January 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

WDC Conservation Outreach Internship (temporary, full-time, paid)
by Monica Pepe 14 Jan '22

14 Jan '22

Whale and Dolphin Conservation's North American office is excited to offer a 12-week Conservation Outreach Internship to entry-level candidates interested in marine conservation. This opportunity will provide interns with transferable job skills and insight to the inner workings of a non-profit focused on the conservation of marine mammals. This position is best suited for those who may not yet have practical experience in this field. Applicants should be eager to dive into new experiences and enjoy having a variety of tasks to work on. The primary responsibilities of this role focus on the implementation of WDC's boater outreach programs (See A Spout<https://us.whales.org/whales-dolphins/science/see-a-spout-for-recreational-…>, Whale SENSE<https://us.whales.org/whales-dolphins/science/whale-sense-responsible-whale…>, Sharing the Seas<https://us.whales.org/whales-dolphins/science/sharing-the-seas-safe-boating…>) Interns will build a strong set of skills working on components of these programs related to public outreach, including social media strategies, highlighting best practices, and communicating with stakeholders and project partners, while helping to track program budgets and fund allocations. Occasional opportunities to see whales at sea may also be possible, though no part of this position requires being in the water. Upon completion of the internship, candidates will gain experience in: * Effective communication with a variety of audiences * Project and resource management * Day-to-day operations of a non-profit * How to engage with stakeholders * Program implementation and monitoring * Using a variety of platforms for outreach, including Canva, WordPress, and Facebook Logistics We have one open position in 2022 for this temporary, full-time internship, which is available as early as May. We will consider both in-person and remote candidates to fill this role, which is a desk-based position. Regardless of whether in-person or remote, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they are legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed starting date. If the internship will be in-person, successful candidates will need to make their own arrangements, as needed, for housing and transportation to and from the WDC office in Plymouth, MA, USA. Remote interns will need access to a computer and reliable internet access for the duration of the internship, and be available to work the majority of the time between the hours of 9am-5pm EDT. Successful candidates are expected to work 40 hours a week for the 12 week period of the program; they will be compensated at a rate of $15/hour and a sum not to exceed $7,200 over the course of the 12 weeks. Applicants must be 18 years or older and fluent in English. WDC will assist interested students in obtaining credits for the program through their college or university. Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Whale and Dolphin Conservation embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We recognize that the field of marine mammal research and conservation lacks diversity, including within our own organization. WDC is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities which represent diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. For additional details about this internship opportunity, visit our website: us.whales.org/internships Monica Pepe Policy Manager Conservation and Education Pronouns: she, her, hers Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC - Protecting Whales and Dolphins for over 30 years]<https://whales.org/> [WDC on Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/uswhalesorg> [WDC North America on Twitter] <https://www.twitter.com/whales_org> [WDC on Instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/whales_org> [WDC on YouTube] <https://www.youtube.com/whalesorg> [WDC Blogs] <https://us.whales.org/category/news/> [WDC E-Newsletter] <https://us.whales.org/> [WDC on GuideStar]<https://www.guidestar.org/profile/02-0749188> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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New paper on evaluating strategies for managing anthropogenic mortality on marine mammals
by Gilles, Anita 14 Jan '22

