October 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Reminder: Survey on definitions of delphinid groups and related terms - Invitation to participate
by Jonathan Syme 25 Oct '20

25 Oct '20

Dear MARMAM community, Thank you to all who have already completed the survey. If you haven't had the chance yet, please see below for more information and the link. My name is Jonathan Syme and I am a PhD student with the Cetacean, Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at Flinders University, Australia, under the supervision of Associate Professor Guido Parra (CEBEL, Flinders University) and Assistant Professor Jeremy Kiszka (Marine Conservation Ecology Lab, Florida International University). As part of my thesis, I am conducting a review into how group and associated terms are defined in regard to the study of delphinid behavioural ecology. I plan to use an online survey, accompanied by a literature review, to gather information on how researchers define delphinid groups. To this end, I would appreciate it if you would kindly take 10 - 15 minutes to complete a questionnaire regarding your opinions on this subject via the following link: https://qualtrics.flinders.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_3CwSUztVdqFBgEt Participation is entirely voluntary, and all responses will be anonymous and treated in confidence. Please see the Participant Information Sheet for more information and if you have any enquiries, please contact me by email at jonathan.syme(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:jonathan.syme@flinders.edu.au>. Thank you for your time and assistance. Kind regards, Jonathan Jonathan Syme PhD Candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), Flinders University, South Australia jonathan.syme(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:jonathan.syme@flinders.edu.au> @jonathan_syme @CEBELresearch

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IMMS Animal Training Internship (Spring 2021)
by Stephanie James 24 Oct '20

24 Oct '20

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, MS is accepting applications for our Spring 2021 term. *The deadline for applications is December 1st.* Please visit our website for details on how to apply or send questions to sjames(a)imms.org https://imms.org/internship/ The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also complete a project during their internship, give educational presentations to guests before they interact with our animals, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Interested applicants must follow the directions listed on the website to apply. Interns must be: • 18 years or older. • A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. • Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. • Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. • Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. • Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. • Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. • Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. • Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations.

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Working With Marine Mammals online offering
by Jenifer Zeligs 23 Oct '20

23 Oct '20

*Cal State Monterey Bay online course: Working With Marine Mammals* *California State University Monterey Bay* and *Moss Landing Marine Laboratories* are offering an online class - Bio 347: Working with Marine Mammals, January 5-22, 2020. The class is open to anyone interested in pursuing careers in the marine mammal field. The class's instructor, Dr. Jenifer Zeligs, has over 30 years of terrestrial and aquatic animal training experience across diverse disciplines including research, public display, and studio and film work. A *Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammalogy* can be earned by the successful completion of both Working With Marine Mammals and Animal Training 101 (offered online or as bio 148, see details below) classes and a five-day internship with Animal Training and Research International. See https://animaltraining.us for more information. *Bio 347: Working with Marine Mammals* (online version with college credit) This 3 credit course is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. The course will be offered as a hybrid of synchronous and asynchronous lectures, with 3 live zoom meetings and the remaining (majority) of the course available to watch on-demand in pre-recorded videos. This maximizes schedule flexibility for the student while maintaining instructor interaction. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and careers working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include video experiences with the marine mammals from the Monterey Bay and those at Moss Landing Marine Labs. This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will have a virtual internship experience demonstrating the daily care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also gain experience in developing a resume, job interviews, and public presentations. *“Live” meetings (via zoom) will occur from 3- 4:30 pm on Tuesdays Jan 5, Jan 12, and Jan 19, 2021.* *Visit **http://csumb.edu/mlml-winter* <http://csumb.edu/mlml-winter>* for details and enrollment*. For questions about registration, email extended(a)csumb.edu or call (831)760-5141. Tuition is $280 per unit plus a one-time $39 campus fee. May qualify for GE upper division B2, pending a decision to be determined by Dec 10, 2020. *Animal Training 101*, a comprehensive course on animals training, will be offered for university credit through CSUMB (as bio 147) in the summer of 2021 (open to all high school graduates). In the meantime, it is offered without university credit, *on demand at any time* as *Animal Training 101* at: https://animaltraining.thinkific.com/ Taking the animal training class either through CSUMB or on thinkific both count towards the *Beginning Marine Mammalogy *certificate*.* For further information on classes please contact: jzeligs(a)mlml.calstate.edu Jenifer Zeligs, Ph.D. Owner Animal Training and Research International Extended Education, California State University Monterey Bay Director of SLEWTHS Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, CA 95039 v: (831)-771-4191 fax:(831)-632-4403 http://www.animaltraining.us/

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Deadline extended to Jan 31 2021 for Oceans special issue on marine mammals
by Alex Werth 22 Oct '20

