November 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Body size data from drone images support a unique Chilean blue whale taxon
by Matt Leslie 12 Nov '20

12 Nov '20

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my wonderful co-authors, I am happy to announce this new publication on Chilean blue whales. TITLE: Body size data collected non-invasively from drone images indicate a morphologically distinct Chilean blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) taxon OPEN ACCESS LINK: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v43/p291-304/ ABSTRACT: The blue whale Balaenoptera musculus (Linnaeus, 1758) was the target of intense commercial whaling in the 20th century, and current populations remain drastically below pre-whaling abundances. Reducing uncertainty in subspecific taxonomy would enable targeted conservation strategies for the recovery of unique intraspecific diversity. Currently, there are 2 named blue whale subspecies in the temperate to polar Southern Hemisphere: the Antarctic blue whale B. m. intermedia and the pygmy blue whale B. m. brevicauda. These subspecies have distinct morphologies, genetics, and acoustics. In 2019, the Society for Marine Mammalogy’s Committee on Taxonomy agreed that evidence supports a third (and presently unnamed) subspecies of Southern Hemisphere blue whale subspecies, the Chilean blue whale. Whaling data indicate that the Chilean blue whale is intermediate in body length between pygmy and Antarctic blue whales. We collected body size data from blue whales in the Gulfo Corcovado, Chile, during the austral summers of 2015 and 2017 using aerial photogrammetry from a remotely controlled drone to test the hypothesis that the Chilean blue whale is morphologically distinct from other Southern Hemisphere blue whale subspecies. We found the Chilean whale to be morphologically intermediate in both overall body length and relative tail length, thereby joining other diverse data in supporting the Chilean blue whale as a unique subspecific taxon. Additional photogrammetry studies of Antarctic, pygmy, and Chilean blue whales will help examine unique morphological variation within this species of conservation concern. To our knowledge, this is the first non-invasive small drone study to test a hypothesis for systematic biology. CITATION: Leslie MS, Perkins-Taylor CM, Durban JW, Moore MJ and others (2020) Body size data collected non-invasively from drone images indicate a morphologically distinct Chilean blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) taxon. Endang Species Res 43:291-304. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01066 ---------- Matthew S. Leslie Ph.D. Department of Biology Swarthmore College

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New Publication: Virtopsy as a Revolutionary Tool for Cetacean Stranding Programs: Implementation and Management
by Dr. KOT Brian Chin Wing 12 Nov '20

12 Nov '20

Dear MARMAM Readers, On behalf of the Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab (https://www.facebook.com/aquanimallab) in City University of Hong Kong, my colleagues and I are pleased to share our new paper, representing a milestone on our project management, namely “Virtopsy as a Revolutionary Tool for Cetacean Stranding Programs: Implementation and Management”, published in Frontiers in Marine Science. Citation: Tsui HCL, Kot BCW, Chung TYT and Chan DKP (2020) Virtopsy as a Revolutionary Tool for Cetacean Stranding Programs: Implementation and Management. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:542015. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.542015 Highlight: Being the first team worldwide to conduct virtopsy routinely on stranded cetaceans since March 2014, we consolidated our 6-year experiences on how this revolutionary tool has been implemented, and how the management of brand-new cetacean stranding program works, using the successful case in HK waters as an example. On top of conventional necropsy, virtopsy (postmortem computed tomography and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging) has been integrated into the Cetacean Stranding Response Programme in Hong Kong since March 2014. To date, 177 out of 240 local stranded cetaceans have been examined by virtopsy. This integration has modernised the characterisation and documentation of cetacean biological health and profiles, and causes of death. During this 6-year period, critical pitfalls regarding logistics, carcass recovery, handling, and preservation have been identified. A strategic management scheme is crucial for the successful incorporation of virtopsy into this pioneer programme. This study explains the workflow of the Cetacean Virtopsy Stranding Response Programme in Hong Kong waters. Difficulties encountered are highlighted and practical solutions to address management issues are proposed to consolidate the stranding response network. I would like to extend my gratitude to readers of our work, as well as editors and reviewers for their contributions to this finished version. Happy reading ☺ Warm regards, Brian Kot Ph.D. in Diagnostic Imaging, B.Sc. (Hons) in Radiography, Cert. (RPC), Cert. (Virtopsy) Visiting Assistant Professor Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences City University of Hong Kong cum Research Fellow State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution City University of Hong Kong E: briankot(a)cityu.edu.hk<mailto:briankot@cityu.edu.hk>, briankot(a)yahoo.co.uk<mailto:briankot@yahoo.co.uk> W: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/jcc/staff/dr-brian-kot-chin-wing Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab Follow us at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aquanimallab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquanimallab Disclaimer: This email (including any attachments) is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential information and/or copyright material. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email and all copies from your system. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, reproduction, copying, distribution, or other form of unauthorized dissemination of the contents is expressly prohibited.

