January 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Permanent position as a researcher in Sweden
by Sara Königson 10 Jan '22

10 Jan '22

Swedish University of Agriculture Science are seeking a researcher working with marine mammal interactions and fishing gear technology. Do you want to be part of a team developing fishing gear and mitigation methods to reduce bycatch of protected species and depredation by seals? We are employing a full-time researcher (permanent position) to our research group. You need to know a scandinavian language, therefore the ad is in swedish. For further information please look at the link below: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/lediga-tjanster/?rmpage=job&rmjob=58… [P1020602][utklippan mats lachlan] --- När du skickar e-post till SLU så innebär detta att SLU behandlar dina personuppgifter. För att läsa mer om hur detta går till, klicka här <https://www.slu.se/om-slu/kontakta-slu/personuppgifter/> E-mailing SLU will result in SLU processing your personal data. For more information on how this is done, click here <https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/contact-slu/personal-data/>

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INTERNSHIP 2022 OPPORTUNITY
by Delfini del ponente APS 08 Jan '22

08 Jan '22

*DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY* *Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project * *Delfini del Ponente is currently looking for and accepting interns to join our research project on bottlenose dolphins and other marine fauna in the Western Ligurian Sea, Imperia (Italy) from March to October**.* *The project* The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente”, started in 2018, is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) occurrence and distribution in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis, to obtain data not only on the distribution during the Summer, but also changes during the different seasons. The study is already providing very interesting information about this community inside the study area, especially about its social organization, abundance of individuals, distribution, and movements also outside the region. Moreover, our dataset includes data on several cetacean species and also about other marine fauna such as Mediterranean shearwaters (*Puffinus yelkouan)*, Scopoli’s shearwaters (*Calonectris diomedea*), Northern gannets (*Morus bassanus*), Sandwich terns (*Thalasseus sandvicensis*), sunfish (*Mola mola*) among others. Surveys are carried out in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photos for photo-ID purposes, environmental, marine traffic, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys take place in Imperia, in 2 different locations with the aim of collecting data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats in activity and marine birds. Fieldwork is a great opportunity to get involved and improve skills on cetaceans’ and marine biodiversity’s research. Both land-based and zodiac surveys are weather-dependent, and their number can change each month. Office work (6 hours per day) includes training and lessons to the interns and supervision of all the activities (photo-id work, transcription of data, data entry, QGIS work, etc...) *Where:* Imperia, Italy *When:* 1 March-30 October 2022 (minimum 30 days) Number of interns for month: 2 /3 Activities: • boat-based surveys monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins • data collection of other cetaceans, fishes, seabirds, turtles • classwork, database updating • photo-id matching and analysis • land-based surveys /opportunistic surveys • lessons and training about cetacean ecology, biology and research techniques This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation . Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or lab work) During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visiting museums, sailing. *Skills/qualification: * · Minimum age of 18 · Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required · Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) · Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research · Speak, read and write in fluent English · Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent · Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun, be able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore and offshore waters · Be prepared to spend many hours in the office (generally 6 hours/day) · Be sociable and with a positive attitude as he/she is expected to live and work in an international team *Covid Rules* Participants need to present a valid COVID-19 Green Certificate, or equivalent certificate, certifying the completion of the vaccination cycle and a negative result of a swab test carried out within 48 hours before entering Italy. For countries and travelers’ restrictions see the appropriate website: https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoC… *Internship fee * Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this program requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips, insurance). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy) and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. *How to apply: * Send your CV with a letter of interest to *delfinidelponente(a)gmail.com <delfinidelponente(a)gmail.com> * For any further inquiries and details, please send an email to delfinidelponente(a)gmail.com Davide Ascheri and Elena Fontanesi -- *Delfini Del Ponente APS* Via Regione Bussi, 18100 Imperia (Italy) C.F. 91048910086 pec: delfinidelponente(a)pec.it https://delfinidelponente.it/

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New publication on the collection and analysis of respiratory samples from whales using drones
by Andy Rogan 07 Jan '22

