May 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

EXTENSION - Recruitment for Marine Mammal Wildlife Biologist
by Polasek, Lori K (DFG) 11 May '22

11 May '22

This recruitment has been EXTENDED for an additional 2 weeks The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Wildlife Biologist 4 in either Juneau or Anchorage What you will be doing: The department is seeking an individual with an interest in marine mammal research and conservation with vision to lead a skilled team of scientists. The position will design, plan, coordinate, and obtain competitive funds for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Gulf and Bering Marine Mammal Program, under the umbrella of the Statewide Marine Mammal Program and subsequently administer program funds and personnel and oversee reporting and scientific research dissemination. Analyze research results and prepare manuscripts for scientific publication. Full posting link: ADFG_wildlife_biologist_4<https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/3536755/wildlife-biologi…>

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Maui Response Dispatcher Job Opening
by Lauren Van Heukelem 10 May '22

10 May '22

Aloha- The Marine Mammal Center is seeking a Full-time Response Dispatcher on Maui Island for our Hawaiian monk seal conservation program. Position Overview The Response Dispatcher supplies coverage for our Maui island Hawaiian monk seal sighting hotline. They effectively communicate with our volunteer force and the general public to ensure the safety of responders, the general public, and Hawaiian monk seals and to foster engagement in conservation of this endangered species. They are responsible for timely entry and maintenance of sightings data for Hawaiian monk seals. When needed, they assist with projects or other programs within our Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation program. This position requires an individual with patience, enthusiasm, self-motivation, and a desire to work with a dynamic team in an ever changing environment. Key Responsibilities * Coordinate and dispatch response volunteers using our Hawaiian monk seal sighting hotline. * Enter sightings data into national databases. * Respond to public questions and concerns about animals, volunteer opportunities, and general inquiries. * Assist in training of incoming response volunteers and interns. * Assist in building and maintaining community relationships on Maui. * Assists in coordinating assessment and transport of individual Hawaiian monk seals. * Assist with vehicle and equipment maintenance as well as maintenance of response supplies. * Deliver community training and public information programs. * Possible communication with members of the media. * Assist in projects and other programs as assigned by the Hawai’i Response Manager. * Willingness to support and participate in the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, initiatives, and trainings. Qualifications and Experience * Current knowledge of Maui and Hawaiian culture ideal. * Previous experience in hotline management preferred. * Previous experience coordinating volunteers preferred. * Must have a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record. * Practical computer knowledge with programs such as Excel, Outlook, and Word. * Ability to work effectively in a team environment in unpredictable or high stress situations. * Demonstrated ability to work independently. Physical Requirements * Ability to sit/stand/walk to complete office work for extended periods of time . * Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment occasionally. * Ability to walk up to 5 miles during a shift on a regular basis. * Ability to occasionally move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across site and locations . * Ability to drive/operate a vehicle. Work Environment * Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases. * Working in harsh outdoor conditions 70% of the time. * May involve smells associated with animals and the care of animals. * May require travel between islands with little advance notice. For additional information and to apply please use the link below. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/1075936/Marine-Mam… Mahalo, [signature_1987188519] Lauren Van Heukelem (She, Her) Hawaii Response Manager vanheukeleml(a)tmmc.org<mailto:vanheukeleml@tmmc.org> | T: 808-460-7234| MarineMammalCenter.org Hawaiʻi: The Marine Mammal Center, 73-731 Makako Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Maui: The Marine Mammal Center Maui Response, 153 E. Kamehameha Ave. Ste 104 #269 Kahului, HI 96732

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Job Posting for Hawaiian Marine Wildlife Response Support
by Morgane Lauf 10 May '22

10 May '22

Job Posting for Hawaiian Marine Wildlife Response Support Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking Hawaiian marine wildlife response support at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) Protected Resources Division (PRD). OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. Among its many responsibilities, PRD coordinates responses to strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles in the main Hawaiian Islands, in partnership with the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and numerous government agencies and non‐government organizations. The services needed will support stranding responses to live and dead animals in the field and in NOAA facilities on Maui, and to assist with associated data collection, data management, and administrative support. In addition to responding to true stranding events, PRD devotes significant effort to coordinating responses to “haul outs” of Hawaiian monk seals. PRD’s response team also conducts public outreach and community engagement activities to raise public awareness and promote responsible wildlife viewing and ocean use. Required Knowledge and Experience: -High School graduate with four (4) years of college level education including courses in the biological or scientific field. -Experience conducting field work in Hawaii.Experience managing volunteers and/or working with volunteer organizations. -Marine wildlife stranding response and/or marine wildlife handling experience. -Marine conservation‐oriented public outreach experience. -Must have a valid driver’s license. Location: Field sites in and around Maui, Hawaii. Travel is anticipated. Start Date: May 28th, 2022 Schedule: This is a part-time (~12 hours per week) and on-call position. The schedule is not tied to specific operational hours. For more details and to apply go to the following link. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… <https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm…> Morgane Lauf Associate Project Manager Ocean Associates, Inc. morganelauf(a)oceanassoc.com On the web at http://www.OceanAssoc.com

