October 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: - Red tide exposure and corresponding neurotoxins in Texas dolphins
by Spencer Fire 16 Oct '20

16 Oct '20

Dearest MARMAM-ers, My collaborators and I are pleased to announce the publication of our recent article, "Association between red tide exposure and detection of corresponding neurotoxins in bottlenose dolphins from Texas waters during 2007-2017", in Marine Environmental Research. Abstract: Harmful algal blooms produced by the phytoplankton species Karenia brevis and its associated neurotoxin, brevetoxin (PbTx), occur throughout the Gulf of Mexico and have had devastating impacts on co-occurring populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), an important marine sentinel species. The majority of documented impacts, however, are from the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with a critical lack of information on the degree and frequency of PbTx exposure in bottlenose dolphins from Texas coastal waters. This study documents PbTx exposure in Texas bottlenose dolphins between 2007 and 2017 and their association with co-occurring K. brevis blooms. PbTx was detected in 60% (n = 112) of the animals tested. Liver tissue samples had the highest frequency of detection (62%), followed by feces (41.4%) and gastric contents (30.4%). PbTx was not detected in urine or intestinal tissue. The concentration ranges of PbTx detected in feces (1.2-216, mean 38.4 ng/g), gastric contents (3.3-1016, mean 158 ng/g) and liver (0.6-52.4, mean 8.5 ng/g) samples were an order of magnitude less than values reported for Florida dolphins for the same sample types. The proportion of dolphins recovered within 4 weeks of a bloom that tested positive for PbTx ('Bloom' group; 75%) was significantly higher compared to those that were recovered 5-8 weeks after termination of a bloom ('Post-Bloom' group; 36%; p = 0.004). The proportion of PbTx-positive animals with no observed bloom association ('Baseline' group; 60%) was also significantly greater than the Post-Bloom group (p = 0.012). No significant difference in proportion of PbTx-positive animals was detected between Bloom and Baseline groups (p = 0.242). No significant differences in liver PbTx concentrations were observed between any pairwise combinations of the 3 exposure groups (p = 0.261). Overall, these findings suggest persistent PbTx exposure for many individuals in these populations, although the health impacts of such exposure are not known. Fire SE, Leighfield TA, Miller GA, Piwetz S, Sabater E, Whitehead H (2020). Association between red tide exposure and detection of corresponding neurotoxins in bottlenose dolphins from Texas waters during 2007-2017. Marine Environmental Research 162:105191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105191 Feel free to contact me directly for any comments or questions. Best regards, SF --------------- Spencer Fire, Ph.D. Asst. Professor of Biological Sciences Florida Institute of Technology 150 W. University Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901 321.674.7138 sfire(a)fit.edu<mailto:sfire@fit.edu> The Fire Lab website<https://firelabfit.weebly.com/> The Fire Lab on Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/thefirelab/>

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new publication
by Hart, Leslie Burdett 16 Oct '20

