April 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

DEADLINE for GRANTS is midnight PDT on 15-April-2022 - 3 Grants available for $1k each from ACS-LA
by ACS-LA.Grants 13 Apr '22

13 Apr '22

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of the request for applications (RFP) for its 2022 Research Grants: The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. The Los Angeles Chapter of ACS is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants, in the amount of $1,000.00 each, to researchers whose study focuses on marine mammals in California or to researchers & students who are attending an accredited university in California or are affiliated with a California-based research organization that is studying marine mammals anywhere in the world. In addition, in 2022, we will be offering a 1-time award for $550.00 in honor of long-time ACS-LA Gray Whale Census volunteer, Corine Sutherland. The John E. Heyning Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000 The William F. Samaras Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000.00 The Corine Sutherland Research Award. This one-time award in the amount of $1,000.00 will be given in 2022 Eligibility: For the John E. Heyning or the William F. Samaras Awards, the applicant should be a researcher or a student living and/or attending school in California OR if Applicant resides outside of California, Applicant’s research focus should be on Marine Mammals in California. For the Corine Sutherland Award, the applicant should be a researcher or student studying the Eastern North Pacific Stock of Gray Whales. For information on how to apply please the “Grants & Awards” tab on our website: acs-la.org/grants-and-awards <http://acs-la.org/grants-and-awards> Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 15th April 2022. Awards will be announced by 15th May 2022 Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:acsla.grants@gmail.com> www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>

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New publication: Environmental influences on breeding biology and pup production in Australian fur seals
by Cassie Speakman 13 Apr '22

13 Apr '22

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the Open Access publication of the following article in Royal Society Open Science: "Environmental influences on breeding biology and pup production in Australian fur seals" The article can be found here: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.211399 Abstract: Knowledge of factors affecting a species' breeding biology is crucial to understanding how environmental variability impacts population trajectories and enables predictions on how species may respond to global change. The Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, AUFS) represents the largest marine predator biomass in southeastern Australia, an oceanic region experiencing rapid warming that will impact the abundance and distribution of prey. The present study (1997–2020) investigated breeding phenology and pup production in AUFS on Kanowna Island, northern Bass Strait. The pupping period varied by 11 days and the median pupping date by 8 days and were negatively correlated to 1- and 2-year lagged winter zonal winds, respectively, within Bass Strait. While there was no temporal trend over the study period, annual pup production (1386–2574 pups) was negatively correlated to 1-year lagged summer zonal winds in the Bonney Upwelling region and positively correlated to the current-year Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). In addition, a fecundity index (ratio of new-born pups to adult females at the median pupping date) was positively correlated with current-year Southern Annular Mode (SAM) conditions. Periods of positive SOI and positive SAM conditions are forecast to increase in coming decades, suggesting advantageous conditions for the Kanowna Island AUFS population. Feel free to contact Hanna Geeson (geesonh(a)deakin.edu.au) with any questions. Best wishes, Cassie Speakman *PhD candidate* School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood VIC M: +61 477190437 E: cspeakman(a)deakin.edu / cnspe1(a)gmail.com

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New paper: Sympatric baleen whales in the Azores
by Laura González 12 Apr '22

