July 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Don't Forget to Download Vaquita for Free Today!
by Jen Hawse 06 Jul '20

06 Jul '20

Ending tomorrow! Island Press is offering the e-book Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fislandpress.org%2fbooks…> by Brooke Bessesen<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fislandpress.org%2fautho…> for free. This conservation detective story examines the world's most endangered marine mammal, the vaquita. Living in Mexico's Upper Gulf region, the "panda of the sea" has seen its numbers drastically reduced in the past several decades. Who is to blame? Brooke Bessesen takes us on a journey to uncover the story. She interviews townspeople, fishermen, scientists, and activists, teasing apart a complex story filled with villains and heroes, a story whose outcome is unclear. In this fast-paced, soul-searing tale, Brooke learns that there are no easy answers when extinction is profitable. If you'd like to dive deeper into the subject we have a webinar<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fislandpress.org%2fvideo…> and study/reader's guide<https://islandpress.box.com/s/1qpf5nqu4n55praq31970lokwr7fc6vx> available as well. Read Vaquita<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fislandpress.org%2fbooks…>, for free, now till July 7. Please share this with your network far and wide! Together, we can spread the word about this vulnerable species before it's too late. A lucid, informed, and gripping account...a must-read. -Science Passionate...a heartfelt and alarming tale. -Publishers Weekly Intrepid conservation detective story. -Nature Compelling. -Library Journal Wonderful, heartbreaking... beautifully written. -Nature Conservancy A well-told and moving tale of environmentalism and conservation. -Kirkus STARRED -Booklist Jen Hawse | Partnerships Manager | she, her Island Press 2000 M St NW, Suite 650 Washington, DC 20036 202.232.7933 x60 | http://www.islandpress.org<http://www.islandpress.org/> Twitter: @IslandPress | Facebook.com/IslandPress Join our newsletter: http://bit.ly/IP-newsletter This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the addressee and may not be disclosed to or used by anyone other than the addressee. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender immediately and delete the email (and all attachments) from your computer system. Thank you.

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Postdoc - Machine Learning for the re-identification of St. Lawrence Belugas
by Clément Chion 06 Jul '20

06 Jul '20

Dear Marmamers, We are now recruiting a postdoc in Machine Learning for beluga re-identification in the St. Lawrence Estuary. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work on a huge database of more than 30 years of photo-ID! All details below. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Best regards, Clément Prof. Clément Chion <http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Clement_Chion/>, PhD Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) Département des sciences naturelles ISFORT <http://isfort.uqo.ca/nos_etudiants/clement-chion> 819-595-3900 poste: 1467 819-503-2539 *Project title* Machine learning approach for the automatic re-identification of individuals of the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga whales population using photo-identification data. *Context and Objective* Re-identifying animals in the wild using photo-identification (photo-ID) allows to determine key ecological parameters of wildlife populations ( *e.g.*, abundance, carrying capacity, community structure). For over 31 years, the Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals (GREMM) has built and maintained a photo-ID database for the population of the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga (SLEB) taken from a research boat. Those shots of belugas’ flanks allowed to identify about 350 individuals among the whole population, which counts around 1000 individuals. The traditional re-identification process involves the examination of each photo by an operator to locate any distinctive marks allowing to either identify a known individual or add a new one to the database. This task is a very tedious task, and in the past 31 years, only 21 years of photo-ID have been partially processed. Moreover, more photos are taken every year than it is possible to process manually. However, those data are of major importance to characterize the social dynamics of the SLEB population. Indeed, the recognition of individuals making different herds is the key to identify distinct communities, which each have their own pattern of use of the summer habitat and site-fidelity. Therefore, the vulnerability of each SLEB community with regard to human activities (*e.g.*, navigation) depends on spatiotemporal patterns of habitat use that must be characterized to the best of our knowledge. In this context, the objective of the project is to investigate a machine learning approach (e.g., based on Siamese neural networks), but also the existing relevant literature from the privacy domain, for the automatic re-identification of known individuals from the beluga population but also to discover new individuals that were unregistered until then. The automatization of this process will notably enable the reduction of the biases introduced by the human judgement for the recognition of the individuals with distinctive marks. The postdoctoral candidate must have the following qualities: motivation, curiosity, sense of initiative, autonomy, creativity as well as demonstrating excellent capacities to work as part of a team. He/she will be encouraged to travel to present the results to international scientific conferences, in addition to the meeting with partners and relevant stakeholders. The selected candidate will also contribute to the production and writing of project deliverables. *Background and skills * ● PhD in Computer Science and/or recognized experience in the development of unsupervised and supervised machine learning algorithms ● Experience in technology transfer ● Capacity to write grant and funding demands ● Ability to communicate (oral and written) scientific results to experts and non-experts, including the writing of scientific papers and the review of the state-of-the-art in English *Assets* ● Experience in Siamese neural networks ● Experience in deep learning and/or in anonymisation/re-identification ● Proficiency in spoken French *Period* ● Start: Now ● End: March 31, 2022 *Rémunération* ● 50 k$/year + funding available for conferences *Location* ● Gatineau, Montréal or Ripon (Québec, Canada) *Application procedure* ● Send by email a CV (academic format), cover letter outlining your motivation along with your skills and assets with regard to the project, and the name and contact information of three referees from Academia : ○ Pr Clément Chion (clement.chion(a)uqo.ca) ○ Pr Sébastien Gambs (gambs.sebastien(a)uqam.ca) ● *Deadline* : July 31, 2020, or until the position is filled