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Fwd: New publication Norwegian soundscapes
by Sofia 10 May '22

10 May '22

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of myself and my coauthors, I would like to share with you our most recent publication on soundscapes at gateways to the Arctic. https://rdcu.be/cNf17 A. S. Aniceto, E. L. Ferguson, G. Pedersen, A. Tarroux & R. Primicerio. 2022. Temporal patterns in the soundscape of a Norwegian gateway to the Arctic. Scientific Reports 12:7655 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11183-y As an Arctic gateway, the Norwegian Sea sustains a rich diversity of seasonal and resident species of soniferous animals, vulnerable to the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. We show the occurrence of seasonal patterns of acoustic signals in a small canyon off Northern Norway, and investigate cetacean vocal behavior, human-made noise, and climatic contributions to underwater sound between January and May 2018. Mostly median sound levels ranged between 68.3 and 96.31 dB re 1 μPa2 across 1/3 octave bands (13 Hz–16 kHz), with peaks in February and March. Frequencies under 2 kHz were dominated by sounds from baleen whales with highest rates of occurrence during winter and early spring. During late-spring non-biological sounds were predominant at higher frequencies that were linked mainly to ship traffic. Seismic pulses were also recorded during spring. We observed a significant effect of wind speed and ship sailing time on received sound levels across multiple distance ranges. Our results provide a new assessment of high-latitude continental soundscapes in the East Atlantic Ocean, useful for management strategies in areas where anthropogenic pressure is increasing. Based on the current status of the local soundscape, we propose considerations for acoustic monitoring to be included in future management plans. Do not hesitate to contact the corresponding author of you have any questions or thoughts about the topic. -- Dr. Ana Sofia Aniceto

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Senior Scientist - Underwater Acoustics at DHI
by Frank Thomsen 10 May '22

10 May '22

Dear colleagues, there is a very attractive job opportunity at DHI for a senior scientist, specialized in underwater acoustics. The position involves both development and delivery of our underwater acoustics capability. It's on a permanent basis. This Sensio position should support should support the increasing variety of projects dealing with Sound and Marine Life, especially but not limited to marine mammals. The full job add can be found via the below link. Please note that deadline for Applications is June, 01, 2022. I am happy to answer any questions regarding the position (frth(a)dhigroup.com<mailto:frth@dhigroup.com>). Senior Scientist - Underwater Acoustics I Egen hjemmeside (emply.com)<https://dhi.career.emply.com/ad/senior-scientist-underwater-acoustics/djwq3…> Best regards, Frank Thomsen Director Market Development, Sound and Marine Life Ecology and Environment

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New publication: ancient polar bear remains of the Pleistocene and Holocene
by sjcrock＠shaw.ca 09 May '22

09 May '22

I am proud to announce the publication in the peer-reviewed journal Open Quaternary, reporting more than 104 records of ancient polar bear remains across the Arctic, entitled: Polar bear fossil and archaeological records from the Pleistocene and Holocene in relation to sea ice extent and open water polynyas. The open access paper can be found here: https://www.openquaternary.com/articles/10.5334/oq.107/ Note the journal also provides a ‘lay summary’ blog post on the paper here: https://openquaternary.wordpress.com/2022/05/07/ancient-polar-bear-remains-… Abstract The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the apex predator of the Arctic but its distribution throughout the Pleistocene and Holocene has not previously been reported. Although natural death specimens of this species (‘fossils’) are rare, archaeological remains are much more common. This historical compilation presents the record of known ancient polar bear remains from fossil and archaeological contexts before AD 1910. Most remains date within the Holocene and derive from human habitation sites within the modern range of the species, with extralimital specimens documented in the north Atlantic during the late Pleistocene and in the southern Bering Sea during the middle Holocene reflecting natural expansions of sea ice during known cold periods. The single largest polar bear assemblage was recovered from an archaeological site on Zhokhov Island, Russia, occupied ca. 8,250–7,800 a BP during the warmer-than-today Holocene Climatic Optimum: 5,915 polar bear bones were recovered, representing 28% of all remains identified. Polar bear fossils and archaeological remains across the Arctic are most often found in proximity to areas where polynyas (recurring areas of thin ice or open water) are known today and which likely occurred in the past, including for the oldest known fossil from Svalbard (ca. 130–115 k a BP) and the oldest known archaeological specimens from Zhokhov Island (ca. 8,000 a BP). This pattern indicates that as they do today, polar bears may have been most commonly found near polynyas throughout their known historical past because of their need for ice-edge habitats at which to hunt seals. Regards, Susan Susan J. Crockford, Ph.D. (University of Victoria) Former adjunct professor (University of Victoria)/Independent Researcher AND Pacific Identifications Inc. (www.pacificid.com)