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New Publication on the social role of vocal complexity
by Elena Papale 12 Nov '20

12 Nov '20

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I’m happy to announce the publication in Frontiers in Marine Science of the following article: The Social Role of Vocal Complexity in Striped Dolphins. Papale E., Fanizza C., Buscaino G., Ceraulo M., Cipriano G., Crugliano R., Grammauta R., Gregorietti M., Renò V., Ricci P., Santacesaria F.C., Maglietta R. and Carlucci R. Abstract: Many gregarious species require complex patterns of communication for maintaining coordinated behaviors, articulated social structure and group cohesion. In mammal species, social complexity has been considered the driving force for the development of advanced acoustic communication systems. Striped dolphins are highly social, showing large group size with females maintaining strong bonds with kin. Here, we tested the hypothesis that more complex acoustic pattern plays a key role in social activity in the striped dolphins. The production rate of clicks, whistles and burst pulses, and the acoustic features of whistles have been related to the activity context (feeding, traveling, resting, and socializing). Furthermore, complex calls, consisting of a combination of frequency-modulated, and/or pulsed components were detected. Higher whistles and burst pulses production rates were recorded during socializing. Also, the social activity can be discriminated basing on the modulation of the whistle contour. Biphonic calls were especially recorded during social interaction events, suggesting that these phenomena can encode information about individual or group identity to conspecifics. Outcomes indicate the pivotal role of vocal complexity during social context and elicit further investigations of the communication system of small odontocetes from local to wider spatial scale. The link can be found at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.584301/full Cheers, Elena ___________________ Elena Papale, PhD Institute for the Study of Anthropogenic Impacts and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (IAS), National Research Council, Torretta Granitola (TP), Italy and Department of Life Science and Systems Biology University of Torino, Torino, Italy elena.papale(a)ias.cnr.it elena.papale(a)cnr.it elena.papale(a)unito.it elenabiancapapale(a)gmail.com

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New Publication
by Wayne Mcfee - NOAA Federal 10 Nov '20

10 Nov '20

On behalf of my co-authors and I, I would like to announce the publication in the journal of Diseases of Aquatic Organisms the following article: Occurrence of *Brucella ceti* in stranded bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* coincides with calving season. Abstract: Brucellosis is a disease caused by the Gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium Brucella spp. In terrestrial species, this zoonotic bacterium is a global public health risk, but there is also concern over the zoonotic potential of marine forms, such as B. ceti, which affects cetaceans. Due to the detection of B. ceti in samples from bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus during the 2010−2014 Gulf of Mexico Unusual Mortality Event, a long-term study of the prevalence of Brucella in stranded bottlenose dolphins from South Carolina, USA, was conducted. From 2012 through 2017, 282 stranded bottlenose dolphins were tested for B. ceti via real-time PCR. Nearly 32% of the dolphins tested positive in at least one sample (brain, lung, blowhole swab). Very little information exists in the literature on the occurrence of Brucella spp. in marine mammals, though in terrestrial species, such as cattle and elk, higher prevalence is often reported in spring. Similar results were found in this study with the peak occurrence being between March and June, a known period of calving in South Carolina. Results from this study provide important insights into the occurrence of the marine bacterium B. ceti. Citation: McFee, WE, Wu, D, Colegrove, K, Terio, K, Balthis, L and R Young. 2020. Occurrence of *Brucella ceti* in stranded bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* coincides with calving season. *Diseases of Aquatic Organisms *141: 185-193. The link to the abstract can be found at https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v141/p185-193/ and a pdf can be requested to wayne.mcfee(a)noaa.gov Thank you. Wayne McFee -- Wayne McFee PI -Coastal Marine Mammal Assessments Key Species and Bioinformatics Branch National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science NOAA National Ocean Service 219 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 (843) 460-9695

