September 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Paper: Harp seals: Monitors of Change in differing Ecosystems
by Stenson, Garry 04 Sep '20

04 Sep '20

Dear Colleagues We are pleased to announce the publication of our article: Harp Seals: Monitors of Change in Differing Ecosystems, by Garry B. Stenson, Tore Haug, Mike O Hammill, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, section Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture and Living Resources. The article is open access and available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.569258/full Abstract Harp seals are the most abundant marine mammal in the north Atlantic. As an ice obligatory predator, they reflect changes in their environment, particularly during a period of climatic change. As the focus of a commercial hunt, a large historic data set exists that can be used to quantify changes. There are three populations of harp seals: White Sea/Barents Sea, Greenland Sea and Northwest Atlantic. The objective of this paper is to review their current status and to identify the factors that are influencing population dynamics in different areas. Although important historically, recent catches have been low and do not appear to be influencing trends in either of the two northeast Atlantic populations. Massive mortalities of White Sea/Barents Sea seals occurred during the mid 1980s due to collapses in their main prey species. Between 2004 and 2006, pup production in this population declined by 2/3 and has remained low. Body condition declined during the same period, suggesting that ecosystem changes may have resulted in reduced reproductive rates, possibly due to reduced prey availability and/or competition with Atlantic cod. The most recent estimate of pup production in the Greenland Sea also suggests a possible decline during a period of reduced hunting although the trend in this population is unclear. Pupping concentrations are closer to the Greenland coast due to the reduction in ice in the traditional area and increased drift may result in young being displaced from their traditional feeding grounds leading to increased mortality. Reduced ice extent and thickness has resulted in major mortality of young in the Northwest Atlantic population in some years. After a period of increase, the population remained relatively stable between 1996 and 2013 due to increased hunting, multiple years with increased ice-related mortality of young seals, and lower reproductive rates. With a reduction in harvest and improved survival of young, the population appears to be increasing although extremely large interannual variations in body condition and fecundity have been observed which were found to be influenced by variations in capelin biomass and ice conditions. Each of these populations has been impacted differently by changes in their ecosystems and hunting practices. By identifying the factors influencing these three populations, we can gain a better understanding of how species may respond to changes that are occurring in their ecosystems. Garry ______________________________________________________________ Garry B. Stenson, Ph.D. Research Scientist and Head, Marine Mammal Section/ Chercheur scientifique et chef de la section des mammifères marins Science Branch / Branche scientifique, Fisheries and Oceans, Canada / Pêches et Océans, Canada P.O. Box 5667 St. John's, NL A1C 5X1 (709) 772-5598 Garry.Stenson(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<https://webmail.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/owa/redir.aspx?C=mPudlMWyak62-4W9_uFnTpNV…>

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Remote Internship with Marine Mammals Research Association
by Selina Brouwer 04 Sep '20

04 Sep '20

Dear all, *Please find below details of our Remote Internship with DMAD this autumn.* Unfortunately many countries still have their borders closed and it is currently almost impossible to travel safely 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. Students, graduates, career changers etc 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 has 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 supervision. 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 -Population Estimation -Scientific support on manuscript and technical report writing including thesis supervision PARTICIPATION FEE: The internship is for 2 months and is about 100 hours and requires a contribution fee of 560euro, which fully goes to supporting the project. WHATS INCLUDED IN THE FEE: -PDF copies of the training and lectures -Video recordings -Scientific support through weekly Skype calls -Real data and practical examples to work through -Certification of participation HOW TO APPLY Our next Remote Internship starts on the *21st of Septembe*r; the number of places has a limit. Email your CV and cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, giving details of your specific interests so that we can help you to develop a personal project. 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 and stay safe, 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 publications on Black Sea cetaceans in Bulgarian waters
by Dimitar Popov 04 Sep '20

