January 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Posting for Soundwatch Program Coordinator
by Jenny Atkinson 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

Job Posting by The Whale Museum <https://whalemuseum.org/pages/job-internship-volunteer-opportunities> Position: Soundwatch Boater Education Program Coordinator. Year-round FT employment includes health care benefits. http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum promotes stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The Soundwatch Boater Education Program was initiated in 1993 by The Whale Museum to reduce disturbances to marine wildlife caused by irresponsible boater behaviors. This innovative program educates boaters on guidelines and regulations for marine wildlife through shore-based education, reinforces the learning experience through on-the-water educational patrols, monitors vessel activities to characterize vessel trends, and evaluate existing guidelines and laws. The main focus of our work is the endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) but there are other marine mammal species of importance in our region, including Transient killer whales, Minke whales, Humpback whales, Fin whales, Harbor porpoise, Dall's porpoise, Harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and many other cetacean and pinniped species. The Program Coordinator is expected to oversee all aspects of the Soundwatch Program including, but not limited to: coordination of seasonal field operations; small vessel operations/maintenance, Be Whale Wise education/outreach on marine stewardship; maintenance of the program long-term data sets and database; preparation of program reports; training, mentoring and coordination of volunteers, interns and seasonal contract employees; assistance with grant writing/fund raising; collaborate with partner monitoring programs, the whale watch industry and federal and state marine mammal management and enforcement teams. The successful candidate should understand and have experience with U.S. and Canadian recovery priorities related to the endangered SRKWs. The Program Coordinator reports to the Museum Executive Director and must work cooperatively with other museum staff. This position is classed as year-round, full-time Management/Administrative with field work responsibilities. Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree plus 7 years' experience in a relevant field, specifically marine mammal research in the wild * Experienced boat operator with expertise in boat maintenance * Strong knowledge of marine ecosystems, marine mammal biology and natural history, specifically the endangered SRKWs and the Salish Sea. * Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary for public interaction, conflict resolution, department planning, grant writing and project management experience * Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively with staff & board, interns/volunteers, visitors, members, and the public. * Ability to multi-task and work flexible schedule, specifically some weekends and evenings. * Ability to collect and synthesize information; effective problem solving skills. * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. * Ability to lift 40 lbs. or more and to stand for long periods of time * Excellent computer/technological skills (i.e., database management, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office) Soundwatch Program Coordinator should plan to be in place by March 2, 2020 (start date may be negotiable). Active review of submitted applications will begin in January and continue until the position is filled. Note: International applicants required to have approved Visa and documentation to work in the U.S. at the time of submission. Application package should include: a cover letter, resume and up to five references (reference letter or contact information for each reference). Electronic submissions are encouraged in the form of a PDF compiled with the requested information. Please send to: Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director, The Whale Museum, P. O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or Email: jenny(a)whalemuseum.org <mailto:jenny@whalemuseum.org> Click to download <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0249/1083/files/Soundwatch_Program_Coordi nator_ad.pdf?91> a PDF of this posting. Jenny L. Atkinson Executive Director The Whale Museum P. O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-4710 ext. 26 www.whalemuseum.org <http://www.whalemuseum.org>

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Research internships - Namibia - June-Aug 2020
by Simon Elwen 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

The Namibian Dolphin Project (est 2008) leads a wide range of research and education activities focused on the marine mega-fauna of Namibia. Our research has a strong focus on cetaceans, including bioacoustic, behavioural, genetic and conservation ecology. We are running research internships during our main field season of June to August 2020 in Walvis Bay, Namibia and would like to invite students enrolled in marine biology, ecology and zoology degrees to attend. Youcan learn more about the Namibian Dolphin Project and ourumbrella organisation Sea Search Research and Conservation (including publications) by following these links (www.namibiandolphinproject.org/ www.seasearch.co.za ) Interns will join an active research programme during an intensive period of field work aiming to tackle a number of research questions including long-term population monitoring (photo ID and static acoustic monitoring), behavioural acoustics of bottlenose and Heaviside's dolphins (linking sounds to behaviours), behavioural and acoustic responses to anthropogenic activities (tourism and construction) and response to stranded cetaceans (refloatation/data collection). Our focal study species are Heaviside's dolphins, a small population of common bottlenose dolphins (<100) and humpback whales with additional data collection on right whales, sunfish (Mola mola), African Penguins, sea turtles, jackals and Cape fur seals. Internships are research focused with an emphasis on learning (and using) field skills in cetacean research such as photo-identification, bioacoustics, biopsy,eDNA, spatially explicit capture-recapture and behavioural data collection, as well as data management and team work. There is a fee associated with the internship to cover accommodation, food and training costs. . If you are interested in this placement please send a copy of your CV and a letter of motivation to info(a)seasearch.co.za. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions regarding this training opportunity. Kind regards Dr Simon Elwen and Namibian Dolphin Project Team www.namibiandolphinproject.org -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. - Director Sea Search Research & Conservation and the Namibian Dolphin Project Research Associate: Department of Zoology and Botany - Stellenbosch University & Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria

