June 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Senior Analyst ESA/MMPA Support Services Position
by BRUCE Morehead 03 Nov '21

03 Nov '21

Senior Analyst: ESA/MMPA SUPPORT SERVICES Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) development and implementation of measures to reduce threats to right whales, and to assist OPR in other marine mammal management activities as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA). OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. DUTIES: * Lead the development of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents (e.g., Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact) related to marine mammal management measures for large whales, as needed. * Provide OPR general support by leading efforts to meet additional requirements of developing measures to reduce threats to large whales (with a focus on North Atlantic right whales) including, but not limited to, work related to the Paperwork Reduction Act, Executive Orders, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the ESA (Section 7). * Work with OPR staff and others to develop outreach and enforcement strategies and associated materials as it relates to reducing threats to large whales (with a focus on right whales) including but not limited to handouts, website materials, visualizations, maps, videos, etc. * Support various working groups coordinated by the agency that address large whale conservation threats (with a focus on working groups dedicated to North Atlantic right whales). * Provide OPR support for MMPA and ESA related activities to conserve and protect marine mammals, including: developing protocols, guidelines, policies, and briefing material; responding to quick turn-around tasks, and media, public, and congressional inquiries; and coordinating management and research efforts. Start Date: As soon as possible Location: Silver Spring MD Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE * Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with one year of relevant experience. * Experience implementing the MMPA, ESA, and/or NEPA. * Experience with technical writing, particularly as it relates to Government documents. * Strong knowledge of marine conservation issues, especially those relevant to marine mammals. * Strong coordination and communication skills. DESIRED SKILLS * Extensive knowledge of MMPA, ESA, and NEPA. * Extensive knowledge of marine conservation issues, especially those relevant to large whales * Familiarity with the Paperwork Reduction Act, applicable Executive Orders, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. * Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems, cartography, and graphic arts If you are interested in being considered for this position, please to: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm…

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Seeking volunteers for online small cetacean bycatch research project
by Clear, Niki 29 Oct '21

29 Oct '21

Dear MARMAM community, The University of Exeter and Cornwall Wildlife Trust is conducting a research citizen science project to develop and test a diagnosis tool for detecting bycatch in stranded cetaceans using external features, such as encircling marks and other wounds. We are investigating whether it’s possible for trained individuals to diagnose bycatch to a high degree of certainty using only external features and to create a diagnostic system to investigate bycatch in stranded small cetaceans, where a post-mortem examination is not possible. We are looking for volunteers to participate in this research project to help us generate data by examining photos of strandings and identifying possible bycatch features. Volunteers will be given access to online training in the skills of identifying bycatch features on stranded cetaceans. Using your new skills, you can examine real strandings cases through the website to determine whether they were bycaught or not, all from the comfort of your own home. We will use the data you generate to develop and test this new bycatch diagnostic method. We are looking for volunteers with any level of experience and can be based anywhere, but you will need to; * Be over 18 years old * Be able to commit at least 5 hours to the project * Have access to the internet and a laptop or desktop computer * Understand written English What will you gain? Involvement in this project is entirely voluntary, you will gain training and experience examining small cetacean strandings by examining detailed photographs through a web-based system. Volunteering is entirely home-based and can be done in your own time. This is a service/citizen science project, and unfortunately, there are no compensation or college credits available for volunteers. If you would like to learn more about the project and sign up as a volunteer – bycatchproject.co.uk<https://bycatchproject.co.uk/> Many thanks Niki Clear, on behalf of the project team and partners Masters by Research Student nc461(a)exeter.ac.uk College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter

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2021 Fin Whale Project on the coast of Barcelona
by edmaktub 12 Oct '21

