinaud, D., Vincent, C. Comparing the horizontal and vertical approaches used to identify foraging areas of two diving marine predators. /Mar Biol/ 167, 25 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-019-3636-8 If you do not have access to Marine Biology, do not hesitate to contact me at yann.planque(a)univ-lr.fr. Best regards, Yann Planque -- Yann Planque Doctorant / PhD student *La Rochelle Université* Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC, UMR 7372 CNRS/ULR) Centre Commun d'Analyses 5 allée de l'Océan, 17 000 La Rochelle, France Tel: +33 (0)5 46 50 76 42 www.cebc.cnrs.fr <http://www.cebc.cnrs.fr> www.univ-larochelle.fr <http://www.univ-larochelle.fr>

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Job Announcement: NMFS SE Marine Mammal and Turtle Division Director
by David Bernhart 29 Jan '20

29 Jan '20

The National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center announced a vacancy today for the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division Director. This position involves a realignment of duties within the Center to focus on our sea turtle and marine mammal research and conservation priorities. There is 1 position, being advertised at all of the SEFSC's major locations: Miami, FL; Panama City, FL; Pascagoula, MS; Galveston, TX; and Beaufort, NC. This is a permanent position. Salary ranges from $126,810 to $170,800 per year. The position announcement is titled, Supervisory Research Fish Biologist, ZP-0482-5 (Direct Hire). For a Direct Hire announcements, applicants need to submit a resume/CV and transcripts that demonstrate they meet the position's specialized experience and educational requirements. The announcement is only open for 7 days, and applications need to be submitted by February 4. The link to the vacancy announcement is: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/558063000 If you have questions about this position, feel free to contact me off-list. This is an exciting opportunity to advance the science and conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles in the Southeast U.S. and beyond. David Bernhart Director, Protected Resources & Biodiversity Division (Acting) Southeast Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service 305-361-4252

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Cetacean Research Micro-Internship Greece Summer 2020
by Κimonas Koemtzopoulos 29 Jan '20

29 Jan '20

Dear All, On behalf of MOm/ Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for our summer 2019 research season of the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project. The project takes place in the pristine National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades and focuses on the photo-identification and behavioural data collection for the populations of Striped Dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba*), Common Dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) and Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) regularly found in the area as well as the occasional encounter with Cuvier’s Beaked Whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*) and Risso’s Dolphins (*Grampus griseus*). *Location*: National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades - Alonissos, Greece *Dates*: 15 June – 6 September 2019 *Duration*: Minimum 1 Week *You will*: - Receive Training and Experience in marine mammal research methods - Participate in daily boat-based research expeditions (weather-dependent) - Participate in data collection and data analysis (Behavioural data, Photo-ID) - Learn about cetacean biology, ecology and conservation - Actively contribute to marine conservation in a Marine Protected Area - Experience life on a beautiful Greek Island in the largest Marine Protected Area in Europe. *Requirements*: No previous experience is required. All you need is an interest in Cetacean biology, ecology and conservation and a positive attitude. Joining one of our weekly expeditions requires a participation fee which covers shared accommodation, two meals/day, training/lessons and part of the operational costs of the project. *How to Participate*: To participate in the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project please visit: www.northernaegeandolphinproject.com For information on MOm please visit: www.mom.gr For reviews of the experience by previous participants please visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/mom.gr Best wishes to all! Κίμων Κοεμτζόπουλος - *Βιολόγος MSc* *MOm/Εταιρεία Μελέτης & Προστασίας Μεσογειακής Φώκιας* Kimon Koemtzopoulos - *Biologist MSc* *MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal* www.mom.gr info(a)mom.gr T: 0030 *2105222888* M: 0030 *6937580071*

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New publication on trace elements concentrations in long-finned pilot whales stranded in northern Patagonia, Chile
by Ana M Garcia Cegarra 29 Jan '20

