March 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opportunity with the Science Program at the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission
by Samantha Simmons 12 Mar '20

12 Mar '20

Dear MARMAMers, I'm excited to let you know about an opportunity to join the Science Program at the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission<https://www.mmc.gov/>. The position is open to all U.S. citizens and Nationals. Applications for the position will be accepted from March 12th to April 10th. For more information and to apply please click here<https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/562434400>. Thanks, Sam. USA jobs MMC announcement: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/562434400 _______________________________________________________________ Samantha Simmons, PhD. Scientific Program Director Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 (w) 301-504-0087 web: www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov> The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government Follow us on Twitter: @MarineMammalCom

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Space Still Available!: Marine Animal Bioacoustics Course at Friday Harbor Labs - Summer 2020
by Erica Escajeda 12 Mar '20

12 Mar '20

Space is still available for a very exciting class happening this summer at the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Laboratories <https://fhl.uw.edu/> on beautiful San Juan Island, WA, USA: *Marine Animal Bioacoustics* June 15-July 17, 2020 Five-week course designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the acoustic tools and techniques necessary for investigating the bioacoustics (sound production and reception), communication and behavior of marine animals, with an emphasis on local marine mammals and fishes found in the waters of the San Juan Islands, WA. The course consists of a combination of lectures and discussions; hands-on laboratory training, including building a hydrophone to use for student projects; lab exercises and student-led projects, and one-on-one interactions with course faculty from diverse research perspectives of biology, psychology, and physics. Students will be introduced to both fundamental and contemporary theories of underwater acoustics (including theory and application of pressure and particle motion in acoustical waves, and Fourier Analysis). They will become familiar with modern techniques in bioacoustic recordings and analysis that include tank-based and field-based acoustical measurements. The course is open to advanced undergraduates and graduate students. *Course Instructors:* - Dr. Joseph Sisneros <http://faculty.washington.edu/sisneros/sisneros.htm>, University of Washington, Department of Psychology - Dr. Timothy Tricas <http://www.hawaii.edu/fishlab/>, University of Hawaii, Department of Biology - Dr. Lane Seeley <http://spu.edu/academics/college-of-arts-sciences/physics%20/faculty-staff/…>, Seattle Pacific University, Department of Physics *Full course description: * https://fhl.uw.edu/courses/course-descriptions/course/marine-animal-bioacou… *For more information and to apply, visit: * https://fhl.uw.edu/courses/applying-for-an-fhl-course/ <https://fhl.uw.edu/courses/applying-for-an-fhl-course/> *Financial Aid & Scholarships:* https://fhl.uw.edu/courses/fellowships-scholarships/#OtherFinancialAid *Applications are still being accepted at this time! *

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Visiting Assistant Professor position teaching Marine Mammals course
by Robert Young 12 Mar '20

12 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues, The School of the Coastal Environment at Coastal Carolina University invites applications for a temporary visiting assistant professor position in the Department of Marine Science for the 2020-2021 academic year. Teaching responsibilities will include an upper level undergraduate marine mammal's course as well as quantitative introductory interdisciplinary marine science/oceanography and sophomore level quantitative marine biology courses for undergraduate majors. Candidates that could also teach a quantitative upper level undergraduate fisheries science course are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in marine science or related field by August 2020. Previous teaching and post-doctoral experience are preferred. Review of applications will begin March 16, so best to get an application in quickly if you are interested. A link to the full job posting and application site can be found at http://jobs.coastal.edu/postings/9685. Thanks, Rob Young Professor of Marine Science Interim Dean, College of Graduate Studies and Research Coastal Carolina University PO Box 261954 Conway, SC 29528-6054 (843) 349-2277 ryoung(a)coastal.edu

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New Paper: Injuries, malformations and epidermal conditions in cetaceans of the the Strait of Gibraltar
by Helena Herr 11 Mar '20