12 Apr '22

Dear MARMAM colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our recently published paper in Deep Sea Research Part I journal, *"**Alongside but separate: Sympatric baleen whales choose different habitat conditions in São Miguel, Azores"*. We compared habitat preferences of fin whales and sei whales in the Azores using opportunistic whale watching data. The paper is freely available until 31st of May in the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1eueC3RueHe06S Feel free to share :) Abstract: Fin whales and sei whales are two migratory baleen whale species sighted every year across the waters of the Azores. Improved understanding of the ecological niche and habitat requirements of these baleen whales is needed to identify persistent or predictable oceanographic events that may set the time of their migration, as well as local or ephemeral oceanographic features that may aggregate their prey in a particular area. In dynamic environments such as the open ocean, mesoscale and submesoscale features can become decisive to determine the distributions of highly mobile species such as baleen whales. In this study, we analyse the habitat preferences of fin whales and sei whales around São Miguel Island (Azores) using environmental variables at different temporal and spatial scales. For both species, model results showed a clear influence of variables linked with primary production and therefore, prey availability; as well as a noticeable preference for oceanographically dynamic areas which directly affect distribution and aggregation of prey. Those environmental choices may indicate different levels of foraging habitat use for both species. Differences were found between the species, highlighting preferences for colder waters in fin whales and areas with stronger sea surface temperature gradients in sei whales. Model results obtained for fin whales were similar with those previously published for blue whales, suggesting that both species make similar use of the waters around São Miguel, often foraging during the migration across these waters. Results for sei whales, however, emphasize dynamic variables, indicating that travelling may prevail over feeding behaviour during their migration by the Azores. Greetings from the Mid-Atlantic, wishing you all a great season at sea, -- Laura González García http://sailandwhale.com/ PhD. Marine Science, Technology and Management

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New publication: Number of Primordial Follicles in Juvenile Ringed Seals (Pusa hispida) from the Gulf of Bothnia and West Greenland (Britta Schmidt)
by Britta Müller 12 Apr '22

12 Apr '22

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to announce the publication of our newest paper in Animals: "Number of Primordial Follicles in Juvenile Ringed Seals (Pusa hispida) from the Gulf of Bothnia and West Greenland" Full view access to the article can be found here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/5/669/htm Abstract: Primordial follicles are important for the reproduction cycle and, therefore, also for the survival of the whole population of a species. Mammals have a large pool of primordial follicles, and it is thought that this pool represents the total number of oocytes. The aim of the present study was to determine the total primordial follicle number of juvenile ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from the Gulf of Bothnia and Greenland. Overall, 52 ovaries from two ringed seal populations (West Greenland (N = 6), Gulf of Bothnia, region in the Baltic Sea (N = 46)) were examined. All ovaries were cut into 2 mm thick slices and every slice was embedded in paraffin. Out of each tissue block, a 5 m thick section was cut and stained with haematoxylin-eosin. The mean volume of the follicles and the total volume of primordial follicles per ovary were estimated by stereology and used to calculate the total estimated number of primordial follicles. The median of the total estimated number of primordial follicles seemed to be higher in Baltic individuals than in Greenland individuals (Gulf of Bothnia = 565,657; Greenland Sea = 122,475). This widens the total range of primordial follicles in ringed seals overall and might bear some potential for discussions regarding the influence of endocrine disruptors and environmental influences depending on different regions/populations and their exposure to various factors. Thus, this study aims to provide basic reference data of the number and mean volume of ringed seal primordial follicles. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Best wishes, Britta Britta Schmidt, Dr. rer. nat. University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW)

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Introduction to Underwater Acoustics: April 20, 2022, 1:30pm EDT
by Holly Morin 11 Apr '22

11 Apr '22

***apologies for cross-postings*** The first webinar in the 4-part, 2022 Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) <http://www.dosits.org> Underwater Acoustics webinar series is scheduled for *Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 1:30pm EDT. * During this *free, 60-minute webinar,* Dr. Joseph Warren (Stony Brook University) will provide an overview of the *fundamentals of underwater sound*. Knowledge of basic underwater sound principles is key to understanding sound detection and reception in marine mammals, interpreting potential effects, and making informed management decisions. The webinar will include a presentation followed by a period of facilitated discussion. This event is open to all interested individuals, however, *registration is required*. For a registration link and other details, please visit the 2022 Webinar Series page on the DOSITS website: https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2022-webinar/. All DOSITS webinars are hosted via Zoom; a YouTube link will also be made available to registered participants. *All webinars will be recorded* and posted to the DOSITS website about 1-2 weeks following each live event. DOSITS is again offering a free *Certificate of Professional Developmen*t in association with the 2022 Underwater Acoustics Webinar Series. For certificate requirements and other details, please visit the 2022 DOSITS Webinar Series page: https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2022- webinar/. Questions? Please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu)