29 Jan '20

New publication on trace elements concentrations in long-finned pilot whales stranded in northern Patagonia, Chile. On behalf of my co-authors I would like to share with you a recent publication on concentrations of trace elements in long-finned pilot whales stranded in northern Patagonia, Chile. The reference and abstract are given below and the paper is available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338147653_Concentration_of_trace_e… Thank you! Ana García Reference: Garcia-Cegarra, A.M., Padilha, J.A., Ferreira-BRaz, B., Ricciardi, R., Espejo, W., Chiang, G., Bahamonde, P. Concentration of trace elements in long-finned pilot whales stranded in northern Patagonia, Chile. Marine Pollution Bulletin 151, 110822, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110822 Abstract: The use of trace metals and rare-earth elements (REEs) is increasing in the mining, metallurgic, electronic,and automobile industries due to their magnetic, heat-resistant and phosphorescent properties. While large amounts of these metals are released to the environment, the toxic consequences in marine organisms are poorly understood. In Chile a mass stranding event of long-finned pilot whales (LFPW) (Globicephala melas) occurred in 2016 due to unknown consequences. Al, Ce, Cr, Cu, Tl and Zn concentrations were analyzed in LFPW blubber tissue and correlated with body size and age class of individuals. While Al, and Zn were higher in juvenile individuals, Ce, Cu, Cr and Tl were higher in adults. This study provides the first base line of trace metals and RRE in LFPW from the southern hemisphere and demonstrates the existence and persistence of trace elements in marine top predators from remote ecosystems like the Chilean Patagonia. Ana García-Cegarra, Ph.D. MERI Foundation Avda. Kennedy 5682, Vitacura, Santiago Chile Phone: +56981282252 Email: anamaria.garcia(a)gmail.com

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New publication (Photographic capture-recapture analysis reveals a large population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) with low site fidelity off the North West Cape, Western Australia)
by Rebecca Haughey 28 Jan '20

28 Jan '20

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication: Haughey R, Hunt T, Hanf D, Rankin R W and Parra, G J. 2020. Photographic capture-recapture analysis reveals a large population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) with low site fidelity off the North West Cape, Western Australia. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:781 doi: 10.3389/fmars.2019.00781 Abstract: Little is known about the ecology of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) inhabiting the coastal waters of tropical north-western Australia. We used photo-identification data collected between 2013 and 2015, site fidelity indexes and capture-recapture models to estimate the abundance and site fidelity patterns of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (T. aduncus) inhabiting the coastal waters off the North West Cape (NWC), Western Australia. A standardized site fidelity index (SSFI) indicated low site fidelity (SSFI = 0.019) at the population level to the 130 km2 study area. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) of individual re-sight rates classified 58% of individuals as "non-residents." Open POPAN modeling estimated a super-population size of 311 (95% CI: 249-373) individuals over the study period. A maximum likelihood transient model which considers both resident and non-resident individuals in a population, estimated a resident population of 141 (95% CI: 121-161) individuals and a super-population of 370 (95% CI: 333-407) individuals. These models indicate that a large population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins of relatively high density (an average of 2.4-2.8 bottlenose dolphins per km2) inhabits the waters off the NWC. The large number of both resident and non-resident bottlenose dolphins found throughout the coastal waters off the NWC suggest this area, as well as neighboring waters outside our study area, are of high importance to this species. Open access to the article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00781/full Rebecca Haughey PhD candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University * rebecca.haughey(a)flinders.edu.au * www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> Twitter: @ahaugheythere @CEBELresearch Facebook: CEBEL

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JOB OPENING in HAWAII: Hawaii Marine Animal Response - Field Support & Outreach Lead (Part Time)
by Carissa Cabrera 27 Jan '20