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Post Doctoral Fellowship on humpback dolphins in South Africa
by Tess Gridley - Namibian Dolphin Project 12 Jan '20

12 Jan '20

*South African National Research Foundation funded Post Doctoral Fellowship - 'Finding the humpback (dolphin) in the haystack' - species classification from long-term datasets to help understand the occurrence, movement and density of South Africa's endangered humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea)* An NRF funded Post Doctoral Fellowship (21-24 months) is currently available focused on humpback dolphin passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). The objective is to use PAM to investigate species occurrence, individual movement and density of the locally endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (*Sousa plumbea*). Data processing of long-term datasets is a core component of this fellowship and this will feed into the PhD research (underway). The successful applicant will have experience analysing large acoustic datasets and ideally acoustic species classification. The candidate will work with, and report to, members of the SouSA consortium - a nation-wide research group focused on working together to improve the conservation status of the species. *Host: *This position is offered by Dr Tess Gridley through an NRF Marine and Coastal Research grant (2019-2021). The successful post doctoral fellow will be registered at the University of Cape Town. This project is conducted in collaboration with Dr Simon Elwen (University of Stellenbosch & Sea Search) and within the SouSA consortium framework. The fellow will work closely with Ms Sasha Dines, the PhD candidate appointed to this project. *Value of the fellowship: *Post Doc: 220,000 ZAR p.a (equivalent to 18,333 ZAR per month). *Application Closing date: *22nd January 2020 *Enquiries:* For further information please email: Dr Tess Gridley at: Tess.Gridley(a)seasearch.co.za -- --------------------------------------------------- Tess Gridley PhD Namibian Dolphin Project & Sea Search *Links: * www.facebook.com/seasearch www.facebook.com/NamibianDolphinProject/ web.facebook.com/africanbioacousticscommunity/ www.seasearch.co.za www.namibiandolphinproject.org/ Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 021 788 1206 Cell: 0794292702

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Dolphin Research Ecovolunteer Opportunities in Moreton Bay Australia
by Administration Assistant 12 Jan '20

12 Jan '20

Hi Everyone, Dolphin Research Australia is a marine research, education and conservation charity that provides long-term independent research and education programs. We are pleased to announce that we have eco-volunteer opportunities available for participants to join our Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Expeditions in 2020. We have 4 day and 8 day eco-volunteer expeditions available between May and July 2020. The project offers a unique learning experience for those passionate about dolphins and the marine environment who want to contribute to increasing knowledge, awareness and improving conservation efforts while supporting the research efforts. The research project focuses on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Australian humpback dolphins and aims to assess and monitor the abundance and health of these populations in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and South East Queensland region. Participants have the opportunity to join the research team and have a hands-on and participatory experience working from small research vessels whilst being based at the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station on the beautiful North Stradbroke Island located near Brisbane, Australia. Participants will assist in collecting data on the behaviour, acoustics and habitat use of coastal dolphins. No previous experience is required and all training will be provided to participants. Participants, however, do need to have the following; - An enthusiastic and positive attitude - Willingness to learn and work with a small team - General interest in dolphin biology and ecology - Be able to work long-hours on a small vessel (not susceptible to chronic sea sickness) - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both written and oral) - Good fitness level (the work requires agility to work on small vessels and participants will be required to regularly get on and off small boats, move around the vessel whilst underway and at times in choppy conditions) Please check our website www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> or email us directly at info(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.org for more information, prices and dates. Kind Regards Liz Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: info(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.org <mailto:info@dolphinresearchaustralia.org> Ph: (02) 6676 1473 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> ABN: 42095866467 ** Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a marine conservation, education & research charity -find out more about us & how you can help at <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org **

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Please post a new publication: Humpbacks extend their stay in a breeding ground in the Tropical Eastern Pacific
by Isabel Cristina Avila 12 Jan '20

12 Jan '20

New publication: Avila, I.C., C.F. Dormann, C. García, L. F. Payán & M. X. Zorrilla. 2019. Humpbacks extend their stay in a breeding ground in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsz251, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsz251. Abstract: During the austral winter, G-stock humpback whales, *Megaptera novaeangliae*, migrate to the Tropical Eastern Pacific to breed. To analyse if the whale migration times have changed over time, we analysed 31 years (1988–2018) of arrival and departure times to Gorgona National Park, Colombia, an important breeding site. During this period, whales have significantly changed their arrival time, coming now earlier, but their departure time has not changed significantly. Hence, humpback whales now stay 1 month longer than 31 years ago. Humpbacks arrived in Gorgona at the earliest during the beginning of May and stayed at the most until late December. The change observed in the arrival time to breeding grounds could be related to ice sheet mass changes in autumn in Antarctica and increase in population size over the past decades but we were unable to determine which factor is more important in explaining the observed trend. Management decisions in Colombia need to account for a longer stay, specifically restricting anthropogenic activities from 1May to 31December. We urge other researchers to review their data, in case this shift is evident in other regions and management plans need to be updated.

