February 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opportunity at Maine Department of Marine Resources
by Summers, Erin L. 17 Feb '22

17 Feb '22

I'd like to take an opportunity to let people know about a job opportunity to be a lead whale scientist in an active research program at the Maine Department of Marine Resources in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The program is currently conducting research that centers around the North Atlantic right whale. This includes broad-scale passive acoustic monitoring in the Gulf of Maine, the development of habitat driven forecasting models, siting and monitoring potential offshore wind arrays, and the development and testing of fishing gear modifications, including weak links, sub-surface gear location, and ropeless fishing technologies. This position will have the flexibility to bring new skills, projects, and funding to the program that fits within the successful applicants skill sets. See below for the position listing and link for more information or to apply. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions regarding the position. Thanks! https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0sg2n/ - Erin Summers Lead, Division of Ecology and the Environment Bureau of Marine Science erin.l.summers(a)maine.gov<mailto:erin.l.summers@maine.gov> Opening Date: February 11, 2022 Closing Date: March 11, 2022 Location: W. Boothbay Harbor Position #: 07200-2682 Position Type: Permanent Full Time Class Code: 9364 Grade/Salary: 28 $59,176.00 - $80,808.00/Annually* (*Includes 5.5% Stipend) ________________________________ The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is seeking applicants with strong scientific skills to fill a Marine Resource Scientist III position in the Ecology and the Environment Division/Bureau of Marine Science located at the West Boothbay Harbor Laboratory. BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This is a new position created to be the independent scientific lead for DMR's large whale research program. The position will be responsible for designing and implementing high priority research that will support and expand on current monitoring programs, as well as feed directly into management and modeling initiatives. Currently, a large focus of the work is on the endangered North Atlantic right whale, including understanding their distribution and habitat use along Maine's coast and how the resulting overlap with fixed gear fisheries impacts both right whale conservation and management of the fishery. In addition to the biological research outlined above, the position will work directly with fixed gear fisheries to develop and test mitigation measures, including new technologies and gear modifications to reduce the risk of gear entanglement. This position will also represent DMR at state, regional, and federal meetings and working groups as appointed. The position will lead and support partners in collaborative research projects, including pursuing external funding opportunities that align with DMR's priorities. The position will provide recommendations, scientific analyses, and input to the policy group at DMR on large whale conservation, fishery management, offshore wind development, and other related issues as needed. Finally, the position will work across programmatic lines within the DMR to foster collaboration and maximize DMR's strengths. This is a supervisory position that will include the direct supervision of multiple DMR staff members and contractors, as well as the oversight of other programs within the Division as assigned. Work will include other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Applicants should be able to demonstrate knowledge of large whale biology and related bycatch issues. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working collaboratively with the fishing industry, as well as an expertise in an area of study such as passive acoustics, telemetry, risk mitigation, or habitat modelling. A successful candidate should demonstrate strong supervisory, analytical, project design, and writing skills. Experience in Microsoft Access, R, and GIS are preferred but not required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelors Degree in a scientific, technical, or engineering discipline, or equivalent in directly related work experience and eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of marine resource research and management or related field which includes supervision and coordination of research and support functions. Erin Summers Director, Division of Ecology and the Environment Maine Department of Marine Resources PO Box 8 West Boothbay Harbor, ME. 04575 (207) 350-6076 phone (207) 633-9579 fax www.maine.gov/dmr<http://www.maine.gov/dmr>

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Publication of the Cetacean Population Studies Vol. 3 - Memorial Volume for the late Dr. Seiji Ohsumi
by Cetacean Population Studies 17 Feb '22

17 Feb '22

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, We are very pleased to inform you that the Cetacean Population Studies, Volume 3 —Memorial volume for the late Dr. Seiji Ohsumi who was an eminent cetologist in Japan and unfortunately passed away in November 2019, is now published online here: https://cpops.jp/archive/index.html CPOPS is also available through our J-Stage webpage here: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/cpops/ Cetacean Population Studies (CPOPS) is a peer-reviewed online journal focused on cetacean and other marine mammal studies. Further information about the journal can be found here: https://cpops.jp/published_prospectus/index.html To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: https://cpops.jp/paper_submission/index.html Regards, Hidehiro Kato, Ph. D. Chairman, Publication Committee for the Cetacean Population Studies Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology cetaceanpopulationstudies(a)gmail.com

