August 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Vacancy: Database Analyst (Maternity Cover)
by HWDT Science 12 Aug '21

12 Aug '21

Hello everyone, We have a unique opportunity to join our small team here at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to cover a period of maternity leave and revolutionise how our data are managed and stored. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing a secure data management and backup system to enable us to fulfil our long-term charitable objectives to increase the knowledge of whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks in the Hebrides, in order to drive effective conservation for these species for another 30 years. We are looking for somebody with a passion for data management and implementing robust and reliable systems that will allow small a small charity like ours to efficiently manage, securely store and easily access, visualise, and share our valuable research data. We are seeking an enthusiastic self-motivated individual, who has demonstrable experience of developing databases and backup systems, a strong attention to detail and ability to problem solve to make our data management systems the very best they can be. The ability to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget, as well as being able to work with a variety of key stakeholders including the wider team of staff, trustees, supporters, and external contractors to deliver project outcomes is central to all tasks. A genuine interest in marine conservation and an understanding of boat-based scientific surveys and marine megafauna citizen science projects and their resultant data would be an advantage. Read the full job advert, job description and person specification here: https://hwdt.org/vacancies/database-analyst To apply send a CV and a covering letter, outlining your suitability for the role, and two references to: science(a)hwdt.org with 'Database Analyst' in the subject line. Deadline for applications is 9am Friday 3rd September. Interviews will take place remotely via video call and candidates are required to start early October. To request a detailed project brief or for informal enquiries about the role, please contact me by email at science(a)hwdt.org. Many thanks, Lauren Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills Science and Conservation Manager Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 01688 302620 | www.hwdt.org

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Recruiting 2 PhD students: elephant seal behavior and physiology
by Roxanne Beltran 12 Aug '21

12 Aug '21

*The Beltran Lab at the University of California Santa Cruz is recruiting * *2 PhD students interested in the behavior, ecology, and physiology of pinnipeds.* [image: Picture1.png] *Project overview*: We are seeking 2 PhD students to work on a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project entitled “Rules of death across ontogeny in sexually dimorphic mammals”. We will study elephant seals at Año Nuevo Reserve, a 30-minute drive from the UCSC campus, to explore the tug-of-war between natural and sexual selection. For sexually size dimorphic species, it is unknown how ecological processes such as starvation and predation act upon the disparate physiological and behavioral phenotypes of males and females. This project aims to determine how male and female body size differences throughout ontogeny lead to divergent use of the risk-reward landscape and complete niche segregation as adults. Male and female northern elephant seals will be anesthetized, measured, weighed, instrumented, and sampled from weaning through age four. The resulting data will link three biological disciplines: physiological measurements of diving development and energy demands, behavioral partitioning of 3-dimensional space use and diet due to physiological constraints, and ecological consequences of variation in physiology. A meta-analysis across all seal, sea lion, and walrus species will be used to evaluate how sex-specific mortality rates correlate with the degree of polygyny and sexual size dimorphism more broadly. Together, these aims will determine how ecological risk and reward interact with physiological constraints to drive the ontogenetic development of behavioral strategies in sexually dimorphic mammals. The positions will *begin Fall 2022*. Three years of funding (stipend + tuition) are available for each student, with the remaining quarters funded by internal or external fellowships and Teaching Assistantships. Dissertation chapters will reflect project deliverables and can also be tailored to student interest and expertise. *One student will lead the movement, diving, and diet components, including stable isotope analysis and 3-dimensional spatial modeling. The other student will lead the morphological and physiological components, including O2 store and body condition measurements, prey capture analysis, and bioenergetics model creation.* Both will be trained in animal sedation and analytical techniques, and gain valuable experience mentoring undergraduate students in field and laboratory activities as well as outreach activities. In addition to data collected during the project, students will have access to an unparalleled 5-decade demographic and biologging elephant seal dataset led by Dan Costa. *About us*: The candidates will be expected to collaborate extensively with each other and with members of the Beltran Lab <http://www.beltranlab.com/>. We study the ecology, physiology, behavior, and population dynamics of large marine vertebrates. The lab sits within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology <https://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/> department at the University of California Santa Cruz <https://www.ucsc.edu/>. We work closely with students, postdocs, and researchers in the Costa Lab. Our goal is to develop a supportive and respectful community that fosters curiosity and exploration, produces high-quality original science, and launches productive and passionate independent scientists. We expect members of the lab to share our values for enthusiasm, communication, and collective excellence. Lab expectations are available on our website <https://roxannebeltran.weebly.com/join-us.html>. UC Santa Cruz is a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a high proportion of first-in-family undergraduate students and is renowned for fostering student social mobility. Our department commits to and advocates for equity, anti-racism, and inclusion in every facet of our work. We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education, and strongly urge candidates who have engaged in teaching, research, professional and/or public service contributions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply. *Qualifications*: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in biology, physiology, ecology, statistics, or a related field. The successful candidates for these positions will have a strong working knowledge of wildlife and/or marine ecology, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and analytical expertise including but not limited to spatial analyses of animal location data. Extensive experience with mammal handling are strongly desired. Skills relevant to the project components will be viewed favorably. Applicants with a MSc degree and/or first-author publication are especially encouraged to apply. Fieldwork will require long hours outdoors. *Application Instructions*: To apply, please fill out this Google Form <https://forms.gle/21x4h6xNCrbKSz3A6> with the following materials: - A cover letter or statement of purpose highlighting what motivates your research, your short and long-term career goals, and which component of the project interests you most. - A curriculum vitae / resume that outlines your academic and professional experience. - A writing sample. This could be a technical report, academic paper, or class research project. - Copies of unofficial transcripts or a list of classes taken, as well as your undergraduate GPA. Please do not send GRE scores. - Names and email addresses of 3 references. Application deadline is *October 01, 2021. *I will review applications and contact the top candidates to set up a time to chat by phone/Zoom and, if appropriate, to visit our lab in person. The selected candidates will be invited to apply through the official UCSC Admissions process. For more information please contact Roxanne Beltran (roxanne(a)ucsc.edu) -- *Roxanne Beltran, PhD *| she/her/hers Assistant Professor Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of California Santa Cruz Building a Better Fieldwork Future <http://fieldworkfuture.ucsc.edu/> Science Division Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion <http://dei.science.ucsc.edu/>