22 Oct '20

Colleagues, Oceansis a new, multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed open access journal (ISSN 2673-1924). As part of its inaugural year, Oceans will publish several special issues, including a special issue on “Marine Mammals in a Changing World.” For more information, please see:https://www.mdpi.com/journal/oceans/special_issues/marine_mammals Submitted manuscripts will undergo rigorous peer review. Due to issues related to the global pandemic, the deadline for submissions has now been EXTENDED TO JANUARY 31, 2021. There is no publication fee; the normal article processing charge will be waived. Contributions for this special issue are invited in all areas of marine mammal research, especially those that focus on one (or both) of two themes: changing technological advances and changes in ocean habitats affecting marine mammals (including but not limited to changes in climate/temperature; ocean acidification; noise, plastic, or chemical pollution; vessel traffic and ship strikes; pathogenic viruses and microbes; trophic changes; fisheries impacts; habitat destruction; and related topics). Submissions can focus on any area of marine mammal research and health, including but not limited to ecology, conservation, population biology and management, behavior, habitat and distribution, genetics, evolution, physiology, anatomy, acoustics, effects of noise and pollution, and new technologies. Please share this information with your colleagues and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Thanks and best regards, Alex Werth _______________________________ Alexander J. Werth, Ph.D. Trinkle Professor of Biology Hampden-Sydney College Box 162, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943 USA 434-223-6326, fax 434-223-6374 http://www.hsc.edu/alex-werth

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African Bioacoustics Community Conference 2-5 November: Registration reminder
by African Bioacoustics Community 22 Oct '20

22 Oct '20

Dear MARMAM Community, Register now for the African Bioacoustics Community Conference, 2 – 5 November 2020! We have an amazing line-up of presenters from all over the world, over 25 of which focusing on marine mammal bioacoustics! Presentations cover topics such as machine learning, passive acoustic monitoring, the effect of seismic surveys, ecoacoustics and so much more! If that is not enough, come and watch the plenary talks by esteemed bioacousticians, with topics from marine bird hearing in air and underwater to the importance of sound to fishes, to long-term marine mammal researchand everything in between! And remember, all talks will be available to registered participants for a whole month after the conference, so if you don’t get round to watching everything during the conference, you can come back and watch (or rewatch!) them at your convenience later! The 2nd African Bioacoustics Community Conference will also be hosting an Online Movie Event throughout the conference to highlight bioacoustic science to both registered and non-registered participants! Whether you are a professional with years of experience or an amateur with a few funny videos of your study species, we want it all! Submitted content will fall under two broad categories: 1. Feature Films 2. Behind the Scenes and Unusual Observations. To register now, visit our website: https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity Contact us for more information or to make your film submissions: africanbioacoustics(a)gmail.com We look forward to having you there!! Please circulate to your labs and contacts who might be interested in attending! Kind regards, The African Bioacoustics Community -- Visit our website: https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity

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Job: Ecologist - Marine Mammal Industry Liaison
by Emma Dvorak 21 Oct '20

21 Oct '20

Integrated Statistics is looking for an Ecologist to work with the USFWS Marine Mammals Management Office’s Regulatory program to implement portions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act for the conservation and management of polar bears, northern sea otters, and Pacific walruses in Alaska. The Ecologist will act as a liaison with a variety of oil and gas industry companies to identify information gaps and areas of collaboration to inform the development of MMPA incidental take authorizations. The Ecologist will work with the oil and gas industry, State and local agencies, Alaska Native organizations and communities, and other stakeholders representing a broad cross-section of interests. *Qualifications* * A Master’s or PhD degree in biology, wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science or a closely related field. * At least 4 years of related work experience, including: o Using statistics, quantitative biology, biometrics, and/or population modeling to develop and analyze data relevant to anthropogenic disturbance of wildlife. o Analyzing changes in distribution, abundance, density, age composition, annual survival, and sex ratios of wildlife. o Using one or more statistical and database management software packages, including R and ArcGIS, to assess potential changes in abundance, distribution, density, and trends in wildlife populations. * Experience participating in regulation and management pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act: o Preparing issue papers, briefing documents, Federal Register notices, rulemaking documents, or other similar species issue papers. o Participating in teams with multiple State and Federal Agencies, Tribes, private industry, and non-government entities. o Working across multiple cultures. o Presenting complex or controversial issues to a variety or audiences. o Reviewing proposed resource development projects and developing recommendations. o Developing written analyses of complex or controversial regulatory proposals, including developing management strategies. * Willingness and desire to work in a fast paced, interdisciplinary environment. * Demonstrated ability to manage timelines and produce materials in a timely manner. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Proficiency in R and GIS. * Excellent writing and analytical skills; track record of success in writing technical reports and policy papers. * Strong oral communication skills. The position is full time for one year. The position is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website.** The position will start with a period of remote work to accommodate pandemic restrictions, but the Office is based in Anchorage, AK. To apply for this position, go to https://jobs.intstats.com/JobDetails.jsp?jobListingId=269 or visit www.integratedstatistics.com, click Employment Opportunities, click the job name and click the Apply Here link. *A writing sample is required. *Please append it to your cover letter when you upload your application materials. Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans. For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms, and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office. -- Integrated Statistics, Inc. 16 Sumner Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Office: (508) 540-8560 Fax: (508) 721-6841