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New publication: A species-specific qPCR assay provides novel insight into range expansion of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) by means of eDNA analysis
by Elena Agnese Valsecchi 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share with you our new publication on a novel non-invasive approach for the study of the Mediterranean monk seal: Elena Valsecchi, Emanuele Coppola, Rosa Pires, Andrea Parmegiani, Maurizio Casiraghi, Paolo Galli & Antonia Bruno. A species-specific qPCR assay provides novel insight into range expansion of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) by means of eDNA analysis. Biodivers Conserv (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-022-02382-0 Abstract The monk seal is the most endangered pinniped worldwide and the only one found in the Mediterranean, where its distribution and abundance have suffered a drastic decline in the last few decades. The limited understanding of the population demographics and conservation status of this species are due to both its rarity and evasiveness, with records biased towards occasional, mostly coastal, encounters. Current molecular techniques allow us to detect DNA traces released into the environment (eDNA) by any organism. We have developed three species-specific qPCR-assays targeting the 12S/16S rRNA mitogenome regions of the monk seal. The assays have been tested extensively on a comprehensive and diverse set of samples (n = 73), including positive controls from a breeding population in Madeira collected during their peak abundance, and two opportunistic collections of Mediterranean eDNA samples (offshore/coastal) from on-going projects. Monk seal DNA was detected in 47.2% of the samples collected from a ferry platform in the Tyrrhenian (2018–2019) and in 66.7% of those obtained in the Pelagie archipelago in the Strait of Sicily (2020). These findings anticipated subsequent visual observations in the proximity of these sampling areas by up to 2 years. At the Tyrrhenian site, monk seal detection increased between 2018 and 2019. The demonstrated approach provides a non-invasive and highly sensitive tool for defining the monk seal actual distribution and home range -enabling monitoring also in nocturnal hours-, for assessing its recovery rate and pinpointing coastal/offshore sites where prioritizing conservation, research, citizen-science, and educational opportunities. The article is Open Access and is available here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-022-02382-0 Best regards, Elena Valsecchi ⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁⌁ Elena Valsecchi, PhD *Marine eDNA Group, MaRHE Center (**http://www.marhe.unimib.it/ <http://www.marhe.unimib.it/>**)* *Adjunct Professor of Marine Vertebrate Zoology * *Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences (**https://www.disat.unimib.it/en <https://www.disat.unimib.it/en>**), * *University of Milano-Bicocca. Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy* *elena.valsecchi(a)unimib.it <elena.valsecchi(a)unimib.it>*

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New publication on adherence with voluntary slow speed requests in California
by Jessica Morten - NOAA Affiliate 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share a new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: 'Evaluating Adherence With Voluntary Slow Speed Initiatives to Protect Endangered Whales' by Jessica Morten, Ryan Freedman, Jeffrey D. Adams, Jono Wilson, Aliya Rubinstein, and Sean Hastings. Abstract is below and a free PDF copy can be downloaded from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.833206 Please reach out with questions or feedback. Thank you, Jess Morten Abstract: Vessel strikes are one of the main threats to large whales globally and to endangered blue, fin, and humpback whales in California waters. For over 10 years, NOAA has established seasonal voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones off of California and requested that all vessels 300 gross tons (GT) or larger decrease speeds to 10 knots or less to reduce the risk of vessel strikes on endangered whales. We offer a comprehensive analysis quantifying cooperation levels of all vessels ≥ 300 GT from 2010 to 2019 within designated VSR zones using Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) data. While average speeds of large vessels have decreased across the years studied, cooperation with voluntary 10-knot speed reduction requests has been lower than estimated to be needed to reduce vessel-strike related mortality to levels that do not inhibit reaching and maintaining optimal sustainable populations. A comparison of vessel speeds across inactive and active voluntary VSR time periods show a modest (+ 15%) increase in cooperation from 2017 to 2019. A complementary, incentive-based VSR program that was started in 2014 and scaled up in 2018 within the region likely improved voluntary VSR cooperation levels, as participating container and car carrier vessels traveled at lower speeds during the VSR season than vessels not enrolled in the incentive-based effort. Comparisons of vessel speeds in the incentive-based VSR program across inactive and active time periods showed a significant (+ 41%) increase in cooperation. With cooperation levels for the voluntary VSR hovering around 50%, and the challenge of funding and sustaining an incentive-based VSR program, voluntary VSR approaches may be insufficient to achieve cooperation levels needed to significantly reduce the risk of vessel strike-related mortality for these federally protected whales, suggesting that VSR regulations warrant consideration. -- *Jessica Morten |* Resource Protection Specialist Greater Farallones Association & California Marine Sanctuary Foundation Affiliate with NOAA Channel Islands, Cordell Bank, and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries *jessica.morten(a)noaa.gov <jessica.morten(a)noaa.gov>*