27 Jan '20

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is the largest Hawaii-based nonprofit marine species conservation and response organization. We operate on the islands of Oahu and Molokai with our team of dedicated volunteers, interns and staff that are supported by private donations, corporate funding and government grants. We work to achieve our mission through activity every day of the year that impacts our core objectives: (1) growing an active and engaged public, (2) species management and recovery, and (3) saving animals that need help. Thousands of times each year, our field response, escalations, rescue, outreach and education activities help us move towards our vision of Hawaii’s ocean ecosystem shared in harmony by humans and protected marine species. Through agreements and relationships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Hawaii, our work is focused on the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, endangered and threatened sea turtles, protected seabird species and our nearshore ocean ecosystem. ABOUT THE JOB OPENING: We have an immediate opening for a part-time Field Support & Outreach Lead on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. This job is a part-time position (20 hours per week) and is exempt from requirements to provide paid health care insurance. The position is responsible for the following duties: - Training and managing volunteers and interns to ensure needed field activity is performed to high standards. - Performing field response, surveys and outreach activity. - Perform or assist with escalated response actions, animal intervention activity, marine animal rescue and stranding support. - Engage with the public to educate people about protected marine species and the ocean ecosystem. - Assist other staff with gaps in personnel coverage and on completing key projects. NEEDED CORE COMPETENCIES: - Possess excellent oral and written command of the English language. - Have excellent interpersonal communications skills and the interest and ability to teach and mentor others. - Be a person with a professional and open personal demeanor that enjoys contact with the public, volunteers and fellow staff. - Possess effective personnel management skills. - Ability to thrive in a highly dynamic environment and the flexibility to navigate changing organizational needs. - Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful conditions. - Schedule flexibility and a sense of urgency that matches the unpredictable and critical nature of marine animal response. - Some field response activity will involve interaction with animals that are expired and in various stages of decomposition. Candidates must be able to see and do unpleasant things without feeling sick. - Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude. - Ability to work in a virtual environment most often without direct supervision. - Have a passion for and an understanding of environmental, conservation or wildlife issues. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: - 21 years of age or older. - College degree or equivalent. - Willingness to commit to this position for a period of at least 2 years. - U.S. citizenship. - A least 1 year in prior supervisory positions or other relevant experience. - Relevant work experience, preferably in marine animal management, conservation or environmental matters. - Full-time access to a reliable vehicle (candidates with full-time access to a truck will be given priority). - Valid drivers license with clean driving record. - Proof of insurance with Hawaii minimum liability coverage. - Ability to swim in open ocean conditions. - Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service. - Access to a digital camera (not a smartphone) with at least 35X zoom and Wi-Fi capabilities. - Access to binoculars with at least 10X magnification. - Access to a personal computer with Internet access. - Ability to walk at least 3 miles over shoreline conditions including rocky and unstable substrate. - Ability to lift and carry at least 70 pounds over 100 feet. - Be available for emergency response anywhere on the Island of Oahu. - Physical abilities to support strenuous activities associated with restraint or transport of heavy marine animals in difficult shoreline terrain and challenging environmental conditions. - Pass a background check. ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Experience with small boat operations and open ocean in-water environments. - HAZWOPER Operations level certification (24-hour course) or higher. - American Red Cross or equivalent first aid, CPR and AED certification. - American Red Cross or equivalent lifeguard certification. INTERESTED APPLICANTS AND DEADLINE: Please send a letter of interest, your resume or CV with three references for consideration to info(a)h-mar.org. The deadline to receive these items is October 31, 2019 however candidates applying earlier will be given priority and an offer of employment may be made prior to October 31, 2019. To learn more about HMAR please visit our website at http://h-mar.org.

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PAID Field Technician Positions Available: Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Research, Summer 2020
by Laura Bogaard 27 Jan '20

27 Jan '20

PAID Field Technician Positions Available: Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Research, Summer 2020. June 25 - September 4, 2020 (1 month minimum; start/end dates flexible; preference given to applicants available for the entire period), with a possibility of extending fieldwork through September. Oceans Initiative is a team of scientists on a mission to protect marine wildlife. Our US team is based out of Seattle, WA. We are currently recruiting 4 highly motivated field technicians to collect behavioral and AIS data on killer whales and vessels from land-based study sites on San Juan Island for our summer 2020 field season. Experience with theodolite tracking of cetaceans, and SRKW identification skills, are highly valued. Must be able to work independently and as part of a close-knit team where a positive attitude is essential. Applicants with substantial experience in theodolite tracking, project leadership, and project management may be considered for a coordinator role. The primary goal of this project is to measure the effectiveness of recent efforts to reduce impacts of vessel noise and disturbance on foraging of SRKWs. Data collection involves: recording behavioral observations of SRKW activity in Haro Strait, theodolite tracking of vessel and whale movement, storing and processing AIS data, and documenting small vessel presence and activity within 1000m of the whales. Qualification requirements: Student or recent graduate of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program, or related experience. Excellent communication skills. Experience working as a naturalist on a whale watching boat in the Salish Sea would be helpful. Genuine interest in killer whale behavior, and conservation. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Must be able to collect data on uneven terrain, in variable weather conditions (40F-100F, rain, humidity and biting insects). Knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses an asset. Familiarity with data storage and management processes. Ability to work on-call, dawn-dusk, for multi-week shifts with scheduled days off. Duties include: staying current on location of SRKW through frequent monitoring of sightings network, high-quality data collection, data management, meticulous note-taking, providing daily communication with executive team via Slack, maintenance of field equipment, and some content creation for social media posts. Preferred applicants will be available for the entire 2 month period, with the potential of extending into September. Those with first hand marine mammal observing experience and/or experience working on whale-watch vessels in the San Juans, are especially encouraged to apply. If you have experience with theodolite tracking of cetaceans, please mention this clearly in your cover letter, and mention the software you have used to track cetaceans. This position is PAID (remuneration dependent upon qualifications and experience) and housing on San Juan Island will be provided. While technicians will have to provide their own food and transportation to and around the island, one round-trip ferry ticket will be provided--any additional trips off-island must be covered by the individual. Applicant must be eligible to work legally in the U.S. for the duration of the employment period. Interested applicants must send a cover letter, CV and dates of availability to team(a)oceansinitiatve.org <mailto:team@oceansinitiatve.org> before April 3rd, 2020 to be considered. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay through the entire project. Application review will begin immediately. More information about Oceans Initiative can be found at www.oceansinitiative.org <http://www.oceansinitiative.org/> or by contacting us directly at team(a)oceansinitiative.org <mailto:team@oceansinitiative.org>. Thank you, Erin Ashe, PhD Rob Williams, PhD Laura Bogaard, BASc