12 Oct '21

*2021 Fin Whale Project on the coast of Barcelona** * *EDMAKTUB is offering a position and looking for research trainee assistants** * EDMAKTUB Association is a non-profit organization studying fin whale presence and behaviour, since 2013; and the conditions why fin whales come in great number to feed on the coast between Barcelona and Tarragona, norteastern Spain. Not only whales but also many other species of cetaceans, sea birds, fish and sea turtles visit the area from mid-February to mid-June. EDMAKTUB collects information about their presence and behavior, as well as biological and oceanographic data. You can find more information here: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/fin-whale-project/ <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> In order to complete its research team for the 2021 season, EDMAKTUB is looking for two types of collaborators: 1) Researcher (one paid position), 2) Research Assistants (training program). You will find the description and requirements of each position below. 1) RESEARCHER - Graduates (minimum) in biology, veterinary, marine sciences and other fields related to the study of cetaceans and the oceanic conditions. excellent scientific writing skills. Number of positions available: 1 Collaborating period: 3 to 4 months (with a possible extension) Physical presence: Mid February 2021 (Virtual contact: as soon as possible) *Salary* based on experience but with a low fix and extra variable depending on results. Acomodation will be included Tasks to be undertaken: •Preparation and participation in the 2021 marine surveys of the Fin Whale Project. Researchers need to be based in Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona, Spain) from mid-February to mid-June • Coordination of one of the research lines (download dossier for details: link below) • Collaborate in the logistical and organizational tasks of the Project •Writing reports and papers to publish in peer review journals. What do you get? • Involvement in all the activities carried out in the Fin Whale Project, especially daily whale monitoring,observation and publication. • A platform in which to gain experience in the field study of cetaceans. • The possibility of developing your own research work: whether it is an article for publication, an end-of-course assignment or work as part of a master's degree. • Professional visibility in the field of cetacean research. What do we ask in return? • Dedication and commitment • You will need to cover your accommodation and living expenses (from February to June in Vilanova i la Geltrú). We can provide a shared flat. How to apply? Send your detailed CV as well as a motivation letter in which you propose the line of research you want to develop and the ideas you have regarding it. Indicate as subject: “PR2021” It is essential to read the Fin Whale Project dossier (link below) beforehand to find out about the available infrastructure and the studies that have been developed during previous seasons. Link: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/annual-report/ <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…><https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> Email: Info(a)edmaktub.org <mailto:Info@edmaktub.org> 2) TRAINING PROGRAM: RESEARCH ASSISTANTS –Graduates, students or people wishing to acquire practical experience in the field study of cetaceans and oceanographic conditions Number of positions available: 15 | Participating period: 7 days (one week to choose from mid-March to mid-May) What do you get? • The chance to participate in all the activities developed by the Fin Whale Project during the seven days of the program, especially in daily whale monitoring and observation. • Training and practical experience in the field of cetacean study. • The opportunity of spending quality time at sea observing cetaceans in the rich environment of the coast of Barcelona (Garraf Coast). What do we ask in return? • To collaborate financially to the project with a donation of €800, which also covers your accommodation and food during the seven days of the program. How to apply? Fill out the form you will find in our website: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/rap/ <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> If you want to collaborate as a VOLUNTEER, please take a look at our website: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/volunteers/ <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> -- ———————------------------- Eduard Degollada Bastos DVM PhD President Associació EDMAKTUB www.edmaktub.org <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> Fb edmaktub Youtube edmaktub Emailedmaktub(a)edmaktub.org <mailto:edmaktub@edmaktub.org> Ph +34630038829

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New publications of Ecomega Research Group
by Eduardo Secchi 01 Aug '21