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New publication: A review of big data analysis methods for baleen whale passive acoustic monitoring
by Katie Kowarski 09 Nov '20

09 Nov '20

We are pleased to announce our recent publication available online! Kowarski, KA, Moors‐Murphy, H. A review of big data analysis methods for baleen whale passive acoustic monitoring. *Mar Mam Sci*. 2020; 1– 22. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12758 Abstract Many organizations collect large passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data sets that need to be efficiently and reliably analyzed. To determine appropriate methods for effective analysis of big PAM data sets, we undertook a literature review of baleen whale PAM analysis methods. Methodologies from 166 studies (published between 2000–2019) were summarized, and a detailed review was performed on the 94 studies that recorded more than 1,000 hr of acoustic data (“big data”). Analysis techniques for extracting baleen whale information from PAM data sets varied depending on the research observed. A spectrum of methodologies was used and ranged from manual analysis of all acoustic data by human experts to completely automated techniques with no manual validation. Based on this assessment, recommendations are provided to encourage robust research methods that are comparable across studies and sectors, achievable across research groups, and consistent with previous work. These include using automated techniques when possible to increase efficiency and repeatability, supplementing automation with manual review to calculate automated detector performance, and increasing consistency in terminology and presentation of results. This work can be used to facilitate discussion for minimum standards and best practices to be implemented in the field of marine mammal PAM.

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New publications on recent studies of whale-watching activities in Reunion Island
by Quiétude 08 Nov '20

