May 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Orca and Pilot Whale Research Internship (summer 2022) - Lofoten, Norway
by Info＠oceansounds.no 19 May '22

19 May '22

Orca and Pilot Whale Research Internship (summer 2022) - Lofoten, Norway Ocean Sounds Norway (OSN) is a non-profit organization conducting marine mammal research and conservation in northern Norway including Lofoten. We are studying the vocal and social behavior of whales and monitoring human impacts such as noise pollution and seismic activity. Our focus is to better understand the complex communication of our target species; orcas and long finned-pilot whale vocal repertoires. Dates and Location: We are currently looking for two interns to come join our team this summer conducting boat fieldwork and data analysis during 15 June to 15 August 2022. There may be opportunities to stay for one or two months. The field work will be conducted in the beautiful islands of Lofoten near Reine in northern Norway. Lofoten is easily accessible by public ferry from Bodø. Responsibilities: The internship will consist of an average of five days pr week (weather dependent) boat research trips on our research rib. We will be collecting hydrophone recorded data, photo-ID photographs, behavioral notes and GPS waypoints. Interns will also be working on Photo-ID analysis and assisting in current OSN projects. We are looking for dedicated and trainable interns eager to work during potential long and cold days at sea when they occur. Qualifications: Must be 18 years of age or older Current students or recent graduate in marine biology, biology, conservation or other are encouraged to apply. Previous experience on boats, photography, data collection, and Photo-ID are desirable but not required. Boat license and rib experience (preferred but not required) Be able to communicate well in English Housing and Travel: Housing costs are €400 per month, we will be staying in a lovely rented house that has been arranged for our small research team to live and work together in. Food is not included but we do like to cook together. Common household chores like cleaning and cooking will be shared by us all. Travel expenses to and from the fieldwork site will not be provided. It’s recommended to fly into Bodø and take the public ferry to Moskenes. This is an unpaid internship. Applying: To apply please email your CV, cover letter, and your availability to info(a)oceansounds.no <mailto:info@oceansounds.no> by May 28th, 2022. For more information about OSN please visit our websites: www.oceansounds.no <http://www.oceansounds.no/> and www.ocean-sounds.org <http://www.ocean-sounds.org/>

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Postdoc, PhD and MSc opportunities working with Arctic marine mammals
by Jean-Pierre Desforges 19 May '22

19 May '22

Dear MARMAM colleagues, I am excited to announce several positions available in my lab at the University of Winnipeg (Canada) working with Arctic marine mammals. Candidates will have the benefit of working closely with collaborators at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), including Steve Ferguson and Dave Yurkowski, to develop research projects tackling important questions related to ecological and toxicological processes in key species in the Canadian Arctic. We are currently accepting separate applications for a postdoc research associate and MSc and PhD positions. See below for details: 1)* Postdoctoral research associate*: We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead a DFO funded project to develop dynamic bioenergetic models for key Arctic marine mammal species in Canada. The project goal is to use the energy budget models to evaluate population dynamics over time in response to multiple stressors typical of Arctic environments. Applicants should have strong skills in mathematical modelling and/or dynamic energy budget modelling, and should be familiar with mammalian biology and ecology. Project is roughly 2 years, with chance of extension pending additional funding. Position can start ASAP so apply now! More details and application info can be found here: https://www.northstarats.com/University-of-Winnipeg/Postdoctoral-Fellow-in-… *2) MSc and PhD positions*: Through the Research Affiliate Program at DFO, we are seeking MSc and PhD applicants for projects on Arctic marine mammal chronological ecology. The projects will assess ecological processes in Arctic seals, whales, and walrus through quantitative chronological analysis of inert tissue. Ecological processes could include diet, ontogeny, reproduction, movements, and contaminant accumulation. Analyses will include biogeochemical tracers (i.e. microchemistry) and physical layer structure in inert tissues such as tusks, teeth, claws, hair, or whiskers. More details on the positions, information on eligibility, and applications processes found here: https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/psrs-srfp/applicant/page1800?poster=… . Feel free to contact Dr. Jean-Pierre Desforges for more information: Dr. Jean-Pierre Desforges Assistant Professor – Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Stress University of Winnipeg, Department of Environmental Studies and Science 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg MB, Canada Phone: 204-786-9290 E-mail: j.desforges(a)uwinnipeg.ca t: @DesforgesJP https://desforgeslab.weebly.com/

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Cetacean Sessions #11 - The evolutionary history of killer whale ecotypes
by Jared Towers 19 May '22