16 Oct '20

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper in PLoS One: "Sentinels of synthetics - a comparison of phthalate exposure between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and human reference populations". The full article can be found here: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0240506 Citation: Hart LB, Dziobak MK, Pisarski EC, Wirth EF, Wells RS (2020) Sentinels of synthetics - a comparison of phthalate exposure between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and human reference populations. PLoS ONE 15(10): e0240506. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240506 Abstract: Phthalates are chemical esters used as additives in common consumer goods, such as plastics, household cleaners, and personal care products. Phthalates are not chemically bound to the items to which they are added and can easily leach into the surrounding environment. Anthropogenic drivers, such as coastal plastic pollution and wastewater runoff, increase the exposure potential for coastal marine fauna. Phthalate exposure in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins has been the focus of recent study, with indications of heightened exposure to certain phthalate compounds. The objective of this study was to compare urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations among bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) sampled in Sarasota Bay, FL, to levels reported in human samples collected as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) were the most prevalent metabolites detected in dolphin urine (n = 51; MEP = 29.41%; MEHP = 54.90%). The geometric mean (GM) concentration of MEP was significantly lower for dolphins (GM = 4.51 ng/mL; 95% CI: 2.77-7.34 ng/mL) compared to humans (p<0.05), while dolphin concentrations of MEHP (GM = 4.57 ng/mL; 95% CI: 2.37-8.80 ng/mL) were significantly higher than levels reported in NHANES (p<0.05). Health impacts to bottlenose dolphins resulting from elevated exposure to the MEHP parent compound (diethyl-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, DEHP) are currently unknown. However, given the evidence of endocrine disruption, reproductive impairment, and abnormal development in humans, pursuing investigations of potential health effects in exposed bottlenose dolphins would be warranted. Sincerely, Leslie Hart Leslie B. Hart, Ph.D. Assistant Professor in Public Health, Department of Health and Human Performance<http://hhp.cofc.edu/> Assessment Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development<http://sustain.cofc.edu/> Faculty Member, Women's Health Research Team<https://hss.cofc.edu/student-opportunities/whrt/index.php> Faculty Affiliate, Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health<https://ssm.cofc.edu/additional-programs/center-for-coastal-environmental-a…> College of Charleston e: hartlb(a)cofc.edu<mailto:hartlb@cofc.edu> webpage<http://hhp.cofc.edu/faculty-staff-listing/hart-leslie.php> Office location: 312 Silcox Center Mailing address: 66 George St. Charleston, SC 29424

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Notice of Availability and Request for Comments - Draft Recovery Plan, Recovery Implementation Strategy, and Initiation of a 5-year Review for Endangered Main Hawaiian Islands False Killer Whale
by Ann Garrett - NOAA Federal 15 Oct '20

15 Oct '20

Aloha! It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to share that NOAA Fisheries’ has issued a notice of availability and request for comments on our Draft Recovery Plan and Draft Recovery Implementation Strategy for the main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale (MHI IFKW) distinct population segment (DPS). We also issued a notice that we will be initiating a 5-Year Review of the status of MHI IFKW and we are seeking public input and any new information to help us determine if any change to the species’ endangered status is warranted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While we invite comments on all aspects of the Draft Recovery Plan and Draft Recovery Implementation Strategy, we are particularly interested in comments on the proposed recovery objectives, criteria, and actions, as well as comments on the cost of recovery actions and activities. The public has 60 days to submit comments on the Draft Recovery Plan and Draft Recovery Implementation Strategy, and submit information for the 5-year review. Comments may be submitted via the Federal Register’s eRulemaking portal at: *www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2020-124* <http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2020-124>. Once the comment period closes on December 15, 2020, we will take public comments into consideration when finalizing the Recovery Plan and Recovery Implementation Strategy, and in developing the 5-year review, as applicable. Additionally, we are announcing the availability of the Recovery Status Review for the MHI IFKW DPS, which, along with the Draft Recovery Plan and Draft Recovery Implementation Strategy, can be found on our website at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/false-killer-whale#conservation-management. The Recovery Status Review provides all the detailed information on the MHI IFKWs’ biology, ecology, status and threats, and conservation efforts to date, which have typically been included in the background section of a species’ recovery plan. ______________________________________________________ *Ann M. Garrett* *Assistant Regional Administrator* *Protected Resources Division* *Pacific Islands Regional Office* NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce Office: (808) 725-5130 Mobile: (808) 266-0735 www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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New Publication: Lipid metabolites as indicators of body condition in highly contaminant-exposed belugas from the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary population (Canada)
by Alexandre Bernier-Graveline 15 Oct '20

15 Oct '20

Dear Marman members, On behalf of my colleagues, I am pleased to share with you our recent publication in Environmental Research: Bernier-Graveline, A., Lesage, V., Cabrol, J., Lair, S., Michaud, R., Rosabal, M., & Verreault, J. (2020). Lipid metabolites as indicators of body condition in highly contaminant-exposed belugas from the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary population (Canada). Environmental Research, 110272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110272 Changes in the availability of food resources and exposure to organohalogen contaminants have been suggested as potential factors limiting the recovery of the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between body condition and concentrations of organohalogens and a range of lipid metabolites in blubber samples collected from carcasses recovered between 1998 and 2016. Results suggest a decline in the energy reserves of this population over the past two decades, and that membrane lipids including phosphatidylcholine may be a good indicator of body condition and energy reserve status in blubber of marine mammals. Our paper will be on free access until December 3 through this share link: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1bvOJ3Ao5vMMF Best regards, Alexandre Bernier-Graveline M.Sc. Université du Québec à Montréal alexandre.bernier-graveline(a)hotmail.com<mailto:Alexandre.bernier-graveline@hotmail.com>

