June 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 17 Jun '21

17 Jun '21

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of July to 30st November 2021. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Measure water visibility with the Secchi disk methodology; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. Currently we have a special offer, 20% discount, for any internship program book in May 2021. For more information on internship fees for the 2021 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in the research house; - Transportation to/from the marina; - Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork in the research vessel. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants and snacks; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 14 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: https://www.aimmportugal.org/application-form Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. Due to COVID-19, we ask ours interns to come with a negative COVID-19 teste with a maximum of 3 days before departing. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- *AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] <https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal> [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/AimmportugalOrg> <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Sem vírus. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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New paper on common bottlenose dolphin body composition
by Steph Adamczak 16 Jun '21

16 Jun '21

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication, "Body composition of common bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida" as part of a special issue in *Frontiers in Marine Science* highlighting research from the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. Abstract: Marine mammal body composition has been an important tool that is used as a proxy for the health and condition of individuals within a population. Common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) body composition is influenced by variations in blubber thickness resulting from changes in temperature, prey availability, health, and life-history traits. We examined how environmental, ontogenetic, and reproductive variables influenced the body composition of common bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay using data collected from a long-term monitoring project by the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP). We found that both sea surface temperature (SST) and catch per unit effort (CPUE), used as a proxy for prey availability, influenced body composition. There was a high degree of seasonality in body composition, with higher values occurring in winter when SST and CPUE were both low. Ontogeny also greatly influenced body composition, as younger dolphins typically had thicker blubber than mature individuals. Interestingly, young females allocated more energy to allometric growth than deposition of blubber for body composition when compared to young males. However, as females matured and their growth slowed, they invested more in body composition. We found no significant difference in body composition of females of varying reproductive states, providing further evidence of their status as true income breeders. Our work highlights that changes in body composition result from fluctuations in environmental variables and that energy allocation to body composition changes with ontogeny. Available here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.615773/full?&utm_so… Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are unable to access the article or have any questions! Best, Steph _______________________ Stephanie K. Adamczak, M.S. Ph.D. Student, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Santa Cruz sadamcza@ucsc.edu/sadamczak93@gmail.com

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New publication: Cardiac examinations of pinnipeds
by Rhea Storlund 15 Jun '21

15 Jun '21

Dear MARMAM members, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication on pinniped hearts: Rhea L. Storlund, David A.S. Rosen, Marco Margiocco, Martin Haulena, Andrew W. Trites. 2021. Cardiac examinations of anesthetized Steller sea lions (*Eumetopias justus*), northern fur seals (*Callorhinus ursinus*), and a walrus (*Odobenus rosmarus*). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 52(2), 507-519. DOI: 10.1638/2020-0054. https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-zoo-and-wildlife-medicine/volume-52/… Abstract Pinniped hearts have been well described via dissection, but in vivo measurements of cardiac structure, function, and electrophysiology are lacking. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded under anesthesia from eight Steller sea lions (*Eumetopias jubatus*), five northern fur seals (*Callorhinus ursinus*), and one walrus (*Odobenus rosmarus*) to investigate cardiac electrophysiology in pinnipeds. In addition, echocardiograms were performed on all eight anesthetized Steller sea lions to evaluate in vivo cardiac structure and function. Measured and calculated ECG parameters included P-wave, PQ, QRS, and QT interval durations, P-, R-, and T-wave amplitudes, P- and T-wave polarities, and the mean electrical axis (MEA). Measured and calculated echocardiographic parameters included left ventricular internal diameter, interventricular septum thickness, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness in systole and diastole (using M-mode), left atrium and aortic root dimensions (using 2D), and maximum aortic and pulmonary flow velocities (using pulsed-wave spectral Doppler). ECG measurements were similar to those reported for other pinniped species, but there was considerable variation in the MEAs of Steller sea lions and northern fur seals. Echocardiographic measurements were similar to those reported for southern sea lions (*Otaria flavenscens*), including five out of eight Steller sea lions having a left atrial to aortic root ratio <1, which may indicate that they have an enlarged aortic root compared to awake terrestrial mammals. Isoflurane anesthesia likely affected some of the measurements as evidenced by the reduced fractional shortening found in Steller sea lions compared to awake terrestrial mammals. The values reported are useful reference points for assessing cardiac health in pinnipeds under human care. Please email me at rstorlund at gmail.com for a PDF copy. All the best, Rhea Storlund — Rhea Storlund PhD Candidate (Zoology) Marine Mammal Research Unit The University of British Columbia Twitter: @RheaStorlund Email: rstorlund at gmail.com