19 May '22

Join us on Sunday, May 22nd at 12:00 pm (noon) PT for Cetacean Session #11. In this session Andy Foote will provide an overview of the evolutionary history of killer whale ecotypes and touch upon some of his latest work including the article - Runs of homozygosity in killer whale genomes provide a global record of demographic histories - recently published in Molecular Ecology. Presentation and discussion will be followed by live Q&A with the audience. Please visit our Crowdcast channel to register, and for more information on upcoming and past sessions. https://www.crowdcast.io/cetaceansessions Sincerely, Jared Towers Director, Bay Cetology https://baycetology.org

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New publication - Dorsal fin mark changes for assigning sexes to individual bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus
by Bridget James 19 May '22

19 May '22

Dear Marmam On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our recent publication entitled "Dorsal fin mark changes for assigning sexes to individual bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus" published in the journal Marine Mammal Science. Authors: Bridget S. James, Tess Gridley, Barry McGovern, Jack L. Fearey, Simon H. Elwen Abstract: Sexing cetaceans typically requires extended periods of observation or expensive molecular methods. An alternative approach using photo-identification may provide a cost-effective, noninvasive method for assigning a sex to free-ranging individuals. We investigated two methods for predicting the sex of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) from Namibia, using the rate of change in dorsal fin (1) trailing edge marks or (2) surface features (scarring and lesions) and binary logistic regression models. Our results suggest animals with frequent and extensive changes to dorsal edge marks, or a high number/proportion of the dorsal fin covered in surface features are likely male, while those with little to no changes in dorsal edge marks or low numbers/proportion of surface features are likely female. Both sex prediction models performed reasonably well (accuracy: edge marks: 100%, surface features: 83%), with a high degree of consensus between models in sex predictions (78.6%). Our models are straightforward to implement and robust for the study population, providing useful insights into individuals' sex and population demographics. This reliable, inexpensive, and minimally invasive framework for assigning sex could be widely applicable, if population-specific information of known sex individuals is included, due to the variable social systems and behaviors exhibited by *Tursiops* spp. Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12923 Please do not hesitate to contact me (bsjames2685(a)gmail.com) for a PDF copy or if you have any questions. Kind regards, Bridget James

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HDR | Technical Project Manager | Virginia Beach, VA location
by Howell, Eric 19 May '22

19 May '22

HDR is currently in need of a Technical Project Manager for our Virginia Beach, VA location. The ideal candidate will have project management expertise, an extensive knowledge of Marine Science emphasizing the effects of underwater sound to marine mammals, as well as experience monitoring marine mammal abundance, distribution, and/or behavioral responses to stimuli. This position will assist in a wide range of project management, boat and aircraft-based fieldwork, and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the Norfolk, VA area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas but also including occasional projects in the Pacific Ocean region. Primary Responsibilities In the role of Technical Project Manager, we'll count on you to: * Provide project management east-coast based aircraft surveys including Navy client project-management, fieldwork, and reporting needs warrants the justification of this new hire to our team. * Involved in Atlantic-based small boat tagging efforts, data processing, and annual reporting efforts. * Manage multiple projects from conception, planning, budgeting, and completion. * Anticipated concentration of work assignments would be concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas. * This position will assist in a wide range of project management and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the Norfolk, VA area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas but also including the Pacific Ocean region. This position may require effort monitoring from small twin-engine aircraft as well as from small and large vessels. * Perform other duties as needed Required Qualifications * Masters or Ph.D. Degree in Marine Biology or a related field * Must have a minimum of 3+ years of experience managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal biology or behavior in a consulting or university-related research capacity; ideally this would include a background of direct interface with customers, and regulatory experience in a combination of Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance. * Have Project Manager consulting expertise along with an extensive marine science background with specific interests focused on one or more of the following: marine mammal behavior, abundance, distribution, behavioral responses to stimuli, and/or understanding the effects of underwater sound on marine mammals. * Be detail oriented to perform work accurately in a team-oriented environment and have the demonstrated ability to direct the work of others including subcontractors. * Demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and a demonstrated history of team-oriented performance. * Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills such as writing procedures, guides, and/or studies * Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research skills * Ability to work independently and as part of a team * An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must * Ability to travel up to 25%. Applicants can anticipate limited travel throughout the U.S. * Qualified candidates must have the ability to obtain a security clearance at the secret level. Preferred Qualifications * Knowledge of U.S. Navy training, oil and gas development, construction noise monitoring, or offshore renewable energy activities a plus. * Unmanned aerial systems experience with FAA certification a plus but not required to apply * MATLAB and/or R Studio programming experience a plus but not required to apply Direct Link To Job Description: Technical Project Manager (ID: 167139) https://hdr.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=167139&lang=en&sns… For more information about working for HDR, please see: https://www.hdrinc.com/careers/working-hdr<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hdrin…> Direct Link To Job Description on MARMAM's website: Technical Project Manager - Society for Marine Mammalogy (marinemammalscience.org)<https://marinemammalscience.org/jobs/technical-project-manager/> Eric Howell Senior Recruiter HDR Mahwah, NJ D 201-335-9457 M 201-749-0630 eric.howell(a)hdrinc.com hdrinc.com/follow-us<http://hdrinc.com/follow-us>