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JNCC MMO and PAM eLearning Courses
by Alison Gill 15 Oct '20

15 Oct '20

Intelligent Ocean Ltd is pleased to offer two eLearning courses JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per person) Passive Acoustic Monitoring and PAMGUARD Software eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per person) The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) MMO registered course is required for you to work as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in UK Continental Shelf waters during offshore projects such as seismic surveys, pile-driving and projects involving the use of explosives. This course has been created in response to the coronavirus crisis and has been approved by the JNCC as a valid alternative to the usual classroom taught course. Alternatively, project managers or interested parties may wish to complete this course for awareness of how MMOs work or for Continuous Professional Development (CPD). The Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course is designed to introduce this technique of monitoring for marine mammals to MMOs, researchers, project managers or any other interested parties. It includes an exercise in configuring the industry standard PAM software - PAMGUARD. To complete the eLearning courses you simply log in, read, learn and then pass assessments based on the course content. You set the pace of your learning. You will have access to the course for 12 months. Full details of how to purchase these courses is available on our website at the following link where you can also find details of the course contents https://www.intelligentocean.com/ <https://www.intelligentocean.com/index.htm> Companies wishing to sign up members of their staff please email info(a)intelligentocean.com <mailto:info@intelligentocean.com> for registration and invoicing. Intelligent Ocean’s staff have extensive experience of working offshore as MMOs and PAM operators in addition to marine mammal survey work and nature guiding. Our training experience and client list can be viewed here https://www.intelligentocean.com/clientlist.htm <https://www.intelligentocean.com/clientlist.htm> Alison Gill Intelligent Ocean Ltd www.intelligentocean.com -- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com

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New Paper: Northern Elephant Seal Muscle Physiology
by Tray Wright 15 Oct '20

15 Oct '20

Colleagues, We are pleased to present our recent publication: "*Changes in Northern Elephant Seal Skeletal Muscle Following Thirty Days of Fasting and Reduced Activity*", freely available in Frontiers in Physiology: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.564555 *Changes in Northern Elephant Seal Skeletal Muscle Following Thirty Days of Fasting and Reduced Activity* Northern elephant seals (NES, Mirounga angustirostris) undergo an annual molt during which they spend ∼40 days fasting on land with reduced activity and lose approximately one-quarter of their body mass. Reduced activity and muscle load in stereotypic terrestrial mammalian models results in decreased muscle mass and capacity for force production and aerobic metabolism. However, the majority of lost mass in fasting female NES is from fat while muscle mass is largely preserved. Although muscle mass is preserved, potential changes to the metabolic and contractile capacity are unknown. To assess potential changes in NES skeletal muscle during molt, we collected muscle biopsies from 6 adult female NES before the molt and after ∼30 days at the end of the molt. Skeletal muscle was assessed for respiratory capacity using high resolution respirometry, and RNA was extracted to assess changes in gene expression. Despite a month of reduced activity, fasting, and weight loss, skeletal muscle respiratory capacity was preserved with no change in OXPHOS respiratory capacity. Molt was associated with 162 upregulated genes including those favoring lipid metabolism. We identified 172 downregulated genes including those coding for ribosomal proteins and genes associated with skeletal muscle force transduction and glucose metabolism. Following ∼30 days of molt, NES skeletal muscle metabolic capacity is preserved although mechanotransduction may be compromised. In the absence of exercise stimulus, fasting-induced shifts in muscle metabolism may stimulate pathways associated with preserving the mass and metabolic capacity of slow oxidative muscle. Cheers, Tray Traver Wright, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor Department of Health and Kinesiology Texas A&M University 675 John Kimbrough Blvd College Station, TX 77843-4253 (409) 692-4120