04 Sep '20

Dear all, We are pleased to announce following two publications on Black Sea cetaceans in Bulgarian waters: Popov D, Meshkova G, Hristova P, Gradev G, Rusev D, Panayotova M, Dimitrov H (2020). Pingers as cetacean bycatch mitigation measure in Bulgarian turbot fishery. Acta Zoologica Bulgarica, Suppl. 15. Available at: http://www.acta-zoologica-bulgarica.eu/Suppl_15_42.pdf *Abstract**:* Bycatch(incidental catch) of small cetaceans is a major problem ina number of gillnet fisheries around the Worldand Harbour porpoise (/Phocoena phocoena/) is one of the most heavily affected species.Pingers (acoustic deterrentdevices) are recommended as mitigation measure to decrease bycatch rate. First large-scale use of pingers (Future Oceans 10 kHz and 70 kHz models) was made during standard turbot fishing operations in Bulgarian waters of Black Sea in 2019 during spring and summer – respectively before and after turbot fishing ban (15 April – 15 June). Four vessels have been involved with part of the nets being without pingers – control and other parts fitted with pingers – active. A total of 105 cetaceans (/Phocoena phocoena relicta/– 104 and /Tursiops truncatus ponticus/ – 1) were recorded as bycatch in both control and active nets in spring and summer. Bycatch rates in active and control nets have not shown significant difference in both seasons. Significant increase in bycatch was registered in both active and control nets from spring to summer: 3.25 to 38.76 and 1.55 to 58.58 ind.km^-2 .day^-1 respectively. Key words – /Phocoena//phocoena relicta/, cetacean bycatch, pingers, turbot fishery, Black Sea Popov D, Meshkova G, Hristova P, Miteva A, Ilieva T,Dimitrov H (2020). Pilot Line-transect Surveys of Cetaceans in a Bulgarian Marine Protected Area: BG0001007 Strandzha Site of Community Importance. Acta zoologica Bulgarica, Suppl. 15. Available at: http://www.acta-zoologica-bulgarica.eu/Suppl_15_43.pdf *Abstract**:* Three cetacean species inhabit the Black Sea: Black Sea Harbour porpoise (/Phocoena//phocoena relicta/), Black Sea Bottlenose dolphin (/Tursiops//truncatus ponticus/) and Black Sea Common dolphin (/Delphinus//delphis ponticus/). The paper presents the first effort for estimation of cetacean distribution, density and abundance in marine area of BG0001007 Strandzha SCI. Two line transect distance sampling surveys were made in April and May 2016 using a motor sailing yacht as platform. In May all three Black Sea cetacean species have been observed, while in April only Harbour porpoise and Bottlenose dolphin have been detected. In both surveys most abundant was found to be the Black Sea Harbour porpoise allowing estimation of density (0.871 ind.km^-2 in April and 0.369in May)and abundance (April – 328, CV=33.8% and May – 139, CV=50%). Abundance and density of dolphins were: 275 (106-714, CV=41.8%) and 0.73 in April and 40 (9-171, CV=56.09%) and 0.107 in May for Bottlenose dolphin; 24 (5-108, CV=58.72%) and 0.063 in May for Common dolphin. Encounter rates (sightings per kilometer of effort) during the surveys were as follows: Harbour porpoise - 0.25 in April and 0.14 in May; Bottlenose dolphin – 0.1 in April and 0.02 in May; Common dolphin – 0.02 in May. Key words – Black Sea cetaceans, /Phocoena//phocoena relicta/, /Delphinus//delphis ponticus/, /Tursiops//truncatus ponticus/, distance-sampling, abundance. Best regards, D. Popov et al. -- __________________________________________________ *__________________________________________________ Dimitar Popov (Mr.) **Project Coordinator GREEN BALKANS NGO* 1, Skopie str., office 10 Plovdiv 4004, Bulgaria Tel: +359 (0) 32 626 977 Fax: +359 (0) 32 635 921 Mobile +359 (0)885 108712 E-mail: _dpopov(a)greenbalkans.org_ http://www.greenbalkans.org <http://www.greenbalkans.org/> __________________________________________________ -- Този имейл е проверен за вируси от Avast. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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New paper: Using modelled prey to predict the distribution of a highly mobile marine mammal
by Daniel Pendleton 03 Sep '20