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New paper: Bryde's whales in the North-East Atlantic: New insights on site fidelity and connectivity between oceanic archipelagos
by Rita Ferreira 12 Aug '21

12 Aug '21

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to share our most recent publication: Ferreira, R., Dinis, A., Badenas, A., Sambolino, A., Marrero-Pérez, J., Crespo, A., Alves, F. (2021). Bryde's whales in the North-East Atlantic: New insights on site fidelity and connectivity between oceanic archipelagos. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3665 Abstract 1. The conservation of marine megafauna presents numerous difficulties owing to their high mobility over difficult-to-access oceanic areas that impairs the collection of basic, but essential, biological information. 2. The Bryde's whale (*Balaenoptera edeni*) is one of the most elusive species of baleen whales, and although it is known to be a seasonal visitor to several archipelagos in Macaronesia (the Azores, Madeira, and Canaries), there are no studies regarding its occurrence or geographical connectivity in this area of the Atlantic. 3. A 14-year photographic database was used to determine short-term (intra-seasonal) and long-term (inter-annual) Bryde's whale site fidelity and to estimate individual residency times in Madeira, whereas photographic catalogues from Madeira and the Canaries were compared in order to assess large-scale movements (i.e. on the scale of hundreds of kilometres). 4. In Madeira, 59 individuals were identified, 27 (45.8%) of which were recaptured. Of these, 10 individuals (37.0%) presented short-term site fidelity and 17 individuals (63.0%) presented long-term site fidelity, with a maximum recapture interval of 12 years. Lagged identification rates showed that five individuals (SE = 2) remained in the area for 32 days (SE = 108 days) before leaving and not returning during the same year. Seven individuals were seen both in Madeira and the Canaries (catalogue comprising 51 individuals), three of which were identified multiple times in both archipelagos, with a minimum of 43 days between consecutive sightings. 5. This information combined with the fact that this species is commonly sighted accompanied by calves and feeding in both archipelagos highlights the ecological importance of this area for Bryde's whales. This should be taken into consideration by policymakers when implementing conservation measures, where coordination of effort among countries is needed. This study also reinforces the value of using data from platforms of opportunity and of making photographic data open access. Please contact me with any questions (rita.ferreira(a)mare-centre.pt) Best wishes, Rita Ferreira *PhD candidate* Insular Whale Ecology Team MARE – Madeira | Marine and Environmental Sciences Center https://www.mare-centre.pt/en/user/7948 OOM/ARDITI Madeira Island, Portugal Phone: +351291721216

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Pinniped Entanglement Prevention & Response Workshop at SMMC Dec. 12, 2021
by Kim Raum-Suryan - NOAA Federal 11 Aug '21