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SECAC info
by SECAC Cetaceans Research 11 Apr '22

11 Apr '22

Dear Marmans, We are pleased to announce a new project: “*Census of bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales in Tenerife, Canary Islands*”. This is a Citizen Science Project and the SECAC is currently accepting participants for fieldwork. Society for Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Archipelago (SECAC) is a scientific NGO, founded in 1993, that aims to conduct and promote research projects and conservation efforts regarding cetaceans in the Canary Islands.The main objective of this research is to know the size of the population of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) and short-finned pilot whales (*Globicephala macrorhynchus*) on the south West coast of Tenerife, a Special Area for Conservation (SAS´s) under the EU Habitat Directive (Natura 2000 Network) (Franja Marina Teno-Rasca ES7020017). A fundamental aspect of these studies is the individual recognition with photo-identification techniques and robust capture-recapture techniques. The Canary Archipelago is located in the Northeast Atlantic, on the African continental edge, in the Macaronesian Atlantic subregion, a worldwide interest for the richness and diversity of cetaceans. In the Canary Islands 30 species of cetaceans, belonging to 7 families, have been recorded. Many of these species are oceanic, rare and little known globally. The project starts in May 2022. The participants will be involved in all aspects of this investigation closely with experts: fieldwork sea-surveys, entering data in databases, data processing, etc. Each campaign will have a duration of one week: the first day will be dedicated to the training (theoretical and practical) on monitoring protocols and 6 days of fieldwork sea-surveys aboard a semi-rigid pneumatic boat. This research experience requires a donation to cover running field work costs. Accommodation is not included in this fee but the participants can easily find accommodation in the Adeje or Arona. For more information on data, conditions and participants fees visit: https://www.cetaceos.org/7-days-experience/ Feel free to contact us at: secaclanzarote(a)gmail.com. -- *Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Islands (SECAC).* * CIF:G-38343497. Casa de los Arroyos, Avenida Coll 3, 35500 Arrecife (Las Palmas) Lanzarote, Islas Canarias.* * www.cetaceos.org <http://www.cetaceos.org> secaclanzarote(a)gmail.com <secaclanzarote(a)gmail.com> * * Phone number: +34 928607101 * *Este mensaje se dirige exclusivamente a su destinatario y puede contener información privilegiada o confidencial. Si no es usted el destinatario indicado, queda notificado de que la lectura, utilización, divulgación y/o copia sin autorización está prohibida en virtud de la legislación vigente. Si ha recibido este mensaje por error, le agradecemos que nos lo comunique por esta misma vía y proceda a su destrucción. El correo electrónico vía Internet no permite asegurar la confidencialidad de los mensajes que se transmiten ni su integridad o correcta recepción, por lo que la Sociedad para el Estudio de los Cetáceos en el Archipiélago Canario no asume ninguna responsabilidad por estas circunstancias. *

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JOB OPENING: Junior/Intermediate Marine Biologist with Edgewise Environmental
by Edgewise Environmental 11 Apr '22

11 Apr '22

Ready to join a small team of hardworking environmental industry professionals? We are looking for a dynamic and quick-thinking Marine Biologist for immediate hire for the position of Junior/Intermediate Marine Biologist. This position will be responsible for supporting the team with various environmental projects to help foster company growth. The successful candidate will have knowledge and experience of marine mammals and/or seabirds and/or bioacoustics. They will be well versed in Canadian legislation, mitigation and observing practices for wildlife for large marine industries. Bachelor's degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ocean Sciences or other relevant field *required* (MSc preferred). Field experience in marine animal mitigation regulation strongly preferred. To view the full job listing (including responsibilities, requirements, work environment, etc.) visit https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/about/careers/ Remote (within Canada) candidates are encouraged to apply. *Due to funding eligibility only those applicants that hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status will be considered.* Thank you, Edgewise Team Edgewise Environmental Ltd. St. John's, NL, Canada phone: 1 (709) 770-0492 info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