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Job opportunity: MMO/PAM Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC)
by Admin Team 06 Jul '20

06 Jul '20

Vacancies: MMO and PAM vacancies Employment: full-time/permanent Salary: competitive, dependent on qualifications and experience Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) seeks to expand its UK-based team. This is a rare opportunity for permanent, full-time employment as an MMO and/or PAM operator. Applicants should be able to assist competently with reports, publications, articles, and must be self-motivated when offshore to continue these tasks during project downtime. These roles should be based primarily offshore, with project durations lasting from a few days to months at a time, and between offshore projects, personnel will contribute to shore-based duties at the Company's HQ in Dunbar, Scotland. Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is a privately-owned technology-focused marine-science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise and marine mammal monitoring, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests >80% of profits into Research & Development (R&D), orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine mammal species, Rigs-to-Reefs using Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage, underwater noise measurement and modelling, and improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide. OSC's research has resulted in many peer-reviewed publications (www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers<http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers>) and a non-profit book entitled the Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook (http://www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-aco…) Individual Job descriptions can be found on: https://www.osc.co.uk/job-vacancy-mmo-and-pam-vacancies-2/ A successful candidate will have the following: * A degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant scientific marine discipline (marine biology/ oceanography/marine ecology); * A genuine interest in marine mammals, the processes by which they are studied, and an understanding of the physical parameters of the ocean which affect them; * Prior MMO/PAM work in either research or commercial sector, an interest in spending time aboard vessels/rigs collecting data in a variety of weather conditions; * MMO JNCC certification; * BOSIET, and offshore medical (O&G or ENG1); * UK or EU citizenship, or visa which permits work within the UK; * Ability to work offshore for prolonged periods of time; * Ability to collaborate within a team setting to produce high calibre publications and reports; * Ability to prioritise workloads, and to work under pressure when met with deadlines; and, * Genuine interest about the business and industry, including commercial awareness. Apply only if you meet the requirements. Preference will go towards those with pre-existing offshore certifications, or those willing to acquire qualifications before commencing employment. A sense of humour helps in this industry role. Short-listed candidates should expect to receive small written and skills tests during the interview process. If interested, please send your CV and cover letter to: admin(a)osc.co.uk . Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Application deadline: 15th August 2020 Best wishes, Laura -- Dr. Laura Williamson Senior Analyst Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7528 545 167 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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Seal Rescue Ireland is Hiring for a Marketing and Media Coordinator!
by Gale Loescher 05 Jul '20