11 Mar '20

We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper Herr,H., Burkhardt-Holm, P., Heyer, K., Siebert, U., and Selling, J.(2020) Injuries, Malformations and Epidermal Conditions in Cetaceans of the the Strait of Gibraltar. Aquatic Mammals 46(2), 215-235, DOI 10.1578/AM.46.2.2020.215 Abstract The Strait of Gibraltar is a heavily used marine area, with intense fishing operations and one of the busiest shipping lanes worldwide. Concurrently, the Strait of Gibraltar is home to eight regularly occurring species of cetaceans. Thus, the potential for conflict between man and cetaceans is high. Injuries and external anomalies may serve as indi- cators for anthropogenic impacts and exposure to human activities. To explore potential impacts to cetacean populations inhabiting the Strait of Gibraltar, we analysed photographs taken oppor- tunistically during whale-watching operations from 2001 to 2015. Externally visible conspicuous features and anomalies were detected in all of the eight regularly occurring cetacean species: long beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), long- finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), killer whale (Orcinus orca), sperm whale (Physeter mac- rocephalus), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), and minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Altogether, 502 anomalies were documented in 494 cases of affected cetaceans, including inju- ries, skin anomalies, emaciation, and neoplasia. Highest prevalence was noted for injuries (245 incidences) of which a minimum of 44 (17%) were consistent with anthropogenic injuries. Our results suggest that human activities in the Strait of Gibraltar, especially fishing activities, pose a threat, particularly to small and medium-sized cetaceans. We, therefore, recommend stricter management enforcement of existing guidelines and laws, as well as the implementation of an area-wide management plan. The paper is open access and freely available for download following this link: https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art… <https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art…> If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Cheers Helena - Dr. Helena Herr Marine Mammal Ecologist Center of Natural History Universität Hamburg Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3 20146 Hamburg, Germany +49 40 42838-1560 helena.herr(a)uni-hamburg.de Website: www.cenak.uni-hamburg.de <http://www.cenak.uni-hamburg.de/> Facebook: www.facebook.com/cenak.hamburg <http://www.facebook.com/cenak.hamburg> Instagram: www.instagram.com/cenak.hamburg <http://www.instagram.com/cenak.hamburg>

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BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2020.
by Sergio Cobarrubia 11 Mar '20

