February 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

The Whale Museum - Marine Mammal Stranding Network Internship
by Alyssa Scott 14 Feb '20

14 Feb '20

San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network - Summer Internship Position 2020 The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN), a program of The Whale Museum established in 1980, is authorized by NMFS to respond to all marine mammal strandings in San Juan County, WA. We typically respond to more than 200 calls of both live and deceased animals per year. SJCMMSN is currently recruiting 1-2 San Juan Island-based intern(s) to help respond to marine mammal strandings during our busy season. Interns and volunteers of this critical program serve as ambassadors between humans and marine mammals as well as contribute scientific data that is crucial to both human and animal health. Internship is based in Friday Harbor, WA and requires approximately 35-40 hours per week from June-August. Schedule may vary and involve "on call" time. There will be a variety of tasks both in the field and in an office setting. Intern(s) will receive an hourly wage. Housing is not provided, but we will give you resources and help you find accommodations. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist with stranding response including: conducting health assessments of live seal pups in the field; tagging harbor seals that are not collected for rehabilitation; transferring harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center; conducting Level A examinations on dead marine mammals * Perform first mate duties on board The Whale Museum's stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard * Assist with necropsies of fresh dead marine mammals including: transferring carcasses to the lab space; preparing, setting-up, and taking down necropsy supplies; organizing and archiving biological samples * Assist with training and supervising a volunteer network of approximately 50 people * Assist with data entry and analysis for SJCMMSN as well as The Whale Museum's marine mammal sightings network and passive acoustics collection * Participate in outreach events to teach the public about Share the Shore regulations REQUIREMENTS: * Applicant should be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university, or be a recent graduate from a college or university (up to 3 years). * Interest in the field of marine mammalogy / marine science / wildlife sciences * Experience boating in the marine environment * Experience with field work * Possess a valid US driver's license and access to a mode of transportation * Exceptional attention to detail * Physically fit (able to lift 50 lbs) PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Animal handling experience * Experience with conflict resolution & public communication * Project management experience HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please submit a letter of interest, a resume, and three letters of recommendation as one pdf. Please include what dates you are available. Applications accepted until March 13th, 2020. Decisions will be made by April 3rd, 2020. Please send application materials (or questions) to: ATTN Alyssa Scott The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 Or email (preferred): alyssa(a)whalemuseum.org <mailto:alyssa@whalemuseum.org> If emailing, please include in your subject line: SJCMMSN Internship Application (Your Last Name) For more information, visit the job/internship/volunteer opportunities on our website <https://whalemuseum.org/pages/job-internship-volunteer-opportunities> . Alyssa Scott Stranding Coordinator / Acoustician The Whale Museum Office: (360) 378-4710 ext. 27 Stranding hotline: 1-800-562-8832

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New Publication: Literature Synthesis: Passive Acoustic Monitoring Projects and Sound Sources in the Gulf of Mexico
by Glenn, Tre W 14 Feb '20

14 Feb '20

The BOEM is happy to share our new publication, which is open-access and can be downloaded at https://espis.boem.gov/final%20reports/BOEM_2020-009.pdf<https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fespis.boe…> Latusek-NabholzJN, Whitt AD, Fertl D, Gallien DR, Ampela K, Khan AA, Sidorovskaia N. 2020. Literature synthesis on passive acoustic monitoring projects and sound sources in the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans (LA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Contract No.: M17PC00001. OCS Study BOEM 2020-009. 99 p. PURPOSE: Available and relevant literature and data on previous and ongoing passive acoustic monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) were compiled. This information was reviewed to characterize potential sound sources and their distribution in the GOM and to identify existing methodologies for acoustic source detection, localization, tracking, and classification. Acoustic sources encompass weather events, industrial and military activities (including the use of explosives), shipping, animal vocalizations, and geologic events. This review was conducted under the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Program for the Northern GOM. The primary objective of the program is to design and implement a multi-year acoustic data collection and monitoring plan for both the acoustic and the biotic environments in the GOM further defining the associated baseline soundscapes. The objective of this literature synthesis was to collect and review published literature and available datasets of previous and ongoing PAM projects in the GOM for the following purposes: 1. Characterize potential sound sources in the GOM. 2. Summarize the state of current knowledge on GOM baseline acoustic noise levels. 3. Investigate existing methodologies for acoustic source detection, localization, tracking, and classification of marine mammals. 4. Identify by spatial mapping previous and current study areas. 5. Identify the most appropriate field methodologies and protocols for measuring the acoustic environment in the GOM. Thanks, Donald (Tre) W. Glenn, III, Ph.D., P.E., CFM Senior Protected Species Biologist Consultation Specialist Professional Environmental Engineer Contracting Officer's Representative III Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) GOMR, Office of Environment 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana 70123