05 Jul '20

Seal Rescue Ireland: Marketing and Media Coordinator Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a charity organisation which operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. As the only facility that fully rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and common seal (Phoca vitulina) pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes. SRI has a growing social media presence, and is gaining international recognition for its work. SRI is currently accepting applications for their Marketing and Media Coordinator position. This high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 6 months, but longer time commitments are encouraged. Compensation is provided in the form of all housing, food, utilities and basic necessities along with a €300/month stipend. After an initial 3 month period, we will review work performance. This is a position with opportunities for further growth and development. Seal Rescue Ireland is searching for a candidate to fill this position in August. Applications will be accepted until the 20th of July. Due to Covid-19, this position is only open to applicants that are currently residing in Ireland. Reports to: Operations Manager Job Summary: This position will provide the candidate with work experience in all aspects of a rescue and rehabilitation centre with a primary focus on producing quality media content, digital design, written content, photos and video for use on our website, social media, monthly newsletter, adoptions programme, marketing, educational and fundraising projects. The coordinator will lead marketing and advertising projects, fundraising programs and events, and other administrative tasks. This position requires a skilled photographer who will be responsible for capturing consistent photographs and videos of the animals in care, daily activities at the centre, and events on and off-site (i.e. rescues, releases, educational talks, outreach events, etc.), as well as editing and developing content consistent with SRI’s message of ocean conservation and sustainability. Partial involvement in assisting in husbandry care of rehabilitation animals is an option if interested. Requirements: Applicants must have a keen interest in marine conservation, and environmental stewardship. Skills in developing media content and photography are a must, with examples of your work to be submitted with your application. Applicants must have effective communication skills to a wide variety of audiences, the ability to represent SRI in a professional manner at all times and work well in a team environment. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Public speaking, writing skills, graphic design (preferably Adobe Cloud) and website maintenance skills are encouraged. A degree or pursuit of a degree in business management, communication, marketing, public relations, or a similar field is preferred. Applicants must be fluent in English (C1 Level), since this role involves communicating with the public and developing written content. Duties Include: - Create content and coordinate SRI’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and TikTok) - Develop a bi-monthly newsletter and blog posts - Represent SRI at fundraising, educational and networking events - Assist in design, development and maintenance of the SRI website and signage - Keep up-to-date photographs and video of the seals in care - Photograph events and daily tasks for use in media, marketing and promotional purposes - Develop educational and promotional written content - Participate in educational talks and tours and aid in overseeing the gift shop and visitor centre - Assist with clerical duties, admin and office work as needed - Provide assistance to the managers and rehabilitation staff as needed - (Optional)-Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitation animals (feeding, medical treatment, daily care, routine cleaning of enclosures and work areas), and assist with rescue and release of stranded animals. Application Deadline: 20th of July, 2020 Please visit our website at ( https://www.sealrescueireland.org/marketing-and-media-coordinator/) to download the application form. Then send completed with your resume, cover letter, and examples of your writing and photography to: intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Attention: Marketing and Media Coordinator Registered Charity: RCN 20108519

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Re: [MARMAM] New Publication - Reproductive and stress‐related hormones in whiskers from two North Pacific phocids: Harbor and ringed seals
by Charapata, Patrick 05 Jul '20

05 Jul '20

Hello MARMAM Members, On behalf of my colleagues and myself, I am pleased to share with you all our new research note “Reproductive and stress‐related hormones in whiskers from two North Pacific phocids: Harbor and ringed seals”, now available in early view at Marine Mammal Science. The article can be found here: https://bit.ly/38mVbJT. Keogh MJ, Charapata P, Karpovich S, Jones A, Sprowls C, Marshall CD. Reproductive and stress-related hormones in whiskers from two North Pacific phocids: Harbor and ringed seals. Mar Mam Sci. 2020;1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12709 Summary Several populations of North Pacific pinnipeds are currently listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, endangered under the Endangered Species Act, of the United States or with unknown status, highlighting the need for new methods to assess the reproductive rates of these populations. Most phocids are annual breeders with estrus and parturition occurring on terrestrial or ice platforms. In phocids, serum progesterone concentrations remain elevated during late gestation, supporting identification of pregnancy after implantation (Gardiner, Boyd, Follett, Racey, & Reijnders, 1999; Gardiner, Boyd, Racey, Reijnders, & Thompson, 1996; Mellish & Iverson, 2005; Reijnders 1990). However, current sampling methods based on blood and feces only provide a snapshot of reproductive status. Recently, methods were developed to measure cortisol in whiskers (Karpovich, Skinner, Kapronczai, Smith, & Janz, 2019), highlighting the potential to measure reproductive hormones in whiskers from free-ranging phocid seals. Unlike other tissues currently used for determining reproductive status, whiskers do not require special storage or handling, which can be challenging in remote field conditions. More importantly, the potential to use whiskers to measure reproductive hormones may alleviate problems associated with a single sample by capturing reproductive hormone concentrations sequentially along the length of the whisker, allowing for the examination of hormone con- centrations over the course of one year for phocids (Greaves, Hammill, & Eddington, 2004; Hirons, Shell, & St. Aubin, 2001; Lübcker, Condit, Beltran, Bruyn, & Bester, 2016; Zhao & Schell, 2004). Given the potential utility of measuring reproductive hormones in phocid whiskers, our objectives were to (1) validate enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to measure reproductive and stress-related steroid hormones in phocid whiskers, (2) compare the patterns of multiple steroid hormones along the length of whiskers to evaluate the retention of steroid hormones in phocid whiskers, (3) apply immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods to explore deposition of progesterone and cortisol along harbor seal whiskers, and (4) investigate the influence of age class (i.e., adult vs. subadult) and reproductive state on hormone concentrations in whiskers. In this study, we report a novel method to measure reproductive hormones in phocid whiskers, providing another tool for future studies. We found hormones are deposited throughout the length of a phocid whisker, helping to validate the utility of whiskers as a reliable matrix for measuring reproductive hormones. We found differences in whisker progesterone concentrations between adults and subadults from two phocid species and between pregnant and nonpregnant adult harbor seals. There may be other reproductive steroid hormones, such as testosterone, that may also be useful for assessing age class. The timing of the whisker collection for both phocid species may influence detection of the rise in progesterone in the whisker likely associated with active gestation. Nevertheless, phocid whiskers contain hormones incorporated during the estimated years' worth of growth (Beltran et al., 2015, Hirons et al., 2001, Lübcker et al., 2016). Analysis of hormone concentrations from whiskers could be beneficial in accruing long-term physiological data from keratinized tissues in phocids. Further, whiskers in archived collections from museums, stranding networks, and gov- ernment agencies could serve as a reservoir of samples to perform retrospective studies on phocid reproductive and stress physiology, helping to understand how future environmental changes may impact phocid physiology. Please email lead and corresponding author (Mandy Keogh, mandyjkeogh(a)gmail.com<mailto:mandyjkeogh@gmail.com>) if you have any questions or are interested in the manuscript. I would be happy to provide a PDF of the manuscript upon request (Patrick_charapata1(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Patrick_charapata1@baylor.edu>). Cheers, Patrick Charapata PhD Candidate, Baylor University Patrick_charapata1(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Patrick_charapata1@baylor.edu>