11 Mar '20

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2020. BACKGROUND: The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC) of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC, www.ivic.gob.ve) invites the second season of internships-volunteering (2020) in the study of coastal dolphins. LEGC is a scientific team that among its research lines on the fauna of coastal and riparian ecosystems, it has established the first one on aquatic mammals in Venezuela. On the other hand, Provita is an important NGO that contributes to the research and conservation in Venezuela. This research will begin with a project focused on sociobiology (social structure, social networks and bioacoustics) of resident groups of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the central coast of Venezuela. This, after an experience of 5 years in that locality studying ecological aspects of T. truncatus ( https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1) The coast of Aragua not only home this species, but also the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) and the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Of which basic information is collected too. LEGC interns and volunteers are young, hard-working who are willing to contribute to research by learning as they experience fieldwork in teams, field techniques for collecting and processing data and methodologies. All team members and interns share academic space, housing in the Institute, housework in the study area, knowledge and experience in a friendly and multicultural environment. The internship consists of three weeks: The first week of theoretical-practical introduction (24 theoretical hours and 16 practicals hours) at the IVIC Ecology Center ( www.ivic.gob.ve/es/investigacion-3/centros-31/ecologia-316) The second week of seven field surveys for data collection (42 h) on the Cata Bay (Aragua state) and the third week for data processing and analysis at the IVIC Ecology Center (40 h). The volunteering consist of the second and third weeks. WHERE: Theory: LEGC, Center of Ecology (IVIC) Miranda State, Caracas (10 23 N - 66 58 W). Practice: Cata Bay, western coast of the (rain forest) National Park Henry Pittier, Aragua state (central coast of Venezuela) 150 km from Caracas (DC) (10 29 N - 67 44 W). PROGRAM: Interns (Three weeks), Volunteers (Two weeks). 1st WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns). - Monday: What is a cetacean? The cetaceans and the human in history. Origin, evolution and diversity. Adaptations for aquatic life: Anatomy and Physiology. Life histories. Biogeography Distribution. Ecology Behavior. Conservation. - Tuesday: Identification of species reported for Venezuela. Basic logistics for the study of cetaceans on the mainland, sea and air. Basic equipment to collect information. - Wednesday: How to detect cetaceans and record an effective sighting? Basic data to collect during a sighting, calibration and use of GPS. Configuration and use of the SLR cameras. Download of sightings (GIS). Download pictures and selection (software). - Thursday: Daily encounter ratio. Photo-identification as a tool for ecological and behavioral studies. Estimates of abundance. Local distribution and areas of action. - Friday: Residential patterns. Behavior (deployments, states, daily budget). Habitat use. Social structure and social networks. Bioacoustics. Saturday: Break. Sunday: Transfer to the Cata Bay. 2nd WEEK (Cata Bay-Provita, 42 hours. For Interns and Volunteers). The field surveys will be carried out in a fishing vessel of 9 m in length by 2 of beam, no roof. The field work will depend on the climatic conditions, however, the Aragua coast offers few climatic inconveniences throughout the year. There will be 7 mornings of field surveys in the week, after each survey is lunch, rest and then proceed to download the data of sightings and then interpret them preliminarily and discuss them. We recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt, cool pants, hat and sunscreen (30-50 PF). In the field surveys, it will be implemented: - The identification and recognition of the elements of the marine landscape and the method of tracking and detection of cetaceans. - Ethical navigation mode to study cetaceans. - The basic data collection / sighting. - Use of GPS. - Use of SRL digital camera. - Counting of individuals and composition of a group. - Identification of the behavioral states that configure group behavior and its recording. - Use of hydrophone. - Identification and counting of birds. -Identification and counting of vessels and other antropic objects. In the afternoon the information of the sightings will be downloaded: - Sighting forms. - Latitude and longitude. - Photographs and their selection. - Voice recordings (behavior). - Recordings of vocalizations. - Shark whales sightings. - Birds sightings. - Vessels and anthropic objects sightings. 3rd WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns and volunteers). PRACTICAL FEES: Accommodation (IVIC students residence and apartment in Cata Bay), food and transport (airport-IVIC-Cata Bay-IVIC-airport) are paid. The cost of internships is US $ 720 for the compensation of logistical expenses of the field surveys. For more information, please contact:sergio.cobarrubia@gmail.com. There is also the opportunity for 6-week internships and two field survey sessions (1,250 USD). The logistic cost for volunteers is US $ 500. *Ask all your questions, especially to mitigate concerns regarding Venezuela. Since our nation is the object of an intense media campaign where opinion matrices project false dystopian scenarios.* WHEN: During the year there will be 6 internships-volunteering sessions (February, April, June, August, October, November). For interns, second, third and fourth week of the months scheduled. For volunteers, third and fourth week of the scheduled months. VACANTS: 4 people / session. Not included in the rate: - Meals in restaurants - Free time activities - Personal insurance (all participants must have health and / or travel insurance) - Personal expenses. INTEREST IS EXPECTED: - Being over 18 years - Iterns: Preference will be given to undergraduate students and professional students (biology, marine biology, environmental, conservation and plus). - Volunteer: No preferences. - Have a mature attitude towards the investigation of marine mammals and environment. - Be autonomous and flexible. - To be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors in the sea - Speak Spanish, English or Portuguese. ACADEMIC CREDITS: The LEGC will certify the work performed by intern or volunteer through a diploma with the recognition of the hours (academic-practical) worked. APPLICATION AND QUESTIONS: Applicants must write to sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com with the subject "DOLPHINS PROJECT_Name". You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details about the study area and the species present, the practices and requesting your CV resume, motivation letter (small statement about what your expectations are and why you want to work with LEGC) and the internship month of your choice. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. PLUS: The possibility of making one-day expedition to the pelagic habitat is opened, this other expedition will allow us to watch Atlantic spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins or pilot whales. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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JOB: Molecular Genetic Research Lab Tech
by kim parsons 10 Mar '20

