March 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on alliance formation in dolphins of Shark Bay
by Simon Allen 25 Mar '21

25 Mar '21

G’day Marmamers, It seems that in at least some circumstances: the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb. We are pleased to draw to your attention to the latest (open access) paper out of Shark Bay Dolphin Research (www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org>). In summary: We used (very) long-term behavioural and genetic data from well-known individual male dolphins in eastern Shark Bay, Western Australia, comparing a number of traits (including social bond strength, relatedness and age similarity) across two age periods: adolescence and adulthood. Social bond strength during adolescence predicted second-order alliance membership in adulthood, and males preferred others of similar age or older as second-order allies. Non-mating season social bond strength predicted first-order alliance partner preferences during mating season consortships with individual females, and relatedness did not influence partner choice at either alliance level. This work represents the second data paper out of the stellar PhD by Livia Gerber under the supervision of Michael Krützen. The citation, link to the paper and abstract are as follows: Gerber L, Wittwer S, Allen SJ, Holmes K, King SL, Wild S, Willems E, Connor RC, Krützen M (2021). Cooperative partner choice in multi-level dolphin alliances. Scientific Reports 11: 6901. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-85583-x Investigations into cooperative partner choice should consider both potential and realised partners, allowing for the comparison of traits across all those available. Male bottlenose dolphins form persisting multi-level alliances. Second-order alliances of 4–14 males are the core social unit, within which 2–3 males form first-order alliances to sequester females during consortships. We compared social bond strength, relatedness and age similarity of potential and realised partners of individual males in two age periods: (i) adolescence, when second-order alliances are formed from all available associates, and (ii) adulthood, when first-order allies are selected from within second-order alliances. Social bond strength during adolescence predicted second-order alliance membership in adulthood. Moreover, males preferred same-aged or older males as second-order allies. Within second-order alliances, non-mating season social bond strength predicted first-order partner preferences during mating season consortships. Relatedness did not influence partner choice on either alliance level. There is thus a striking resemblance between male dolphins, chimpanzees and humans, where closely bonded non-relatives engage in higher-level, polyadic cooperative acts. To that end, our study extends the scope of taxa in which social bonds rather than kinship explain cooperation, providing the first evidence that such traits might have evolved independently in marine and terrestrial realms. Stay safe and sane. All the best, Simon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Simon J Allen Mob: +44 (0) 77047 53101 [UK] / +61 (0) 416 083 653 [AU] Email: Simon.Allen(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:Simon.Allen@bristol.ac.uk> / Simon.Allen(a)uwa.edu.au<mailto:Simon.Allen@uwa.edu.au> Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org Twitter: @SimonJAllen1 Non-vertical transmission of a dolphin foraging innovation https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(20)30756-9 Declines in dolphin survival and reproduction following a heatwave https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0960-9822%2819%2930217-9 Sexual displays involving marine sponges and alliance formation by Australian humpback dolphins http://rdcu.be/w3tL Abundance and fidelity of dolphins to a trawl fishery https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05189-0<https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.natu…> “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” (Kenneth Grahame) “I must say here, in passing, that those captains who have scientists… aboard their ships, must take with them a good supply of patience. I admit that although I have no lack of it, the scientists have frequently driven me to the end of my tether...” (Nicolas Baudin)

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Immediate PSO/Manatee observer position(s) - Florida
by Tide Env 24 Mar '21

24 Mar '21

Tide Environmental is recruiting individuals to monitor for manatees within Florida waters. Protected species observers monitor the impacts of ESA-listed species, including any potential interactions with or takes of those species. Tide Environmental specializes in providing individuals for marine construction projects when regulations deem there is a potential impact to Endangered or Threatened Species. Individuals are being sought for shore based projects monitoring for manatee, sea turtles, and other protected species of interest in conjunction with ongoing project(s). Applicants with prior NMFS Protected/Endangered Species and/or FWC approval will be given preference. Applicants *must* have experience observing manatees in the wild. Applicants possessing both manatee and sea turtle qualifications are desirable. *Beginning Date*: April 2021 *Experience*: · Extensive, documented *HANDS-ON manatee* experience/observation is mandatory to be considered · Ability to identify sea turtle and marine mammals to species level · Detailed data collection · Necropsy experience is a plus *Minimum Requirements*: · Must have documented experience working with manatees · Must have or be able to obtain NMFS Protected Species Approval · Must possess or be able to obtain a TWIC card for access to job sites · Must be able to work 12 hour shifts for 21-30 days in a row with no days off · Must be in good physical shape and able to stand for hours at a time, climb ladders, lift 50lbs, board vessels at sea, and operate in a safe manner · Must be detailed oriented and possess good communication skills · Must have reliable transportation and will be responsible for your own travel to job locations · Must be able to provide your own transportation from the housing location to/from the project site · Must be able to travel on short notice · Maintain objectivity and work independently · Must be able to work with ship and construction crews · Must reside within the continental U.S. · B.S. in Marine Biology or related field (specialized experience may substitute for educational experience) This is an Independent Contractor position. As an Independent Contractor, travel to/from projects is the responsibility of the observer, there are no benefits, and taxes are the responsibility of the observer. You will be issued a 1099 at the end of each year for taxes. Housing is provided at the project location. Individuals possessing the above criteria are asked to submit the following to info(a)tideenvironmental.com · Resume/CV detailing your relevant experience · Date of availability · Copy of TWIC (if applicable) · Copy of NMFS approval letter · References