11 Aug '21

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We would like to inform you all that there is still room to register for the pre-conference *in-person* workshop "*Pinniped entanglement prevention and response: sharing best practices to improve safety and success*" to be held from 8:30-5:30 on Sunday, 12 December 2021 at The Society for Marine Mammalogy 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals https://www.smmconference.org/ in Palm Beach, Florida. *Information about all workshops:* https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/ *Information about the Pinniped entanglement prevention and response workshop:* https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1623461535239-5459b6d7-39de *Short summary:* This workshop is intended to bring together pinniped researchers, managers, and responders interested in reducing global pinniped entanglements and interactions with active fishing gear. This is an opportunity for current practitioners and those interested in learning more about this topic to share experiences and ideas, exchange knowledge and techniques, discuss challenges and collectively formulate solutions. The workshop format will begin with presentations, followed by panel discussions, hands-on training, and group discussion. Topics will include species-specific and generic entanglement types, pinniped entanglement standardized data collection, entanglement prevention and response best practices, successful fishing industry collaboration, effective deterrents, capture tools and techniques, and outreach/education. This conference provides a valuable opportunity for our global community to personally collaborate in instituting and improving pinniped entanglement response, advancing mitigation in reducing marine pollution and furthering the Pinniped Entanglement Group (PEG) and their efforts to reduce pinniped entanglements on a global level. Please contact Kim at kim.raum-suryan(a)noaa.gov if you have any questions. Thank you, Kim Raum-Suryan, Kate Savage, and Mike Williams (workshop organizers) -- Kim Raum-Suryan Marine Mammal Specialist, PRD, Alaska Region NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce Office: (907) 586-7424 www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/alaska

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New publication: Cetacean strandings along the German North Sea coastline 1604–2017
by Helena Herr 11 Aug '21

11 Aug '21

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper Kinze C, Czeck R, Herr H, Siebert U (2021). Cetacean strandings along the German North Sea coastline 1604–2017. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315421000503 Abstract The occurrence of 19 cetacean species along the German North Sea coastline as well as the lower reaches of the major rivers discharging into the German Bight is reviewed for the period 1604–2017 based on records of dead animals, either stranded dead or put to death. The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is considered the most abundant and only native species in German coastal and riverine waters. Based on written sources its presence can be traced back to at least 1651, although with statistical data only available from 1990. Finds of further 18 species have been documented: white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), killer whale (Orcinus orca), beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), narwhal (Monodon monoceros), Sowerby's beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens), northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). This review corrects several false species assignments earlier introduced in literature based on incorrect scientific or ambiguous German vernacular names and recovers lost records of beluga whale, northern bottlenose whale, sperm whale and fin whale. The open-access paper is available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-marine-biological-as… <https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-marine-biological-as…> If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Kind regards, Helena - Dr. Helena Herr Marine Mammal Ecologist Universität Hamburg Institut für Hydrobiologie und Fischereiwissenschaft Olbersweg 24 222767 Hamburg helena.herr(a)uni-hamburg.de Guest Researcher at: Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research Section Polar Biological Oceanography AG Ecophysiology of Pelagic Key Species Am Handelshafen 12 / Building E, Room 2390 27570 Bremerhaven - Germany phone: +49 (0) 471 4831 2360 email: helena.herr(a)awi.de

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NEW ONLINE COURSE - MARINE MAMMALS: IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH
by Tristan Burgess 11 Aug '21

11 Aug '21

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a unique hybrid course introducing students to the fundamental concepts of physiology in marine mammals and an overview of what health, threats and disease processes mean in the context of marine mammals. The course includes a general description of the key physiological systems, and the most common diseases and health threats to marine mammals as well as the role of marine mammal health in changing ocean ecosystems. Practical classes include an introduction to the incident command structure, marine mammal necropsy technique, sample collection and the role of necropsy investigation in marine mammal research and stranding response. These dissection classes also provide the material to review the link between structure and function in anatomy and physiology in the marine mammal context. FOR MORE INFORMATION/REGISTER: https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/courses/marinemammals-fall-2021 DATES: SEPTEMBER 13 - NOVEMBER 17, 2021 COST: EARLY BIRD FEE (ENDS AUGUST 28TH) $450 STUDENT/$550 PROFESSIONAL

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Committee members wanted for the SMM student chapter in Australia/New Zealand
by Rebecca Boys 10 Aug '21