14 Jan '22

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, I am happy to share this new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science on evaluating strategies for managing anthropogenic mortality on marine mammals. It also case studies harbour porpoise bycatch in the North Sea and has a direct application in the upcoming OSPAR Quality Status Report 2023. On top, it is introducing a neat R-package to carry out management strategy evaluation of control rules to set removal limits in marine mammal conservation. Genu M, Gilles A, Hammond PS, Macleod K, Paillé J, Paradinas I, Smout S, Winship AJ and Authier M (2021) Evaluating Strategies for Managing Anthropogenic Mortality on Marine Mammals: An R Implementation With the Package RLA. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:795953. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.795953 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.795953/full Abstract: Bycatch, the undesirable and non-intentional catch of non-target species in marine fisheries, is one of the main causes of mortality of marine mammals worldwide. When quantitative conservation objectives and management goals are clearly defined, computer-based procedures can be used to explore likely population dynamics under different management scenarios and estimate the levels of anthropogenic removals, including bycatch, that marine mammal populations may withstand. Two control rules for setting removal limits are the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) established under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Removals Limit Algorithm (RLA) inspired from the Catch Limit Algorithm (CLA) developed under the Revised Management Procedure of the International Whaling Commission. The PBR and RLA control rules were tested in a Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) framework. A key feature of PBR and RLA is to ensure conservation objectives are met in the face of the multiple uncertainties or biases that plague real-world data on marine mammals. We built a package named RLA in the R software to carry out MSE of control rules to set removal limits in marine mammal conservation. The package functionalities are illustrated by two case studies carried out under the auspices of the Oslo and Paris convention (OSPAR) (the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic) Marine Mammal Expert Group (OMMEG) in the context of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The first case study sought to tune the PBR control rule to the conservation objective of restoring, with a probability of 0.8, a cetacean population to 80% of carrying capacity after 100 years. The second case study sought to further develop a RLA to set removals limit on harbor porpoises in the North Sea with the same conservation objective as in the first case study. Estimation of the removals limit under the RLA control rule was carried out within the Bayesian paradigm. Outputs from the functions implemented in the package RLA allows the assessment of user-defined performance metrics, such as time to reach a given fraction of carrying capacity under a given level of removals compared to the time needed given no removals. Best wishes, Anita -- Dr. Anita Gilles University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 | 25761 Büsum Germany Phone: +49 (0)511-8568177 Fax: +49 (0)511-8568181 anita.gilles(a)tiho-hannover.de https://www.tiho-hannover.de/en/itaw/beschaeftigte/beschaeftigte-buesum/ani…

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Alaska SeaLife Center Marine Animal Wildlife Response Internship
by Savannah Costner 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

Hello MARMAM Community, ASLC has multiple internship opportunities for the summer of 2022. Check out the Marine Animal Wildlife Response posting below! The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, and public education. All internships are unpaid with a minimum 12-16 week commitment required. The position is scheduled five days and 40 hours each week. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule, as hours may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Interns will be exposed to and gain experience in the rescue and rehabilitation effort of Alaska’s stranded wild marine mammals and birds. In addition to learning animal restraint and husbandry skills, interns are expected to work with the public in-person while out in the field and over the phone in a professional and courteous manner. Under the guidance of Wildlife Response staff, the Intern will be trained and expected to perform the essential duties. *Education / Experience:*Applicants must be 18 years or older with a strong background in the biological sciences. Experience with Google Suite and Zims360 preferred. *Essential Duties:**-*Make daily animal diet preparations and perform routine cleaning of quarantine and work areas. -Assist in pool cleanings and water quality testing -Assist with the Stranded Animal Hot Line and interact with the public professionally. -Assist with rescue and release of stranded animals as opportunities present. -Participate in educational talks or tours, and assist in the creation of computerized learning modules. -Assist in the care and maintenance of the Center’s rehabilitating animals and facility. -Maintain and update computerized medical records, and assist in archival record digitization. -Help ensure that the rehabilitation clinic and quarantine area are stocked and prepared to receive animals. -Performs other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required. *Other Skills and Abilities:*Ability to be organized, self-motivated, detail oriented, and possess a strong desire to see to the completion of projects is highly desired. *Physical Requirements:**-*Ability to see and hear; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds. Ability to swim. -Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and be able to get on hands and knees to restrain marine mammal patients. *Internship Dates: May 15, 2022 - August 5, 2022* *Unpaid Internship* *Please submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of reference.**Application Deadline: 1/31/2022* *Interested individuals should apply at this link: * https://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/jobapplication/681254?appsource=ccp *To view other ASLC internship/employment opportunites view this link: * https://www.alaskasealife.org/employment_opportunities Best, -- <https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter> <https://twitter.com/alaskasealife> <http://instagram.com/alaskasealifecenter> <https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaska-sealife-center> *Savannah Costner* *Animal Care Specialist II *Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 <https://maps.google.com/?q=1329%C2%A0%E2%80%A2+301+Railway+Ave%C2%A0%E2%80%…> Direct: 907-224-6399 *ASLC 24-hour Stranded Animal Hotline* 1-888-774-7325 (SEAL) www.alaskasealife.org [image: Pick.Click.Give Alaska SeaLife Center] <https://www.pickclickgive.org/index.cfm/pfdorgs.info/Alaska-SeaLife-Center>