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New paper on contaminants and feeding ecology in Icelandic orcas
by Anaïs Remili 24 Mar '21

24 Mar '21

Dear members of the MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in Environmental Science & Technology: Individual Prey Specialization Drives PCBs in Icelandic Killer Whales: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.0c08563 You can find an explanation of our main findings here, in a non-academic way: https://whalescientists.com/icelandic-orcas/ Feel free to share this summary everywhere. Here is the abstract: Interindividual variation in prey specialization is an essential yet overlooked aspect of wildlife feeding ecology, especially as it relates to intrapopulation variation in exposure to toxic contaminants. Here, we assessed blubber concentrations of an extensive suite of persistent organic pollutants in Icelandic killer whales (Orcinus orca). Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in blubber were >300-fold higher in the most contaminated individual relative to the least contaminated, ranging from 1.3 to 428.6 mg·kg–1 lw. Mean PCB concentrations were 6-to-9-fold greater in individuals with a mixed diet including marine mammals than in fish specialist individuals, whereas males showed PCB concentrations 4-fold higher than females. Given PCBs have been identified as potentially impacting killer whale population growth, and levels in mixed feeders specifically exceeded known thresholds, the ecology of individuals must be recognized to accurately forecast how contaminants may threaten the long-term persistence of the world’s ultimate marine predator. Please reach out to me if you have questions/comments or if you want the PDF version of our paper. You can also reach me at anais.remili(a)mail.mcgill.ca Cheers, Anaïs Remili

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Summer Online Course - Manatee Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 24 Mar '21

24 Mar '21

Hi All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Aquatic Animal Health Program would like to send notice that registration for our summer online course is open. Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. More information about this class can be found here. Students enrolled at any College or University within the US or internationally can take this course. For more information about this classes or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ). The first day of the semester is Monday May 13th. Sincerely, Dr Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure. ________________________________

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New publication on feeding behavior of tropical killer whales in the Indian Ocean
by Maeva Terrapon 24 Mar '21

24 Mar '21

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: Terrapon, M., Kiszka, J. J., & Wagner, J. (2021). Observations of Killer Whale (*Orcinus orca*) Feeding Behavior in the Tropical Waters of the Northern Mozambique Channel Island of Mayotte, Southwest Indian Ocean. Aquatic Mammals, 47(2), 196-205. DOI: 10.1578/AM.47.2.2021.196 If you would like a copy, please contact Maeva Terrapon: mt208(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Abstract: Very little is known about the foraging ecology of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in tropical oceans and on how these large apex predators affect prey communities. In most tropical waters, the presence of killer whales is unpredictable, and most information on their ecology is inferred from opportunistic records. This is particularly the case in the Indian Ocean where limited information is available. Between 2002 and 2017, killer whales were opportunistically encountered around the Mozambique Channel island of Mayotte in the eastern Comoros Archipelago (southwest Indian Ocean). A total of 15 killer whale sightings collected by various local experts were compiled and used to describe observed feeding events. Twenty-seven distinct individuals from four separate groups were identified by photo-identification, highlighting short-term site fidelity (minimum 7 days) to this area. Feeding was observed on seven occasions, and recorded prey included two species of elasmobranchs (Centroscymnus coelolepi and Mobula spp.) and two species of cetaceans: a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf and a pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata). This study represents the first account of killer whales foraging on a combination of marine mammals and elasmobranchs in tropical waters, and describes the first presumed predation on a humpback whale calf in the southwest Indian Ocean. Thank you, Maeva Terrapon, PhD Candidate Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland

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Seeking volunteer research assistants in Australia on dolphins
by Kate Sprogis 23 Mar '21