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2 weeks left to apply - Science and Outreach Internship - Whale and Dolphin Conservation, North America
by Monica Pepe 14 Feb '20

14 Feb '20

SCIENCE AND OUTREACH INTERNSHIP WDC North America (NA), located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships providing science, education, and conservation experience in working for an international non-profit organization. At the end of the program our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals. We are currently seeking applicants to fill available positions for the summer season beginning in May. Applications are due by 11:59PM EST on Sunday, March 1st. Logistics Fieldwork is primarily carried out on commercial whale watching boats and the field season is April - October. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. The program requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. The internship is a full- time position requiring availability 7 days a week due to the scheduling of outreach events and daily whale watching trips. There is no fee or compensation for the internship positions. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Furnished housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300 USD, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Those that can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. International applicants interested in the internship program must be able to secure their own travel visa and other required documentation. Successful candidates will focus their time in two main areas - science and outreach. Science Responsibilities * Marine mammal species identification and behavior observations in the field * Collecting and processing opportunistic marine mammal sightings data in the Southern Gulf of Maine * Collecting and processing images of marine mammals in the Southern Gulf of Maine * Photo identification and cataloging of individually identifiable humpback and finback whales * Database coding and cleaning * Understanding how science guides WDC's policy initiatives Outreach Responsibilities * Interaction with whale watch passengers - answering questions and using educational props for informal education * Assisting staff at school programs for all grade levels * Participating in local festivals and outreach events - encouraging people to get involved in WDC's mission * Exhibiting WDC's largest educational resource - a life-size inflatable whale named Delilah<https://us.whales.org/delilah/>! * Writing blogs and social media content * Initiate discussions with groups of people of all ages * Attendance at conferences, meetings, and stakeholder discussions (as opportunities arise) Candidate Qualifications * Must be 18 years or older (preference given to students matriculated in or recently graduated from appropriate graduate or undergraduate degree programs) * Fluency in English * Possession of a valid driver's license is strongly preferred * Be able to show proof of valid health insurance * Capable of spending long days in an office environment * Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours, sometimes in adverse weather conditions * Some physical labor required (i.e. transporting event materials) * Excellent verbal and written communications skills * Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people of all walks of life * Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team * Ability to function well under pressure * Ability to relay scientific information to the general public in an understandable way * Ability to problem solve in unanticipated situations * Good computer skills - familiarity with operating PCs How to Apply Please only submit the following via e-mail to monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org>: 1. Cover letter - Clearly indicate your availability (specific dates, if possible) in the cover letter 2. Resume 3. Contact information for two references including e-mail, phone number, and your affiliation to the reference. No prewritten letters, please. 4. A supporting document of no more than 300 words answering only one of the following prompts: * In order to save a species, where do you think conservation efforts should start? * Whale watching can be a controversial topic. Does whale watching do more harm than good, or more good than harm? * In your opinion, what is the greatest threat that whales and dolphins face? For more information visit our website at https://us.whales.org/science-and-outreach-internship/. Any additional questions should be directed to Monica Pepe via email at monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org> or by calling the WDC office at (508) 746-2522. WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin. Please review our Privacy Notice<https://adopt-us.whales.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Privacy-Notice-NA-Ap…> for information on how we collect and store your secure information. Monica Pepe Policy Manager Conservation and Education Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC - Protecting Whales and Dolphins for over 30 years]<https://whales.org/> [WDC on Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/uswhalesorg> [WDC North America on Twitter] <https://www.twitter.com/whales_org> [WDC on Instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/whales_org> [WDC on YouTube] <https://www.youtube.com/whalesorg> [WDC Blogs] <https://us.whales.org/category/news/> [WDC E-Newsletter] <https://us.whales.org/> [WDC on GuideStar]<https://www.guidestar.org/profile/02-0749188> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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New publication; Quantifying ship strike risk to breeding whales in a multiple-use Marine Park: The Great Barrier Reef
by Joshua Smith 14 Feb '20