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New publication: Acoustic tracking of fin whales within a Canadian Pacific fjord system
by Benjamin Hendricks 15 Jun '21

15 Jun '21

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my-co-authors, I am happy to share our most recent work and publication: "Acoustic tracking of fin whales: Habitat use and movement patterns within a Canadian Pacific fjord system" Benjamin Hendricks, Eric M. Keen, Chenoah Shine, Janie L. Wray, Hussein M. Alidina, and Chris R. Picard , "Acoustic tracking of fin whales: Habitat use and movement patterns within a Canadian Pacific fjord system", The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 149, 4264-4280 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0005044 Abstract: Fin whale 20 Hz calls were detected, localized, and tracked using a 10 km aperture network of three acoustic receivers deployed for 11 months in a Pacific Canadian fjord system. The area has been historically important for fin whales and is located along a route that tankers will begin using in 2024. A total of 6712 calls were localized, and trajectories were fitted for 55 acoustic tracks. Fin whale tracks occurred throughout the monitoring site. Call activity peaked in September and was low during winter months. Swimming characteristics varied significantly between day- and nighttime: at night, whales swam faster (7.1 vs 4.0 km/h median, +75.2%), which resulted in longer (+34.7%), less predictable (–70.6%) tracks as compared to daylight hours. Call frequencies varied between 16 and 32 Hz. Beside stereotypical song frequencies fin whales also used irregular frequency components, which contributed the majority of calls in the summer but did not occur in the winter. The results suggest that the area is primarily used as a summer feeding ground, where fin whales follow a diel behavioral cycle. The observed activity patterns will aid in the assessment of strike risk and harassment mitigation and provide a baseline to document behavioral change. The full paper is available here: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/10.0005044 <https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/10.0005044> If you like to reveice a copy directly from us, you can also email me (benhendricks(a)soundspace-analytics.ca) or Eric Keen (ericmkeen(a)gmail.com) -- Benjamin Hendricks, PhD__________________________ *SoundSpace Analytics* benhendricks(a)soundspace-analytics.ca <mailto:benhendricks@soundspace-analytics.ca> (+1) 250 532 3179

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New Publication : Cetacean strandings in Nicaragua
by Association ELI-S 15 Jun '21

15 Jun '21

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent Open Access publication in Marine Biodiversity Records: De Weerdt J., Ramos E.A., Pouplard E., Kochzius M., Clapham P. (2021). Cetacean strandings along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua from 2014 to 2021. Marine Biodiversity Records 14:13. doi.org/10.1186/s41200-021-00209-5 Abstract. Documenting marine mammal strandings provides important information needed to understand the occurrence and distribution patterns of species. Here, we report on strandings of cetaceans on the Pacific (n = 11) and Caribbean (n = 2) coasts of Nicaragua, documented opportunistically from 2014 to 2021. Strandings included three species of baleen whale (blue whale Balaenoptera musculus, Bryde’s whale Balaenoptera edeni, humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae) and five species of toothed whale (dwarf sperm whale Kogia sima, Guiana dolphin Sotalia guianensis, pantropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata, spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris, Cuvier’s beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris). These are the first published accounts of blue whales, Bryde’s whales, dwarf sperm whales, and Cuvier’s beaked whales in Nicaraguan waters. Limited resources and the advanced decomposition of animals prevented necropsies in most cases, the identification of the causes of mortality in all cases, and the species identification of two dolphins. Information derived from these stranding events offers new insights into the occurrence of marine mammals on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua and Central America. Keywords: Central America, Cetaceans, Citizen science, Diversity, Eastern Tropical Pacific The full article can be accessed here: https://mbr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41200-021-00209-5 If you wish to support our project you can order an original whale bracelet that is handmade and custom made by Association ELI-S. https://eli-s.com/shop/ Best regards, *Joëlle De Weerdt* PhD Candidate VUB Project director of Cetacean conservation of Nicaragua - Association ELI-S --------------------- www.eli-s.com Find us on : Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/AssociationELIS>, Instagram <http://www.instagram.com/association.elis>, Twitter <http://twitter.com/ELI_Scientific>, Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjeseHPDvE6pq-MmoZXWNkg> Use lilo as research engine and support our project here <https://www.lilo.org/fr/eli-scientific/>