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Job opening: Ecologist - Section 7 Consultations
by Emma Dvorak 21 Oct '20

21 Oct '20

Integrated Statistics is looking for an Ecologist to support the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Fairbanks Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. The Ecologist will assist with Section 7 consultations, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended. The Ecologist will be responsible for analyzing the impacts of a wide range of projects on listed species and critical habitat. *This position is concerned with regulatory and analytical processes, not field research.* *Duties* The job duties include: * Conducting programmatic analysis, including synthesizing and preparing scientific literature, data, maps, and reports. * Researching, developing and writing technical documents including letters and Biological Opinions. These documents explain the analysis and conclusions of FWS regarding potential consequences of a given project on the ESA-listed species under our jurisdiction. The species include polar bears, and both spectacled and Alaska-breeding Steller’s eiders. * Developing minimization measures that reduce potential impacts to listed species and critical habitat, by working in concert with FWS staff across multiple programs, with other Federal agency staff, and with project proponents. * Assisting with other tasks that support the Endangered Species Program of the Field Office, such as developing species status assessments and recovery plans. *Qualifications* The candidate should possess: * A Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resource management, biological sciences, or a closely related field. * Directly relevant work experience in the field of environmental policy. * At least three years of experience in conducting Section 7 or similar regulatory consultations. * Demonstrated proficiency in writing technical reports and policy papers in a timely manner. * Demonstrated ability to apply excellent critical thinking and written communication skills. * Excellent written and oral communication skills. The position is expected to last for one year. The position is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website. The position will start with a period of remote work to accommodate pandemic restrictions, but the Office is based in Fairbanks. A writing sample will be requested. To apply for this position, go to https://jobs.intstats.com/JobDetails.jsp?jobListingId=272 or visit www.integratedstatistics.com, click Employment Opportunities, click the job name and click the Apply Here link. Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans. For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms, and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office. Integrated Statistics, Inc. 16 Sumner Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Office: (508) 540-8560 Fax: (508) 721-6841

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A.I.S. Inc. Virtual Protected Species Observer Training - Sign Up Now!
by Kathryn Roy 21 Oct '20

21 Oct '20

A.I.S. Inc. is now accepting registration for our online BOEM/NMFS compliant Protected Species Observer Training! https://aisobservers.com/protected-species/new-protected-species-observer-t… Due to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we have adapted our PSO training to be offered virtually, in the comfort of your own home. The virtual training sessions will be held on September 22-24, 2020. The course takes approximately 20 hours to complete. It will be hosted live on these dates and students are expected to be in attendance. Our PSO training curriculum was created by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) approved PSOs and A.I.S. Inc. scientists, in consultation with BOEM, BSEE and NMFS staff. During the training, you will interact with a live trainer who previously worked as a PSO. As a reminder, training attendees are expected to have an education and/or experience that indicates that they are prepared to identify and appropriately manage protected species issues related to offshore projects. After you have successfully completed the course, NMFS will review the credentials of observer candidates who may be qualified to perform Protected Species Observer duties in the Greater Atlantic and Southeast Regions (i.e., from Maine to Texas). Approval is based on an individual's training and experience. In some cases, specific work experience is an acceptable proxy for formal education. If you haven't already, please send us a copy of your resume for review prior to signing up and feel free to reach out with any questions you might have. Please be sure that you have reviewed the NMFS guidelines for Protected Species Observers, by visiting this link: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/careers-and-opportu… Ready to sign up for our virtual Protected Species Observer Training? Head over to our website to register! https://aisobservers.com/protected-species/new-protected-species-observer-t… After you have signed up, keep an eye on your inbox for a follow up email with more information about the itinerary and materials. We look forward to virtually hosting you in September! Kathryn Kathryn Roy Protected Species Program Manager A.I.S., Inc. 540 Hawthorn Street North Dartmouth, MA 02747 Mobile: 774-392-7127 www.aisobservers.com<http://www.aisobservers.com/> [small logo] Accuracy, Integrity, Service

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New publication "Retrospective Study of Fishery Interactions in Stranded Cetaceans, Canary Islands"
by Raquel Puig-Lozano 21 Oct '20