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New OA publication: Prolonged maternal care in northern bottlenose whales alters our understanding of beaked whale life history
by Laura Joan Feyrer 04 Jul '20

04 Jul '20

New open access publication from the Northern Bottlenose Whale Project / Whitehead Lab Feyrer LJ, Zhao ST, Whitehead H, Matthews CJ. Prolonged maternal investment in northern bottlenose whales alters our understanding of beaked whale reproductive life history. PloS one. 2020 Jun 23;15(6):e0235114. Nursing and weaning periods are poorly understood in cetaceans due to the difficulty of assessing underwater behaviour in the wild. However, the onset and completion of weaning are critical turning points for individual development and survival, with implications for a species’ life history including reproductive potential. δ15N and δ13C deposited in odontocete teeth annuli provide a lifetime record of diet, offering an opportunity to investigate variation and trends in fundamental biology. While available reproductive parameters for beaked whales have largely been inferred from single records of stranded or hunted animals and extrapolated across species, here we examine the weaning strategy and nursing duration in northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) by measuring stable isotopes deposited in dentine growth layer groups (GLGs). Using a collection of H. ampullatus teeth taken from whales killed during the whaling era (N = 48) and from two stranded specimens, we compared ontogenetic variation of δ15N and δ13C found in annual GLGs across all individuals, by sex and by region. We detected age-based trends in both δ15N and δ13C that are consistent across regions and males and females, and indicate that nursing is prolonged and weaning does not conclude until whales are 3–4 years old, substantially later than previous estimates of 1 year. Incorporating a prolonged period of maternal care into H. ampullatus life history significantly reduces their reproductive potential, with broad implications for models of beaked whale life history, energetics and the species’ recovery from whaling. A copy is freely available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235114 Cheers, Laura Joan Feyrer

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Last places Remote Internship
by Selina Brouwer 04 Jul '20

04 Jul '20

Dear all, *We only have a few places left for our Remote Internship, please find the * *information** below.* The borders of many countries remain closed and it is currently almost impossible to travel safe due to the outbreak of COVID-19, but that doesn't mean that you can't benefit from our knowledge and develop your career or get help with your thesis remotely. You can receive both research and public outreach experience working with the DMAD team. http://www.dmad.org.tr/remote-internships WHO ARE DMAD AND WHAT DO WE DO? DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association have scientific projects running in Turkey, Montenegro and Albania. We conduct long-term studies of marine mammals in Istanbul, Antalya, the Levantine Sea, Montenegrin coastal waters and the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to hydrocarbon exploration. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. More details on the projects can be found here: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP: The DMAD team provides lectures and training as well as constant support. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -Cetacean species identification within the Mediterranean -Population statuses and threats to marine mammals within the Mediterranean -Software used in the field (Pythagoras, Logger 2010) -Data analysis using GIS, R, Distance, Mark -Passive Acoustic Monitoring using PamGuard -Residency Pattern Analysis -Scientific support on manuscript and technical report writing including thesis supervision-Population PARTICIPATION FEE: The internship is for 2 months and is about 100 hours and requires a contribution fee of 380euro, which fully goes to supporting the project. WHATS INCLUDED IN THE FEE: -PDF copies of the training and lectures -Audio recordings -Scientific support through weekly Skype calls -Real data and practical examples to work through -Certification HOW TO APPLY Our next Remote Internship starts on the 20th of July 2020 and has a limited number of places. Email your CV and cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining the subject of your thesis in the cover letter. If you wish to have more info about our other internships and work please take a look at some of our web pages and social media: Our research: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects Our remote internships: http://www.dmad.org.tr/remote-internships Our publications: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-publications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, DMAD team *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>*