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Vacancy: Statistical Modeller / Acoustician
by Admin Team 15 Jun '21

15 Jun '21

Vacancy: Statistical Modeller / Acoustician Type: Full-time, permanent position Salary: £34,000 - £40,000 depending on qualifications and experience Location: Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland, UK Application deadline: 28th June 2021 Company Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC; www.osc.co.uk) is a privately-owned and technology-focused marine-science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise and marine mammal monitoring, modelling, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests a significant proportion of profits into R&D, orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine mammal species, Rigs-to-Reefs using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), underwater noise measurement and modelling, and improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide. OSC's research has resulted in many peer-reviewed publications and a non-profit book entitled the Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook. Role OSC seeks to expand its UK-based team. This is an opportunity for permanent employment as a PhD-qualified Statistical Modeller / Acoustician. The successful candidate will work across OSC's scientific and commercial wings. The role will involve analysis of noise and echosounder data and statistical modelling of biological datasets for client reports and peer-reviewed publications. This is a highly unusual position to contribute to scientific research in a commercial consultancy in an exciting and fast-paced organisation. This role offers opportunities for a self-motivated, enthusiastic individual to make a significant difference within a well-established and expanding company. Job description can be found on: http://www.osc.co.uk/careers Key duties . Analyse noise data collected during industrial operations (i.e. calculate transmission loss, source level, SPL, SEL, potential impacts to marine mammals/fish, etc.); . Acoustic propagation modelling (i.e. ray tracing, bellhop, normal modes, etc.) . Process echosounder data to remove turbulence and identify fish/school presence; . Conduct statistical analysis (e.g. GLM, GAM, PCA, HBM, INLA, time series analysis, distance sampling, abundance estimation, survey design, PCoD, etc.); . Contribute to client reports and peer-reviewed publications; and, . Oversee the peer-review process. A successful candidate will have the following: Required . A PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific discipline (marine biology/marine ecology/acoustics/statistics/mathematics/oceanography, etc.); - Those without a PhD (or who are still a student) may apply; however, would be placed on a lower salary, and may only work part time if still a student; . Strong statistical analysis background ideally in R; . Previous experience with noise and echosounder data analysis, or the ability and motivation to learn this quickly; . Excellent spoken and written English; . A genuine interest in marine mammals and/or benthic ecology; . Ability to collaborate within a team setting to produce high-calibre publications and reports; and, . Must be legally allowed to work in the UK prior to employment (we cannot assist with visas). Desirable . A minimum of two, first author, ecological-modelling related peer-reviewed papers; . Experience sourcing and processing oceanographic datasets (synoptic satellite-derived or modelled data, etc.) and handling data of various types including: netCDF, csv, txt, etc.; and, . Machine learning and image processing (of ROV imagery). Supervisors The successful candidate will be working under the supervision of Dr Victoria Todd and Dr Laura Williamson. Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to: admin(a)osc.co.uk. This address can also be used for informal enquiries. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date, and successful candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams. An interview task will be provided comprising both written and practical components. Kind regards, OSC Recruitment Team -- Dr. Laura Williamson Senior Analyst Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7528 545 167 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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New paper: Spatiotemporal variation in harbor porpoise distribution and foraging across a landscape of fear
by Dr. Laura Williamson 15 Jun '21

