August 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey Observer Job Announcement
by Melanie White 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Survey Observer Job Announcement Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), a non-profit research and conservation organization, is seeking temporary seasonal right whale aerial observers from November/December 2022 through April 2023. These positions are in anticipation of research activities to be conducted in the southeastern United States, contingent upon funding. Aerial survey flights will occur up to five days per week. These positions will be required to complete an aviation and marine safety/survival training course. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. Group housing is provided. For more information and to apply: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=40891&c… Please upload your cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information of three professional references during your application submission by August 31, 2022. Melanie White North Atlantic Right Whale Conversation Project Manager Research Biologist Mobile 518-339-1202 mwhite(a)cmaquarium.org www.CMAResearchInstitute.org 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, Florida 33767 U.S.A.

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MMO & PAM Handbook 2nd Edition
by MMO & PAM Handbook 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

Dear MARMAM community, Many of you may have read our Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Observer-Acoustic-Monitoring-Conservation-Handbook…) We are embarking on updates for a second edition, as there have been a lot of changes since 2015. We would appreciate comments and suggestions you have on the first edition so that we can incorporate those into the second. For those who provide constructive comments, we would be happy to include you in acknowledgements of the second edition and give you a 10% discount oh purchase price. If you would like to provide comments, please can you send them to mmoandpamhandbook(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:mmoandpamhandbook@osc.co.uk> by 31 August 2022. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Dr. Victoria Todd Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.osc.co.uk&c=E,1,aru…> MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.marinemammalobserve…> Check out a selection of my latest research papers: 2022: Porpoises around a new offshore platform: Marine Mammal Science in Press 2022: GAMS vs INLA and porpoises: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.110011<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fdoi.org%2f10.1016%2fj.e…> 2022: Offshore installations connectivity: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.16134 2022: Cetaceans, birds, & oceanography: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-021-02977-3<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fdoi.org%2f10.1007%2fs00…> 2021: Ecosystem modelling: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2021.105098<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fdoi.org%2f10.1016%2fj.e…> 2021: Acoustic Deterrent Devices: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112171<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fdoi.org%2f10.1016%2fj.m…> 2021: ROVs: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaa245<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fdoi.org%2f10.1093%2fice…> 2020: Underwater noise: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1121/10.0002958<https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fasa.scitation.org%2fdoi…>

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The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project
by The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '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 March – September 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 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 to Rose, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to 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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JNCC MMO and PAM eLearning Training Courses
by Alison Gill 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

Intelligent Ocean Ltd is pleased to offer two eLearning courses which can be started at any time. JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per person) Passive Acoustic Monitoring and PAMGUARD Software eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per person) The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) MMO registered course is required for you to work as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in UK Continental Shelf waters during offshore projects such as seismic surveys, pile-driving and projects involving the use of explosives. This course was created in response to the coronavirus crisis and has been approved by the JNCC as a valid alternative to the usual classroom taught course. Alternatively, project managers or interested parties may wish to complete this course for awareness of how MMOs work or for Continuous Professional Development (CPD). The Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course is designed to introduce this technique of monitoring for marine mammals to MMOs, researchers, project managers or any other interested parties. It covers basic acoustic theory, the use of a spectrogram to view example marine mammal vocalisation types and other ocean noise, PAM equipment components, assembly and deployment and finally an exercise in configuring the industry standard PAM software - PAMGUARD. This course has received recognition as an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). To complete the eLearning courses you simply log in, read, learn and then pass assessments based on the course content. You set the pace of your learning. You will have access to the course for 12 months with the option to renew each year for a small fee if you would like continuous access to the course material and any updates that may occur. Courses usually take between 1 to 2 full days to complete. Full details of how to purchase these courses are available on our website at the following link where you can also find details of the course content. <https://www.intelligentocean.com/> https://www.intelligentocean.com/ Companies wishing to sign up members of their staff please email <mailto:info@intelligentocean.com> info(a)intelligentocean.com for registration and invoicing. Intelligent Ocean's staff have extensive experience of working offshore as MMOs and PAM operators in addition to marine mammal survey work and nature guiding. We have been offering training courses since 2009 and have trained over 2000 persons working in marine mammal mitigation. Alison Gill Director and Trainer Intelligent Ocean Ltd <http://www.intelligentocean.com/> www.intelligentocean.com Registered in England Company Registration Number: 07590688