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New publication: Resource partitioning in sympatric otariids in Peru
by Susana Cardenas 18 May '22

18 May '22

Dear MARMAM Colleagues My co-authors and I would like to share our recent publication: Cárdenas‐Alayza, S., Torres, D. A., Gutiérrez, D., & Tremblay, Y. (2022). Resource partitioning as a mechanism for trophic segregation in sympatric otariids from the productive upwelling Peruvian Humboldt Current System. Austral Ecology: 47(4):775-790. doi.org/10.1111/aec.13158 Abstract Resource partitioning can contribute to species coexistence by reducing interspecific competition. To understand whether resource partitioning contributes towards sympatric populations of two otariids in Peru’s dynamic Humboldt Current System (HCS), we compared seasonal diet composition of South American fur seals (SAFS, Arctocephalus australis) and South American sea lions (SASL, Otaria byronia) over 15 seasons between 2015 and 2018 to determine whether there is a detectable mechanism for resource partitioning at population level. Diet composition was estimated from identification of hard remains of prey items obtained from 3325 scats collected from rookeries at Punta San Juan, Peru. SAFS diet is primarily composed of Peruvian anchovy (42.8%) and cephalopods (34.7%); with smaller components of myctophids (7.4%), red squat lobsters (5%), and 11 other fish species. SASL diet is mainly composed of red squat lobster (69.9%) and Peruvian anchovy (19.1%); with smaller amounts of cephalopods (4.7%), silversides (4.6%), and five other fish species. In this study, both predators were classified as specialists and interspecific trophic segregation was found in 13 of the 15 seasons sampled. Trophic overlap was detected in the austral summer and fall of 2015 during an extraordinary El Niño event, in which both otariids consumed similar proportions of Peruvian anchovy (55% SAFS, 48.6% SASL), cephalopods (21.7% SAFS, 13.6% SASL) and red squat lobsters (9% SAFS, 2% SASL). In conclusion, the analysis demonstrates resource partitioning based on the abundance of primary prey items consumed by two otariid species and helps explain trophic segregation in otariids of HCS. Furthermore, results show that climatic changes can trigger abrupt reduction in prey items and exacerbate interspecific competition. *** Do not hesitate to email me if you are interested in the PDF. Best, -- Susana Cárdenas Alayza, MSc., PhD. Directora Programa Punta San Juan Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia http://www.puntasanjuan.org/ ¡Síguenos en Facebook! <https://www.facebook.com/ProgramaPSJ/> https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Susana-Cardenas

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New Publication - Phylogeography of the Endangered Franciscana Dolphin: Timing and Geological Setting of the Evolution of Populations
by Luana Nara 18 May '22

18 May '22

Dear marmam, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication entitled "Phylogeography of the Endangered Franciscana Dolphin: Timing and Geological Setting of the Evolution of Populations" published in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution. Authors: Luana Nara, Marta J. Cremer, Ana P. C. Farro, Adriana Castaldo Colosio, Lupércio A. Barbosa, Carolina P. Bertozzi, Eduardo R. Secchi, Bruna Pagliani, Paula Costa-Urrutia, Maria C. Gariboldi, Cristiano Lazoski & Haydée A. Cunha Abstract Pontoporia blainvillei (Gervais & d’Orbigny, 1844), the franciscana dolphin, is the most endangered small cetacean in the Western South Atlantic. It is an endemic species with a coastal and estuarine distribution that has been divided into four Franciscana Management Areas (FMAs). We used the mitochondrial DNA control region to conduct a phylogeographic analysis to evaluate the population structure of the franciscana and the influence of paleoceanographic events on its biogeographic history. We found nine populations along the entire distribution (ΦST = 0.41, ΦCT = 0.38, p < 10–5), with estimated migration rates resulting in less than one female per generation. Populations from FMAIII and FMAIV in the south (including the Río de La Plata Estuary) showed higher long-term migration rates and effective population sizes than northern populations. The phylogeographic analysis supports the franciscana origin in the Río de La Plata Estuary, with further dispersal south and northwards. The first lineage split happened around 2.5 Ma, with lineage radiation throughout the Pleistocene until recent fragmentation events shaped current-day populations. We suggest that Pleistocene glaciations influenced the dispersion and population structure of the franciscana. Specifically, that the shift of the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence drove the dispersion northwards. Then, low sea-level periods caused either the isolation in estuarine refugia or local extinctions, followed by re-colonizations. Links: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10914-022-09607-7 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10914-022-09607-7 Please feel free to contact me (luana.nara(a)gmail.com) or Haydée A. Cunha ( haydeecunha(a)yahoo.com.br) for a PDF copy or any questions. Kind regards, Luana Nara (she/her) *Doutora em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro "UFRJ"* *Mestre em Biodiversidade Tropical - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo "CEUNES/UFES" Bacharel em Ciências Biológicas com Habilitação em Biologia Marinha - Universidade Estadual Paulista "UNESP"*