15 Jun '21

On behalf of my co-authors, I am please do announce publication of our paper: Spatiotemporal variation in harbor porpoise distribution and foraging across a landscape of fear Williamson, L. D., Scott, B. E., Laxton, M. R., Bachl, F. E., Illian, J. B., Brookes, K. L., & Thompson, P. M. (2021). Spatiotemporal variation in harbor porpoise distribution and foraging across a landscape of fear. Marine Mammal Science, 1- 16. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12839 Abstract: Understanding spatiotemporally varying animal distributions can inform ecological understanding of species' behavior (e.g., foraging and predator/prey interactions) and support development of management and conservation measures. Data from an array of echolocation-click detectors (C-PODs) were analyzed using Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling to investigate spatial and temporal variation in occurrence and foraging activity of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and how this variation was influenced by daylight and presence of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The probability of occurrence of porpoises was highest on an offshore sandbank, where the proportion of detections with foraging clicks was relatively low. The porpoises' overall distribution shifted throughout the summer and autumn, likely influenced by seasonal prey availability. Probability of porpoise occurrence was lowest in areas close to the coast, where dolphin detections were highest and declined prior to dolphin detection, leading potentially to avoidance of spatiotemporal overlap between porpoises and dolphins. Increased understanding of porpoises' seasonal distribution, key foraging areas, and their relationship with competitors can shed light on management options and potential interactions with offshore industries. This paper is open access and can be downloaded from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12839 Best wishes, Laura -- Dr. Laura Williamson Senior Analyst Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7528 545 167 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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New publication on functional NIRS and sensory brain imaging in seals
by Chris McKnight 15 Jun '21

15 Jun '21

Hello all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper on fNIRS and sensory brain imaging in seals: J. Chris McKnight, Alexander Ruesch, Kimberley Bennett, Mathijs Bronkhorst, Steve Balfour, Simon E. W. Moss, Ryan Milne, Peter L. Tyack, Jana Kainerstorfer and Gordon D. Hastie. 2021. Shining new light on sensory brain activation and physiological measurement in seals using wearable optical technology. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 20200224. Abstract: Sensory ecology and physiology of free-ranging animals is challenging to study but underpins our understanding of decision-making in the wild. Existing non-invasive human biomedical technology offers tools that could be harnessed to address these challenges. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a wearable, non-invasive biomedical imaging technique measures oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin concentration changes that can be used to detect localized neural activation in the brain. We tested the efficacy of fNIRS to detect cortical activation in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and identify regions of the cortex associated with different senses (vision, hearing and touch). The activation of specific cerebral areas in seals was detected by fNIRS in responses to light (vision), sound (hearing) and whisker stimulation (touch). Physiological parameters, including heart and breathing rate, were also extracted from the fNIRS signal, which allowed neural and physiological responses to be monitored simultaneously. This is the first time fNIRS has been used to detect cortical activation in a non-domesticated or laboratory animal. Since fNIRS is non-invasive and wearable, this study demonstrates its potential as a tool to quantitatively investigate sensory perception and brain function while simultaneously recording heart rate, tissue and arterial oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, perfusion changes and breathing rate in free-ranging animals. The paper can be obtained at the following link: https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2020.0224 Or by email request: jcm20(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Kind Regards, Chris J. Chris McKnight Research Fellow, Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St. Andrews, Scotland

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New Publication: Welfare Science in Marine Mammal Conservation
by Isabella Clegg 14 Jun '21