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PSO, Migratory Bird Monitor, and Turbidity Monitor Positions
by Maxx Van Waeyenberghe 11 Apr '22

11 Apr '22

Dear All, Vantage Observing, LLC is seeking experienced National Marine Fisheries Service approved PSO’s, and Migratory Bird Monitors for ongoing and upcoming dredging, and marine construction projects. Candidates with previous Hopper Dredging, and Clamshell Dredging experience are preferred. We are also seeking candidates with Migratory Bird Monitoring experience and turbidity monitoring experience to join our team. Vantage Observing provides a professional work environment with highly competitive compensation, and flexible scheduling. Requirements: Protected Species Observer - Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology or related field. - 2 Years of protected species observing experience during dredging, or marine construction projects. - Previous experience monitoring for Sea Turtles, Sturgeon, Manatees, and Whales. - National Marine Fisheries Unconditional Approval Letter - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. Migratory Bird Monitor: - 2 years of migratory bird monitoring experience. - Previous experience in bird abatement and techniques. - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work independently and in a team environment. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. Turbidity Monitor: - Previous turbidity monitoring experience on beach nourishment, and/or dredging projects. - 3 years of experience operating boats with a length of greater than 21'. - Experience trailering boats and launching. - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work independently and in a team environment. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. For more information or to submit your resume email VantageObserving(a)gmail.com Best Regards, Maxx Van Waeyenberghe Vantage Observing, LLC Manager

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Montenegro Dolphin Research is looking for volunteers this spring and summer
by Aylin Akkaya 11 Apr '22

11 Apr '22

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Course on Diseases of Marine Mammals UAB, Barcelona, June 2022
by Mariano Domingo Alvarez 10 Apr '22

10 Apr '22

Dear all, The Autonomous University of Barcelona organizes from June/20 to July/8, 2022, the second edition of the summer school course dedicated to Diseases of Marine Mammals. Participants (with a limit of 30 students) will learn on the main diseases and threats that affect wild cetaceans and pinnipeds (bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, as well as anthropogenic influences and other non-infectious problems). The course will also pay attention to the methodologies of disease detection and investigation. As part of the practical training, a full necropsy of a dolphin (frozen and thawed for the course) will be performed at the necropsy room of the Veterinary Faculty. Information on diseases will be also complemented with a practical session of 3 hr. at the microscope, visualizing slides of specific diseases at the microscopy laboratory. The course will be presential, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and students are expected to spend between two and three hours per day on self-guided learning. A total of 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) will be certified once the course has been satisfactorily completed. The course is directed to veterinary medicine and marine biology graduate students in the last years of training, and to master students willing to get a comprehensive view of marine mammal diseases. Registration is open and still there are a few sites available. For registration and further details visit the UAB web site https://www.uab.cat/web/uab-barcelona-summer-school-1345844075637.html [https://www.uab.cat/web/%22/Imatge/403/619/slide1]<https://www.uab.cat/web/uab-barcelona-summer-school-1345844075637.html> UAB Barcelona Summer School - UAB Barcelona<https://www.uab.cat/web/uab-barcelona-summer-school-1345844075637.html> UAB Barcelona Summer School offers a formative offer of undergraduate subjects in great knowledge areas held from late June to late July. Most of the courses are taught in English, and you can earn between 6 and 12 ECTS www.uab.cat For any questions about the contents of the course, mail to: mariano.domingo(a)uab.cat Mariano Domingo Profesor del Departamento de Sanidad Animal de la UAB Investigador del Subp. Enfermedades Exóticas del CReSA Edifici CReSA, s/n, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona) Catalunya Tel.: +34 93 581 4567 mariano.domingo(a)uab.cat

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