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WDC Marine Animal Rescue and Response Internship (paid)
by Sarah McCormack 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

Internship description Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s (WDC) North American office is excited to offer a 12-week Marine Animal Rescue and Response Internship to entry-level candidates interested in marine mammal stranding response and community outreach. This opportunity will provide interns with transferable job skills and insight to the inner workings of a non-profit focused on the conservation of marine mammals. WDC is the newest member of NOAA’s Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, joining the Greater Atlantic Region in 2021. WDC’s Marine Animal Rescue and Response Program (MARR) is responsible for responding to stranded marine mammals along 100 miles of Massachusetts coastline. This position is best suited for those who may not yet have practical experience in this field. Applicants should be eager to dive into new experiences and be able to problem solve independently. Interns will learn the skills needed to respond to pinnipeds (seals) and cetaceans (whales, porpoises, and dolphins) native to Massachusetts. However, stranding events are unpredictable and hands-on experience and species encountered will vary by internship session. Occasional opportunities to observe whales at sea may also be possible during the internship. Upon completion of the internship, candidates will gain experience in: ● Hands-on skills necessary for marine mammal rescue and response ● Standard data collection and data input (Level A and human interaction evaluations) ● Managing supply inventory and ordering materials ● Volunteer engagement and training ● Covering an emergency hotline ● Creating outreach materials and engaging with the general public through community outreach and stranding events ● Using a variety of digital platforms including Canva, WordPress, Salesforce, and Filemaker Logistics We have three open positions in 2022 for this temporary, full-time internship. Successful candidates are expected to work 40 hours per week for one of the 12-week internship sessions (see below for dates). The schedule will include weekend and holiday coverage, and interns will share after-hours hotline responsibilities with staff once adequately trained. Spring session: early March - late May Summer session: late May - mid-August Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they are legally eligible to work in the U.S. by the proposed starting date. Successful candidates will need to make their own arrangements for housing and transportation to and from the WDC office in Plymouth, MA, USA. Candidates will be compensated at a rate of $15/hour and a sum not to exceed $7,200 over the course of the 12 weeks. Applicants must be 18 years or older and fluent in English. Applicants must also have a valid driver’s license as well as valid health insurance throughout the internship session. WDC will assist interested students in obtaining credits for the program through their college or university. Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Whale and Dolphin Conservation embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We recognize that the field of marine mammal research and conservation lacks diversity, including within our own organization. WDC is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities which represent diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. For additional details about this internship opportunity, visit our website<https://us.whales.org/science-and-outreach-internship/>. Sarah McCormack Stranding Coordinator WDC North America Pronouns: she, her, hers Hotline: +1 617-688-6872 Mobile: +1 917-880-2160 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC - Protecting Whales and Dolphins for over 30 years]<https://whales.org/> [WDC on Facebook]<https://www.facebook.com/uswhalesorg> [WDC North America on Twitter] <https://www.twitter.com/whales_org> [WDC on Instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/whales_org> [WDC on YouTube] <https://www.youtube.com/whalesorg> [WDC Blogs] <https://us.whales.org/category/news/> [WDC E-Newsletter] <https://us.whales.org/> [WDC on GuideStar]<https://www.guidestar.org/profile/02-0749188> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation (“WDC”), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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New paper on Stress and Reproductive Steroid Hormones in Small Blubber Samples of Gray and Fin Whales