03 Sep '20

Greetings, Marmam: We are excited to announce the publication of our manuscript: Using modelled prey to predict the distribution of a highly mobile marine mammal, in Diversity and Distributions. Our manuscript is open access and is available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddi.13149 ABSTRACT Aim: Species distribution models (SDMs) are a widely used tool to estimate and map habitat suitability for wildlife populations. Most studies that model marine mammal density or distributions use oceanographic proxies for marine mammal prey. However, proxies could be a problem for forecasting because the relationships between the proxies and prey may change in a changing climate. We examined the use of model-derived prey estimates in SDMs using an iconic species, the western Arctic bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus). Location: Western Beaufort Sea, Alaska, USA. Methods: We used Biology Ice Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (BIOMAS) to simulate ocean conditions important to western Arctic bowhead whales, including important prey species. Using both static and dynamic predictors, we applied Maxent and boosted regression tree (BRT) SDMs to predict bowhead whale habitat suitability on an 8-day timescale. We compared results from models that used bathymetry with those that used only BIOMAS simulated variables. Results: The best model included bathymetry and BIOMAS variables. Inclusion of dynamic variables in SDMs produced predictions that reflected temporal dynamics evident from the survey data. Bathymetry was the most influential variable in models that included that variable. Zooplankton was the most important variable for models that did not include bathymetry. Models with bathymetry performed slightly better than models with only BIOMAS derived variables. Main conclusions: Bathymetry and modelled zooplankton were the most important predictor variables in bowhead whale distribution models. Our predictions reflected within-year variability in bowhead whale habitat suitability. Using modelled prey availability, rather than oceanographic proxies, could be important for forecasting species distributions. Predictor variables used in our study were derived from a biophysical ocean model with demonstrated ability to project future ocean conditions. A natural next step is to use output from our biophysical ocean model to understand the effects of Arctic climate change. Cheers, Dan ________________________________________________________ Dan Pendleton, Ph.D. Research Scientist, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 dpendleton(a)neaq.org<mailto:dpendleton@neaq.org> he/him/his This electronic message contains information from the New England Aquarium which may be privileged and confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the addressee only. If you have received this communication in error, do not read or circulate it. Please delete it from your system without copying it or saving any attachments and notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.

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U.S. Navy Living Marine Resource Program Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by LMR Program 03 Sep '20

03 Sep '20

The U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals pertaining to five need topics. The FY21 need topics include: 1) ship shock trial acoustic measurement, 2) standardizing auditory evoked potential hearing thresholds with behavioral hearing thresholds, 3) understanding marine mammal hearing and behavioral response to continuously active sonar, 4) relationship between perceived loudness of a signal and signal length, and 5) studying marine mammal behavioral response to SURTASS LFA sonar. Details regarding the need topics mentioned above and what information is required in a pre-proposal can be found at https://www.navfac.navy.mil/lmr/proposals. All pre-proposals should be submitted via email to exwc_lmr_program(a)navy.mil. Pre-proposals pertaining to these need topics will be accepted until 11:59 PM PST on 12 November 2020. If invited, offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal.

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Humpbacks in Mediterranean
by Menkab il respiro del mare 03 Sep '20

03 Sep '20

Dear colleagues This mail is to advertise you about the unexpected sighting of two humpback whales, a mum and a calf, in Ligurian Sea in front of Genoa (Italy) on 26th August. Sightings and photos have been taken by Liguria Whale Watching and shared with us. Thanks to a big and fruitful effort with several colleagues working in Atlantic Ocean, it was possible to find a match. The adult was sighted for the first time (and as far as we know) only in Dominic Republic on 1986. Everyone is so excited about this finding but at the same time we all hope for the best for these whales. In this framework, if some of you had the chance to sight these whales it would be great to let us know, so that we can build a network and keep tracking their movements. Furthermore, if someone else working in Atlantic Ocean, with a humpback catalogue wanted to give a check to find a match, both negative and positive matching are welcome to us. We aim to build a clearer picture of these whale movements. Attached is the photo of the matching. For every kind of question and feedback don't hesitate to contact us ( arcimenkab(a)gmail.com - violi.biagio(a)gmail.com) All the best, Biagio Violi and Alessandro Verga Menkab and Liguria Whale Watching teams -- Associazione di Promozione Sociale ------ MENKAB: Il respiro del mare ----- Presidente Giulia Calogero Lungomare Matteotti 1, 17100 - Savona C.F. 92092510095 cell. 3405540724 Avviso di riservatezza - Il testo e gli eventuali documenti trasmessi contengono informazioni riservate al destinatario indicato. Il contenuto della presente e-mail è confidenziale e la sua riservatezza è tutelata legalmente dal D.Lgs. 196/03. La lettura, copia o altro uso non autorizzato o qualsiasi altra azione derivante dalla conoscenza di queste informazioni sono rigorosamente vietate. Qualora abbiate ricevuto questo documento per errore, siete cortesemente pregati di darne immediata comunicazione al mittente all'indirizzo dello stesso e di provvedere immediatamente alla distruzione del contenuto della presente e-mail. Confidentiality Notice - This message and its attachments are addressed solely to the persons above and may contain confidential information. If you have received the message in error, be informed that any use of the content hereof is prohibited. Please return it immediately to the sender and delete the message. Thank you