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FWC Southwest Field Lab Marine Mammal Internship
by Schubert, Molly 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Mammals section at the Charlotte Harbor Field Lab in Port Charlotte, FL is accepting applications for an intern to start early to mid-April 2022. The Southwest Field Lab is offering two internships to driven, self-motivated individuals for the Summer 2022 season. The expected start date for the internship is early to mid-April, however, start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically four to five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some additional night and weekend hours may be required. The position is located in Port Charlotte on the west coast of Florida, just north of Fort Myers. The intern's duties would include assisting with manatee and cetacean carcass salvage, necropsies, research projects (temperature monitoring, Photo ID, etc.), public outreach, and occasional rescues. The intern will also assist with office duties including mortality reports, upkeep of databases, and other office work as needed. To perform the tasks mentioned, interns will operate FWC trucks and dependent upon experience, trailers and boats up to 22' in length. At the end of the internship, interns are required to complete a project and a 10-15 minute presentation on a marine mammal topic of their choosing. Qualifications: * College juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students are eligible * Interns must have some research field experience * Interns must be comfortable operating large trucks and speaking to the public * Familiarity with digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters is preferred, but can be trained * Computer literacy * Previous animal handling experience is desirable but not necessary * Ability to trailer and operate watercrafts up to 22' in length and experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable, but not necessary * Interns must be able to lift 50 lbs., swim, and possess a valid US driver's license * Interns should understand that this job will require them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods of time Application Process: If you are interested in applying for an internship with FWRI, please provide the following information: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A resume describing training and experience * Names and contact information for at least three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator 585 Prineville Street Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Molly R. Schubert Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Southwest Field Lab 585 Prineville St Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Office: (941) 249-6559 Molly.Schubert(a)myFWC.com Manatee Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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ECS Conference 2022 - calling for exhibitors
by Ori 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

Dear MARMAMsubscribers, As you areprobably aware- the 33rd ECS Conference is just around the corner! Theconference will take place in Ashdod, Israel, on 5-7 April 2022, butwill be in a hybrid format and online participation will also be optional! If anyone isinterested in operating an exhibition booth (physical or virtual boothsare available) or taking partin sponsoring the conference, please contact me (Ori) at – ori_g_inal(a)yahoo.com We hope tosee many of you soon! Best, Ori Galili +972-545-830-820 ori_g_inal(a)yahoo.com

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NEW Publications on ocean science and on deep-diving whales
by Filipe Alves 15 Feb '22