by Godard, Celine 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are excited to announce our recent paper on hormone analyses in small blubber samples (50 mg) of gray and fin whales published in Frontiers in Marine Science. It is open access and can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.808764/full Wittmaack C, Urbán Ramírez J, Bernot-Simon D, Martínez-Aguilar S, Subbiah S, Surles JG, Looney M, Kumar N, Halaska B, Duignan PJ, Knauss M, Burns K and Godard-Codding CAJ (2022). Small Blubber Samples (50 mg) Sufficient for Analyses of 10 Stress and Reproductive Steroid Hormones in Gray and Fin Whales via Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:808764. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.808764 ABSTRACT Information on stress, reproductive fitness, and health is difficult to obtain in wild cetaceans but critical for conservation and management. The goal of this study was to develop a methodology requiring minimal blubber mass for analysis of reproductive and stress steroid hormones and, hence, suitable for cetacean biopsies. Blubber biopsies and samples were collected from free-ranging and stranded gray and fin whales. Steroid hormones were extracted from blubber samples as small as 50 mg using liquid-liquid extraction methodology developed to handle the high fat content of blubber. Samples were analyzed via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for 10 hormones: aldosterone, androstenedione, cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 17b-estradiol, estrone, 17a-hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, and testosterone. As part of the optimization, homogenization via bead beating and blade dispersion were compared, and the former found superior. To investigate optimal yet minimal tissue mass required, hormone panels were compared among paired 50, 150, and 400 mg samples, the latter two being commonly reported masses for hormone blubber analysis. Results indicated that 50 mg of blubber was suitable and sometimes superior. Additionally, significant differences in precision values were observed between species, possibly stemming from differences in blubber composition, and relevant to homogenization technique selection and calibration methods that use blubber matrix matches obtained from a species other than the study species. Based on recovery and precision values, our methodology was accurate and precise in the measurement of spiked known quantities for all 10 hormones, confirming the methodology capabilities in 50 mg blubber mass in both species. Altogether, and in our specific sample sets, all endogenous hormones, except corticosterone, were identified above the detection limit in 50 mg gray whale blubber samples while all endogenous hormones, except aldosterone, cortisone, Please feel free to contact me at celine.godard(a)ttu.edu Best, Céline Godard-Codding ***************************************************************** Céline Godard-Codding, Ph.D. Professor and Associate Chair Department of Environmental Toxicology The Institute of Environmental and Human Health Texas Tech University and TTU Health Sciences Center Box 41163 Lubbock, Texas 79409-1163 Office: (806)-834-2737 Fax: (806)-885-2132 FEDEX shipping address: The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) Reese Technology Center Building 555 1207 S. Gilbert Drive Lubbock TX 79416-2103 *****************************************************************