07 Jan '22

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce publication of our paper, ‘Genetic, Endocrine, and Microbiological Assessments of Blue, Humpback and Killer Whale Health using Unoccupied Aerial Systems’. Shannon Atkinson, Andrew Rogan, C. Scott Baker, Ralf Dagdag, Matthew Redlinger, Jennifer Polinski, Jorge Urban, Angie Sremba, Maile Branson, Kendall Mashburn, Logan Pallin, Amy Klink, Debbie Steel, Eric Bortz, and Iain Kerr You can find the article here: https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1240 Unoccupied aerial system (UAS) technologies applied to health assessments of large whales can have positive implications for progressive management. We focused on the collection of cetacean respiratory blow samples for endocrine, DNA profiling, microbial metabarcoding, and metagenomics analyses, with the goal of improving management of large whale populations. Blow samples were collected from humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae, n = 109 samples analyzed), blue (Balaenoptera musculus, n = 21 samples analyzed), and killer whale (Orcinus orca, n = 1 sample analyzed) species, as well as the responses of the whales to the collection of their blow by UAS. Endocrine analyses were validated for 5 steroid hormones in humpback whales and 4 hormones in blue whales. For DNA profiling, we attempted to extract and amplify nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, resulting in sequencing of mtDNA haplotypes for 54% of samples, identification of sex for 39%, and individual identification by microsatellite genotyping for 17%. The DNA profiles of 2 of the blow samples from humpback whales were matched to a DNA register for this regional population. Metagenomic and microbial metabarcoding classifications found a diverse number of bacteria, eukaryotes, and viruses in humpback whale blow. Although a significant portion of classifications were found in both seawater and blow, several of the most abundant organisms were present only in blow samples, suggesting they are true members of the respiratory microbiome. A comprehensive integration of laboratory-based approaches using noninvasive UAS collection technologies could become an important management tool for health assessments of large cetaceans, especially for species listed as endangered. The addition of individual and population-level health assessments to currently practiced stewardship of large whales, renders them as excellent sentinels of ocean health. Please feel free to contact us at info(a)whale.org<mailto:info@whale.org> Best, Andy Rogan Ocean Alliance 32 Horton St Gloucester MA 01930

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REMINDER: Alaska Whale Foundation's 2022 Call for Volunteers Ends January 15
by Andy Szabo 07 Jan '22

07 Jan '22

Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is seeking volunteers to participate in a series of research projects at its field station on Baranof Island, Southeast Alaska (latitude 57.0877 N, longitude 134.8342 W). Successful applicants will assist in collecting and analyzing data for projects examining humpback whale health, foraging ecology, and social biology as well as regional oceanography. Volunteers will work in a team of 6 and will split their time between on-the-water activities and data work. Volunteers are expected to cover the costs of getting to/from either Petersburg or Sitka, Alaska and to supply their own foul-weather gear (rain gear, boots, etc.) appropriate for work in the Alaskan marine environment. In return for participation, AWF will provide travel within Southeast Alaska to AWF’s field station, room and board, Mustang-style survival suits and additional safety gear. AWF can also assist students that wish to develop for-credit independent projects through their own academic institutions. Volunteers are asked to participate in one of two rounds: i) May 27 – July 25; and, ii) July 25 – September 30. Because of the logistics involved with travel to/from the field station, we cannot accommodate arrival and departure outside of these dates. Interested individuals should apply through Alaska Whale Foundation’s website no later than Friday, January 15 @ midnight PST: https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers <https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers> For more information on Alaska Whale Foundation, please visit: www.alaskawhalefoundation.org <http://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/>

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FALSE KILLER WHALE-NEW PUBLICATION ON A BRITISH STRANDED POPULATION (D.Vicari)
by Deborah Vicari 07 Jan '22