15 Feb '22

Dear all, I and my colleagues are pleased to share here three recent publications related to marine mammals. Two are opinion articles published in Science and in Nature, where no Abstracts are available for this type of article so copies can be requested to filipe.alves(a)mare-centre.pt Filipe Alves, Massimiliano Rosso, Songhai Li, Douglas P. Nowacek (2022) A sea of possibilities for marine megafauna. Science 375(6579): 391-392. DOI:10.1126/science.abn6022 Filipe Alves, João G. Monteiro, Paulo Oliveira, João Canning-Clode (2022) Portugal leads with Europe’s largest marine reserve. Nature 601: 318. DOI:10.1038/d41586-022-00093-8 The third publication is open-access and is about the social structure of an elusive deep-diving predator, the Blainville's beaked whale, based on a comprehensive analysis from long-term photo-ID data collected in Madeira Island. Badenas A #, Dinis A, Ferreira R, Sambolino A, Hamard E, Berninsone LG, Fernandez M, Alves F #* (2022) Behavioural Ecology Traits of Elusive Deep-Diver Whales Unravel a Complex Social Structure Influenced by Female Philopatry and Defence Polygyny. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:809902. DOI:10.3389/fmars.2022.809902 # These authors contributed equally.* Corresponding author. AbstractKnowledge of the role of individual associations has provided an insightful understandingof the structures of animal societies, especially in highly social mammals such asprimates. Yet, this is unbalanced towards marine mammals, particularly to beakedwhales, due to their elusive nature. In addition, information on the fundamental driversof the social structure of these deep-diving animals is still scarce. Here, the hypothesisof female defence polygyny was tested in Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodondensirostris) and discussed within the context of marine and terrestrial organismsdisplaying similar patterns, by (i) estimating residency times to obtain information onthe movements into and out of the area, (ii) analysing social networks to assessindividual association metrics, (iii) measuring the strength of the associations to assessthe existence of preferred or avoided relationships among individuals, and (iv) modellingdifferent social structures to address temporal patterns in social relationships. Using a 9-year photographic dataset derived from the pelagic habitat, individual associations wereinferred based on likelihood techniques. This approach allowed to infer on the species’social structure in relation to age class, sex, residency status, and spatio-temporalpatterns, which can be a good practice to be applied for other taxa. Heterogeneityin capture probability and residency times was observed between age-sex classes, withadult females exhibiting long-term site fidelity. This suggests different habitat roles andspatial structuring within this social organisation. Strong and long dyadic associationsoccurred between adult females and immatures, contrarily to between males, andthe best-fitting models of the temporal patterns suggested long-lasting and temporaryassociations. The present findings unravel a complex social structure stratified by age-sexclass and influenced by female philopatry and defence polygyny, like an unimalegroup mating system, which varies from other beaked whales but is similar to somebirds, pinnipeds, or non-human primates. Cheers Filipe Alves Research Associate MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARDITI Oceanic Observatory of Madeira Caminho da Penteada, Madeira Tecnopolo, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal +351 291721216 https://mare-madeira.pt/team_member/filipe-alves/

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CETASMUS 2022 – Internship in North Western Mediterranean Sea
by Pao Tepsich 14 Feb '22

14 Feb '22

CETASMUS 2022 – Internship in North Western Mediterranean Sea CIMA Research Foundation is a private non-profit research organization aimed at the advancement of science and engineering in environmentally related fields, focusing on public health and safety, civil protection and the preservation of terrestrial and water-related ecosystems. CIMA Research Foundation is based in Savona, Italy, and it is seeking undergraduate/postgraduate students for the CETASMUS PROGRAM 2022. General details about the CETASMUS program can be found here: http://www.cimafoundation.org/foundations/research-development/cetasmus.html CETASMUS foresees two different types of internship: • Field Internship: aim of the internship is to provide hands on experience on cetacean surveys. Interns will be involved in all the surveys of a specific project. As office work is not foreseen for this type of internship, interns will have free time when not involved in sea surveys. Field internship is particularly indicated for students willing to gain field experience and also needing time to prepare exams or personal projects (without supervision). • Research Internship: aim of the internship is to provide hands on experience on cetacean research, from data collection at sea to data analysis. Interns will be involved in surveys of their specific project AND will be trained on data-entry and data analysis. Office work can be used for the development of a thesis / internship report. Free time will be agreed directly with supervisor. Open positions refer to two projects: ZIPHIUS – interns will be on-board of CIMA Research vessel operating in north western Mediterranean sea. Surveys typically lasts 2-3 consecutive days and are held according to weather conditions. Main aim of surveys is studying Cuvier’s beaked population in the area. 3-4 Field Interns (minimum commitment 3 months) 1 Research Intern (minimum commitment 5 months) FLTMedNetwork-Pelagos – interns will be embarked onboard ferries operating between Italy and Corsica. Surveys typically last 1 day, occasionally multiple days and are scheduled in advance. Aim of surveys is to collect cetacean, seabirds, sea turtles and marine litter data all along the ferry route, as part of the FLTMedNetwork ( https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/it/attivita/biodiversita/lispra-e-la-biodiv… ) 2-3 Field Interns (minimum commitment 3 months) 1 Research Intern (minimum commitment 5 months) Because of the training required, preference will be given to interns applying for longer periods. For Research internship, please consider that the minimum commitment refers to field surveys, additional months for thesis development might be needed. Qualifications: - Applicants must be reliable, motivated and team oriented, have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal sciences; - Applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology, environmental sciences or a related major; - Applicants must be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means long consecutive days in the field when weather permits while no cruises during bad weather periods; - Previous field experience is preferred (photo-id / visual census). Applications will be evaluated on a first-come first-served basis. Interviews (via Zoom or equivalent) will be arranged for selected candidates. These positions are an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research to strengthen their skills and above all to gain practical experience in the field. These are unpaid positions and successful applicants are responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from Italy and for accommodation in Savona during the entire staying. All costs related to at sea surveys will be covered by CIMA Research Foundation. If you are interested in applying for these positions, please submit your CV and a cover letter with contact information of at least one reference and specifying the desired position to cetasmus(a)cimafoundation.org. Positions are open until filled -- Non stampare questa mail, pensa all'ambiente!! Before printing, think about the environment! Avant d'imprimer, pensez à l'environnement!