14 Feb '20

My co-authors and I are happy to share our new publication, which is open-access and can be downloaded at https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00067 Joshua N. Smith, Natalie Kelly, Simon Childerhouse, Jessica V. Redfern, Thomas J. Moore and David Peel Quantifying ship strike risk to breeding whales in a multiple-use Marine Park: The Great Barrier Reef ABSTRACT: Spatial risk assessments are an effective management tool used in multiple-use marine parks to balance the needs for conservation of natural properties and to provide for varying socio-economic demands for development. The multiple-use Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) has recently experienced substantial increases in current and proposed port expansions and subsequent shipping. Globally, large whale populations are recovering from commercial whaling and ship strike is a significant threat to some populations and a potential welfare issue for others. Within the GBRMP, there is spatial conflict between the main breeding ground of the east Australian humpback whale population and the main inner shipping route that services several large natural resource export ports. The east coast humpback whale population is one of the largest humpback whale populations globally, exponentially increasing (11% per annum) close to the maximum potential rate and estimated to reach pre-exploitation population numbers in the next 4-5 years. We quantify the relative risk of ship strike to calving and mating humpback whales, with areas of highest relative risk coinciding with areas offshore of two major natural resource export ports. We found females with a dependent calf had a higher risk of ship strike compared to groups without a calf when standardized for group size and their inshore movement and coastal dependence later in the breeding season increases their overlap with shipping, although their lower relative abundance decreases risk. The formalization of a two-way shipping route has provided little change to risk and projected risk estimates indicate a three- to five-fold increase in risk to humpback whales from ship strike over the next 10 years. Currently, the whale Protection Area in the GBRMP does not cover the main mating and calving areas, whereas provisions within the legislation for establishment of a Special Management Area during the peak breeding season in high-risk areas could occur. A common mitigation strategy of re-routing shipping lanes to reduce risk is not a viable option for the GBRMP due to physical spatial limitations imposed by the reef, whereas speed restrictions could be the most feasible based on current ship speeds. Cheers Josh Dr Joshua Smith Research Fellow, Murdoch University Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit<http://amru.org.au/group-member/josh-smith/> ORCID ID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9912-422X | * joshua.smith(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:joshua.smith@murdoch.edu.au>

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Soundwatch Program Summer Internships Available
by Jenny Atkinson 13 Feb '20

13 Feb '20

The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program: 2019 Summer Internships Available! Soundwatch is a successful and internationally acclaimed education and monitoring program working to reduce vessel disturbance to orcas and other marine wildlife in the Salish Sea region of Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Soundwatch needs interns to help conduct seasonal vessel patrols, educate boaters on regional/federal Be Whale Wise guidelines and regulations, and collect data while monitoring vessel activities around whales. Data from this critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered orcas and other marine wildlife. The data is used to promote better boater compliance and to inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and federal vessel laws and guidelines. The Soundwatch program is operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a not-for-profit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State. To learn more, please visit our website and read Soundwatch's most recent Contract Report and publications. Interns Must: * Commit to at least 12 weeks between May and September. * Be able to work approximately 35-40 hours per week, Mon-Sun. * Perform a variety of tasks both in the field, aboard small research vessel and in an office setting. * Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic and attention to detail. * Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water sometimes in extreme seasonal conditions. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least three or four times a week. Internship is located in Friday Harbor, Washington. This position provides a housing stipend. Interns are responsible for finding their own housing and having a mode of transportation. Once accepted, TWM staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. Applicant requirements: At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), must be able to swim, not easily susceptible to seasickness, and familiar with database spreadsheets. Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. Interns will need (for the entirety of their position) a valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license and CPR/First Aid certification. A state boater license/or equivalent safe boating card, not required, but is encouraged. Knowledge of the area and Southern Resident orca whales is preferred, but not required. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Applications accepted until March 16, 2020, with decisions made by April 7. PLEASE SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director The Whale Museum / P.O. Box 945 / Friday Harbor, Washington 98250-0945 Or email (preferred) to: jenny(a)whalemuseum.org <mailto:jenny@whalemuseum.org> Please visit The Whale Museum's Web site for more information on Soundwatch: http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html Jenny L. Atkinson Executive Director The Whale Museum P. O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-4710 ext. 26 www.whalemuseum.org