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Environmental DNA Workshop at SMM2022
by Hunter, Margaret E 18 May '22

18 May '22

Dear all, We would like to announce the 2nd Marine Mammal Environmental DNA Workshop held in conjunction with the Society for Marine Mammalogy 24th Biennial Conference. The full day workshop will be held on Saturday, July 30th 2022. You must register at the SMM Conference workshop website<https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/> for in-person attendance. We ask that both virtual and in-person participants complete our pre-workshop survey<https://forms.gle/YucG7nujjVuZMcT99> to: -Register for virtual participation (even if you had emailed previously). Virtual capabilities are not coordinated by the conference, but we are working to include them. -Propose a presentation title for a talk, or potentially a digital poster -Suggest an eDNA presentation topic or to explore in detail in small groups -Identify eDNA experts to help facilitate small-group discussions -Gather information to better coordinate with in-person attendees For additional questions, please contact: Maggie Hunter, mhunter(a)usgs.gov and Lily Maxwell, lmaxwell(a)contractor.usgs.gov. Pre-workshop survey: https://forms.gle/YucG7nujjVuZMcT99 SMM2022 workshop registration: https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smmco…> Looking forward to seeing you in Palm Beach! Best, Maggie Hunter and Kristina Cammen ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Margaret E. Hunter, PhD • Research Geneticist • U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland & Aquatic Research Center 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, Florida 32653 GEO BON - Genetic Composition Working Group<https://geobon.org/ebvs/working-groups/genetic-composition/> • IUCN, Species Survival Commission - Conservation Genetics Specialist Group • <https://www.iucn.org/commissions/ssc-groups/disciplinary-groups/conservatio…> Journal Editor: Environmental DNA<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/26374943> • Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment<https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15409309>

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Case of a leucistic striped dolphin
by Enorha Guimard 18 May '22

18 May '22

Dear Marmam community, the NGO, Objectif Sciences International, which contributes to science research through citizens participative science, and their whale watching partner, Explore Océan, would like to share with you our recent discovery about the first record of leucistic striped dolphin in the southern Bay of Biscay, France. Please feel free to contact us with any questions/comments. Kind regards Enorha GUIMARD Freelance Wildlife scientist MMO/PAM operator Scientific educator at OSI-CETIS https://www.osi-ngo.org/ Website: https://enorha-guimard.com/Phone: +33 (0)6 51 84 03 57 Skype: enorha.guimard1

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Possitions at DMAD available
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 18 May '22

18 May '22

THE PROJECT The Montenegro Dolphin Research is a scientific project run by Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD). Our study is the only long term research study of marine mammals in Montenegrin and Albanian coastal waters. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behavior, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to seismic practices. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community, particularly youth and women. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose love for dolphins is strong and sincere. Opportunities are available starting from February 2019 onwards. The minimum duration of the placements is 2 MONTHS, with possible exceptions for skilled candidates. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once a week, weather allowing -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavior data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloging and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. -Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides intensive lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring every week. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammals research such as: -ArcGIS mapping -Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; -Photo-identification; -Discovery and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; -Visual and acoustic behaviour of marine mammals -Scientific manuscript and technical report writing skills PROJECT PARTICIPATION FEE The positions require a contribution fee of 700 Euros/ month which fully goes to support the project and the participation fee includes: -Accommodation and expenses -Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania -Training and lectures -Scientific support -Field work -Use of the equipment Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com (Aylin Akkaya) and info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are the perfect asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better follow our websites: DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association www.dmad.org.tr https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/ https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, *Thalia de Haas* *Volunteer Coordinator of Montenegro Dolphin Research* *Researcher of DMAD-Marine Mammals Research Association * *WhatsApp +31645402061* *Skype: thalia.dehaas* *Thalia.deHaas(a)dmad.org.tr <thalia.dehaas(a)dmad.org.tr>* *https://www.instagram.com/marinevagabond <https://www.instagram.com/marinevagabond>* *General* *info@d <info(a)dmad.org.tr>m <info(a)dmad.org.tr>ad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/ <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature>* *https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>*

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