08 Nov '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our recent studies on whale-watching activities on humpback whales off Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, available Open Access in Tourism in Marine Environments: 1) Hoarau, L., Dalleau, M., Delaspre, S., Barra, T. & Landes, A.E. Assessing and Mitigating Humpback Whale (*Megaptera Novaeangliae*) Disturbance of Whale-watching Activities in Reunion Island. Tourism in Marine Environments <https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/tme>, Volume 15, Numbers 3-4, 2020, pp. 173-189(17). https://doi.org/10.3727/154427320X15943326793398 2) Barra, T., Bejder, L., Dalleau, M., Delaspre, S., Landes, A.E., Harvey, M. & Hoarau, L. Social Media Reveal High Rates of Agonistic Behaviors of Humpback Whales in Response to Swim-with Activities Off Reunion Island. Tourism in Marine Environments <https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/tme>, Volume 15, Numbers 3-4, 2020, pp. 191-209(19). https://doi.org/10.3727/154427320X15960647825531 The corresponding abstracts are found below: 1) Assessing and Mitigating Humpback Whale (*Megaptera Novaeangliae*) Disturbance of Whale-watching Activities in Reunion Island. Whale watching, including swim-with-whales activities, is developing at an enormous rate in Reunion Island. This is raising concerns about its impacts on breeding humpback whales and challenging the sustainability of the activity. In 2017, a dedicated-at-sea patrol team, "Quiétude," was created to observe, monitor, and raise awareness to the whale watchers in order to improve compliance with local guidelines. In this context, the team assessed whale watching in Reunion Island during two humpback whale breeding seasons in 2017 and 2018, between June and October. Sighted groups were mostly composed of mother/calf pairs spending most of their time resting near or at the surface. Whale-watching vessels were present in 85.1% of sightings, of which 68.4% were recreative. Swimwith-cetaceans activities were very frequently observed in 42% of sightings. Overall, compliance with the charter was as high as 68% of whale sightings with vessels/swimmers were in line with the recommendations. However, low compliance (32.8%) was observed with the specific recommendations of swim-with-cetaceans activities. Swimmers were reported in surface active groups displaying agonistic behaviors, which poses evident human safety concerns. Humpback whale resting behaviors were disrupted significantly by whale-watching activities. Humpback whales tended to avoid vessels and swimmers, especially when their behavior was intrusive or not compliant with the charter. Positive humpback whale responses were more likely to occur if the charter's recommendations were not breached. Our results highlight how a nonbinding regulation, with recommendations scrupulously pursued, allows for a reduction in whale-watching disturbances and supports a better tourism experience. Our results advocate for reinforcing tourism education, whale-watching adaptive management and regulations, specifically for vulnerable groups with a calf, and for the swim-with-whales activities. This could be efficiently achieved by engaging all stakeholders and the permanent team on the field "Quietude" to enhance dissemination of best practices and sensitivity around sustainable values of implemented regulations. 2) Social Media Reveal High Rates of Agonistic Behaviors of Humpback Whales in Response to Swim-with Activities Off Reunion Island. The effect of nature-based tourism on wildlife has been the focus of much attention. Studies have demonstrated how boat-based cetacean-watching tourism can cause both short-term and long-term effects on targeted populations. However, limited attention has been given to the effect of swim-with activities on humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*). This study qualified whale responses to swim-with activities off Reunion Island during the 2018 humpback whales breeding season. We used both under- and above-water videos collected from social media outlets, commercial whale-watching operators, and audiovisual professionals. We documented a high rate of agonistic whale behaviors (during 42.1% of all observations; * n* = 164) towards swimmers within videos containing swim-with events. We documented seven agonistic behaviors including threat, attack, or defense behaviors that were predominantly exhibited by mother/calf groups (73.8%; * n* = 121) and by singletons (16.5%;* n*= 27). Pectoral shears (27.4%) and fluke thrashes (23.2%) were the most exhibited agonistic whale behaviors aimed towards swimmers, both of which pose a danger and serious injury to swimmers. During swim-with attempts whales changed their behavioral state (82.3%,* n* = 159) and used avoidance tactics to avoid swimmers (56.1%,* n* = 92). Whales exhibited a higher rate of agonistic behaviors when swim groups were active and dispersed, in contrast to when they were quiet and compact. To mitigate whale disturbance and improve swimmer safety, we recommend avoiding swimming with whale groups containing calfs. Our findings support the implementation of strong regulations and educational tools to ensure a sustainable practice of whale watching off the Reunion Island. Please do not hesitate in contacting us at this email address for any questions. All the best, *Equipe Quiétude - Observation respectueuse des cétacés et tortues marines à La Réunion* https://cedtm-asso.org/quietude/ *>> 100 Mesures pour dessiner l'avenir de l'activité d'observation des cétacés à La Réunion ? Découvrez, soutenez, participez ! <https://cedtm-asso.org/quietude/mesure/>* *Centre d'Etude et de Découverte des Tortues Marines (CEDTM)* Rés. M. Rishna, Appt 5 - 6, chemin Dubuisson <https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UoHvQs0TpUyzyE9N7rV-vZTOiEc> 97436 Saint Leu, La Réunion Tel : (+262) 02 62 91 35 28

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PhD opportunity available in humpback whale hearing and cognition
by Rebecca Dunlop 08 Nov '20