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New publication on lateralized sound production in beluga whales
by Audra Ames 03 Sep '20

03 Sep '20

Dear colleagues, On behalf of myself and my co-authors, we are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Journal of Experimental Biology. Ames, A. E., Beedholm, K., & Madsen, P. T. (2020). Lateralized sound production in the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). Journal of Experimental Biology, 223, jeb226316. doi:10.1242/jeb.226316 Abstract Like other toothed whales, belugas produce sound through pneumatic actuation of two phonic lip pairs, but it is unclear whether both pairs are actuated concurrently to generate a single sound (the dual actuation hypothesis) or laterally in the production of their rich vocal repertoires. Here, using suction cup hydrophones on the head of a trained beluga whale, we measured seven different communication signal types and echolocation clicks in order to test the hypothesis that belugas produce distinct sounds unilaterally. We show that, like other delphinoids, belugas produce echolocation clicks with the right phonic lips and tonal sounds from the left. We also demonstrate for the first time that the left phonic lips are responsible for generating communication signals other than tonal sounds. Thus, our findings provide empirical support for functionalized laterality in delphinoid sound production, in keeping with the functional laterality hypothesis of vocal-motor control in toothed whales. The publication can be accessed via http://jeb.biologists.org/lookup/doi/10.1242/jeb.226316 or you can email a request for a PDF to aames(a)oceanografic.org<mailto:aames@oceanografic.org>. Many thanks for your interest in our work, and thank you to the editors and reviewers of the publication for their contributions to the finished article. Best, Audra -- Audra Ames, Ph.D. Research Scientist, Fundación Oceanografic T: (+34) 96 1975526 Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera (Científic), 1B 46013 Valencia Spain

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Two PhD positions available on social learning in marine mammals
by Michael Noad 02 Sep '20