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Job Posting for Soundwatch Seasonal Vessel Driver/Educator
by Jenny Atkinson 13 Feb '20

13 Feb '20

Position Soundwatch Seasonal Vessel Driver/Educator. Seasonal Contract position, June -September Location: The Whale Museum, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington State, US The Soundwatch Boater Education Program Mission: Promote responsible stewardship of the Salish Sea through the development, distribution and implementation of Be Whale Wise, best practice guidelines & regulations for marine wildlife viewing by residents, visitors and commercial users. Program goal: Reduce disturbances to marine wildlife by irresponsible boater behavior. Program objectives: Educate boaters on best practices for viewing marine wildlife before they leave the shore; reinforce the learning experience in the actual context where disturbances take place; develop and evaluate community-based voluntary guidelines; and provide a scientific platform to monitor vessel activities around marine mammals. Soundwatch Seasonal Vessel Driver/Educator Tasks: Assist with all aspects of The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program, including but not limited to the following: * Seasonal field operations: Conduct full- or half-day on-the-water educational patrols and monitoring of whale watch activities June-September. Maintain daily boat patrol protocols and data collection procedures on whale watching and marine wildlife viewing trends, guideline compliance measurements and educational materials distribution. Prevent wildlife disturbance by intercepting boaters before they reach wildlife areas. Monitor activities within San Juan County Marine Stewardship Area including recreational and fishing pressure in reserve areas, including National Wildlife Refuge Areas and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Biological Preserve Areas. Maintain equipment and collection materials. Work with Soundwatch volunteers and interns. Maintain communications with whale research and commercial whale-watch community. Report marine mammal strandings to the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network. * Small Vessel operations: Vessel driver, perform routine maintenance and minor boat/engine repair, maintain vessel/engine/operation and safety equipment, communicate with coordinator and/or mechanic for trouble shooting advice, provide vessel operation briefing to interns and volunteers. * Education/Outreach on marine stewardship: Distribution of educational materials on-the-water, regional boating facilities and organizations. * Soundwatch field data-entry: Assist with field season data entry. Assist with the update of annual commercial whale watch industry information and ID book. * Assist with the coordination of volunteers and interns: Assist with training and scheduling of volunteers and interns. Keep track of volunteer activities for future reporting. The successful candidate should understand and have experience with recovery priorities related to the endangered SRKWs. The Vessel Driver/Educator reports to the Soundwatch Program Coordinator and must work cooperatively with other museum staff, program interns and volunteers. This position is classed as Seasonal Field Work Contractor, May-September. Soundwatch Vessel Driver/Educator should plan to be in place by May 14, 2020. (Start date may be negotiable.) Active review of submitted applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Note: International applicants required to have approved Visa and documentation to work in the U.S. at the time of submission. Application package should include: a cover letter, resume and up to five references (reference letter or contact information for each reference). Electronic submissions are encouraged in the form of a PDF compiled with the requested information. Please send to: Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director, The Whale Museum, P. O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or Email: jenny(a)whalemuseum.org <mailto:jenny@whalemuseum.org> Jenny L. Atkinson Executive Director The Whale Museum P. O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-4710 ext. 26 www.whalemuseum.org

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New publication on Cook Inlet beluga
by Manuel Castellote - NOAA Affiliate 13 Feb '20