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Research Assistant & Intern Coordinator
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

Internship opportunity (unpaid but accommodation provided): Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) are looking for a Research Assistant & Intern Coordinator to assist with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and supports the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of vessel-based and land-based surveys. SWF has been monitoring these populations on behalf of the Welsh government (through funding provided by Natural Resources Wales) for two decades. Cardigan Bay contains Britain’s largest coastal population of bottlenose dolphins, for which two Special Areas of Conservation have been established under the EU Habitats Directive. Internships with Sea Watch have frequently led to established posts in national and international research and conservation bodies, as well as providing a stepping stone for students to undertake doctoral studies in marine mammal science. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Coordination between the Monitoring Officer and project interns – in charge of the intern shared house and the intern weekly office rota. Assisting New Quay staff in training interns and other volunteers in land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, database entry, and more. Liaising closely with Education Officer and Education Assistant Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all phases of the research. Optional opportunity to undertake a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer. Research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicant’s interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have completed a BSc degree (or higher) in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and experience are beneficial. The applicant should ideally have some experience using DSLR cameras. Practical experience of photo-identification (both photography and matching) is desirable. Experience with other equipment regularly used by Sea Watch Foundation such as hydrophone, polecam, theodolite, digiscope and aerial camera drone is advantageous. The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in use of Access and GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player since the project will involve working closely with other researchers, but must also be able to supervise small groups of people given that they will be coordinating a team of at least 8 interns. The Research Assistant and interns live and work together on a daily basis which requires a high degree of interpersonal skills to maintain relationships and team morale. Previous experience working successfully in similar roles is essential. Applicants must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly without direct supervision. The work load is varied and therefore a high degree of organisation, attention to detail, and ability to prioritise are essential. If a personal research project is undertaken, this brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication, and for presentation at the European Cetacean Society Conference. The Research Assistant is expected to work 5 days a week with office hours running from 9AM to 6PM with an hour lunch break although field work regularly falls outside of office hours.The Research Assistant is also entitled to one week’s holiday during the season, the dates of which should be agreed upon at the start of placement if at all possible. Currently we anticipate the internship to go ahead as planned. However, please note that if new restrictions are imposed in 2022, on-site internships may need to be postponed or suspended although there are various opportunities to take on home based volunteering roles should this occur. This position is unpaid but (shared) accommodation will be provided in the intern house free of charge. The Research Assistant will be responsible for their own travel expenses to New Quay for the 2022 field season. Due to the touristic background of New Quay, part-time paid evening work is generally easy to find if required by the applicant. There are also a number of external organisations that may offer grants to partially cover living expenses (see below). International applications are welcome but it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure visa requirements are met and the chosen visa option should be highlighted in the application form. To apply: Please send your CV and Research assistant application form, and contact details of two referees, reporting any relevant experience you have, to Katrin Lohrengel- katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Deadline: 17th January 2022. PLEASE NOTE THAT INTERNSHIPS WILL BE SUBJECT TO WHATEVER COVID RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE AT THE TIME

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New paper comparing theodolite and photogrammetry methods to assess impacts of boat noise on killer whales
by catherine＠oceansinitiative.org 12 Jan '22

12 Jan '22

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Marine Pollution Bulletin comparing theodolite and photogrammetry methods to assess impacts of boat noise on killer whales. The paper is available open access: Lo, C.F., Nielsen, K.A., Ashe, E., Bain, D.E., Mendez-Bye, A., Reiss, S.A., Bogaard, L.T., Collins, M.S., Williams, R., 2022. Measuring speed of vessels operating around endangered southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Salish Sea critical habitat. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 174, 113301. <https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2021.113301> https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2021.113301 ABSTRACT: Motorized vessels are a major source of anthropogenic noise and can have adverse effects on species relying on sound for communication and feeding. Monitoring noise levels received by endangered southern resident killer whales (SRKWs) requires knowing the number, distance, and speed of surrounding vessels, including small boats that do not have Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). A method for estimating their speed is required to predict received noise levels and compliance with vessel regulations. We compared theodolite and photogrammetry methods to estimate the number, distance, and speed of vessels in SRKW Salish Sea summertime critical habitat. By treating AIS as "truth", we found photogrammetry-derived ranges and speeds were more variable than theodolite estimates. Error in photogrammetry-derived speeds increased with range. Overall, we found time saved in the field using photogrammetry was more than offset by long analysis time. Theodolite data were relatively easy to collect, and produced accurate and precise results. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Kind regards, Catherine Lo, MSc Research Associate Oceans Initiative <mailto:catherine@oceansinitiative.org> catherine(a)oceansinitiative.org

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New paper on cetacean conservation in the Med
by ilaria campana 12 Jan '22