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Recent papers on estimating sustainable bycatch limits and animal welfare implications of bycatch mitigation in Conservation Biology and Marine Policy
by Simon Allen 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

G’day Marmamers, The recent paper “A stochastic model for estimating sustainable limits to wildlife mortality in a changing world” (https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.13897) introduced a new method for assessing if we are “taking too many” in, amongst other things, our seemingly insatiable hunger for marine wildlife. This paper has attained the #1 Attention Score of over 3,600 outputs from Conservation Biology tracked by Altmetric (https://wiley.altmetric.com/details/122229482#score) and we hope the method might prove broadly useful to scientists, managers, consultants and decision-makers going forward. Please reach out to the corresponding author if you’d like to discuss it further (Oliver Manlik: o.manlik(a)unsw.edu.au<mailto:o.manlik@unsw.edu.au>). Sticking with the bycatch theme, I am also pleased to bring to your attention (on behalf of a different suite of co-authors) a recent publication in Marine Policy: Dolman S, Breen C, Brakes P, Butterworth A, Allen SJ 2022. The individual welfare concerns for small cetaceans from two bycatch mitigation techniques. Marine Policy 143: 105126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105126 Abstract: The prevalence of small cetacean (including dolphins, porpoises and small odontocete whales) bycatch in fisheries worldwide remains an ongoing conservation and welfare challenge. Various mitigation methods have been implemented in attempts to reduce bycatch. Two such methods involve gear modification: placement of Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) within trawl nets<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/trawl-net>, usually involving a physical barrier and an escape hatch; and, deployment of Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs, ‘pingers’), typically placed on static nets and some trawl nets, to alert cetaceans to their presence and deter them from interacting with the gear. Despite their efficacy in reducing bycatch under certain circumstances, negative welfare impacts remain for individuals interacting with both BRDs and ADDs. Post-mortem analyses of small cetaceans caught in trawl gear, for example, illustrate the potential long-term effects of capture myopathies and cardiac damage sustained during the acute stress of entanglement<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/entanglement>, prior to and during escape through the BRD. Further, animals may become entangled in the bars, ropes or mesh of the BRD or escape hatch itself, and little is known of their post-release survival. ADD efficacy is typically fishery- and cetacean species-specific and, even where deemed a success at reducing bycatch, displacing animals from their optimal foraging habitat could negatively impact individual survival. Some species display equivocal responses to ADDs, while others may habituate to or be attracted to the sounds produced as they learn to associate it with food rewards, as they do in trawl fisheries, thereby reducing ADD efficacy and increasing the likelihood of entanglement. Here, we provide a synthesis of existing studies of these mitigation methods and discuss the associated welfare issues, where poor welfare negatively impacts an individual’s physical or mental state. We conclude that cetacean welfare considerations should become an integral part of decision-making in relation to bycatch globally. Please contact the corresponding authors if you have any queries or would like a PDF of the manuscript (Sarah Dolman sarahdolman(a)eia-international.org<mailto:sarahdolman@eia-international.org> or Charlotte Breen charlotte.breen(a)icloud.com<mailto:charlotte.breen@icloud.com>). All the best, Simon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Simon J Allen Senior Lecturer School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Mob: +44 (0) 77047 53101 [UK] / +61 (0) 416 083 653 [AU] Email: Simon.Allen(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:Simon.Allen@bristol.ac.uk> / Simon.Allen(a)uwa.edu.au<mailto:Simon.Allen@uwa.edu.au> Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org Twitter: @SimonJAllen1 [Chart, scatter chart Description automatically generated] Recent papers: Estimating sustainable limits to human-caused wildlife mortality https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cobi.13897 Cooperation-based concept formation in bottlenose dolphins https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22668-1 Non-vertical transmission of a dolphin foraging innovation https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(20)30756-9 Declines in dolphin survival and reproduction following a heatwave https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0960-9822%2819%2930217-9 “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” (Kenneth Grahame) “I must say here, in passing, that those captains who have scientists… aboard their ships, must take with them a good supply of patience. I admit that although I have no lack of it, the scientists have frequently driven me to the end of my tether...” (Nicolas Baudin)

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Marine Mammal Veterinary Externship at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center; Laguna Beach, CA
by Kaylee Brown 08 Aug '22