08 Nov '20

The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratories (CEAL) group at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, is seeking applicants for one PhD position. UQ is routinely listed in the top 50 or so universities in the world and has one of the largest marine science programs in Australia. CEAL has been studying humpback whale vocal communication since 2002. CEAL is situated at the Moreton Bay Research Station at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Is (Minjerribah) near Brisbane. MBRS is a 30 min ferry trip from the mainland (Cleveland, where several of our PhD students live) and about 90 min from the centre of Brisbane, the main St Lucia campus of the University, and the Brisbane international and domestic airports. North Stradbroke Island itself is a beautiful island with good surf beaches, national parks, diving, and camping. The CEAL group has a primarily focus on cetacean acoustic behaviour and communication, the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals, cetacean physiology, and cetacean population dynamics. We value a team-based approach, where supervisors and researchers work effectively together on various projects. We also value gender equity and cultural diversity within the lab. As part of the lab PhD programme, we offer experience in field data collection, grant and report writing, and statistical data analysis. We are also able to offer students industry placements, where we encourage and support students to gain real-world experience. Our lab would provide a challenging but impactful PhD experience and, as such, we are seeking an enthusiastic and capable student with strong interests in animal acoustic communication and cognition. This PhD will be part of a larger study on the hearing of humpback whales funded by the Living Marine Resources program, U.S. Navy. Applicants should therefore have a background and general interest in animal communication, behaviour and cognition and should hold an honours degree or masters degree (or equivalent). Successful applications will be put forward for a scholarship to the University which will fully cover tuition and pay a living stipend. Due to current COVID-19 travel restrictions, domestic (Australian and New Zealand) students will be preferred but high quality international applicants should also apply, particularly if they are currently in Australia. Please see below for more details. Background Humpback whales are renowned for their complex communication repertoire. However, much less is known about how these animals hear, and perceive, different sound sources. A previous study (project BRAHSS; https://www.brahss.org.au) led by CEAL, Curtin University, and the University of Sydney, found that humpback whales changed their migratory behaviour in response to the noise from seismic air guns. However, these behavioural changes were found to be relatively 'subtle'. One hypothesis that may explain these subtle behavioural changes is that the air gun 'bang' is a similar to the sound of a humpback 'breach'. Therefore, humpback whales perceive these sounds as being 'familiar' and do not respond dramatically to them. This hypothesis will be the focus of the PhD project. CEAL is leading a new study to the hearing range, and hearing sensitivity, of humpback whales. To do this, 'tones' of various frequencies will be played back to humpback whales following on from a previous experiment that found a clear and measurable avoidance response to a 2 kHz tone (Dunlop et al. 2013). Part of this new study will include a 'positive control'; sounds from killer whales. We expect these sounds to elicit a 'fear' response in whales meaning we would expect a clear avoidance respond as soon as they hear them giving us a basis with which to measure the behavioural response to tones. The fact that humpback whales clearly avoided a 2 kHz tone, and this response seemed to be of greater magnitude than was found to the seismic air gun array, may be due to the fact that the 2 kHz tones sounded similar to killer whale sounds. In other words, 'tones' and 'killer whale sounds' do not sound like conspecific sounds, and may elicit a more 'fearful' response. The PhD project will compare the behavioural response of humpbacks to tones, killer whale sounds, air guns, and sounds made by conspecifics to test if sound context, familiarity, and 'meaning' could explain differences in observed behavioural responses. You will use data already collected on humpback whale responses to conspecific sounds and air gun sounds (project BRAHSS). In addition, uou will be part of the HHARC (Hearing in Humpbacks Acoustic Research Collaboration) project field effort (2021 - 2023) to collect further data on humpback responses to 'tones' and 'killer whale sounds' (Peregian Beach field site). For further information on the field site and earlier studies see CEAL publications. Results will extend our knowledge of animal perception of sound (cognition) as well as how, and why, whales respond to various anthropogenic noise sources. Ultimately, this will help make improvements to ocean policy aimed at mitigating the negative effects of anthropogenic noise on large whales. Applying for the positions For this PhD, the applicant's background should be in biology and/or ecology with quantitative training and experience preferred (e.g. in R). You should also have experience in scientific writing (preferably as an author on a peer reviewed publication) and be able to produce a sample of your writing, be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of hypothesis testing and experimental design, and have some experience in data processing and analysis. To apply for this PhD position, the applicant should send a cover letter to Rebecca Dunlop r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au> which includes why you would like to undertake this project, a summary of their relevant qualifications and experience (including your response to the criteria outlined above), information on your status as a domestic or international applicant, and where you are currently residing. You should also include a CV and a copy of your academic transcript. Emails should have the subject "PhD expression of interest" followed by the applicant's surname. Applications are due by 11th January 2021. A successful applicant will then be put forward to the University to compete for a scholarship. If successful, you will start in mid-2021. It should be noted that 'strong' candidate usually have at least one first-authored publication in a peer-reviewed journal. While this is not essential for a domestic student, to be competitive for a domestic scholarship, it is considered mandatory for international students due to high demand for international scholarships. Rebecca Dunlop BSc PhD Director of Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratories Moreton Bay Research Station, University of Queensland Corner of Flinders Avenue and Fraser Streets Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island, QLD 4183 Australia Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Physiology School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland, Gatton Campus Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au> https://ceal.lab.uq.edu.au/

