May 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job openings in Hervey Bay, Australia
by Stephanie Stack 18 May '21

18 May '21

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Pacific Whale Foundation is seeking 3 research team members for assistance on a whale and dolphin research project in Hervey Bay, Queensland. The study builds upon the long-term research conducted by PWF in East Australia since 1984. Our research goals are to provide robust monitoring of whale and dolphin populations and mitigate anthropogenic threats to cetaceans. The team will be conducting UAS (drone) and photo-ID surveys aboard a small research vessel to fill crucial knowledge gaps on whale and dolphin population trends, health, distribution, and habitat use to inform conservation management actions. Location: Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia Reporting To: Stephanie Stack, Principal Investigator for the project Research Associate (team leader) Duration: July 1 - June 30 (12 month contract with potential for renewal) Duties: * Provide leadership to local field team. * Collect data in the field following detailed protocols (provided) and train others on data collection. * Boat-based surveys to collect photo-identification, UAS photogrammetry, and behavioural observations of whales and dolphins. * Skipper and trailer a small research vessel (RHIB). * Supervise staff and volunteers. * Process and analyze data, prepare permit reports, presentations, and scientific articles, under the direction of Chief Biologist. * Responsible for upkeep and maintenance of research equipment. * Community outreach about the research program. * Regular communications with Chief Biologist about project progress, including virtual meetings and written reports. Qualifications: * M.Sc. degree or Ph.D. degree * 5+ years' experience with field studies * Experience leading teams in the field * Experience supervising others * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Experience with at-sea UAS operation and photo-ID methodologies * ArcGIS and R for data analysis * Report preparation and authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications * Team-oriented and a positive attitude * Fundraising and development activities Research Assistant (two openings) Duration: September 1 - October 31. Duties: * Collect data in the field under the direction and supervision of Research Associate. * Collect photo-ID, drone imagery, behavioural observations, and GPS location. * Skipper a small research vessel (RHIB). * Accurately identify whale and dolphin species, estimate group size and age-classes, and record behaviours. * Clean equipment, download data and back-up daily. * Quality control of data collected in the field and/or archival data. * Processing of photo-ID data. * Public outreach and education Qualifications: * B.Sc. degree and 1-3 years' experience with field studies * Familiar with cetaceans and the study region * Team-oriented and positive attitude * Hard-working and willingness to learn * Attention to detail Eligibility: These positions are open to Australian citizens and legal residents that are presently located in Australia. Accommodation and travel costs are not covered. To Apply: please provide a CV and cover letter in PDF form to stephaniestack(a)pacificwhale.org with the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. Interviews will take place beginning June 15. All applicants will be notified of their status once a decision is made. To learn more about Pacific Whale Foundation's research in Australia, please visit https://www.pacificwhale.org/research/australia/ Stephanie Stack Chief Biologist - International Research Program Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793 USA Cell: +1(808) 740-5540 Fax: +1(808) 856-8363 Email: stephaniestack(a)pacificwhale.org Website: pacificwhale.org/research [cid:f36c893f-6ce4-4860-a27f-f2c57a14744c]

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New publication: Fatty acids and stable isotopes in southern right whale calves
by Cari Marón 18 May '21

18 May '21

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our new paper: Marón CF, Budge SM, Ward RE, Valenzuela LO and others (2020) Fatty acids and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) in southern right whale Eubalaena australis calves in relation to age and mortality at Península Valdés, Argentina. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 646:189-200. The paper is available online for users only at https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v646/p189-200/ ABSTRACT: Baleen whales accumulate fat reserves during the summer to sustain reproduction while fasting in the winter. The southern right whale Eubalaena australis population that calves off Península Valdés, Argentina, experienced high calf mortality events from 2003 to 2013 and poor nutritional states of mothers could be a contributing cause. Previous studies found that the population’s reproductive success is influenced by prey availability. Mothers unable to build sufficient fat reserves or feeding on prey with different nutritional value may fail to meet the demands of lactation. Milk is the only source of nutrients and energy for calves at Valdés, so their fatty acids (FAs) and stable isotopes should reflect their mother’s diet and feeding-ground locations. Here, we compared FA profiles and C and N stable isotopes of dead calves with those of living calves to evaluate the potential impact of maternal nutrition on calf survival. We found no differences in the FA composition of blubber in dead and living calves, indicating similar maternal diets. Likewise, the isotopic values of living and dead calves imply that their mothers had similar foraging ranges. However, FA composition was greatly affected by calf length, indicating effects of calf age and duration of nursing. These findings suggest that mothers of dead calves did not feed on different diets or feeding grounds compared to mothers of living calves. Future research should further assess the overall health and body condition of the Valdés southern right whale calves. Please do not hesitate to contact me (carimaron(a)gmail.com<mailto:carimaron@gmail.com>) if you have any queries regarding to this article or to request a PDF copy. Cheers, Cari Marón