10 Aug '21

Dear MARMAMers, The Australia and New Zealand Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammalogy are looking for some new members to join the committee and be involved in organising student-led conferences and events across the Australasia region! So, if you are a MSc or PhD student in your first or second year in Australia or New Zealand and would like to be involved, please get in touch with us anzscsmm(a)gmail.com For more information please visit our website: https://marinemammalscience.org/for-students/chapters/australianew-zealand-… And follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ANZSCSMM/ On behalf of the Committee of ANZSCSMM Grace, Jasmin and Rebecca ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys Marine Biologist PhD Student Cetacean Ecology Research Group School of Natural and Computational Sciences Massey University Auckland New Zealand [cid:9eebb16a-a356-4807-9c68-52fc7b30b140]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:8c8587f9-4e51-4970-85fa-b669c230aaf4] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:c81fda28-24bd-4c82-8cdd-1beacac0958a] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:6b373f47-ab7d-4103-a339-8367bf5dcbc5] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:a86425ff-3ab5-44bc-98b0-ce21e9396a79] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:6857ec84-9e6f-4f54-bfe2-b2fcfa97242c] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> Australia and New Zealand Student Chapter SMM Committee member European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand

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Marine Mammal / Sea Turtle Observer Certification - Sept 25-26, 2021
by Angela Bostwick 10 Aug '21

10 Aug '21

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on September 25-26, 2021. This training in approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in other regions or industries where monitoring for protected species and mitigation of impacts is required. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides. PSOs monitor mainly for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals. PSOs complete certain reports on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. As discussed in the course, working offshore as a PSO is fun, but involves long hours of standing watch for the animals; thus, the job requires patience, persistence, and discipline. The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Aerial Observer - Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 10 Aug '21

10 Aug '21

*Right Whale Ecology Program – Aerial Observer Position* The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking 1 - 2 aerial survey observers for the upcoming 2022 right whale survey season. Positions may start as early as Oct 15, 2021 and run through May 31, 2022. Observers will be flying surveys to assess the abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. *Primary Responsibilities:* ● Participate in right whale aerial surveys by rotating through the three positions: observer/data recorder, observer/photographer, and ground contact ● Processing aerial survey data: entering and proofing data recorded during surveys, completing effort and sightings data tables, photo-analysis and photo-identification of individuals, updating in-house identification catalog, and preparing data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium ● Familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols, as well as individuals of interest Other responsibilities may include: ● Assisting program director, data manager, and/or flight coordinator with relevant projects ● Participation in vessel cruises and assisting interns ● Writing field notes to be shared with the public ● Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons *Minimum Requirements:* ● Excellent attention to detail and organization skills ● Proficient with DSLR cameras in a variety of lighting conditions ● Experience in species-identification of marine mammals, particularly in the Northwest Atlantic ● Demonstrated knowledge of photo-identification of individuals ● Computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) ● Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable ● Ability to work in small aircraft for up to 9 hours per day with continual focus ● Must not suffer from air sickness *Preferred Qualifications:* ● A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences ● Previous aerial survey and/or right whale experience ● Working knowledge of R, iMatch, and/or Mysticetus software ● Aircraft ditch and EBS training within the last five years ● Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to learn We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season, occasionally on back to back days. Observers are sometimes required to work on weekends and holidays, often for long hours in a small aircraft and/or aboard a research vessel. Housing will be provided from 1 Jan though the end of May. This is a seasonal full-time paid position. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found on our website: coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ *Application process: *Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email in PDF format to *employment(a)coastalstudies.org <employment(a)coastalstudies.org>* with the subject line: 2022 RW Aerial Observer Position *Deadline for submissions: Aug 22, 2021.* -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 Office Hours: Monday and Thursday 9:00-12:00

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New paper on self-localization of buoyless (ropeless) fishing gear
by Mark Baumgartner 10 Aug '21

10 Aug '21

Dear Colleagues, The following paper was recently published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America’s Express Letters, and is available as an open access article here: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/10.0005739 Self-localization of buoyless fishing gear and other objects on the sea floor Mark Baumgartner and Jim Partan End lines used in commercial trap/pot fishing pose a significant entanglement risk to whales, sea turtles, and sharks. Removal of these ropes for buoyless fishing is being considered by the United States and Canadian governments, but a method to systematically locate the gear without an attached buoy is required. A method was developed for an acoustic modem to self-localize and broadcast its location to nearby ships to minimize gear conflict, optimize power consumption, and reduce lost gear. This method was implemented using a research modem that self-localized to within 5 m of its estimated location on the sea floor. Mark Baumgartner Senior Scientist Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution MS #33, Redfield 256 266 Woods Hole Road Woods Hole, MA 02543 mbaumgartner(a)whoi.edu <mailto:mbaumgartner@whoi.edu> www.whoi.edu/sites/mbaumgartner <http://www.whoi.edu/sites/mbaumgartner> (508) 289-2678 phone

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