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New publication on male northern elephant seal vocalization source levels and ambient noise in breeding rookeries
by Brandon Southall 27 Jan '20

27 Jan '20

Colleagues, My co-authors and I would like to bring to your attention a recent publication on vocalization characteristics and ambient noise in northern elephant seal breeding rookeries. The reference and abstract are given below and the paper is available on request or at: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.5139422 Thanks, Brandon Southall —— Reference: Southall, B.L., Casey, C., Holt, M., Insley, S., and Reichmuth, C. (2019). High-amplitude vocalizations of male northern elephant seals and associated ambient noise on a breeding rookery. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. 146, 4514-4524. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5139422 Abstract: Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris ) are massive, land-breeding marine mammals that produce loud, stereotyped calls during annual breeding seasons. To determine vocalization source levels emitted by competing males on a mainland breeding rookery, aerial calls were measured on axis at 1m from adult males using three different sound pressure level metrics. Time-averaged (1 min) ambient noise was also measured under variable environmental and social conditions. Results indicate that male northern elephant seals emit high amplitude airborne calls with little variation in call amplitude. Mean source levels ranged from 98 to 114 dB re: 20 l Pa [root-mean-square (rms) -fast], 102–116 dB re: 20 l Pa (rms-impulse), and 120–131 dB re: 20 l Pa (peak) and average standard deviations for all metrics were < 2.3 dB. Further, these seal rookeries exhibit high variability in ambient noise (in terms of both spectrum and amplitude) from biotic and environmental sources. Finally, males sampled did not adjust call amplitude to compensate for higher background noise levels and thus did not exhibit a Lombard effect. These findings reinforce the view that the remarkable vocalizations of male northern elephant seals serve as rigid and powerful signals that convey individual identity within noisy breeding colonies rather than as honest indicators of size, status, or motivation.

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Protected Species Observer Training in Charleston, SC June 6 - 7, 2020
by Angela Bostwick 26 Jan '20

26 Jan '20

MPSC is offering a training course in Charleston, SC which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on June 6th-7th, 2020. This class will include a tour of the sea turtle rehabilitation facilities at the South Carolina Aquarium, where we will discuss key identifying traits and behaviors of the animals while viewing them in person. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety & Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and is often accepted in various industries and regions where mitigation for protected species is needed. PSOs monitor for marine mammals and sea turtles and also advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals worldwide. PSO Certification is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in various 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, locating and identify the animals, and objective documentation of behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. Attendees will also be able to practice manual settings for professional wildlife photography using digital SLR cameras, and will practice distance estimation using binoculars with reticles (cameras and binoculars provided for use). Discounts are available for students/recent graduates, government/veterans, and members of 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, the tour of the Sea Turtle Care Center, admission to the aquarium, and the professional certification. We are also offering a PSO Certification Course in Clearwater, FL on February 29 - March 1, 2020. Additional information for either course may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting us 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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