10 Mar '20

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New Publication: Levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Are Still Associated with Toxic Effects in Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) Despite Having Fallen below Proposed Toxicity Thresholds
by Rosie Williams 10 Mar '20

10 Mar '20

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors and I, we're pleased to announce the publication of our paper: “Levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Are Still Associated with Toxic Effects in Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) Despite Having Fallen below Proposed Toxicity Thresholds”. Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic, persistent, and lipophilic chemical compounds that accumulate to high levels in harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and other cetaceans. It is important to monitor PCBs in wildlife, particularly in highly exposed populations to understand if concentrations are declining and how levels relate to toxicological thresholds and indices of health like infectious disease mortality. Here we show, using generalized additive models and tissue samples of 814 U.K.-stranded harbor porpoises collected between 1990 and 2017, that mean blubber PCB concentrations have fallen below the proposed thresholds for toxic effects. However, we found they are still associated with increased rates of infectious disease mortality such that an increase in PCB blubber concentrations of 1 mg kg–1 lipid corresponds with a 5% increase in risk of infectious disease mortality. Moreover, rates of decline and levels varied geographically, and the overall rate of decline is slow in comparison to other pollutants. We believe this is evidence of long-term preservation in the population and continued environmental contamination from diffuse sources. Our findings have serious implications for the management of PCB contamination in the U.K. and reinforce the need to prevent PCBs entering the marine environment to ensure that levels continue to decline. The paper is available to read or download at: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b05453<https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134835> If you have any questions or would like a copy please do not hesitate to contact me via email at rosie.williams(a)ioz.ac.uk<mailto:rosie.williams@ioz.ac.uk> Kind regards, Rosie Rosie Williams Zoological Society of London & Brunel University London Twitter: @RosieSWilliams1 Rosie Williams PhD Student - London NERC DTP Brunel University & Zoological Society of London https://www.zsl.org/science/users/rosie-williams @RosieSWilliams1<https://twitter.com/RosieSWilliams1?lang=en-gb> _________________________________________________________________________ The Zoological Society of London is incorporated by Royal Charter - Registered Charity in England and Wales no. 208728. Principal Office England - Company Number RC000749 - Registered address Regent's Park, London, England NW1 4RY _________________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been sent in confidence to the named addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose or distribute it in any form, and you are asked to contact the sender immediately. Views or opinions expressed in this communication may not be those of The Zoological Society of London and, therefore, The Zoological Society of London does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. The recipient(s) must be aware that e-mail is not a secure communication medium and that the contents of this mail may have been altered by a third party in transit. If you have any issues regarding this mail please visit: https://www.zsl.org/about-us/contact-us

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Cetacean Research Micro-Internship Greece Summer 2020
by Κimonas Koemtzopoulos 10 Mar '20

10 Mar '20

Dear All, On behalf of MOm/ Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for our summer 2019 research season of the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project. The project takes place in the pristine National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades and focuses on the photo-identification and behavioural data collection for the populations of Striped Dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba*), Common Dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) and Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) regularly found in the area as well as the occasional encounter with Cuvier’s Beaked Whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*) and Risso’s Dolphins (*Grampus griseus*). *Location*: National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades - Alonissos, Greece *Dates*: 8 June – 1 September 2020 *Duration*: Minimum 1 Week *You will*: - Receive Training and Experience in marine mammal research methods - Participate in daily boat-based research expeditions (weather-dependent) - Participate in data collection and data analysis (Behavioural data, Photo-ID) - Learn about cetacean biology, ecology and conservation - Actively contribute to marine conservation in a Marine Protected Area - Experience life on a beautiful Greek Island in the largest Marine Protected Area in Europe. *Requirements*: No previous experience is required. All you need is an interest in Cetacean biology, ecology and conservation and a positive attitude. Joining one of our weekly expeditions requires a participation fee which covers shared accommodation, two meals/day, training/lessons and part of the operational costs of the project. *How to Participate*: To participate in the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project please visit: www.northernaegeandolphinproject.com For information on MOm please visit: www.mom.gr For reviews of the experience by previous participants please visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/mom.gr Best wishes to all! Κίμων Κοεμτζόπουλος - *Βιολόγος MSc* *MOm/Εταιρεία Μελέτης & Προστασίας Μεσογειακής Φώκιας* Kimon Koemtzopoulos - *Biologist MSc* *MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal* www.mom.gr info(a)mom.gr T: 0030 *2105222888* M: 0030 *6937580071*