23 Mar '21

Seeking volunteer research assistants to evaluate the ecology and biology of coastal dolphins in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Project Outline: The Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at Flinders University is seeking full-time volunteer assistants for assistance on a dolphin research project to assess the ecology of coastal dolphins in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. The study is part of a long-term research project led by CEBEL on the ecology of inshore dolphins in the Ningaloo-Exmouth region. Information on the distribution, encounter rates and habitat use of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Exmouth Gulf is lacking. This information is crucial to collect as the gulf is under increasing human pressure. On the International IUCN Redlist, Australian humpback dolphins are listed as vulnerable and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are listed as near-threatened (Parra et al. 2017, Braulik et al. 2019). Thus, this research will fill crucial knowledge gaps on inshore dolphin numbers, distribution and habitat use to assist environmental impact assessments and conservation management actions. Dates: We are seeking 2-3 volunteers for dedicated, full-time assistance from May 1st to July 31st 2021 (for the whole duration or half the duration). Primary Investigators: Dr Kate R. Sprogis and Assistant Professor Guido J. Parra. Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), Flinders University, Australia. Location: Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Exmouth is a small, remote town with limited shops and facilities that is ~16hrs drive north of Perth. Specifics: The research project is office and boat based. When the weather permits (<15 kn winds, Beaufort sea state <3, no precipitation), boat-based line-transect surveys will be conducted where 3 people are on the boat. The boat is a 6 m rigid hull, centre console. On transect, the vessel will be driven at slow speed, whilst searching for dolphins with the naked eye and binoculars. Once dolphins are sighted, the transect will be paused, and the dolphins will be slowly approached to collect information on the dolphin’s location (time and latitude/longitude), group size and age composition, predominant behaviour (e.g. travelling, resting, socialising, foraging, feeding), and environmental variables (water depth, sea surface temperature, benthic habitat type). Photographs of individual dolphin dorsal fins will be taken for photo-identification purposes. Surveys will follow standardised methods used in previous studies of coastal dolphins in Australia (e.g. Parra et al. 2006, Sprogis et al. 2016), including the North West Cape (Hunt et al. 2017, Hunt et al. 2019, Haughey et al. 2020, Hunt et al. 2020). After boating, data is downloaded and equipment is cleaned and charged to prepare for the next day. When the weather does not permit, we work in the office on data entry, photo-identification of dolphin dorsal fins, maintenance of equipment, project organisation and logistics (e.g. weather checking for timing for boating). The office is in a shared research house. Team work in a small team is crucial. Assistants and researchers live in the shared-research house, where cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping is done as a team. There will be 3-4 people on the team at any one time. Preferred skills and traits: We seek hard-working, motivated, friendly people that are willing to give it their all to achieve a great research output. We seek people who are attuned to the intensities of fieldwork and research. Prior field experience with cetacean research, on small-boats and in small teams is preferred. Assistants should be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent (e.g. any day with <15knt winds, including weekends, on consecutive days and can be 8hr long days). As many days are office days, we seek individuals that have initiative, but will also work diligently on routine tasks. We are seeking people that have a genuine interest in wildlife and conservation research. As field researchers, our lives consist of living in a house with assistants for extended durations, so we seek easy-going, positive, kind, team-players with a mature attitude. Housing will be in a house, and a caravan at times, so small spaces will need to be shared. Being fluent in spoken English is preferred. What will you gain?: On the boat, you will gain knowledge on the behaviour, habitat use and distribution differences of humpback dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, how to conduct dolphin photo-identification surveys and field skills (reading weather in a remote location, driving a boat, using an SLR camera for fast moving dolphins). In the office, you will learn how to enter environmental and behavioural data, and identify unique dolphin dorsal fins and catalogue existing and new fins into a dolphin-identification catalogue. COVID-restrictions: Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Australian border is only open to Australian citizens and residents. Therefore, we will only be able to accept applications from international assistants already in Australia and local residents. Accommodation and Travel: Costs of housing will be covered by the project for the research season. Due to limited funding, research assistants will be responsible for the costs of their own food and travel to Exmouth, Western Australia (coach buses and direct flights from Perth are available). Costs of food will be split among the team for shared breakfast, lunch and dinners (unless there are specific dietary requirements). Travel will be covered if the assistant leaves with Dr Sprogis in the car for a 16hr drive from Perth to Exmouth across 2 days leaving April 30th, and returning July 31st. If you are interested, please provide a short CV (2 pages, including the emails of two academic referees) and a one-page cover letter in a single PDF to k.sprogis(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:k.sprogis@murdoch.edu.au>. Please send application documents as soon as possible, by 1st April 2021 the latest. Short-listed candidates will be contacted shortly afterwards. Dr Kate Sprogis Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), Flinders University, Australia. k.sprogis(a)murdoch.edu.au Twitter, Instagram: @KateSprogis Twitter, Facebook: @CEBELresearch [IMG_1559%20copy.jpg] References of interest: - Braulik, G., A. Natoli, J. Kiszka, G. Parra, S. Plön and B. D. Smith. 2019. Tursiops aduncus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. - Haughey, R., T. Hunt, D. Hanf, R. W. Rankin and G. J. Parra. 2020. Photographic capture-recapture analysis reveals a large population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) with low site fidelity off the North West Cape, Western Australia. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:781 - Hunt, T. N., S. J. Allen, L. Bejder and G. J. Parra. 2019. Assortative interactions revealed in a fission–fusion society of Australian humpback dolphins. Behavioral Ecology 30:914-927 - Hunt, T. N., S. J. Allen, L. Bejder and G. J. Parra. 2020. Identifying priority habitat for conservation and management of Australian humpback dolphins within a marine protected area. Scientific Reports 10:1-14 - Hunt, T. N., L. Bejder, S. J. Allen, R. W. Rankin, D. Hanf and G. J. Parra. 2017. Demographic characteristics of Australian humpback dolphins reveal important habitat toward the southwestern limit of their range. Endangered Species Research 32:71-88. - Parra, G., D. Cagnazzi, W. Perrin and G. T. Braulik. 2017. Sousa sahulensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017. - Parra, G. J., P. J. Corkeron and H. Marsh. 2006. Population sizes, site fidelity and residence patterns of Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: Implications for conservation. Biological Conservation 129:167-180. - Sprogis, K. R., H. C. Raudino, R. Rankin, C. D. Macleod and L. Bejder. 2016. Home range size of adult Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in a coastal and estuarine system is habitat and sex-specific. Marine Mammal Science 32:287-308.