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New publication: Comparing distribution of harbour porpoise using GAM and HBM-INLA
by Dr. Laura Williamson 09 May '22

09 May '22

We are pleased to announce our new publication in Ecological Modelling titled: Comparing distribution of harbour porpoise using generalized additive models and hierarchical Bayesian models with integrated nested laplace approximation. This open access publication is available here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.110011 Abstract Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are used regularly to develop management strategies, but many modelling methods ignore the spatial nature of data. To address this, we compared fine-scale spatial distribution predictions of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) using empirical aerial-video-survey data collected along the east coast of Scotland in August and September 2010 and 2014. Incorporating environmental covariates that cover habitat preferences and prey proxies, we used a traditional (and commonly implemented) Generalized Additive Model (GAM), and two Hierarchical Bayesian Modelling (HBM) approaches using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) model-fitting methodology. One HBM-INLA modelled gridded space (similar to the GAM), and the other dealt more explicitly in continuous space using a Log-Gaussian Cox Process (LGCP). Overall, predicted distributions in the three models were similar; however, HBMs had twice the level of certainty, showed much finer-scale patterns in porpoise distribution, and identified some areas of high relative density that were not apparent in the GAM. Spatial differences were due to how the two methods accounted for autocorrelation, spatial clustering of animals, and differences between modelling in discrete vs. continuous space; consequently, methods for spatial analyses likely depend on scale at which results, and certainty, are needed. For large-scale analysis (>5-10 km resolution, e.g. initial impact assessment), there was little difference between results; however, insights into fine-scale (<1 km) distribution of porpoise from the HBM model using LGCP, while more computationally costly, offered potential benefits for refining conservation management or mitigation measures within offshore developments or protected areas. Best wishes, Laura Dr. Laura Williamson Senior Analyst Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7528 545 167 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com Check out my latest papers on: Cetaceans & oceanography: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-021-02977-3 Harbour porpoise distribution: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12839 Animal movement around tidal turbines: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsab017

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You can still register for SEAMAMMS!
by Cartolano, Maria C. 08 May '22

08 May '22

Dear MARMAM, Registration is still open for SEAMAMMS, which will be held May 20-22, 2022. You can attend either in person or virtually! There are some awesome presentations planned, so we hope you can join us! Please check out the website for the link to register and a detailed schedule: https://seamamms.wordpress.com Hope to see you there! Maria Maria C. Cartolano, PhD Lecturer Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami mcartolano(a)rsmas.miami.edu

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Bottlenose dolphin case study: New tool to determine sustainable limits to human-caused wildlife mortality
by Oliver Manlik 06 May '22