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New publication on possible right whale habitat suitability in 2050
by Camille Ross 18 May '21

18 May '21

Hi all, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to announce a recent peer-reviewed publication on projecting right whale habitat suitability in 2050. Here is the abstract: North Atlantic right whales (*Eubalaena glacialis*) are critically endangered, and recent changes in distribution patterns have been a major management challenge. Understanding the role that environmental conditions play in habitat suitability helps to determine the regions in need of monitoring or protection for conservation of the species, particularly as climate change shifts suitable habitat. This study used three species distribution modeling algorithms, together with historical whale abundance data (1993–2009) and environmental covariate data, to build monthly ensemble models of past *E. glacialis* habitat suitability in the Gulf of Maine. The model was projected onto the year 2050 for a range of climate scenarios. Specifically, the distribution of the species was modeled using generalized additive models, boosted regression trees, and artificial neural networks, with environmental covariates that included sea surface temperature, bottom water temperature, bathymetry, a modeled *Calanus* *finmarchicus* habitat index, and chlorophyll. Year-2050 projections used downscaled climate anomaly fields from Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 and 8.5. The relative contribution of each covariate changed seasonally, with an increase in the importance of bottom temperature and C. finmarchicus in the summer, when model performance was highest. A negative correlation was observed between model performance and sea surface temperature contribution. The 2050 projections indicated decreased habitat suitability across the Gulf of Maine in the period from July through October,with the exception of narrow bands along the Scotian Shelf.The results suggest that regions outside of the current areas of conservation focus may become increasingly important habitats for* E. glacialis* under future climate scenarios. The paper can be found here: https://online.ucpress.edu/elementa/article/9/1/00058/116780/Projecting-reg… Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like an electronic copy. Cheers, Camille -- Camille Ross Research Technician, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences Oceanography Master's Student, University of Maine, School of Marine Sciences Pronouns: she/her/hers Work: cross(a)bigelow.org School: camille.ross(a)maine.edu Office: 207-315-2567 x514 Cell: 732-325-5950

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Virtual 3rd ICAZ Marine Mammal Working Group Meeting - Deadline for submissions extended
by ICAZ Marine Mammals 17 May '21

17 May '21

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce the 3rd International Council for Archaeozoology (ICAZ) Marine Mammal Working Group Meeting (MMWG) (2nd -3rd September 2021), which will be held virtually by the Groningen Institute of Archaeology, The University of Groningen, The Netherlands, 1 st – 3 rd September 2021. Marine mammals and turtles have frequently been overlooked in the field of zooarchaeology. This, although these animals have played vital roles in past subsistence economies worldwide and across time. Human impact on these animals has been significant, having led to multiple populations of species declining--in some cases, even resulting in extirpation or extinction events. Long-term perspectives are needed to inform marine management; in this, zooarchaeology can play a valuable role. This third meeting of the Marine Mammal Working Group (MMWG) organized by the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, will provide a platform for innovative research into marine mammals, but will also integrate research on marine turtles, a keystone set of species that are increasingly the focus of highly innovative zooarchaeological work. Our conference aims to showcase studies from different geographic, archaeological and chronological contexts, focusing on (a) the anthropogenic influence on marine mammal and marine turtle populations and how zooarchaeology can contribute to marine management, (b) the economic and symbolic significance these species have played and (c) new methods in identifying and analyzing zooarchaeological marine mammal and reptile remains. The previous two MMWG meetings (Maastricht, 2017; Cambridge, 2019) attracted significant interest and were widely considered very successful. We hope to build on this success, attracting cutting-edge research that will produce publishable results. *DEADLINE EXTENDED: *Abstracts are welcome no later than *May 24 - 2021 * This year the III MMWG Meeting will take place virtually, allowing everybody interest to participate. For more information, registration, and abstract submission please visit: https://icazmarinemammals2.wixsite.com/home Kind regards on behalf of the organizing committee, The III ICAZ Marine Mammal Working Group Meeting.