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Shannon Dolphin Project Internship
by Sibéal Regan 14 Feb '22

14 Feb '22

*Background:* The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is a registered charity and NGO in the West of Ireland. The group have been running the Shannon Dolphin Project photo ID catalogue since 1993, focused on Ireland’s only resident population of bottlenose dolphins. *Successful applicants will gain experience in:* Photo- ID techniques. Collecting and processing data. Improving field skills and gaining at sea experience – dedicated dolphin surveys / opportunistic surveying on tour boats. Education and Outreach to the public in the visitor centre. Complete other tasks assigned by the project manager. The internship will include one week designated surveying CM. *Qualifications: *Applicants should have a college background or be currently enrolled in biology, ecology, and/ or marine science program. Previous data collection experience in a research setting and or/ knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. While training will be provided and no prior boating/ camera experience is required, time spent offshore or skills in photography and a clean driving licence are also an advantage. *Expenses and housing: *This is an unpaid internship. Successful applicants are responsible for their living expenses. However, the IWDG will help organise accommodation. Rent and expenses will be approximately €250-300 *To apply: *Please send a cover letter and CV to outreach(a)iwdg.ie with Shannon Dolphin Project Intern as the subject line. Please also advise for provisional dates you are available for an online interview. *The closing date is close business on the 4th of March 2022* -- -- Sibéal Regan Education & Outreach Officer Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. Tel: 087-3435398 Email: sibeal.regan(a)iwdg.ie Website: www.iwdg.ie <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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OSC MMO/PSO&PAM training courses 5-8 April 2022
by Recruitment 14 Feb '22

14 Feb '22

Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is offering its next Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)-approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEst) approved Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses in April 2022. JNCC-certified MMOs comply with UK regulations, and PSOs comply with USA regulations, to minimise the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from various offshore operations. OSC's MMO course comprises theory and practice, including binocular and range estimation, and role-play sessions. The PAM course comprises theory and practice using PAM equipment in OSC's workshop facilities and/or onboard OSC's survey vessel (subject to weather). The intention is to run the following courses in-person near Edinburgh at OSC's Dunbar headquarters: 1. JNCC MMO training on 5 April 2022 at a cost of £220 per person, which includes a copy of the 'Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook' 2. BOEM PSO training on the morning of 6 April 2022 at a cost of £100 per person 3. PAM training on 6-8 April 2022 at a cost of £450 per person All courses are capped at a maximum of 10 participants. Prices are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate. A discounted package price of £700 is offered for participants who wish to attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Course participants will also receive a discount for purchases of marine binoculars or tripod mounts - these should be ordered in advance of the course to ensure availability. OSC doesn't have accommodation facilities, but we can certainly point you in the right direction for your stay in Dunbar. For further details: https://www.osc.co.uk/training For course registration: https://www.osc.co.uk/jncc-registration Best wishes, OSC training team

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