13 Feb '20

Dear MARMAM recipients, We are happy to announce our new publication: Castellote, Small, Lammers, Jenniges, Mondragon, Garner, Atkinson, Delevaux, Graham, Westerholt. 2020. Seasonal distribution and foraging occurrence of Cook Inlet beluga whales based on passive acoustic monitoring. Endangered Species Research 41: 225–243. ABSTRACT: A paucity of information on the basic biology and ecology of Cook Inlet beluga whales Delphinapterus leucas remains a decade after the species was listed as endangered in 2008. The causes of its continued decline remain unclear. This lack of knowledge limits our understanding of, and ability to manage, potential threats impeding the recovery of this endangered population. Seasonal distribution and foraging ecology, particularly during winter, are currently among the most basic gaps in knowledge. Therefore, we conducted a year-round passive acoustic monitoring program from 2008−2013, monitoring 13 locations within the belugas’ critical habitat. We identified seasonal occurrence patterns across years at most locations. Detections were higher in the upper inlet during summer, peaking in known concentration areas. The occurrence of whales in the upper inlet when ice coverage peaked during winter was more prevalent than previously suggested. We documented seasonal differences in foraging habitat preference, with foraging behavior more prevalent during summer, particularly near upper inlet rivers, than during winter. Foraging peaks coincided with the presence of different anadromous fish runs from spring to fall. Low levels of feeding activity in winter suggest a lack of feeding aggregation areas, feeding in non-monitored offshore waters, or increased effort on benthic prey. These results represent a substantial contribution to our knowledge of Cook Inlet beluga seasonal distribution and foraging ecology, which will strengthen conservation and management strategies and thus more effectively promote recovery of this endangered population. The article can be downloaded at no cost in the following link: https://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2020/41/n041p225.pdf Sincerely, Manuel Castellote -- Manuel Castellote, PhD Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington & Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program, Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way N.E. F/AKC3 Seattle, WA 98115-6349 (206) 526-6866 (voice) (206) 526-6615 (fax)

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Feb 28th application deadline for graduate marine bioacoustics summer school
by Susan E Parks 13 Feb '20

13 Feb '20

The application deadline for the Marine Bioacoustics Summer School program (SeaBASS 2020) is approaching on February 28th. SeaBASS provides the opportunity for currently enrolled graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation of both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one university. The topics covered in the course include: Introduction to Underwater Sound, Sound Propagation, Marine Mammal Biology & Behavior, Fish Communication & Behavior, Hearing, Echolocation, Fisheries Acoustics/Active Acoustic Monitoring, and Passive Acoustic Monitoring & Signal Processing. WHEN: June 1-5, 2020 WHERE: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY COSTS: The costs of student attendance (room and board, based on double occupancy for students) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time participation of all participants is required. Travel costs are the responsibility of the student, but travel assistance can be requested during the application process. APPLICATION: The on-line application is available at https://eos.unh.edu/center-acoustics-research-education/courses/bioacoustic… DEADLINE: The application deadline is February 28, 2020. Please direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds (J.MiksisOlds(a)unh.edu<mailto:J.MiksisOlds@unh.edu>) or Dr. Susan Parks (sparks(a)syr.edu<mailto:sparks@syr.edu>). Susan Parks Associate Professor Biology Department T 315.443.4672 F 315.443.2012 sparks(a)syr.edu 258 Life Sciences Complex, Syracuse, NY 13244 parkslab.syr.edu<http://parkslab.syr.edu> Syracuse University

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National Whale and Dolphin Watch: volunteer "citizen scientist" needed!
by Nicholas Horne 13 Feb '20