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Fwd: {SSWG} Seeking adjunct to teach Marine Mammal Conservation undergraduate course
by Malcolm McCallum 17 May '21

17 May '21

I saw this on different listserv. Forwarded here in case someone needs it. I just saw it on the internet, so it has to be true! 😜. Malcolm L. McCallum Langston University https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-mccallum-94579021 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Hurley, Patrick <phurley(a)ursinus.edu> Date: Mon, May 17, 2021, 8:16 AM Subject: {SSWG} Seeking adjunct to teach Marine Mammal Conservation undergraduate course To: sswglist(a)conbio.org <sswglist(a)conbio.org> Apologies for cross-posting: Our department invites applications for an adjunct instructor position for in-person instruction during the Fall 2021 semester. The successful candidate will teach one section (three contact hours per week) of the upper-division interdisciplinary four-credit course ENV-272 (Marine Mammal Conservation and Management). Please see the full description on the College’s HR site at: https://www.ursinus.edu/live/profiles/5660-adjunct-instructor-environmental… . Inquiries can be sent to me at this email: phurley(a)ursinus.edu. Thank you, Patrick *[image: UC]* *Patrick T. Hurley, Ph.D. *[he/his] Professor and Chair Department of Environmental Studies Co-Director, Food Studies Program Co-Director, Whittaker Environmental Research Station Director, People and Urban Forest research group Circuit Trails Ambassador P.O. Box 1000 Collegeville, PA 19426 Campus Office: Pfahler 112c V: 484.762.4323 F: 610.409.3660 phurley(a)ursinus.edu -- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the SCB Social Science Working Group Listserv. Follow SCB on Twitter: @Society4ConBio, and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Society4ConBio/ and visit our website: www.conbio.org. Thank you for your participation in SCB! Not a member? Join SCB now: http://conbio.org/membership/become-a-member. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Society for Conservation Biology's "SSWG Working Group List" group. To post to this group, send email to SSWGlist(a)conbio.org To unsubscribe from this group, send email to SSWGlist+unsubscribe(a)conbio.org For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/a/conbio.org/group/SSWGlist ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to SSWGlist+unsubscribe(a)conbio.org.

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Job Advertisement
by Brigitte Walsh 17 May '21

17 May '21

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 is currently accepting applications for a Voluntary Assistant Animal Care Manager. This high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 6 months, but longer time commitments are encouraged. This is an unpaid position, however we do offer free room and board. Seal Rescue Ireland is looking to fill this position in June. Applications are due on the 28th of May, 2021. Due to Covid-19, this position is only open to individuals currently residing in Ireland. Reports to: Animal Care Manager Job Summary: This position will be a responsible individual who will assist in supervising programs, interns/volunteers, daily husbandry of animals in care, and take on necessary office duties to keep the centre running when the Animal Care Manager is off duty. He or she will also work closely with the Animal Care Manager and Operations Manager in all aspects involved in running a wildlife hospital. This position is split between working with the animals and working on administrative tasks in the office. Additionally, assistance in collaborating and coordinating various educational and fundraising programs is required. Requirements: Applicants must have a degree in an area of study such as Pre-Veterinary, Biology, Zoology, or a related field. Previous work in marine mammal rehabilitation is preferred, though other wildlife rehabilitation experience may be accepted. Applicants must be comfortable with public speaking, giving direction/teaching, and using GSuite and/or Microsoft Office programs. Being organized and self-motivated is essential. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and must be able to lift 25 kilograms. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work long hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Duties Include: - Supervise and train interns and volunteers - Assist in coordination of releases and other conservation events - Management of seal records database - Responsible for managing specific programs within the organization - Responsible for hospital inventory and stock checks - Supervising and participating in daily animal diet preparations, routine cleaning of enclosures, giving medical treatments, tube feeding, and maintenance of the grounds - Overseeing daily operation of hospital and visitor center, medical treatment plans and upgrading animals and diets with other managers - Assist and coordinate rescue of stranded animals including assisting with the rescue hotline. - Participate in educational talks and tours. - Provide assistance to the Animal Care Manager, Operations Manager and other management as needed. - Assisting with fundraisers, educational events, clerical duties and office work as needed - Representing Seal Rescue Ireland at networking events This is an unpaid position, however we do offer free room and board.The successful applicant will be responsible for their own travel expenses. Application Deadline: 28th of May, 2021 Please send your completed application form along with your curriculum vitae and cover letter to: operations(a)sealrescueireland.org Attention: Assistant Animal Care Manager Registered Charity: RCN 20108519 *Brigitte Walsh* Intern Coordinator | Seal Rescue Ireland Phone: 053 942 4980 Rescue hotline: 087 195 5393 Site: www.sealrescueireland.org Email: intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20108519 Address: Courtown Harbour, Co. Wexford, Ireland Visit North Wexford this Summer! <https://lovegorey.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Wake-up-in-North-Wexford-Su…> <https://www.facebook.com/sealrescueireland> <https://twitter.com/seal_rescue> <https://www.instagram.com/sealrescueireland/?hl=en> <https://sealrescueireland.tumblr.com/>