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New publication - Detection of Brucella ceti in Two Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises Stranded in Hong Kong
by nmauroo＠hkwhf.org.hk 08 Nov '20

08 Nov '20

Dear colleagues, Myself and my co authors are please to announce a new publication arising from our research on stranded Indo-Pacific finless porpoises in Hong Kong. Nathalie F. Mauroo, Rosana W. S. Poon, Philip S. L. Beh, Patrick C. Y. Woo; Detection of _Brucella ceti_ in Two Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises (_Neophocaena Phocaenoides_) Stranded in Hong Kong. _J Wildl Dis_ 1 July 2020; 56 (3): 698-701. doi: https://doi.org/10.7589/2019-05-113 Abstract _Brucella ceti_ has been detected in several species of free-ranging odontocetes, in several geographic areas but it has not been reported in Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (_Neophocaena phocaenoides_) nor in any odontocetes in waters in the South China Sea. Sampling of odontocetes stranded in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China, was carried out as part of a stranding monitoring program to evaluate the pathogens harbored by these threatened species. A real-time PCR method targeting the _Brucella_ genus-specific 31kDa _Brucella_ cell surface salt extractable (_bcsp31_) gene, gene sequencing, and phylogenetic characterisation produced three PCR products of the expected size and sequence, from two stranded Indo-Pacific finless porpoises. The PCR products were obtained from brain tissue from of a neonate and from mammary fluid from a sexually mature female. Further testing for this pathogen should be performed to determine whether _Brucella ceti_ might have a detrimental effect on reproduction and calf survival in Indo-Pacific finless porpoises and pose a threat to the conservation of this species. The importance of biosafety and biosecurity measures when handling cetaceans or their tissues and products in the South China Sea is also highlighted. Best wishes, Nathalie Dr Nathalie Mauroo, DVM, PhD, CertZooMed,MRCVS nmauroo(a)hkwhf.org.hk Hong Kong Wildlife Health Foundation www.hkwhf.org.hk

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Marine Animal Response Internship in Hawaii
by elisabeth.bogle＠h-mar.org 07 Nov '20