07 Jan '22

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to present our recently published paper in Geometric morphometrics of false killer whales titled: " Skull morphological variation in a British stranded population of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens): a three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach”. Citation: Vicari, D., Sabin, R.C., Brown, R.P., Lambert, O., Bianucci, G., and Meloro, C. 2022. Skull morphological variation in a British stranded population of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens): a three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach. Can. J. Zool. (100): 119–132.doi:10.1139/cjz-2021-0112. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/full/10.1139/cjz-2021-0112 <http://el.nrcresearchpress.com/ls/click?upn=ETsSsFs-2BpgDM9dlgs3uEz95CB10So…> . Abstract The false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846)) is a globally distributed delphinid that shows geographical differentiation in its skull morphology. We explored cranial morphological variation in a sample of 85 skulls belonging to a mixed sex population stranded in the Moray Firth, Scotland, in 1927. A three-dimensional digitizer (Microscribe 2GX) was used to record 37 anatomical landmarks on the cranium and 25 on the mandible to investigate size and shape variation and to explore sexual dimorphism using geometric morphometric. Males showed greater overall skull size than females, whereas no sexual dimorphism could be identified in cranial and mandibular shape. Allometric skull changes occurred in parallel for both males and females, supporting the lack of sexual shape dimorphism for this particular sample. Also, fluctuating asymmetry did not differ between crania of males and females. This study confirms the absence of sexual shape dimorphism and the presence of a sexual size dimorphism in this false killer whale population. The publication is online on the e-first page of the journal https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/full/10.1139/cjz-2021-0112. Please email D.Vicari(a)outlook.com for a pdf. Deborah Vicari, Ph.D. 3D Skull ecomorphology of toothed whales Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), UK, England Email:D.Vicari@outlook.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-vicari Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Deborah Vicari Ph.D. in Odontoceti 3D Skull Ecomorphology LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-vicari>

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In need of a Professor to teach Whales
by Jennifer Bender 07 Jan '22

07 Jan '22

Good Morning, I run a small non-profit, https://marinestudiesconsortium.org, that offers college level courses in marine science to a consortium of schools. I am looking for someone to teach the Biology of Whales this semester. The course will be taught fully remote on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 EST. Course description: This course provides a comprehensive review of the biology, ecology, and management of cetaceans. A thorough grounding in cetology and population biology will prepare students to understand conservation problems presented as case histories. Students will also complete an independent research paper on a topic related to cetacean conservation. Virtual activities *may* include the dissection of a small cetacean and a whale watch in Stellwagen Bank. Please contact me if you might be interested. Thank you. Jennifer Bender Executive Director, Marine Studies Consortium -- Jennifer Bender, Ph.D. fax: 617 522-0027 phone: 617 817-0740 email: benderferre(a)gmail.com *Even after all this time* *The sun never says to the earth, "you owe me."* *Look what happens with a love like that,* *It lights the Whole Sky. *--- Hafiz

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New publication HydroMoth: testing a prototype recorder for low-cost passive acoustic monitoring in aquatic ecosystems.
by Dines, SF, Miss [sdines＠sun.ac.za] 06 Jan '22

06 Jan '22

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Flukebook.org Release Notes December 2021
by Jason Holmberg 05 Jan '22

05 Jan '22

We are pleased to announce the Wildbook software release v.2021-12-31, which is reflected in the Flukebook.org <https://www.flukebook.org> platform for cetacean photo ID. Highlights include usability improvements in bulk import functionality and account management. Wildbook DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5823553 Wildbook Image Analaysis (WBIA) DOI: <https://zenodo.org/badge/DOI/10.5281/zenodo.5518146.svg)%5D(https://doi.org…> https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5765701 For an overview of Flukebook's multi-species, multi-modal machine learning for photo ID, please see: https://docs.wildme.org/docs/researchers/ia_pipeline Community support for Wildbook is provided at: https://community.wildme.org NEW DEVELOPMENTS - Improved security for virtual server infrastructure. - Audit logs show name changes for encounters and individuals. - Bulk import improvements to better indicate the status of computer vision processing. - Bulk import log has been upgraded to load a lot faster and in better searching format, allowing the ability to search historical tasks quickly. - Increased the picture book export format maximum from 10 to 250 individuals. - New study sites added. BUG FIXES - WB-1897: Encounter excel export is now created accurately with measurements. - WB-1859: Non-admin users can edit their email addresses on their profile. - WB-1701: Projects filter restored on match results and encounter submission pages. - SAGE-473: HotSpotter match rendering failures due to dependency library version update, fixed all known failures, and added monitoring for future silent errors. [also SAGE-481, SAGE-491] - SAGE-490: Fixed FLANN memory leak and added automatic failure disk clean-up on container start. [also SAGE-482] - SAGE-492: Fixed empty image UUID API failures with the background job engine. Jason Holmberg (he/him/his) Executive Director, Wild Me <https://wildme.org/> A.I. and humans combating extinction together.