02 Sep '20

Two PhD projects available on social learning in marine mammals The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratories (CEAL) group at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, is seeking applicants for two PhD positions relating to acoustic communication and social learning in marine mammals. Applicants should have a background in animal communication and/or behaviour and, for the agent based modelling project, a strong background in coding, either in Python or Matlab. Successful applications will be put forward for a scholarship to the University which will fully cover tuition and pay a living stipend. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, domestic (Australian and New Zealand) students will be preferred but high quality international applicants should also apply particularly if they are currently in Australia. Please see below for full details. The CEAL group has a primarily focus on cetacean acoustic behaviour and communication, the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals, cetacean physiology, and cetacean population dynamics. We value a team-based approach, where supervisors and researchers work effectively together on various projects. We also value gender equity and cultural diversity within the lab. As part of the lab PhD programme, we offer experience in field data collection, grant and report writing, and statistical data analysis. We are also able to offer students industry placements, where we encourage and support students to gain real-world experience. Our lab would provide a challenging but impactful PhD experience and, as such, we are seeking enthusiastic and capable students with strong interests in social learning and modelling. Background Social learning is the ability to learn behaviours from conspecifics and can lead to the rapid uptake of new behaviours. If behaviours are socially learnt they may spread relatively rapidly throughout a population, or even a group within a population. If socially leant behaviours differ among groups or populations, either due to isolation or environmental factors that may or may not support the behaviour, then social learning may lead to cultures within a species. For this reason, the study of social learning in animals is important for understanding the evolution of human social learning and the extraordinary cumulative culture that it has produced. While social learning associated with predation and foraging is usually adaptive and stable within a group or population, some socially learnt behaviours can be unstable and rapidly changing. These are of particular interest with regards to studying the evolution of culture, as they represent extreme forms of social learning. They demonstrate the cognitive boundaries of social learning in animals with regards to the amount of information that can be learnt, the role of memory, changes and development of behavioural complexity, and the role of embellishment and innovation. Humpback whales are one of the best examples of unstable, rapid social learning. Male humpback whale produce one of the most complex vocal displays of any animal in the form of songs. The songs are hierarchical and complex in arrangement (they have 'rules'), but they are also known to be learned socially and are constantly changing within populations. Although singing is a display associated with breeding, its function and role within the mating system of humpback whales is not clear. Additionally, it is not known why the songs continually change within populations, or how and why songs are transferred among populations. While the songs themselves can be seen as the end products of complex and labile social learning, the process itself is opaque and difficult to observe. The two PhD projects will further explore two main areas of humpback song structure and social learning. Together, these studies will help us understand some of the cognitive abilities and processes involved in social learning in one of the most outstanding examples of social learning in a non-human animal. One will focus on the song transfers between western and eastern Australian populations. This will measure the rate at which song information can flow between populations and be learnt by individuals. It will address cognitive capacity limitations in social learning and complexity of learnt signals. It will also measure the rates at which innovation occurs within songs, and test the hypothesis that song change within populations is based on an innate template, facilitating transfer of songs between neighbouring populations. The result of this PhD will include a model of social learning and cultural evolution of a complex acoustic signal in humpback whales. The second PhD will directly model social learning in humpback whales by continuing previous work on building an agent-based model (ABM) of song change and exchange between populations started at the University of St Andrews and Plymouth University (Mclouglin et al., 2018, Music and Science). It will explore how songs evolve within populations and move between populations. The model will particularly explore the roles of memory and innovation in effecting song change, as well as asymmetrical song learning in individuals, all of which are likely to be necessary to effect song evolution. The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratories (CEAL) Group at UQ has been studying humpback whale vocal communication since 2003 and has one of the largest and longest continuous collections of humpback whale song from any one population of humpback whales in the world. It is one of the leading groups in the world with regards to studying the constant evolution and cultural transmission of humpback whales songs, and UQ is routinely listed in the top 50 or so universities in the world. CEAL is situated at the Moreton Bay Research Station at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Is (Minjerribah) near Brisbane. MBRS is in an excellent position to take advantage of access to the waters off the coast for work on humpback whales. The University is building a new whale interpretive centre on the island in partnership with the Quandamooka People, the Traditional Owners of the island. This world-class facility will allow the continued collection of humpback songs from passing migrating whales from June - October each year (http://www.qyac.net.au/YalingbilaBibula.html) It is expected that successful applicants will contribute to data collection at this facility. MBRS is a 30 min ferry trip from the mainland (Cleveland, where several of our PhD students live) and about 90 min from the centre of Brisbane, the main St Lucia campus of the University, and the Brisbane international and domestic airports. North Stradbroke Island itself is a beautiful island with good surf, beaches, national parks, diving and camping. Applying for the positions Applicants should have an honours degree or masters degree (or equivalent). For the PhD on song transmission between populations, the applicant's background would probably be in biology or ecology with quantitative training and experience preferred. The background for the agent based modelling applicant, however, may be broader, and could include psychology, information technology or engineering as well as quantitative biology or ecology. The emphasis here will be on coding and building a complex model where many factors are driven by probability rather than certainty. An appreciation of biological variability is essential. In either case, applicant should have a strong interest in social learning. To apply for either PhD position, the applicant should send a cover letter to Michael Noad mnoad(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:mnoad@uq.edu.au> which includes why they would like to undertake this project, a summary of their relevant qualifications and experience, information on their status as either a domestic or international applicant, and where they are currently residing. They should also include a CV and a copy of their academic transcript. Emails should have the subject "PhD expression of interest" followed by the applicants surname. If a strong domestic applicant for either position applies prior to 18 September 2020, then they may be put forward to the University for a start in early 2021. All other applications will be considered for a start in mid-2021. No applications will be considered after the end of January 2021. It should be noted that 'strong' candidate usually have at least first-authored publication in a peer-reviewed journal. While this is not essential for a domestic student to be competitive for a scholarship, it is considered mandatory for international students due to high demand for these scholarships. Dr Michael Noad BVSc(Hons) Qld PhD Sydney Associate Professor Cetacean Ecology and Acoustic Laboratories (CEAL) Group Academic Director, Moreton Bay Research Station School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland - Gatton campus Gatton Qld 4343 Australia Moreton Bay Research Station 37 Fraser St Dunwich North Stradbroke Is. Qld 4183 Australia M +61 416 270 567 E mnoad(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:mnoad@uq.edu.au> W ceal.lab.uq.edu.au<http://www.uq.edu.au> https://www.uq.edu.au/moreton-bay-research-station/content/front-page CRICOS 00025B [UQ own unknown w diver banner]