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New Publication: Morphological Evidence for the Sensitivity of Ear Canal of Odontocetes
by Steffen De Vreese 09 Mar '20

09 Mar '20

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper, available online: De Vreese, S., André, M., Cozzi, B.*,* Centelleghe, C., van der Schaar, M., & Mazzariol, S. Morphological Evidence for the Sensitivity of the Ear Canal of Odontocetes as shown by Immunohistochemistry and Transmission Electron Microscopy. *Sci Rep* *10, *4191 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-61170-4 Abstract: The function of the external ear canal in cetaceans is still under debate and its morphology is largely unknown. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses using antibodies specific for nervous tissue (anti-S100, anti-NSE, anti-NF, and anti-PGP 9.5), together with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and various histological techniques, were carried out to investigate the peripheral nervous system of the ear canals of several species of toothed whales and terrestrial Cetartiodactyla. This study highlights the innervation of the ear canal with the presence of lamellar corpuscles over its entire course, and their absence in all studied terrestrial mammals. Each corpuscle consisted of a central axon, surrounded by lamellae of Schwann receptor cells, surrounded by a thin cellular layer, as shown by IHC and TEM. These findings indicate that the corpuscles are mechanoreceptors that resemble the inner core of Pacinian corpuscles without capsule or outer core, and were labelled as simple lamellar corpuscles. They form part of a sensory system that may represent a unique phylogenetic feature of cetaceans, and an evolutionary adaptation to life in the marine environment. Although the exact function of the ear canal is not fully clear, we provide essential knowledge and a preliminary hypothetical deviation on its function as a unique sensory organ. All the best, Steffen -- Steffen De Vreese, MVM, Doctoral candidate Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA) - Università degli Studi di Padova (It) Laboratori d'Aplicacions Bioacústiques (LAB) - Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya (Es) steffen.devreese(a)studenti.unipd.it steffen.devreese(a)lab.upc.edu Linkedin.com/in/steffen-de-vreese-033a5994 Researchgate.net/profile/Steffen_De_Vreese Skype: devreesesteffen

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Conference session on pollutants and energy balance - SEB 2020
by Kelly Robinson 09 Mar '20

09 Mar '20

Dear Marmam members, My colleagues and I are running a session on pollutants and energy balance at the conference for the society for experimental biology this year (7-10 July 2020), which will be held in Prague. The deadline for abstracts is this Friday (13th March) and we'd love to hear about your research on this topic. As pollutants bioaccumulate in marine mammals and generate such high levels in these species, this topic is especially relevant to those studying pinniped or cetacean species worldwide. link to abstract submission: http://www.sebiology.org/events/event/seb-prague-2020/abstracts Session details: Do environmental contaminants alter energy balance, how can we find out and how much does it matter? The ability to manage energy balance appropriately in a fluctuating environment is fundamental for survival. Increasing evidence suggests anthropogenic contaminants can compromise the ability of orgamisms to regulate their energy balance, with potential negative consequences for population trajectories and biodiversity. Many anthropogenic chemicals have established roles as toxins, and endocrine disruptors of reproductive and thyroid axes. More recent data implicate many such compounds as lipid disruptors. By altering adipogenesis, fat deposition, lipid profiles, adipose tissue function and hormone sensitivity, environmental contaminants may fundamentally alter energy requirements, storage and use. Such effects may be subtle or challenging to identify in wildlife and therefore require novel experimental approaches. This session will explore evidence that environmental pollution impacts on energy balance regulation from the molecular to the organismal level across a range of taxa and habitats. This session will identify common pathways, highlight challenges and showcase novel experimental approaches to investigate such effects in wildlife that simultaneously experience additional stressors in a fluctuating environment. Best wishes, Kelly Robinson

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