14 Jun '21

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors Karen Stockin, Rebecca Boys and I are very pleased to be able to share our new paper in the journal *Animals* on the application of welfare science to marine mammal conservation. We found that publications on marine mammal welfare are infrequent but on the rise, and that there is a need for a common language between welfare science and marine mammal research to improve the translation and reception of this cross-disciplinary field. The paper is open access at https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/6/1596/html, and you can find the abstract and citation below. Please don't hesitate to email if you have any questions or trouble accessing it. Best wishes, Isabella Dr. Isabella Clegg Founder, Animal Welfare Expertise www.animalwelfareexpertise.com Twitter: @izziclegg; IG: @thedolphindoctor AUS: +61 423 973 914 UK: +44 7971 101 244 TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/sb_eEPDzgAg BBC report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44273624 Clegg, I.L.K.; Boys, R.M.; Stockin, K.A. Increasing the Awareness of Animal Welfare Science in Marine Mammal Conservation: Addressing Language, Translation and Reception Issues. *Animals* 2021, *11*, 1596. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061596 *Abstract* Integrating welfare principles into conservation strategy is an emerging synthesis that encourages consideration of individual animals’ quality of life in research, policies and law. However, these principles have gained limited traction in marine compared to terrestrial animal conservation. This manuscript investigates several factors that may be contributing to this disparity. In order to gauge current understanding of animal welfare science principles by marine mammal researchers and other stakeholders, a “Welfare in the Wild” workshop was convened at the 32nd European Cetacean Society conference (La Spezia, Italy, April 2018). The workshop was attended by 30 participants who completed pre- and post-workshop surveys on animal welfare principles. The survey results highlight a range of different views about exactly what animal welfare science is and how it can be applied to marine mammals. Specifically, participants’ definitions appeared to vary depending on the type of employment or research they engaged in, indicating a need for an interdisciplinary common language. Secondly, we analysed the peer-reviewed literature in order to ascertain where marine mammal publications exploring welfare were being published. >From 1950 to July 2020, a total of 299 articles featured both marine mammal taxa (one or more) and the word welfare in the title, abstract or keywords. This represents just 0.96% of the total peer-reviewed published papers on marine mammal taxa (n = 31,221) during the same period. When examining articles published within “Welfare and Ethics” (n = 6133) and “Aquatic-focused” (n = 139,352) journals, just 1.2% (n = 71) and 0.04% (n = 57) of articles, respectively, featured the word welfare when examining marine mammals. With the aim of exploring how explicitly including welfare evaluations in marine mammal research and management can benefit conservation outcomes, we framed our workshop and quantitative literature review findings to provide practical solutions to the language, translation and reception issues of this burgeoning cross-disciplinary collaboration. *Keywords: *animal welfare science <https://www.mdpi.com/search?q=animal%20welfare%20science>; conservation biology <https://www.mdpi.com/search?q=conservation%20biology>; marine mammals <https://www.mdpi.com/search?q=marine%20mammals>; wild animal welfare <https://www.mdpi.com/search?q=wild%20animal%20welfare>

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Second Posting - Postdoctoral fellow position - Ecologically and biologically significant areas for large predators in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence based on 25 years of survey, biologging and environmental data
by Mosnier, Arnaud 14 Jun '21