08 Aug '22

Dear Colleagues, The Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) is accepting applications for the 2024 veterinary student externship (open to 3rd and 4th year veterinary students). The PMMC rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. As part of our mission of education, the PMMC offers a 4-week externship for veterinary students that provides experience in marine mammal medicine, rehabilitation, husbandry, necropsy and research. Position: Marine Mammal Veterinary Student Externship Location: Laguna Beach, California Duration: 4-weeks Dates: January 1st, 2024 - August 1st, 2024 Due Date: November 1st, 2022, or sooner; applications will be reviewed as received Description: The extern will work under the direct supervision of the veterinarians, as well as assist animal care staff and volunteers with daily care and feeding of the patients. Externs will participate in pinniped (and occasional cetacean) triage, physical examinations, medical treatments, anesthesia, biological sample collection, radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy and surgery depending on the needs of the patients at the time of their externship. In addition, externs will participate in live animal stranding response and necropsy, including pinnipeds, dolphins and whales. Externs will be required to complete a small project. Results will be presented to PMMC staff and volunteers, with the potential of completing a project that can be presented at a conference and/or published in a peer-reviewed journal. This is an unpaid position. Preference will be given to students who will be in their final clinical year of veterinary school at the time of the externship. Travel and transportation will not be provided and is the responsibility of the extern. Housing may be provided depending on the scheduled block of time and availability; more information may be provided during the interview process. Requirements and Preferences: * Preference will be given to students in their final clinical year of veterinary school at the time of the externship * Must be able to lift 50 pounds, be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and maintain a safe work environment * Unpaid position: Travel, transportation, and potentially housing will be the student's responsibility * Hours and availability: 40 hours per week; must be available for after-hours emergencies, weekends and holidays * Preference will be given to those with marine mammal and/or research experience * Excellent communication skills * Ability to accurately and effectively complete medical records To apply, please include the below materials with PDF saved with the applicant’s last name: 1. Cover letter, including 3 preferred blocks consisting of 4-weeks (if the student schedule is completely open for several months, please indicate that as well) 2 Curriculum vitae and three professional references 3. One letter of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or clinical performance (these can be submitted to Hospital(a)pacificmmc.org directly from the writer) All materials should be submitted no later than NOVEMBER 1st, 2022 to: To: Hospital(a)pacificmmc.org Subject: 2024 Veterinary Student Externship Program Attn: Dr. Kaylee Brown Veterinary Externships — Pacific Marine Mammal Center (pacificmmc.org)<https://www.pacificmmc.org/veterinary-externships> [http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bb6555ef8135a760bccc650/t/61df1ea51b…]<https://www.pacificmmc.org/veterinary-externships> Veterinary Externships — Pacific Marine Mammal Center<https://www.pacificmmc.org/veterinary-externships> Position: Marine Mammal Veterinary Internship Location: Laguna Beach, California Duration: 1 year Dates: June 27, 2022 to June 30, 2023 (start date flexible base on availability) Salary and benefits: $45,000/year; full health benefits; intern is responsible for travel and housing Application Due Date: January 17th, 2022 or sooner; applications will be reviewed as received www.pacificmmc.org Sincerely, Kaylee Brown, DVM and Alissa C. Deming, DVM, MS, PhD

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Last-minute opportunity for paid marine mammal observer position in Olympia, WA, USA
by laura＠oceansinitiative.org 08 Aug '22