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin behavioral adaptations to construction-related habitat degradation
by Ann Weaver 23 Mar '21

23 Mar '21

We are pleased to announce two recent contributions. Weaver A (2021) An Ethology of Adaptation: Dolphins Stop Feeding but Continue Socializing in Construction-Degraded Habitat. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:603229. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.603229 Open access publication in Frontiers in Marine Science, section Marine Conservation and Sustainability. To view the online publication, please click here: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2021.603229/full?&utm_… <http://links.email.frontiersin.org/ls/click?upn=Dpg5ochww630xh6EMvshS4k2vZe…> Or download it from my website https://www.dolphinsdigital.org/technical-articles ABSTRACT Adaptation is a biological mechanism by which organisms adjust physically or behaviorally to changes in their environment to become more suited to it. This is a report of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins’ behavioral adaptations to environmental changes from coastal construction in prime habitat. Construction was a 5-year bridge removal and replacement project in a tidal inlet along west central Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. It occurred in two consecutive 2.5-year phases to replace the west and east lanes, respectively. Lane phases involved demolition/removal of above-water cement structures, below-water cement structures, and reinstallation of below + above water cement structures (N = 2,098 photos). Data were longitudinal (11 years: 2005– 2016, N = 1,219 surveys 2–4 times/week/11 years, N = 4,753 dolphins, 591.95 h of observation in the construction zone, 126 before-construction surveys, 568 during-construction surveys, 525 after-construction surveys). The dependent variable was numbers of dolphins (count) in the immediate construction zone. Three analyses examined presence/absence, total numbers of dolphins, and numbers of dolphins engaged in five behavior states (forage-feeding, socializing, direct travel, meandering travel, and mixed states) across construction. Analyses were GLIMMIX generalized linear models for logistic and negative binomial regressions to account for observation time differences as an exposure (offset) variable. Results showed a higher probability of dolphin presence than absence before construction began, more total dolphins before construction, and significant decreases in the numbers of feeding but not socializing dolphins. Significant changes in temporal rhythms also revealed finer-grained adaptations. Conclusions were that the dolphins adapted to construction in two ways, by establishing feeding locations beyond the disturbed construction zone and shifting temporal rhythms of behaviors that they continued to exhibit in the construction zone to later in the day when construction activities were minimized. This is the first study to suggest that the dolphins learned to cope with coastal construction with variable adjustments. Weaver, A. (2020). Why Dolphins Jump. Treasure Island FL: Jaasas Academic Press. 140 pp. Presents 170 contexts of 7 types of aerial behaviors among free-ranging coastal bottlenose dolphins. https://www.dolphinsdigital.org/store/Why-Dolphins-Jump-Picture-Book-of-the…

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Marine Mammal Observers in Virginia Beach
by Amy Whitt 23 Mar '21

23 Mar '21

*Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) in Virginia Beach* Azura is looking for MMOs based in or near the Virginia Beach, VA area. Potential work would include land-based monitoring and mitigation during construction for one year beginning this spring. Work may be sporadic, ranging from 1 day a week to 6 days a week depending on the construction schedule. If you are a Virginia Beach MMO and interested in this work, please send your resume to lenisa(a)azuraco.com. In your resume, please describe your previous MMO experience and list any relevant certifications (e.g., BOEM- or JNCC-approved PSO certifications).