14 Jun '21

(French version follows) Second posting - Postdoctoral fellow position - Ecologically and biologically significant areas for large predators in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence based on 25 years of survey, biologging and environmental data The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is responsible for the conservation and management of marine mammals in Canadian waters. A post-doctoral candidate is sought to develop species distribution models based on a large dataset of observations obtained from aerial and boat surveys conducted during the last 25 years in eastern Canada, in particular in the estuary and the gulf of the St Lawrence. The candidate will help collate relevant environmental data that could be associated with the occurrence of several species including the endangered blue whale, fin whale, right whale and other large predators. He/She will also benefit from information collected from bio-logging devices that were attached to several whale species. The predictive models will be used to identify important habitats of vulnerable species, estimate potential interactions with fisheries and shipping activities, and evaluate the impacts of coastal or marine development projects. Multispecies/assembly approaches would also be developed to identify ecologically and biologically significant areas and potentially assess their evolution under several climate change scenarios. This project will provide integrated tools for conservation and management decisions. A suitable candidate should possess an internationally recognised doctoral degree from an accredited institution. He/She should have ecological training and a proven ability in statistical modelling related to species spatial distribution, habitat selection approaches, including the use of generalized linear models (GLM, GLMM) and generalized additive models (GAM, GAMM). The candidate should have excellent statistical programming skills in R, as well as proven abilities in written and verbal communication. He/She should be self motivated, able to work independently but also within a team framework. This is a 2.5 year position to begin as soon as possible in 2021. This position will be held at the Maurice Lamontagne Institute – Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Mont-Joli (Quebec, Canada). The official working language at the Institute is French, although candidates who speak English only are also eligible. Salary is around $60,000 CAD/year. The project will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Arnaud Mosnier (DFO, Research Scientist, spatial analysis and habitat modelling) in collaboration with Jean-François Gosselin (DFO, Biologist, marine mammals survey analysis), Dr. Véronique Lesage (DFO, Research Scientist, marine mammal biology), and Valérie Harvey (DFO, Biologist, marine mammals biology and habitat modelling). Candidates interested in the position should email Arnaud.mosnier(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:Arnaud.mosnier@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> and submit a cover letter, a resume including a list of publications and contact information for references. Deadline for applications is June 30. Deuxième annonce - Poste de chercheur postdoctoral - Zones d'importance écologique et biologique pour les grands prédateurs dans l'estuaire et le golfe du Saint-Laurent, basé sur 25 ans de données d'inventaire, de biologging et de variables environnementale. Le ministère des Pêches et des Océans (MPO) est responsable de la conservation et de la gestion des mammifères marins dans les eaux canadiennes. Un candidat postdoctoral est recherché pour développer des modèles de distribution d'espèces basés sur un large ensemble de données d'observations obtenues à partir de relevés aériens et par bateau effectués au cours des 25 dernières années dans l'est du Canada, en particulier dans l'estuaire et le golfe du Saint-Laurent. Le candidat aidera à colliger les données environnementales pertinentes qui pourraient être associées à l'occurrence de plusieurs espèces, dont le rorqual bleu, le rorqual commun, la baleine noire et d'autres grands prédateurs. Il/elle bénéficiera également de l'information recueillie à l'aide de dispositifs de bio-logging qui ont été fixés à plusieurs espèces de baleines. Les modèles prédictifs seront utilisés pour identifier les habitats importants des espèces vulnérables, estimer les interactions potentielles avec les activités de pêche et de transport maritime, et évaluer les incidences des projets de développement côtiers ou marins. Des approches multi-espèces/par ensembles seront également développées pour identifier les zones d'importance écologique et biologique et potentiellement évaluer leur évolution sous plusieurs scénarios de changement climatique. Ce projet fournira des outils intégrés pour les décisions de conservation et de gestion. Le candidat idéal doit être titulaire d'un doctorat internationalement reconnu délivré par une institution accréditée. Il/elle doit avoir une formation en écologie et une capacité avérée en modélisation statistique liée à la distribution spatiale des espèces, aux approches de sélection de l'habitat, y compris l'utilisation de modèles linéaires généralisés (GLM, GLMM) et de modèles additifs généralisés (GAM, GAMM). Le candidat doit avoir d'excellentes compétences en programmation statistique en R, ainsi que des capacités avérées en communication écrite et verbale. Il/elle doit être motivé(e), capable de travailler de manière indépendante mais aussi dans le cadre d'une équipe. Il s'agit d'un poste d'une durée de 2,5 ans qui débutera dès que possible en 2021. Ce poste sera occupé à l'Institut Maurice Lamontagne - Pêches et Océans Canada à Mont-Joli (Québec, Canada). La langue de travail officielle de l'Institut est le français, mais les candidats qui ne parlent que l'anglais sont également admissibles. Le salaire est d'environ 60 000 dollars canadiens par an. Le projet sera mené sous la supervision du Dr Arnaud Mosnier (MPO, Chercheur scientifique, analyse spatiale et modélisation de l'habitat) en collaboration avec Jean-François Gosselin (MPO, Biologiste, analyse des relevés de mammifères marins), Dr Véronique Lesage (MPO, Chercheur scientifique, biologie des mammifères marins), et Valérie Harvey (MPO, Biologiste, biologie des mammifères marins et modélisation de l'habitat). Les candidats intéressés par le poste doivent envoyer un courriel à Arnaud.mosnier(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:Arnaud.mosnier@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> et soumettre une lettre de motivation, un curriculum vitae comprenant une liste de publications et les coordonnées de leurs références. La date limite de dépôt des candidatures est fixée au 30 juin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arnaud Mosnier Chercheur / Research Scientist, Ph.D. Biologie et conservation des mammifères marins / Marine mammal biology and conservation arnaud.mosnier(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:arnaud.mosnier@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> Pêches et Océans Canada / Fisheries and Oceans Canada Institut Maurice Lamontagne / Maurice Lamontagne Institute C.P. 1000 / P.O. Box 1000 850 Route de la mer Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4

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