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The Geometer: A new device for recording angles in visual surveys
by Daniel Pike 15 Oct '20

15 Oct '20

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Hansen, R.G., Pike, D., Thorgilsson, B., Gunnlaugsson, T. & Lawson, J. (2020). The Geometer: A New Device for Recording Angles in Visual Surveys. NAMMCO Scientific Publications 11. https://doi.org/10.7557/3.5585 *Abstract:* The Geometer is a new handheld USB device that facilitates a relatively accurate measurement of the declination to a target with instantaneous recording of this and other data. The Geometer offers several advantages over traditional clinometers used in aerial surveys, including easier target pinpointing and tracking, more consistent angle measurements, and integration with software data collection packages. In this note we provide technical specifications for the device and its associated software, and describe a new aerial survey data collection programme that takes full advantage of the features of the Geometer. We have tested this device extensively during aerial surveys and highlight the utility of the hardware as well as ways in which the technology could be improved. Best regards, Daniel Pike.

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New Publication: Photo-identification of individual humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) using all available natural marks: implications for misidentification and automated algorithm matching technology
by Wally Franklin 14 Oct '20

14 Oct '20

Hi MARMAM, On behalf of all Authors I am pleased to announce publication online in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: Franklin, T., Franklin, W., Brooks, L., Harrison, P., Burns, D., Holmberg, J. and Calambokidis, J. 2020. Photo-identification of individual humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) using all available natural marks: implications for misidentification and automated algorithm matching technology. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 21: 71-83. [Plus Supplementary Material]. Abstract Misidentification errors in capture-mark recapture studies of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) related to poor quality of photographs as well as changes in natural marks can seriously affect population dynamics parameter estimates and derived estimates of population size when using sophisticated modelling techniques. In this study we used an innovative photo-identification matching system to investigate and examine the long-term stability and/or changes in natural marks on ventral-tail flukes, dorsal fin shapes and lateral body marks from a sample of 79 individual humpback whales, resighted in 2 to 11 years over timespans ranging from 2 to 21 years. A binary logistic mixed effects model, on a pair-matched sample of the 79 individual whales, found no significant differences in the proportions of ventral-tail fluke marks, dorsal fin shapes and lateral body marks, that displayed changes in primary and/or secondary characteristics over years (F=0.939, df=1/156, p =0.334). The results of this study substantiate the value and reliability of using primary and secondary natural marks on the ventral-tail flukes, in conjunction with dorsal fin shapes and secondary lateral body marks as double-tags. This provides a means of maximising observations of individual humpback whales over years, while minimising and managing misidentification errors in the photo-identification matching process, thus significantly improving modelling outcomes. The publication is available for download from https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/issue/view/9 Any enquiries regarding the manuscript please contact: trish(a)oceania.org.au<mailto:trish@oceania.org.au> Regards, Trish Franklin, on behalf of all Authors ........................................................................ Trish and Wally Franklin PhD The Oceania Project PO Box 2003 Hervey Bay Qld 4655 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: 0418 797 326 Skype: oceania.org.au<http://oceania.org.au/> Email: wally(a)oceania.org.au<mailto:wally@oceania.org.au> Linkedin:The Oceania Project | LinkedIn<https://linkedin.com/in/wallyfranklin> Web: <http://www.oceania.org.au/> The Oceania Project<http://www.oceania.org.au/> iWhales.org<http://www.iwhales.org/> Songlines - Songs of the eastern Australian humpback whales<http://www.songlinesofthewhales.org/> Social Media: The Oceania Project | Vimeo<https://vimeo.com/oceaniaproject> The Oceania Project | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/oceania> The Oceania Project | SoundCloud<https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> The Oceania Project <http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceaniaProject> | <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> YouTube<http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceaniaProject> Academic: Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre<https://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology-research-centre/whales-and-dolphins/w…> Dr Trish Franklin<https://researchportal.scu.edu.au/esploro/profile/patricia_franklin/overvie…> | <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> <https://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/> PhD Thesis<http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/> |<https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> Google Scholar Citations<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=RAOLIrMAAAAJ&view_op=lis…> Dr Wally Franklin<https://researchportal.scu.edu.au/esploro/profile/walter_franklin/overview?…> | <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> PhD Thesis<http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/> |<https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> Google Scholar Citations<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=2wA6lL8AAAAJ&view_op=lis…> Dr Wally Franklin ORCID<https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3268-6775> Media: Secrets of Humpback whales survival<https://www.smh.com.au/national/how-one-couple-s-adventure-has-uncovered-se…> https://www.nfsa.gov.au/latest/protecting-wildlife-through-sound Humpback whales - Spread the Story<https://www.gofundme.com/theoceaniaproject> ........................................................................ Wally Franklin PhD The Oceania Project PO Box 2003 Hervey Bay Qld 4655 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: 0418 797 326 Skype: oceania.org.au<http://oceania.org.au/> Email: wally(a)oceania.org.au<mailto:wally@oceania.org.au> Linkedin:The Oceania Project | LinkedIn<https://linkedin.com/in/wallyfranklin> Web: <http://www.oceania.org.au/> The Oceania Project<http://www.oceania.org.au/> iWhales.org<http://www.iwhales.org/> Songlines - Songs of the eastern Australian humpback whales<http://www.songlinesofthewhales.org/> Social Media: The Oceania Project | Vimeo<https://vimeo.com/oceaniaproject> The Oceania Project | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/oceania> The Oceania Project | SoundCloud<https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> The Oceania Project <http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceaniaProject> | <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> YouTube<http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOceaniaProject> Academic: Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre<https://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology-research-centre/whales-and-dolphins/w…> Dr Trish Franklin<https://researchportal.scu.edu.au/esploro/profile/patricia_franklin/overvie…> | <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> <https://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/> PhD Thesis<http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/> |<https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> Google Scholar Citations<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=RAOLIrMAAAAJ&view_op=lis…> Dr Wally Franklin<https://researchportal.scu.edu.au/esploro/profile/walter_franklin/overview?…> | <https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> PhD Thesis<http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/422/> |<https://soundcloud.com/iwhales> Google Scholar Citations<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=2wA6lL8AAAAJ&view_op=lis…> Dr Wally Franklin ORCID<https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3268-6775> Media: Secrets of Humpback whales survival<https://www.smh.com.au/national/how-one-couple-s-adventure-has-uncovered-se…> https://www.nfsa.gov.au/latest/protecting-wildlife-through-sound Humpback whales - Spread the Story<https://www.gofundme.com/theoceaniaproject>