01 Aug '21

Dear MARMAMers, We would like to share these two new publications of the Ecology and Conservation of Marine Megafauna (Ecomega) research team. Prado JHF, Kinas PG, Pennino MG, Seyboth E, Silveira FRG, Ferreira EC & Secchi ER (2021). Definition of no-fishing zones and fishing effort limits to reduce franciscana bycatch to sustainable levels in southern Brazil. Animal Conservation DOI:101111/acv.12679 Abstract: Franciscana Pontoporia blainvillei bycatch has been high for near six decades in western South Atlantic, with large regional variation. In 2012, the Brazilian Government-regulated gillnet fisheries in south and southeast Brazil by reducing fishing effort and establishing no-fishing zones. However, there is evidence that the magnitude of franciscana bycatch remains high and unsustainable. The aims of this study were to identify hotspot areas of franciscana bycatch associated with two main gillnet fisheries and to propose no-fishing zones combined with limited total allowable fishing effort (i.e. total net length per season) in order to meet management objectives in southern Brazil. A hierarchical Bayesian model using integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) was employed based on 1427 reported settings from 1999 to 2003 and 2006 to 2009. Hotspot zones were detected and are proposed as no-fishing zone during the white croaker Micropogonias furnieri and striped weakfish Cynoscion guatucupa gillnet fishing seasons. Their extents represent 6% (1466.8 km2) and 19% (4493.7 km2) of the fishing ground (23 204.1 km2) during croaker and weakfish fishing seasons respectively. The total allowable fishing effort estimated outside the no-fishing zones were estimated at 541 km (95% credible interval (CrI) [339; 940]) during croaker and 688 km (CrI [312; 2,166]) during weakfish fishing seasons, one order of magnitude lower than the current total fishing effort. The drastic reduction of total fishing effort estimated in this study is largely due to weak protection measures since the gillnet fisheries became the major conservation concern for franciscana by the end of 1970s in southern Brazil. Although the implementation of the proposed exclusion zones and limiting fishing effort will strongly impact the status quo, they were based on the best scientific evidence and on a clearly defined management goal to reduce the risk of the franciscana population’s collapse in southern Brazil. Fruet PF, Möller LM & Secchi ER (2021). Dynamics and viability of a small estuarine-resident population of Lahille’s bottlenose dolphins from southern Brazil. Front. Mar. Sci. https://doi.org/103389/fmars.2020.593474 <https://doi.org/103389/fmars.2020.593474> Abstract: Identifying threatened populations and quantifying their vulnerability is crucial for establishing priorities for conservation and providing robust information for decision-making. Lahille’s bottlenose dolphins have been long subjected to by-catch mortality in gillnet fisheries in coastal waters of southern Brazil, particularly in the Patos Lagoon estuary (PLE) and adjacent coastal waters, where dolphins from three populations (or Management Units) show overlapping home ranges. In this study we used a stage-classified matrix population model to conduct a demographic analysis of the PLE’s population with life-history data estimated through an 8 years mark-recapture study. A population viability analysis (PVA) was used to run a series of simulations where the risk was assessed under different by-catch scenarios, taking into account the effects of parameter uncertainty and stochasticity in the projections. In the absence of by-catch, we estimated that this dolphin population would growth at a rate of about 3% annually (95% CI: 1.2–5.8%). Under current by-catch rates, prognoses indicated high probabilities of viability over the next 60 years. These optimistic prognoses appear to be associated with the high survival of adult females. However, the eventual removal of very few mature females (one every year or two) would result in a prominent likelihood of decline from its current abundance at all pre-specified levels. The viability of the population would be substantially improved if the survival of juveniles/sub-adults could be increased. This may be achieved through the recently implemented dolphin protection area, which prohibits gillnet fisheries in the core area of this population. If the protection area reduces the entanglement rates of the most impacted life-stages (i.e., juvenile/sub-adult dolphins), there would be a substantial chance of the PLE’s dolphin population increasing above 20% of its current size, which is here proposed as conservation goal. If met, this goal has the potential to promote habitat quality, increase genetic diversity and connectivity with adjacent populations, enhancing the ability of bottlenose dolphins in southern Brazil to cope with environmental change and potential disease outbreaks. <> Kind regards, Eduardo ---- Eduardo R. Secchi Professor Associado Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha-Ecomega Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG (53) 3233-6749 (53) 99945-3990 www.furg.br <http://www.furg.br/> http://lattes.cnpq.br/2134644742559817 <http://lattes.cnpq.br/2134644742559817> orcid.org/0000-0001-9087-9909 <http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9087-9909> ResearcherID: D-5038-2013 https://publons.com/researcher/ABF-1191-2020/ <https://publons.com/researcher/ABF-1191-2020/>

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FWC Florida Manatee Photo-identification Internship
by Johnson, Jennifer 30 Jul '21