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Registration and Abstracts OPEN: Australia and New Zealand Student Chapter of SMM
by Rebecca Boys 02 Sep '20

02 Sep '20

Dear Marine Mammal Community, The committee of the Australia and New Zealand Regional Student Chapter (ANZSC) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy are pleased to announce our 5th annual conference. This year our meeting will be held virtually to ensure there are no disruptions from Covid! This will be held on the week of the 11-18th January 2021. This is a free conference which aims to bring together students interested in marine mammals from across Australasia. We encourage students to present their work in the form of posters, speed talks and 15 minute slots, along with the opportunity to network. We will also be running workshops and organising talks by invited experts within the field. Registration and abstract submission are OPEN! Deadline for this will be the 18th October 2020. For more information please visit our website: https://lpogsonmanning.wixsite.com/anzscsmm follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ANZSCSMM/ Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The 2020 committee can be contacted by emailing: anzscsmm(a)gmail.com Please circulate among your labs – this is a great experience for students! ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys Marine Biologist PhD Student Cetacean Ecology Research Group School of Natural and Computational Sciences Massey University Auckland New Zealand https://www.cetaceanecology.org/ [cid:image002.png@01D676D2.47173000] @RebeccaMBoys Society of Marine Mammalogy Education sub-committee member European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand

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JOB OPPORTUNITY - Marine Mammal Veterinarian Temporary/Contract
by Brittany Dolan ECWR MMSC 02 Sep '20

02 Sep '20

Dear MARMAM Community, Emerald Coast wildlife refuge is hiring! Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Navarre, Florida, is seeking a part-time, temporary/contract marine mammal veterinarian. ECWR’s marine mammal stranding team responded to more than 21 cetacean strandings in 2019 and supports full necropsies, transport of live animals to rehabilitation and collaborative research efforts. This position requires on call availability to attend marine mammal strandings and necropsies as opportunity presents, the ability to offer training to staff and volunteers throughout necropsy procedures and to draft veterinary documentation as needed. As ECWR is also a native Florida wildlife rehabilitation facility, opportunity to participate in wildlife medicine and sea turtle response may be offered, but will not be included in the salaried contract. Responsibilities: Attend live and dead marine mammal strandings as NOAA stranding agreement describes and opportunity presents Conduct necropsies with stranding coordinator Draft veterinary/necropsy reports Draft other documentation as necessary Participate in research efforts and collaboration Assist coordinator in teaching staff, interns, and volunteers during stranding events and necropsies Primary Qualifications: Graduate of an AVMA accredited veterinary college or ECFVG certified institution with a valid license issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and DEA license. Minimum of 1 year experience working in marine mammal medicine, stranding response and/or research Preference will be given to candidates with marine mammal necropsy, live animal handling and teaching experience and those with a research background. Requirements: Ability to work as part of a cohesive team and resolve conflict Professional attitude and ability to work with staff of all levels Excellent communication skills On call availability, including weekends and holidays U.S. Citizen or the ability to legally work in the U.S. Physically capable of safely working with cetaceans, ability to lift at least 50 pounds, able to work in extreme environmental conditions Experience: * Microsoft Office or equivalent: 3 years (Required) * Regulatory compliance: 1 year (Preferred) * Marine Mammal necropsy: 1 year (Required) * Marine Mammal stranding response: 1 year (Required) Please submit Cover Letter, CV and 3 References through indeede.com https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=emerald%20coast%20wildlife%20refuge&l=Navarre… Mahalo, Brittany Dolan Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge 3051 Cloptons Circle Navarre, FL 32566 Hotline: 855-STRAND1 (855-787-2631) O: 850-684-1485

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