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Atlantic Marine Conservation Society Job Posting
by Jennifer Lopez 14 Oct '20

14 Oct '20

Education Coordinator Full Time Position Available The mission of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) is to promote marine conservation through action. This is accomplished by sharing the decades of experience amassed by our team. An integral part of sharing these lessons is working with local communities, state, and federal agencies, to address the issues challenging our environment. AMSEAS has developed crucial partners in our communities, including Hallock State Park Preserve (HSPP) and other NYS Parks, to educate the public about marine mammal and sea turtle strandings. We lead activities designed to inspire the public to make positive impacts on the marine environment. We lead research projects to document wild populations of marine mammals and sea turtles and the threats they face. As the Education Coordinator, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Develop a consistent outreach schedule of events at our partner organization, Hallock State Park Preserve (HSPP) and Orient State Park. • Lead Connect Kids to Parks programs with HSPP and Orient Beach State Park offered through AMSEAS. • Work with HSPP staff to manage all educational opportunities at HSPP, including nature organization presentations, school field trips and community group visit requests. • Develop educational materials related to parks, marine mammals and sea turtles for parks sharing the marine environment. • Develop and implement a GPS-based virtual interpretive trail program at HSPP to allow patrons to take self-guided beach walks while learning about marine mammals, sea turtles, and good beach stewardship, in addition to accessing information about the flora and fauna experienced in the park • Manage weekly beach cleanups for the public at HSPP and maintain trash collection database. • Continue development of educational outreach programs to foster marine conservation such as seal walks, beach monitoring programs, new lecture topics • Manage cold-stunned sea turtle patrol program at HSPP and other locations from October through December. • Increase awareness of the New York State Parks and the mission of AMSEAS to promote marine conservation through action. • Increase awareness of parks programs, training, volunteer opportunities and events. • Secure beaches for clean ups (permits) and venues for training and lectures • Maintain events calendar at amseas.org and maintain online calendar postings for all HSPP and organization events and share postings with NYS Parks for use. • Identify and implement opportunities to expand AMCS activities and outreach to other coastal New York State parks. Knowledge and Abilities • Exceptional attention to detail and deadlines • Excellent customer service skills and a willingness to learn; Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Accuracy and strong organizational skills are essential • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Familiarity with utilizing GPS technology and developing smartphone apps. • Ability to work independently and in a team environment • Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and balance competing demands and priorities • Ability to take initiative to seek further knowledge and problem-solve • Ability to integrate new technologies into programs • Ability to foster positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders and community members • Ability to work in a physical environment and able to lift and carry 50lbs short distances. • Willingness to work weekends and nights as needed Qualifications / Experience • A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Education or related field • A valid New York State Driver’s license and access to own transportation • Background and/or experience in environmental education and natural sciences • Coursework, background and/or experience in GPS and smartphone app development • Ability to drive large vehicles and maintain a clean driving record • Three to five years of Environmental Education experience highly recommended This position will be based in Hampton Bays, Riverhead, Orient Point NY area with some travel to outreach programs required. Please forward all application materials including a cover letter, resume and references to: Allison DePerte Research Coordinator/ Field Biologist PO Box 932 Hampton Bays, NY 11946 P: (631)-317-0030 adeperte(a)amseas.org * Preferred submission method* Jennifer Lopez Field Biologist & Volunteer Coordinator Atlantic Marine Conservation Society Email: volunteers(a)amseas.org Cell: (631)-461-7826 Hotline: (631)-369-9829 www.amseas.org<http://www.amseas.org> The information contained in this email message is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the designated recipient named above. This message may be privileged and confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this message and any attached documents in error, that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of the message and documents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by telephone or reply email and immediately delete it and any accompanying documents.

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Spring 2021 Marine Mammal Stranding Internship – Dauphin Island Sea Lab
by Mackenzie Russell 14 Oct '20

14 Oct '20

The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated intern to assist with marine mammal stranding response in coastal Alabama waters. ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner and works in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to dolphin, whale, and manatee strandings. Our primary goal is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. This internship is a physically demanding position, as field response and necropsy events often create long days in a variety of weather conditions. This intern will gain useful knowledge, skills, and experience in the fields of marine biology and marine mammalogy. *Internship Dates:* 3 to 5 months starting February 2021 (3 month minimum; may be extended based on intern performance and availability; start/end dates flexible) *Daily duties include*: Field stranding response, data collection, data management, participation in necropsy events, sample handling, and equipment/lab maintenance/cleaning. The intern will also have the opportunity to complete an independent research project based on their interests, which will culminate in a presentation at the end of the internship. *Qualification requirements*: · be a student or recent graduate (0-2 years) of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program; · have interest in marine mammal biology, physiology and anatomy; · have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record; · be 18 years or older; · be physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs, and a strong swimmer; · have the ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects; · have knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses; · have the ability to work at least 30 hrs/week including one weekend day per week (nights and holidays may be required as necessary with fieldwork). This position is paid. Intern is responsible for providing their own housing and transport to DISL. Assistance finding housing can be provided. Applicant must be eligible to legally reside in the U.S. for the duration of the internship period. International applicants are accepted; however, no visa assistance can be provided. Interested applicants must *send a cover letter, CV and dates of availability* to almmsn(a)disl.org *by Jan. 1st, 2021* to be considered. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay through the entire internship period. Application review will begin immediately. More information about ALMMSN and the Marine Ecosystem Response Laboratory can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org/, https://www.disl.edu/research/marine-mammal-research-program or by contacting ALMMSN at almmsn(a)disl.org.

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