21 Oct '20

Good morning: We would like to send to the email list the following message: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear MARMAM Colleagues, We are happy to announce our latest open access publication in Frontiers in Veterinary Science: *"Retrospective Study of Fishery Interactions in Stranded Cetaceans, Canary Islands" (2020) *Puig-Lozano R, Fernández A, Sierra E, Saavedra P, Suárez-Santana CM, De la Fuente J, Díaz-Delgado J, Godinho A, García-Álvarez N, Zucca D, Xuriach A, Arregui M, Felipe-Jiménez I, Consoli F, Díaz-Santana PJ, Segura-Göthlin S, Câmara N, Rivero MA, Sacchini S, Bernaldo de Quirós Y and Arbelo M. Abstract: Estimating cetacean interactions with fishery activities is challenging. Bycatch and chronic entanglements are responsible for thousands of cetacean deaths per year globally. This study represents the first systematic approach to the postmortem investigation of fishery interactions in stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands. We retrospectively studied 586 cases necropsied between January 2000 and December 2018. Of the cases with a known cause of death, 7.4% (32/453) were due to fishery interactions, and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (*Stenella frontalis*) was the most affected species [46.9% (15/32)]. Three types of fishery interactions were recognized by gross findings: bycatch [65.6% (21/32)], chronic entanglements [18.8% (6/32)], and fishermen aggression [15.6% (5/32)]. Among the bycaught cases, we differentiated the dolphins that died because of ingestion of longline hooks [23.8% (5/21)] from those that died because of fishing net entrapments [76.2% (16/21)], including dolphins that presumably died at depth due to peracute underwater entrapment (PUE) [37.5% (6/16)], dolphins that were hauled out alive and suffered additional trauma during handling [43.8% (7/16)], and those that were released alive but became stranded and died because of fishery interactions [18.7% (3/16)]. Gross and histologic findings of animals in each group were presented and compared. The histological approach confirmed gross lesions and excluded other possible causes of death. Cetaceans in good-fair body condition and shallow diving species were significantly more affected by fishery interactions, in agreement with the literature. Low rates of fishery interactions have been described, compared with other regions. However, within the last few years, sightings of entangled live whales, especially the minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) and Bryde's whale (*B. edeni*), have increased. This study contributes to further improvement of the evaluation of different types of fishery interactions and may facilitate the enforcement of future conservation policies to preserve cetacean populations in the Canary Islands. Link to full text: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.567258 All the best, Raquel Puig Lozano PhD student, Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you very much, Kind regards, Raquel Puig Lozano

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New publication on An epigenetic study in the Mediterranean fin whale
by PANTI, CRISTINA 21 Oct '20

21 Oct '20

Dear MARMAM members, On behalf of all the authors, I would like to share with you our last paper published in Marine Genomics: “Skin distress associated with xenobiotics exposure: An epigenetic study in the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)” Authors: Annalaura Mancia, Luigi Abelli, Maria Cristina Fossi, Cristina Panti https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margen.2020.100822 The publication can be found at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1874778720300830 Abstract: The phenotypic plasticity of many organisms is mediated in part by epigenetics, the heritable changes in gene activity that occur without any alterations to DNA sequence. A major mechanism in epigenetics is the DNA methylation (DNAm). Hypo- and hyper-methylation are generalized responses to control gene expression however recent studies have demonstrated that classes of contaminants could mark specific DNAm signatures, that could usefully signal prior environmental exposure. We collected skin and blubber from 6 free-ranging fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) individuals sampled as a part of a previous published study in the northern Mediterranean Sea. Genomic DNA extracted from the skin of the fin whales and levels of contaminants measured in the blubber of the same individuals were used for DNAm profiling through reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). We tested the hypothesis that differences in the methylation patterns could be related to environmental exposure to contaminants and load in the whale tissues. The aims of this study were to determine the DNAm profiles of the methylation contexts (CpGs and non-CpGs) of differently contaminated groups using the RRBS, and to identify potential contaminant exposure related genes. Amount and proportion of methylcytosines in CpG and non-CpG regions (CHH and CHG) was very similar across the 6 samples. The proportion of methylcytosines sites in CpG was n = 32,682, the highest among all the sequence contexts (n = 3216 in CHH; n = 1743 in CHG). The majority of the methylcytosine occurred in the intron regions, followed by exon and promoter regions in CpG, CHH and CHG. Gene Ontology results indicated that DNAm affected genes that take place in cell differentiation and function in cutaneous, vascular and nervous systems. The identification of cellular response pathways allows a better understanding of the organism biological reaction to a specific environmental challenge and the development of sensitive tools based on the predictive responses. Eco-epigenetics analyses have an extraordinary potential to address growing issues on pollution biomonitoring, ecotoxicity assessment, conservation and management planning. Thank you for your interest in the paper! Best regards, Cristina ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> Cristina Panti, PhD Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences University of Siena Via P.A. Mattioli, 4 53100, Siena Italy Ph. +39 0577 232245 Fax. +39 0577 232930 https://plasticbustersmpas.interreg-med.eu/ https://www.unisi.it/

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