13 Feb '20

National Whale and Dolphin Watch Assistant The Sea Watch Foundation is seeking a voluntary National Whale and Dolphin Watch Assistant for the 2020 season. This position will suit a volunteer who has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving the public. The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties:  Promoting, organising and running the National Whale and Dolphin Watch event (25 th July – 2 nd August 2020)  Creating promotional materials (posters, displays, flyer) for dissemination around the UK  Social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, website) before and during the event  Interacting with the media (radio, TV and newspapers), including preparing press releases  Using initiative and creativity to reach out to wider audience  Keeping records of planned events  Updating webpage with events  Posting observer packs to participants in a timely manner  Encouraging data submission and website updates during the event  Collating data and imagery from the event  Entering event data on to database template The National Whale and Dolphin Watch Assistant will also have some opportunity to be involved in land-based and boat-based watches. However, this will be dependent on workload and will be agreed between the Assistant and the Sightings Officer each time the opportunity arises. The field season will run from April to October 2020 and has been split into four periods of seven weeks for Research Interns. Our National Whale and Dolphin Watch Assistant is required to stay for the middle two periods of the season. The assistant will be based in or around Bangor, North Wales, and he/she will be helped in finding suitable accommodation. The assistant is responsible for their own travel and living expenses. National Whale and Dolphin Watch Assistant periods for summer 2020: Periods 2 & 3: 01/05 – 04/09 Important skills/qualifications Essential:  a strong interest in marine conservation and education  strong commitment to volunteering work  excellent verbal and writing skills  an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner and to manage a variable workload, including appropriate delegation  good IT skills (Office package)  a careful, meticulous worker comfortable with entering quantities of sightings data accurately  outgoing personality with confidence to interact with the public Desirable:  experience of events organising  experience with postings on social media  prior experience in public speaking  a strong interest and some knowledge of British cetaceans  willingness to work outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather To apply: Please send your CV and a cover letter reporting any relevant experience you have, and contact details of two referees, to: Dr Chiara Giulia Bertulli ( chiara.bertulli(a)gmail.com) and Dr Peter G.H. Evans (peter.evans(a)bangor.ac.uk) Deadline: 8 th March 2020 at midday. Please specify “National Whale and Dolphin Watch Assistant” into your subject title. Applicants must be available for interview via Skype between the 9 th and 13 th March and will be notified of the outcomes by the 15 th March 2020. ########################################################################### Find out more about National Whale and Dolphin Watch: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw If you want to download a copy of our previous National Whale and Dolphin Watch reports: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw-reports/ The Sea Watch Foundation For the past 30 years, Sea Watch Foundation ( http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/) has been monitoring the dolphins, porpoises and whales around the UK, documenting abundance trends, identifying conservation threats, and advising on the best ways to protect regional populations. Alongside its own scientific surveys and research, Sea Watch has for more than a quarter of a century pioneered citizen science as well as run a range of education and outreach programmes. Public awareness We aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the marine environment for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. A list of some science, awareness and education achievements is given below:  Sea Watch Director, Dr Peter Evans, received the European Cetacean Society Conservation Award, 2012  Sea Watch Foundation was recipient of the UNEP/ASCOBANS Outreach and Education Award, 2009  Sea Watch Foundation was voted best UK animal adoption scheme by BBC Wildlife, December 2008  Publication of Evans, P.G.H. (2019) European Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Marine Mammal Conservation in Practice. Academic Press, London & San Diego. 306pp.

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New publication: impact of earthquakes on habitat use by sperm whales
by Marta Guerra 12 Feb '20

12 Feb '20

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My colleagues and I would like to announce the publication of an article on the impact of earthquakes on habitat use by sperm whales, published in Deep Sea Research Part I. Please see abstract below. The article can be accessed via https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2020.103226 (subscription only), or you can email me at marta.guerra(a)otago.ac.nz for a copy of the pdf. Cheers, Marta Guerra 'Changes in habitat use by a deep-diving predator in response to a coastal earthquake' Marta Guerra, Stephen Dawson, Amandine Sabadel, Elizabeth Slooten, Tamlyn Somerford, Roger Williams, Lucy Wing, William Rayment. Abstract: Earthquakes can significantly impact ecosystem function and survivability of marine organisms, however their effect on marine predators remains unknown. In November 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake triggered a ‘canyon flushing’ event in the submarine canyon of Kaikōura (New Zealand), a year-round foraging ground for sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Underwater landslips and turbidity currents caused significant changes to the seafloor and removed large quantities of benthic biomass from the canyon. To investigate the potential impact of the earthquake on habitat use by sperm whales, we used a multi-year dataset to quantify changes in their behaviour, foraging distribution and use of food resources before and after the earthquake. The diving locations and behaviour of individual whales were recorded during summer and winter from January 2014 to January 2018, and samples of sloughed skin were collected for bulk and amino acid specific stable isotope analyses. While blow rates remained unchanged, the mean surface interval between dives was 25% longer for about one year after the earthquake, potentially reflecting increased effort searching for prey. Stable isotope ratios of sperm whale skin provided no evidence for change in diet. However, significant changes in the distribution of core foraging areas indicated shifts in habitat use for at least one year, potentially driven by changes in the seafloor and prey availability following the canyon flushing. Overall, our observations suggested that the earthquake caused alterations in the foraging patterns of sperm whales over a period of at least 12 months. This was the first study to quantify the impact of an earthquake on a marine mammal population, providing new insights into how top predators react and adapt to large-scale events of natural disturbance.

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