12 Jan '22

Dear members, we are proud to announce the publication of a new paper in Biodiversity and Conservation entitled "Cetacean sensitivity and threats analysis to assess effectiveness of protection measures: an example of integrated approach for cetacean conservation in the Bonifacio Bouches". Data on cetacean species, maritime traffic and marine litter were collected from systematic surveys performed by the FLT Mediterranean Monitoring Network - marine species and threats in the Bonifacio Strait, in order to identify gaps of spatial protection measures for the species. Despite the existing regulations applied in these waters in fact, results showed that the intense anthropogenic pressure still represents a risk for the ecological richness in many areas lacking of protection. | | | FLT Mediterranean Monitoring Network - ... | Enjoy the reading at the following link https://rdcu.be/cEvgU All the best,Ilaria Campana Ph.D.Tuscia University

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New Study Seeks to Improve Outreach Methods to Help Boaters and Whales
by Amy Whitt 12 Jan '22

12 Jan '22

Azura Consulting is surveying boaters who operate large pleasure vessels and yachts along the U.S. East Coast. We are interested in learning about boater knowledge and opinions of programs designed to reduce the likelihood of unintentional boat strikes with large whales. The main goals of this survey are to: ● Better understand factors that motivate the observance of speed rules and restrictions, ● Assess the effectiveness of education and outreach methods used to reach these boating communities, and ● Determine if there are more effective communication and outreach tools to enhance compliance with speed restrictions and recommendations. The online survey invites boaters who operate recreational vessels or yachts 35 feet or more in length along the U.S. East Coast to participate. If you are a boat operator who has piloted these types of boats within the last 10 years, please help get more voices heard by completing this short 20-minute survey! The results of this survey will assist NOAA Fisheries in directing the development of future outreach and education efforts. Please help us disseminate the survey to qualified boaters! www.surveymonkey.com/r/boatersurvey

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New paper and upcoming virtual seminar: Breaking down pinniped harassment
by Kristina Cammen 12 Jan '22

12 Jan '22

My colleagues and I are excited to announce the recent publication of our manuscript, "Breaking down 'harassment' to characterize trends in human interaction cases in Maine's pinnipeds." A full, open access copy of the paper is available at https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.518. See abstract below. We would also like to invite you to join us on Wednesday, January 19 at 22:00 GMT for an SCB Emerging Issues in Conservation virtual seminar, where we will be sharing the findings from this paper. To register for the seminar, please visit https://conbio.org/publications/scb-news-blog/scb-emerging-issues-in-conser… . Breaking down 'harassment' to characterize trends in human interaction cases in Maine's pinnipeds Emma Newcomb, Dominique Walk, Holland Haverkamp, Lynda Doughty, Sean Todd, Rosemary Seton, Lindsey Jones, Kristina Cammen *Conservation Science and Practice* 3(11): e518 Recent marine mammal recovery and growth of human populations in coastal areas has led to increased human harassment of protected pinniped populations. Yet, current monitoring approaches lack the necessary resolution to describe this emerging issue. We therefore propose a new classification scheme for monitoring of marine mammal–human interaction (HI), which defines categories based on the type of human behavior and associated risks to the animal. Among harbor, harp, and gray seal strandings (N = 3,525) from 2007 to 2019 in Maine, United States, evidence of HI was reported in 14.72% of strandings, with the majority (75.34%) of these cases involving harassment. The number of HI reports increased over time, particularly in the southern region of the state, and an analysis of geographic hotspots further identifies emerging areas of concern. Variation in the rate and type of HI among species, age classes, and seasons reflect differences in pinniped life history. The most commonly observed types of harassment included human approach, physical contact, and displacement. By breaking down harassment, we aim to inform ongoing mitigation efforts and contribute to our understanding of the impact of HI on marine mammal health, as well as offer a transferable methodological approach to monitoring human–wildlife interaction. -- Kristina Cammen Assistant Professor of Marine Mammal Science School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine kristina.cammen(a)maine.edu cammenlab.org

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