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New publication: prolonged nursing in the Namibian Cape fur seals
by Anna Osiecka 04 Jul '20

04 Jul '20

Dear colleagues, Me and my co-authors are happy to share our newest work on extended maternal care in the Cape fur seals observed at the Cape Cross colony in Namibia. Anna N Osiecka, Jack Fearey, Tess Gridley, Simon Elwen, ‘Observation of prolonged nursing in Cape fur seals (*Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus*) at Cape Cross colony, Namibia’, African Zoology (2020) https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2020.1768144 Abstract Extended nursing periods have been observed in some pinniped species. Here, we document multiple cases of such prolonged nursing in Cape fur seals in Namibia. Over three separate visits to the Cape Cross breeding colony, we observed five unusual nursing interactions. These included animals of estimated age from one to over three years suckling on awake and permitting females. One of these observations included two individuals (juvenile and pup) suckling simultaneously. In three out of five cases, the female sniffed the large suckling animal, and the lack of aggression suggested mutual recognition. We suggest that the most likely scenario for these observations is that the larger animals might be the mothers’ offspring from the previous year maintaining contact over at least three years. Such prolonged nursing may occur in cases where the year’s pup is not born, dies or is outcompeted by older siblings, which can result in large energetic advantages for the offspring, by maintaining a feeding relationship with mothers over more than one year. We suggest that animals that extend suckling over more than one year may increase their overall success, although possibly inhibiting their mother’s pregnancy in a given year. Under poorer conditions, investing more in an older calf may also be more cost effective to the mother than risking a new pregnancy. However, further detailed investigation is necessary to explain extended nursing in this socially complex mammal. You can contact me personally for a pdf copy, or find it here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/WAC5BNSMCKDTUD6WZZMK/full?target=10.1080… Kindest regards, Anna N Osiecka

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BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2020.
by Sergio Cobarrubia 03 Jul '20

03 Jul '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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New publication: spotted dolphin fishery interactions in Hawai'i
by Robin Baird 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

New publication Baird, R.W. and D.L. Webster. 2020. Using dolphins to catch tuna: assessment of associations between pantropical spotted dolphins and yellowfin tuna hook and line fisheries in Hawai'i. Fisheries Research 230, 105652. doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2020.105652. In Hawaiian waters fishermen use the association between pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) to catch tuna. Targeting fishing effort around or in spotted dolphin groups has the potential to lead to bycatch, and anecdotal reports of hooking dolphins exist. We recorded information on fishing vessels associated with spotted dolphin groups from 2008 through 2018 to inform discussions about potential bycatch. Associations occurred from O'ahu to Hawai'i Island, but were most prevalent off Hawai'i Island, where 29.7% of spotted dolphin groups had fishing vessels present. When fishing vessels were present, trolling through the dolphin group envelope was recorded in 91.7% of encounters, and re-positioning through the dolphin group and dropping hook and line fishing gear at the leading edge of the group was recorded in 54.2% of encounters (most of which also had vessels trolling through). Associations occurred over all four oceanographic seasons, with no obvious seasonal trend. Off Hawai'i Island, fishing vessels with spotted dolphin groups were concentrated in a narrower depth range than dolphin groups without fishing vessels present. Groups with fishing vessels were also concentrated in a smaller geographic area that corresponded to proximity to harbors and boat launches. The number of fishing vessels that associated with spotted dolphin groups off Hawai'i Island was estimated in the low hundreds (159, (SD=12) for 2012; 330 (SD=17) for 2013). Overall, our results suggest that fishing vessel associations with pantropical spotted dolphins in Hawaiian waters are widespread, occur frequently, and involve many participants, suggesting the risk of accidental hooking may be greater than perceived. A pdf copy can be obtained from https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1bKUhbiU1p3E1 or you can contact me for a copy. Robin ================================================================= Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist, Cascadia Research Collective Affiliate Faculty, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology Mailing address: Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/CascadiaResearch/> Updates on our summer 2020 Kona field project<https://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaiian-cetacean-studies/Summer2020>

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