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Job Announcement: Marine Mammal Biologist with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
by Panike, Anna 05 Jan '22

05 Jan '22

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Working Title: OPS F&W BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77907457 Position Number: 77907457 Salary: $18.00/hour Posting Closing Date: 01/17/2022 This is an OPS (Other Personal Services) position. It is considered a full-time position, working 40 hrs/week. The position is grant funded through June 2025 with continuing grant funding pending. Occasional overtime hours may occur. Hours worked over 40 per week, Friday to Thursday, are considered overtime and are paid @ 1.5 times the regular wage. DESCRIPTION This position will lead or assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery of marine mammal carcasses for the Northwest field station (Northwest region: coastal and inland waterways of Manatee County to Escambia County) and assist with carcass and necropsy responses along Florida's Gulf Coast as needed. This position will serve as member of FWC's marine mammal necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on marine mammals, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. The incumbent will be responsible for carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Leads or assist in marine mammal rescue and transport operations in the Northwest region. Assist with marine mammal rescue and capture operations along Florida's Gulf Coast as needed. This position will assist with managing cetacean stranding data for MMPL responses, with managing marine mammal section cetacean database, and with managing NOAA stranding database and completing routine uploads to NOAA-NMFS data diplomat. This position will complete and update level A cetacean information, assist with filling cetacean data requests, assist with managing samples collected from stranded cetaceans, assist with managing histological samples collected from marine mammals processed by the MMPL and assist with editing manatee rescue and mortality reports. This position will be responsible for assisting with NFWF award administration including assisting with budget tracking, quarterly progress reports, reimbursement requests, and final reporting. This position will lead and assist with repairs and maintenance of MMPL laboratory and field equipment including repairs and general maintenance of vehicles, boats, and trailer, assist with purchases and restocking laboratory and field consumables and will maintains fixed and frozen tissue inventories. The position will work holidays in rotation with other MMPL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned and will respond to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. **Preference may be given to individuals who have live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience and individuals who have grant report writing experience. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management, is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques * Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses * Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques * Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and smaller * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions * Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs, and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships * Be comfortable speaking to the public * Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver's license within a month of employment Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77907457 in the keyword search field). Additionally, applicants are required to complete the additional application questions and are encouraged to attach a cover letter, resume and three references with their People First application by the closing date. Further supporting documentation may be submitted in People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida application form. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Nearest Major Market: Tampa Anna Panike Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 3700 54th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Ph: 727-893-2904 Anna.Panike(a)myFWC.com<mailto:Anna.Panike@myFWC.com> Pronouns: She/Her/Hers Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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Marine Mammal Conservation internship -stipend supported
by Julia Ohern 05 Jan '22

05 Jan '22

Hello! The Marine Mammal Center is excited to recruit again for our annual Conservation in Marine Mammal Response Internship based in Moss Landing, California. This internship is supported with housing and a monthly stipend and will extend approximately March-August of this year. The internship is a unique learning opportunity for anyone new to the field of ocean conservation or hoping to expand their skillsets. Housing and financial support are meant to alleviate immediate economic barriers for early career professionals and recent graduates. People from underrepresented groups in this field are encouraged to apply. The job description and application portal are available at the link below. Please, reach out if you have any questions. We will be reviewing applications this month, interviews to begin at the end of this month or early February. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/863133/Marine-Mamm… [https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/GetShareLogoFile?moduleId=…]<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/863133/Marine-Mamm…> Marine Mammal Center - Conservation in Marine Mammal Response Internship<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/863133/Marine-Mamm…> We're HiringConservation in Marine Mammal Response InternshipLocation of Position: Moss Landing, CaliforniaReports to: Monterey Bay Operations ManagerHours: 40 hours Thursday-Monday, hours flexiblePosition Classification: SeasonalBenefits: Limited benefits. Stipend with housing options provided through a network of our volunteers in exchange for house or pet-sitting.Position OverviewThis internship is meant to provide the intern with a high-level view of community powered conservation while supporting the advancement of an inclusive environment within one of the world’s largest marine mammal stranding response programs. The successful candidate will contribute meaningful support to the technology, volunteer engagement, and logistics of our Monterey Bay Operations.  Opportunities to learn about marine mammal rescue and husbandry will vary with patient and volunteer needs as well as the intern’s interests.  Key ResponsibilitiesSchedule is Thursday-Monday. Supports the Operations Coordinators recruiting.paylocity.com [cid:image003.png@01D546BE.F148AC60] Julia O'Hern, Ph.D. (she/her) Monterey Bay Operations Manager ohernj(a)tmmc.org | T: 831.633.7802 | C: 831.708.5858 MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, P.O. Box 778, Moss Landing, CA 95039

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