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 12 Jan '20

12 Jan '20

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 2020. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board; · Secchi disk methodology; · Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2020 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you, if you book you internship until 31th December 2019. *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: https://www.aimmportugal.org/application-form AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want to do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | André Cid -- *AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] <https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal> [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/AimmportugalOrg>

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New publication: Home Alone: Solitary Rough-Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) in Residence Area of Guiana Dolphins (Sotalia guianensis).
by Israel Maciel 12 Jan '20

12 Jan '20

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication "Home Alone: Solitary Rough-Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) in Residence Area of Guiana Dolphins (Sotalia guianensis)." The paper can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.1.2020.42 Abstract Social organization is an important feature of the behavior of most delphinids, including the rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), although, even in social dolphins, specific circumstances may lead to solitary behavior. In these situations, a solitary dolphin may shift to interacting with humans. Between November 2018 and April 2019, we obtained seven records of the occurrence of a solitary juvenile rough-toothed dolphin in Sepetiba Bay, southeastern Brazil, within an area inhabited by a resident population of Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis. The solitary dolphin occupied a small home range located in an inner area of the bay, close to a port and industrial installations. This area is known to be inhabited by shoals of mullet (Mugilidae) and is not visited frequently by the resident Guiana dolphins. The solitary rough-toothed dolphin emitted three types of vocalization: pulsed calls (N = 9), echolocation click trains (N = 12), and whistles (N = 3), and spent most of its activity time interacting with humans (42%) and foraging (32%). The area occupied by this dolphin, together with its low vocalization rate, suggest the avoidance of agonistic interactions with local Guiana dolphins. The behavior pattern presented by the solitary rough-toothed dolphin indicates the third stage of development of friendly solitary dolphin behavior. At this stage, a management plan is urgently required to avoid the negative consequences of the human-dolphin interaction. You can also contact me directly: oceanmaciel(a)gmail.com Best, Israel Maciel

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VACANCY: Marine mammal Research (Naples - Italy)
by Claudia Gili 12 Jan '20

12 Jan '20

Dear colleagues and friends, the present to inform you about the open public competition based on the evaluation of titles and qualifications, exams and interview, for the recruitment of a Technologist (permanent position - III professional level). The topic of the call is: "Research and management of technological infrastructures for marine mammals" at the Stazione zoologica A. Dohrn in Naples (Italy). The participation in the selection is free, and open to all EU citizens. Please visit the job advertisement at the following site: http://www.szn.it/index.php/en/tenders-and-job-opportunities/job-calls/resea rchers-and-technologists/open-calls Closing date: January 31st, 2020. Sincerely, Claudia Claudia Gili, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECZM Senior Technologist Coordinator Area III Missione Responsible for Animal Welfare and Care Coordinator of the Committees of Scientific Dissemination & Science and Society Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Villa Comunale 1, Naples Via Po 25, Rome e-mail: claudia.gili(a)szn.it <mailto:claudia.gili@szn.it> Skype: claudia.gili

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Research Internships in Mozambique!
by Francesca Trotman 11 Jan '20

11 Jan '20

Want to get some hands on field experience in tropical marine biology in Mozambique? We've got some spaces on our research volunteer internship program from March - October 2020! Love The Oceans is a small charity in Mozambique working to establish a Marine Protected Area in our district through research, education and diving. We were recently recognised by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the work we do. We do lots of research and community outreach work and as a volunteer you'll have the opportunity to participate in: * Humpback whale visual & acoustic data collection * Fisheries research * Coral reef research * Ocean trash research * Megafauna research (whale sharks & manta rays) * Fish tagging project * Teaching local marine resource management education * Teaching swimming lessons You'll be trained by qualified, experienced marine biologists. Prerequisites? For our 5 week program you need to be studying a related subject at university level or equivalent. For our 2 & 3 week programs there are no prerequisites. You need to be 18 or over to participate in any of our programs. Fee information available on the website. Visit https://lovetheoceans.org/join-us/ to apply now.

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Course on Diseases of Marine Mammals UAB Campus, Barcelona, Catalonia
by Mariano Domingo Álvarez 11 Jan '20

11 Jan '20

Announcing the course on Diseases of Marine Mammals, from 22 of June to 10 of July, at the Bellaterra Campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). For more information of the course and fares, visit UAB summer school<https://www.uab.cat/barcelona-summer-school/>. A brief description of the contents of the course (taught in English) can be found here<https://www.uab.cat/web?d=&c=Page&pagename=UAB2013%2FPage%2FTemplatePageInt…> For more detailed information, write to mariano.domingo(a)uab.cat<mailto:mariano.domingo@uab.cat> Registration will be open the third week of January. Mariano Domingo Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona IRTA-CReSA 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona) Catalunya

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