30 Jul '21

Manatee Photo-identification Internships The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency. For more information about FWRI, please visit: https://myfwc.com/research/. FWRI’s manatee photo-identification research focuses on long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The program’s primary goal is to document individual manatees, which allows us to estimate annual adult survival and reproductive rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use and behavior. Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, entering information into databases, scanning data sheets and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based; however, during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, assisting with manatee genetics research, special projects and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency. Two positions are available each year: one in winter (November to March) and one in summer (May to September). Start and end dates are flexible; however, a minimum commitment of four weekdays per week for four months is required. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the institute. Positions are open until filled, and priority will be given to candidates who can commit for longer periods. Qualifications: · Computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred. · Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters and lenses preferred but not required. · The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment. · A valid U.S. Driver’s License. · Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: · A cover letter describing the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability. · A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. · Current academic transcripts. (unofficial are sufficient) · Names and contact information for three references. Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applicants may contact FWRI’s Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Rood, (Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com, 727-502-4737) with questions regarding the internship.

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CIMAS Postdoctoral Associate Position Right Whales
by Jesse Wicker - NOAA Affiliate 30 Jun '21

30 Jun '21

The Department of Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Postdoctoral Associate to work in Miami, FL. *Transforming Lives* The University of Miami is among the top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation, and one of the largest private employers in South Florida. With more than 16,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe. The University is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to add value. Through values of Diversity, Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Compassion, Creativity, and Teamwork (DIRECCT) the U community works together to create an environment driven by purpose, excellence, community, and service. The Department of Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Postdoctoral Associate to work in Miami, FL. We seek a postdoctoral associate to join our group and work as a biologist in the Marine Mammal Program of the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center. The incumbent’s primary activities will be developing and implementing a framework to assess the risk of interactions between vessels and North Atlantic right whales using information on whale distribution and abundance, vessel traffic, and models of encounter and mortality rates. Candidates for this position should have: (1) Ph.D. in oceanography, marine biology, statistics, or related discipline (2) demonstrated experience in programming languages such as R or Matlab (3) previous experience working with large, spatially explicit data sets (4) the ability and desire to work as part of a collaborative team (5) demonstrated technical writing ability (6) demonstrated ability to work independently to complete complex tasks. The position will be located at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division located in Miami, FL. Remote work may be required due to considerations related to COVID-19. Curriculum Vitae and the contact information for 3 people who can provide letters of recommendation are required. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here <https://www.hr.miami.edu/careers/eo-ada/index.html> for additional information. To apply please click on the link below: *https://umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCareerStaff/job/Miami-FL/RSMAS---Postdoctoral-Associate---CIMAS_R100047993-1 <https://umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCareerStaff/job/Miami-FL/RSMAS…>*

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New publication on humpback whale stable isotopes
by Jasmin Gross 29 Jun '21