06 May '22

Dear MARMAM members, I am pleased to announce the open-access publication of our study "A stochastic model for estimating sustainable limits to wildlife mortality in a changing world" in Conservation Biology. In that study we are introducing a new modeling tool to determine sustainable limits to human-caused mortality of wildlife. We called this approach 'SAMSE' for ‘Sustainable Anthropogenic Mortality in Stochastic Environments' and applied this to a case study of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that are impacted by fisheries bycatch in Western Australia. The main feature of this new method is that it allows us to incorporate stochastic, chance events. We found that current levels of bycatch in the region are unsustainable--especially when incorporating environmental and demographic stochasticity. Oliver Manlik, Robert C. Lacy, William B. Sherwin, Hugh Finn, Neil R. Loneragan, Simon J. Allen (2022). A stochastic model for estimating sustainable limits to wildlife mortality in a changing world. Conservation Biology, e13897. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13897 The article is available here, and the abstract is below: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.13897 Abstract: Human-caused mortality of wildlife is a pervasive threat to biodiversity. Assessing the population-level impact of fisheries bycatch and other human-caused mortality of wildlife has typically relied upon deterministic methods. However, population declines are often accelerated by stochastic factors that are not accounted for in such conventional methods. Building on the widely applied potential biological removal (PBR) equation, we devised a new population modeling approach for estimating sustainable limits to human-caused mortality and applied it in a case study of bottlenose dolphins affected by capture in an Australian demersal otter trawl fishery. Our approach, termed sustainable anthropogenic mortality in stochastic environments (SAMSE), incorporates environmental and demographic stochasticity, including the dependency of offspring on their mothers. The SAMSE limit is the maximum number of individuals that can be removed without causing negative stochastic population growth. We calculated a PBR of 16.2 dolphins per year based on the best abundance estimate available. In contrast, the SAMSE model indicated that only 2.3–8.0 dolphins could be removed annually without causing a population decline in a stochastic environment. These results suggest that reported bycatch rates are unsustainable in the long term, unless reproductive rates are consistently higher than average. The difference between the deterministic PBR calculation and the SAMSE limits showed that deterministic approaches may underestimate the true impact of human-caused mortality of wildlife. This highlights the importance of integrating stochasticity when evaluating the impact of bycatch or other human-caused mortality on wildlife, such as hunting, lethal control measures, and wind turbine collisions. Although population viability analysis (PVA) has been used to evaluate the impact of human-caused mortality, SAMSE represents a novel PVA framework that incorporates stochasticity for estimating acceptable levels of human-caused mortality. It offers a broadly applicable, stochastic addition to the demographic toolbox to evaluate the impact of human-caused mortality on wildlife. On behalf of my co-authors, Simon J. Allen, Bob R. Lacy, Bill Sherwin, Hugh Finn and Neil Loneragan. Greetings, Oliver Manlik Dr. Oliver Manlik Adjunct Lecturer Ecology and Evolution Research Centre Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia E-mail: o.manlik(a)unsw.edu.au<mailto:o.manlik@unsw.edu.au> www.bees.unsw.edu.au/oliver-manlik<http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/oliver-manlik> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/oliver-manlik> <http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/oliver-manlik>Assistant Professor, Molecular Ecology Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirate University, UAE E-mail: oliver.manlik(a)uaeu.ac.ae<mailto:oliver.manlik@uaeu.ac.ae> <http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/oliver-manlik> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associate Editor, Ecology and Evolution Researchgate Profile<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oliver_Manlik> <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oliver_Manlik> Google Scholar<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=gJ5oIEMAAAAJ&hl=en> Twitter: @OManlik<https://twitter.com/omanlik?lang=en>

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The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project
by The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project 06 May '22

06 May '22

*Irrawaddy Dolphin Research Internship – Coastal Cambodia * Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets, including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social science research and collecting data to use in the implementation of conservation legislation. In September 2017, MCC introduced The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project, in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep and Kampot provinces. We are currently looking for dolphin research interns to join the team between May – October 2022! Project activities: - a minimum of 3 observational land surveys per week using a Theodolite and Pythagoras software - a minimum of 1 observational boat survey per week - photo-identification techniques using Discovery software - passive acoustic monitoring using a C-POD and CPOD.exe software - social science techniques - data entry, processing and analysis - education and outreach - running a marine mammal stranding network - scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals and government reports - designing marine mammal legislation Basic internship training schedule Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training Session 4: Marine vessel identification training Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training Session 6: Drone footage analysis training Session 8: Theory test Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training You will also become involved in other project related activities, depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay. Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated, motivated and hard-working interns, able to commit for a minimum internship period of one month. Please note, priority will be given to those who can commit to 2 or more months. We are looking for those who will commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. Ideally, we are looking for university students or recent graduates. Project site description: The project is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, a 40-minute boat trip from Kep Town, Cambodia. The island is inhabited only by MCC, a team made up of a mixture of interdisciplinary international and local staff. The accommodation and facilities on the island are basic but well-maintained. You will be in shared and catered accommodation with fellow interns and staff members. All project related resources are provided. Application process and fees: There is an internship fee associated with this internship, covering: - all food, water, accommodation; - transport to and from the mainland to the project island; - dolphin research training; - scuba diving (if advanced level qualified); - and the opportunity to get involved in activities and training at MCC, such as seahorse research or artificial reef management. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume and covering letter, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to Rose cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com -- Rose Ellis Coordinator of The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project *Marine Conservation Cambodia* @thecmmcp https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/

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