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Virtual marine mammal course at Duke University open for enrollment
by Frants Jensen 17 May '21

17 May '21

Greetings! The Duke University Marine Lab (DUML) is currently accepting enrollments for our summer Marine Mammals course. This six-week virtual course will cover the biology and conservation of marine mammals. We will introduce you to the basic biology of various taxonomic groups, describe some of the research approaches used to study them, and conclude with a consideration of their conservation. Virtual laboratories and interactive activities will focus on topics including diving physiology, photographic identification methods, population biology, bioacoustics, biologging, and drone technology. We will also take advantage of opportunities to interact with marine mammal experts from DUML and from around the world through virtual guest lectures, field trips, and discussion panels, and through the creation of a DUML Marine Mammals podcast. This course is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. ENV 376L or BIO 376L (undergraduate) / ENV776L (graduate) (4 Duke credits). Feel free to contact the course instructor for more information. *Instructor:* Frants H. Jensen (frants.jensen(a)gmail.com) *Tuition:* $3,200 + fees. Details can be found here: https://summersession.duke.edu/visiting-college-students/u-s-students/tuiti… *Dates: *June 28 - August 6, 2021 *Schedule:* Mondays, Wednesdays, Friday 10am – 12 pm, and Monday & Wednesday 1- 4pm, EDT (Note that lectures will be recorded for subsequent viewing) *To enroll:* Complete the online application <https://applygp.duke.edu/apply/?sr=db44d709-d37c-4867-8081-5e97bda61b56> (select Duke University Marine Lab Application 2021 from the drop down menu under application details). Please reach out to Gwendy.Womble(a)duke.edu if you need help or have questions.

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new pubblication on Long-term monitoring for the surveillance of the conservation status of Tursiops truncatus in an EU Natura2000 site in the Mediterranean Sea
by antonella.arcangeli＠isprambiente.it 17 May '21

17 May '21

Dear community! On behalf of my co-authors, we are very happy to share the new peer-reviewed article on: ‘ Long-term monitoring for the surveillance of the conservation status of Tursiops truncatus in an EU Natura2000 site in the Mediterranean Sea. A pilot study in the Tuscan Archipelago’ Abstract A pilot study, using the dataset from the research network ‘FLT Med Net’, which regularly monitors transborder regions in the Mediterranean Sea using ferries as platform for systematic surveys, was undertaken to assess common bottlenose dolphin range and population trends within the Natura 2000 EU marine site “Tutela del Tursiops truncatus ”. The site was recently designated by the Tuscany Region (Italy) within the requirement of the EU Habitats Directive. In order to evaluate the conservation status of bottlenose dolphin according to the surveillance scheme of the Directive, two six-years periods (2007-2012; 2013-2018) were compared to assess trends in distribution-occurrence, Sightings Per Unit of Effort and Density. In total, 18146 NM were surveyed along two fixed transects, recording 90 sightings of Tursiops truncatus and a total of 268 specimens. Between the two periods, slight differences not statistically significant were assessed, with decreasing range and population trends of the species; no variation was detected in mean group sizes. Travelling was the most common behaviour and juveniles were present in 20% of the sightings, concentrated during spring and summer. The consistent FLT Med Net dataset was found to be appropriate to evaluate important parameters for the assessment of trend in conservation status at the Natura2000 site scale. The article can be found @ [ https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view… | https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view… ] All the best, antonella

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New publication: Artisanal fishing, dolphins, and interactive pinger: A study from a passive acoustic perspective
by Elena Papale 17 May '21