29 Jun '21

Dear Colleagues, my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new manuscript in the journal Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry: Groß, J., Fry, B., Burford, M.A., Bengtson Nash, S. (2021). Assessing the effects of lipid extraction and lipid correction on stable isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) of blubber and skin from southern hemisphere humpback whales. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 35: e9140 https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.9140 Abstract RATIONALE The coupled analysis of δ13C and δ15N stable isotope values of blubber and skin biopsy samples is widely used to study the diet of free-ranging cetaceans. Differences in the lipid content of these tissues can affect isotopic variability because lipids are depleted in 13C, reducing the bulk tissue 13C/12C. This variability in carbon isotope values can either be accounted for by chemically extracting lipids from the tissue, or by using mathematical lipid normalisation models. METHODS This study examines: (1) the effects of chemical lipid extraction on δ13C and δ15N values in blubber and skin of southern hemisphere humpback whales, (2) whether chemical lipid extraction is more favourable than mathematical lipid correction and (3) which of the two tissues is more appropriate for dietary studies. Strategic comparisons were made between chemical lipid extraction and mathematical lipid correction, and between blubber and skin tissue δ13C and δ15N values, as well as C:N ratios. Six existing mathematical normalisation models were tested for their efficacy in estimating lipid-free δ13C for skin. RESULTS Both δ13C and δ15N values of lipid-extracted skin (δ13C: -25.57 ‰, δ15N: 6.83 ‰) were significantly higher than bulk skin (δ13C: -26.97 ‰, δ15N: 6.15 ‰). Five of the six tested lipid normalisation models had small error terms for predicting lipid-free δ13C values. The average C:N ratio of lipid-extracted skin was within the lipid-free range reported in other studies while the average C:N ratio of blubber was higher than previously reported. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the need to account for lipids when analysing δ13C and δ15N values from the same sample. For optimised dietary assessments using parallel isotope analysis from a single sample, we recommend the use of unextracted skin tissue. d15N values should be obtained from unextracted skin, whilst δ13C values may be adequately lipid corrected by a mathematical correction. The publication can be accessed via this link<https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.9…> or feel free to email<mailto:jasmin.gross@griffithuni.edu.au> me for a copy. Kind regards, Jasmin — — Jasmin Groß (she/her) I PhD Candidate Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP) Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security | School of Environment and Science | Griffith University | Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD 4111 Australia HDR Representative on the Griffith Board of Graduate Research I GUPSA Research Officer I ANZSCSMM Chapter Head I Young Science Ambassador Email: <mailto:jasmin.gross@griffithuni.edu.au> jasmin.gross(a)griffithuni.edu.au<mailto:jasmin.gross@griffithuni.edu.au> Phone: +61 (0)7 3735 9237 Mobile: +61 (0)491 074 464 Twitter: @jasmin4689<https://twitter.com/jasmin4689> <https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/southern-ocean-persistent-org…>[cid:FB55EE31-E78C-402C-AF1A-CEEAF9511E5E]

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Humpback whale social structure in northern British Columbia
by Eric Keen 29 Jun '21

29 Jun '21

Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share the following publication: Wray J, Keen EM, O’Mahony ÉN (2021) Social survival: Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) use social structure to partition ecological niches within proposed critical habitat. PLOS ONE 16(6): e0245409. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245409 *Abstract:* Animal culture and social bonds are relevant to wildlife conservation because they influence patterns of geography, behavior, and strategies of survival. Numerous examples of socially-driven habitat partitioning and ecological-niche specialization can be found among vertebrates, including toothed whales. But such social-ecological dynamics, described here as ‘social niche partitioning’, are not known among baleen whales, whose societies—particularly on foraging grounds—are largely perceived as unstructured and incidental to matters of habitat use and conservation. However, through 16 years of behavioral observations and photo-identifications of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) feeding within a fjord system in the Canadian Pacific (primarily within Gitga’at First Nation waters), we have documented long-term pair bonds (up to 12 years) as well as a complex societal structure, which corresponds closely to persistent patterns in feeding strategy, long-term site fidelity (extended occupancy and annual rate of return up to 75%), specific geographic preferences within the fjord system, and other forms of habitat use. Randomization tests of network congruency and clustering algorithms were used to test for overlap in patterns of social structure and habitat use, which confirmed the occurrence of social niche partitioning on the feeding grounds of this baleen whale species. In addition, we document the extensive practice of group bubble net feeding in Pacific Canada. This coordinated feeding behavior was found to strongly mediate the social structure and habitat use within this humpback whale society. Additionally, during our 2004–2019 study, we observed a shift in social network structure in 2010–2012, which corresponded with environmental and demographic shifts including a sudden decline in the population’s calving rate. Our findings indicate that the social lives of humpback whales, and perhaps baleen whales generally, are more complex than previously supposed and should be a primary consideration in the assessment of potential impacts to important habitat. Lead author Janie Wray is the corresponding author for this paper: janie(a)bcwhales.org Best wishes, Eric Keen

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JNCC MMO and PAM eLearning Training Courses
by alisongill＠intelligentocean.com 29 Jun '21