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Marine Mammal / Sea Turtle Observer Course Online April 24-25, 2021
by Angela Bostwick 23 Mar '21

23 Mar '21

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on April 24-25, 2021. This training in approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in other regions or industries (such as renewable energy construction and monitoring) where monitoring for protected species and mitigation of impacts is required. Course cost includes the live instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides. PSOs monitor mainly for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals. PSOs complete certain reports on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. As discussed in the course, working offshore as a PSO is fun, but involves long hours of standing watch for the animals; thus, the job requires patience and persistence. The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR A BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSE STUDY ON HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIA
by Michael Noad 22 Mar '21

22 Mar '21

The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratories at the University of Queensland are seeking expressions of interest from volunteers for a five week behavioural response study (BRS) on humpback whales from September 12 to October 23 this year (2021). Due to the COVID epidemic, most Australian international border are closed and likely to remain so until late this year or early 2022. For this reason WE WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN AUSTRALIA OR NEW ZEALAND. The study will be the first in a series to determine the hearing range of humpback whales by measuring their behavioural response to tones of various frequencies. The study will be conducted at Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane, and follows several successful studies of humpback whale vocalisations and behaviour at the same site during the Humpback whale Acoustic Research Collaboration (HARC; 2002 - 2008) and the BRAHSS experiments in 2010 - 2015 (http://www.brahss.org.au/; https://www.ceal.lab.uq.edu.au/ ). Volunteers are required mainly to conduct land-based observations of the whales as they pass our study site. Approximately 5,000 whales should migrate southwards within 10 km of Peregian Beach during the field period making the site ideal for land-based tracking and observations of behaviour. Some whales will be tagged with Dtags. Although volunteers will be used to help out on the boats, opportunities for volunteers to participate in boat work are limited and most time will be spent doing land-based observations. Volunteers will receive detailed training at the beginning of the project and therefore successful applicants must be available for the entire duration of the project. A high standard of safety will be maintained throughout the field work and volunteers will be trained in safety procedures. Peregian Beach is a beautiful area on the Sunshine Coast, and there are plenty of things for volunteers to do during downtime. Favourite activities in previous projects here have included surfing, hanging out at cafes (within walking distance of our field site), diving, walking the Noosa National Park, trips to Fraser Island, etc. Volunteers must be sociable as they will be expected to work and live as part of teams with shared cooking and cleaning duties. We expect that there will be up to 30 people (researchers, staff and volunteers) at the site. Volunteers must organise and pay for their own transport to the study site (approximately 1.5h from the Brisbane Airport or 30 mins from the Sunshine Coast Airport) but food and accommodation are provided once there. Meals are communal. This project will suit people with a background in science (including recent graduates and graduate students as well as higher level undergraduate students) keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques, acoustics and behavioural response studies. Applicants should also be highly motivated, enthusiastic, sociable, and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Those with previous survey experience of marine mammals or other taxa will be preferred. We are also seeking a part-time child carer. This person will be required to care for a 6-year old on a few occasions but will be a regular volunteer on the project for most of the time. Carer duties are likely to be only one or two days a fortnight (daytime only) and applicants must have had previous child care experience (please include details of this on the application). Preference for a volunteer position will be given to the successful applicant for the carer position. The research project is being funded by the U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program. Applicants should reply with an email to both Rebecca Dunlop (r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au>) and Michael Noad (mnoad(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:mnoad@uq.edu.au>) outlining why they would be suitable for this work, why they would like to participate, an outline of previous relevant experience, and any other relevant details. The email should include an attached CV and the names and contact details of two professional referees. The closing date for volunteer applications is 31 April and successful field applicants will be notified in late May. Dr Rebecca Dunlop Director of Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratories Moreton Bay Research Station, University of Queensland Corner of Flinders Avenue and Fraser Streets Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island, QLD 4183 Australia Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Physiology University of Queensland Australia r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au> https://ceal.lab.uq.edu.au/ 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

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