07 Nov '20

JOIN OUR FIELD RESPONSE TEAMon the beautiful island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. We are accepting applications for interns for our Winter 2021 internship period. The deadline is December 5th, however, applications will be reviewed as they come in, and positions will be assigned as responses are received so apply soon. Here is more detail about this opportunity. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is the field operations arm of Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance Inc. and is the largest Hawaii-based non-profit marine species conservation and response organization. We cover nearly 300 miles of coastline on the islands of Oahu and Molokai with our team of volunteers, interns and staff. We are a U.S. based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation and stewardship of Hawaii's protected marine species and our ocean ecosystem. We focus our work on marine species whose natural behaviors and habitat put animals in close proximity to and are therefore most affected by human impacts. These species include the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the threatened green sea turtle, the endangered hawksbill sea turtle and several vulnerable seabird species. HMAR is supported by private donations, corporate funding and government grants and operates under partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaii and others. More information about HMAR is available at http://h-mar.org. FIELD OUTREACH AND SUPPORT (FSO) TEAM INTERN DUTIES: -Responding to sightings of endangered or threatened marine species such as Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles to provide shoreline response to haul-outs and strandings. -Perform or assist in field escalations, interventions, stranding support and rescues. -Report on animal behavior, provide animal assessment information, provide photo-documentation and other important data used in protected marine species research, health management and species recovery efforts. -Perform outreach to the public to teach sustainable human interaction and fishery behaviors and encourage stewardship of protected marine species and the ocean ecosystem. -Participate in dispatch and reporting activity such as the taking and documenting phone call reports of marine species activity, coordinating field response activity, data entry and generating reports. LOCATION: These positions require on-island travel throughout the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. FIELD SUPPORT AND OUTREACH (FSO) INTERN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: -This is an un-paid internship that requires the intern to live on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii for the period beginning 2 weeks prior to the start of the internship until the end of the internship. The intern is responsible for all lodging, living and transportation costs associated with the internship. -U.S. citizenship or possession of a passport and all applicable visas and work permits are needed prior to and during the internship period. -18 or more years of age. -English language fluency. -Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related field. -Minimum grade point average (GPA). For college/university graduates, a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students, a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship. -If college credit for this internship is desired it is the responsibility of the intern to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university. -Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for 2 miles. - Ability to work outdoors in a sunny, rainy, windy and hot climate. -Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 75 pounds for 100 feet in shoreline beach and rocky conditions. -Ability to swim required. -Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions. -Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude. -Acceptance of our Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications agreement. -Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required. - Possess an interest in and a desire to engage with the public. - Must have access to a reliable car or truck (truck preferred) during the internship period. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient. -Possession of a valid driver's license. -Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels. -Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and camera. -Access to a digital camera (not a smartphone) with at least a 35X zoom lens and Wi-Fi capability. If it does not have wifi capability, you can buy an adapter. FIELD SUPPORT AND OUTREACH INTERNSHIP ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS: - Internship term: Minimum of 3 months (may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement). Start date for 3-month minimum internship is somewhat flexible, but must be between January 1st and April 30th, 2021. Interns must be on Oahu, settled, and ready to begin training at least 2 weeks prior to the internship start date. -Hours per week: 22 hours minimum, however, due to the unpredictable nature of marine animal response, the intern may sometimes be required to work beyond, or outside of, their normal scheduled hours. Work hours flexibility is required. Travel time to and from training and field response locations is not included in these minimum hours. The intern must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. -The intern must be available for response anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. FIELD SUPPORT AND OUTREACH INTERNSHIP DEADLINE AND APPLICATION PROCESS: The deadline for Winter 2021 internships is December 5th, 2020, however, applications will be reviewed as they come in and internship positions will be assigned as they are received so apply soon. To apply, please go to http://h-mar.org/apply and complete the online application. IN ADDITION to completion of the online application, please submit the following information via email toelisabeth.bogle(a)h-mar.org A cover letter of interest, maximum of 1 page, including your dates of availability. Confirmation that you have, or will have, access to a reliable car or truck during the internship period (truck preferred). A resume describing your training, experience, relevant skills, and GPA (maximum of 2 pages). Names and contact information for three references. Your application cannot be considered unless both the online application and the required documents listed above are received. We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR). Elisabeth Pendergrass Bogle (She/Her) Field Support & Outreach Lead Internship Manager Hawaii Marine Animal Response elisabeth.bogle(a)h-mar.org Direct: 404-323-6318 Sighting Hotline: (888) 256-9840

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New Marine Mammal Seminar Series Launched! Join us!
by Charles Littnan 07 Nov '20

07 Nov '20

We are pleased to announce the inaugural edition of the the SMM Seminar Editor's Select Series. This series will highlight the latest and most exciting marine mammal science published in the Marine Mammal Science Journal. The SMM created this series to give scientists and citizens around the world a chance to engage with marine mammal scientists, learn and ask questions. All are welcome. *Guest, Dr. Elizabeth Titcomb of Dolphin Census, presents: “Tiger stripes” on estuarine dolphins?* *Thursday, 12 November 12, 20207:00 PM - 8:15 PM Eastern Daylight TimePlatform: Zoom Webinar <https://marinemammalscience.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88c2080440a38…>Cost: Free and all are welcome* About this presentation: In a long-term photo-identification study on dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon found unusual skin markings that had never-before been reported in cetaceans. The markings resembled parallel linear scars and were predominantly seen in females that had been pregnant, leading us to wonder if they were related to stretch marks seen in other mammals. At the moment, the exact cause for the skin markings is unknown. Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Titcomb of Dolphin Census, find out more about this new mystery, the research that led up to it and get your questions answered during this 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A session. *Free registration is required to attend. Space is limited.Reserve your space here:https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mS3vEEmJTwucu3aW-L7jbw <https://marinemammalscience.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=88c2080440a38…>* --

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