29 Jun '21

Intelligent Ocean Ltd is pleased to offer two eLearning courses. JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per person) Passive Acoustic Monitoring and PAMGUARD Software eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per person) The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) MMO registered course is required for you to work as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in UK Continental Shelf waters during offshore projects such as seismic surveys, pile-driving and projects involving the use of explosives. This course has been created in response to the coronavirus crisis and has been approved by the JNCC as a valid alternative to the usual classroom taught course. Alternatively, project managers or interested parties may wish to complete this course for awareness of how MMOs work or for Continuous Professional Development (CPD). The Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course is designed to introduce this technique of monitoring for marine mammals to MMOs, researchers, project managers or any other interested parties. It covers basic acoustic theory, the use of a spectrogram to view example marine mammal vocalisation types and other ocean noise, PAM equipment components, assembly and deployment and finally an exercise in configuring the industry standard PAM software - PAMGUARD. This course has received recognition as an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). To complete the eLearning courses you simply log in, read, learn and then pass assessments based on the course content. You set the pace of your learning. You will have access to the course for 12 months. Courses usually take between 1 to 2 full days to complete. Full details of how to purchase these courses are available on our website at the following link where you can also find details of the course contents https://www.intelligentocean.com/ Companies wishing to sign up members of their staff please email info(a)intelligentocean.com <mailto:info@intelligentocean.com> for registration and invoicing. Intelligent Ocean's staff have extensive experience of working offshore as MMOs and PAM operators in addition to marine mammal survey work and nature guiding. We have been offering training courses since 2009 and have trained over 2000 persons working in marine mammal mitigation. Regards Alison Alison Gill Director and Trainer Intelligent Ocean Ltd www.intelligentocean.com <http://www.intelligentocean.com/> Registered in England Company Registration Number: 07590688 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and may be legally privileged. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by replying by email and delete it from your system. Do not copy or disclose its contents to anyone. The content of this email or any attachment may contain software viruses, which could damage your own computer. Although we have taken precautions to minimise this risk, we cannot accept responsibility for any damage resulting from a computer virus. You must carry out your own virus checks before opening this email or any attachments. Intelligent Ocean Ltd. is 100% compliant with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK-GDPR). To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information in compliance with UK GDPR, please view our privacy policy <https://www.intelligentocean.com/privacy-policy/> . You are receiving this email because you either opted-in to receiving emails from the Intelligent Ocean website, previously emailed us with an enquiry, are an existing client or we believe that you have a legitimate interest in receiving our promotional emails If you would rather not receive this type of communication, please click here to unsubscribe. <mailto:info@intelligentocean.com?subject=UNSUBSCRIBE> -- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com

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Southern right whale offshore sightings South of 40°S
by Els Vermeulen 29 Jun '21

29 Jun '21

*We are searching for contributions of all readily available information on southern right whale offshore sightings south of 40°S over the period 1980 – 2020*. Data requested would ideally include the following: - Date - Coordinates (Latitude/Longitude) - Number of southern right whales observed - Evidence available (photo, video, acoustics, trained observer, …) - Behaviour (if known and confirmed) A key part of IWC-SORP research Theme 6 <http://www.marinemammals.gov.au/sorp/the-right-sentinel-for-climate-change> is the identification of southern right whale foraging grounds. However, contemporary data on feeding ground location are sparse and consequently the identification of areas of importance to the species is difficult. Therefore, the project-leaders are pursuing a comprehensive desktop study to collate all available (published and unpublished, dedicated or opportunistic) data regarding southern right whale offshore sightings South of 40°S. Such information will be essential to further develop foraging ground habitat models and select appropriate environmental variables, to evaluate effects of climatic changes on the species’ foraging success and ultimately reproductive success. IP rights of all contributed data will remain with the data owner. During this initial phase the metadata will only be tabulated. Further data analyses and processing will not occur without the written consent of the respective data owners. The final table of collated data will be made publicly available on the IWC website, unless specifically requested otherwise by the data owner. If required, data sharing agreements can be put in place on a case-by-case basis. To contribute data or for more information, please contact Els Vermeulen ( els.vermeulen(a)up.ac.za) and Emma Carroll (e.carroll(a)auckland.ac.nz) ------ Dr Els Vermeulen - Research Manager Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria, South Africa Office: Shop 11 Astoria Village, Main Road, Hermanus 7200 Cell: +27 (0)60 9714301 www.mammalresearchinstitute.science/whale-unit www.adoptawhale.co.za -- This message and attachments are subject to a disclaimer. Please refer to http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf <http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf> for full details.

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