17 May '21

Dear MARMAM Community, ON BEHALF OF MY CO-AUTHORS, I AM GLAD TO ANNOUNCE OUR RECENT PUBLICATION IN /AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS/ Buscaino, G., Ceraulo, M., Alonge, G., Pace, D. S., Grammauta, R., Maccarrone, V., Bonanno, A., Mazzola, S. & Papale, E. (2021). Artisanal fishing, dolphins, and interactive pinger: A study from a passive acoustic perspective. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3588 ABSTRACT: 1. Dolphins interact with many types of fishing gear, causing damage to fishing activities and in some cases facing harm and becoming entangled as bycatch. 2. In this study, the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins during their interaction with set nets, equipped with and without interactive pingers, was investigated. Acoustic monitoring of the nets was conducted for a total of 56 hauls and 814.9 hr of recordings, from the 16 October to 13 November 2015, along the coast of Lampedusa island (Sicilian Channel, Italy, Mediterranean Sea). 3. The level of interaction between dolphins and the nets was evaluated considering the number of dolphin clicks grouped over time (single acoustic incursion on each net), the duration of every acoustic incursion, and the number of dolphin clicks per incursion. Moreover, the catch rate was measured as the number of fish per hour for each net. 4. Based on the recording time of dolphin clicks, the spatio-temporal development of the interaction with the nets located in different bays of the island was assessed. 5. The duration of the interaction between dolphins and nets significantly increased over the study period, with a concomitant reduction in catch rate. The interactive pinger showed efficacy in protecting the nets from dolphin depredation during the first period of 36 hauls and 11 fishing days (higher catch rates and lower incursion durations), whereas no differences were found in any interaction parameters between pinger and control nets in the second period (20 hauls and six fishing days). 6. Interactive pingers may be an effective, short-term (2–3 weeks) tool in deterring depredation by bottlenose dolphins in small-scale artisanal fisheries. Other mitigation approaches, such as gear modification, lessons learned through outreach, and passive acoustic monitoring of the nets, could improve the management of the interactions between fisheries and bottlenose dolphins. The full article is available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.3588 To request a PDF copy please contact me at _e__lena.papale(a)cnr.it_ Best, Elena --------------------------------------------- Elena Papale, PhD Institute for the Study of Anthropogenic Impacts and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (IAS), National Research Council, Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP) Italy and Department of Life Science and Systems Biology University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino Italy elena.papale(a)cnr.it elena.papale(a)ias.cnr.it elena.papale(a)unito.it elenabiancapapale(a)gmail.com

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New paper: Multiple pygmy blue whale acoustic populations in the Indian Ocean: whale song identifies a possible new population
by Emmanuelle Leroy 17 May '21

17 May '21

Dear MARMAMers, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the recent publication of our study entitled: Multiple pygmy blue whale acoustic populations in the Indian Ocean: whale song identifies a possible new population. Leroy, E. C., Royer, J.-Y., Alling, A., Maslen, B. & Rogers, T. (2021). Multiple pygmy blue whale acoustic populations in the Indian Ocean: whale song identifies a possible new population. Sci Rep 11, 8762 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88062-5 Abstract: Blue whales were brought to the edge of extinction by commercial whaling in the twentieth century and their recovery rate in the Southern Hemisphere has been slow; they remain endangered. Blue whales, although the largest animals on Earth, are difficult to study in the Southern Hemisphere, thus their population structure, distribution and migration remain poorly known. Fortunately, blue whales produce powerful and stereotyped songs, which prove an effective clue for monitoring their different ‘acoustic populations.’ The DGD-Chagos song has been previously reported in the central Indian Ocean. A comparison of this song with the pygmy blue and Omura’s whale songs shows that the Chagos song are likely produced by a distinct previously unknown pygmy blue whale population. These songs are a large part of the underwater soundscape in the tropical Indian Ocean and have been so for nearly two decades. Seasonal differences in song detections among our six recording sites suggest that the Chagos whales migrate from the eastern to western central Indian Ocean, around the Chagos Archipelago, then further east, up to the north of Western Australia, and possibly further north, as far as Sri Lanka. The Indian Ocean holds a greater diversity of blue whale populations than thought previously. This paper can be downloaded in open access here https://rdcu.be/cjamP Alternatively e-mail me for a PDF copy, queries or comments: emmanuelle.leroy(a)unsw.edu.au Best regards, Emmanuelle Emmanuelle LEROY -- Research Fellow MammalLab -- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales -- 2052 -- Australia emmanuelle.leroy(a)unsw.edu.au<mailto:emmanuelle.leroy@unsw.edu.au>

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