08 Aug '22

Flexibility is key to marine mammal science! We are reposting this ad because our project has moved to Olympia WA. We are seeking an additional field technician to help us monitor seal behavior 15 August to early October. This is an ideal opportunity for a local, early career person looking for paid field experience in marine mammal research. This is a temporary, seasonal, contract position. Technicians can expect to work 4 or 5 days a week for 6-7 hour shifts. The successful applicant must be flexible to the project scheduling needs and available to work on weekends. Project Objective: Oceans Initiative <https://oceansinitiative.org/> (OI) is a non-profit research organization based out of Seattle that focuses on the conservation of marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. OI is entering our third year of research <https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/researchers-test-unde…> into the effectiveness of the GenusWave Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology (TAST) developed by our colleagues at University of St Andrews as a non-lethal deterrent for pinnipeds preying on endangered salmon at human-built bottlenecks, such as dams and fish ladders. The goal of the TAST is to reduce pinniped predation pressure on endangered salmon populations. Observer duties: Conduct platform-based observations of harbor seals/sea lions Record data using Google forms Photograph seals opportunistically for individual ID Perform outreach to general public about the TAST project and Oceans Initiative’s mission Communicate with the project lead at the beginning/end of every shift Keep detailed record of surveys and other information in field notes Backup and upload data promptly at the office. Keep track of and maintain gear including DSLR camera, GoPro, SD cards, binoculars, range-finder. Preferences: Prior experience conducting field work, specifically experience with harbor seal or marine mammal behavioral observations Prior experience with photo ID/photography welcome Requirements: Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with members of the public and representing Oceans Initiative Willing to work weekends/holidays, outside rain or shine. Project takes place at Tumwater Falls fish ladder. The successful applicant should be local to Olympia area, and able to transport themselves to and from the study location daily. Housing and transport will not be provided To apply: Please send your CV, cover letter, and list of two references to: Laura Bogaard, field(a)oceansinitiative.org <mailto:field@oceansinitiative.org> Applications due by: ASAP, with a decision made by 15 August. Positions available: 1 (to join an existing team) Wage: $20/hr

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Fwd: ESA/MMPA Support Services Contract Position with National Marine Fisheries Service
by BRUCE Morehead 08 Aug '22

08 Aug '22

> > > > ESA/MMPA Support Services > > Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) Permits and Conservation Division in Silver Spring, MD. OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. > > If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. > > > > DUTIES: > > * Process and/or support the processing of Incidental Take Authorization requests pursuant to Section 101(a)(5) (A&D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in conformance with the statute, regulations, and NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting impact analyses; responding to public comments; and drafting all necessary supporting documents. > > * Evaluate, conduct, and draft (or assist with those actions) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses. > > * Critically analyze and/or support the critical analysis of scientific literature, agency documents, and other applicable information to assess impacts of human activities (including underwater noise) on marine mammals and develop and/or evaluate mitigation and monitoring to support agency findings under the MMPA, and ensure compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), NEPA, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and other applicable statutes. > > * Communicate and/or assist with communicating program policies, requirements, and issues to the public and other Federal Agencies, as well as to other NOAA programs and leadership. > > * Support program planning, monitoring, technical analyses, improvement, and policy development across Division, and assist with other Division actions as needed. > > * As needed, process and/or support the processing of Directed Take Permit requests for protected species pursuant to Sections 104 of the MMPA and 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public a > > > > > > Start Date: September 26 2022 > > > > Location: Work may be performed offsite > > > > Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience > > > > REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE > > * Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant experience. > > * Subject matter expertise and knowledge of the ESA and MMPA for operational or research programs and activities in the coastal and marine environment is required. > > * Ability to work independently, reliable, self-starter, self-motivated and strong attention to detail > > * Ability to isolate and define critical conditions and problems within a program or part of a project in order to determine the environmental impact of various activities. > > * Skill in oral and written communication in order to develop and present scientific assessments and analyses. > > * Knowledge of NMFS regulatory, research and management activities > > * Knowledge of NOAA operational and research activities > > * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. > > * Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting. > > * Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action. > > > > > > If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL: > > > > > https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… > > > > > > Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application. > > > > Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following: > > > > * Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed. > > * Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education. > > * Education. > > * Previous experience or training with similar requirements. > > * Three professional references. > > * Include your name in the document file name. > > * Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred). > > In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. Ocean Associates Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. > > > > OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their race, gender, national origin, disability status and veteran status. OAI is required to use the information it collects as part of its future affirmative action efforts in hiring. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check certain boxes in OAI's online application. Even though the information is anonymous, self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify. > > > > Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the o > > > > > > >

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New publication
by Todd Speakman 08 Aug '22

08 Aug '22

Hello colleagues, My coauthors and I are pleased to share our new publication, "Fine-scale social and genetic structure of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatu*s) in the Barataria Basin, Louisiana, USA" published in *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*. Speakman, T.R., Wilcox, L.A., Balmer, B.C., Barry, K.P., Paterson, C., Quigley, B.M., Schwacke, L.H., Sinclair, C., Takeshita, R., Vollmer, N.L., Zolman, E.S, and Rosel, P.E. 2022. Fine‐scale social and genetic structure of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Barataria Basin, Louisiana, USA. *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3866 ABSTRACT: 1. The Barataria Bay Estuarine System (BBES) Stock of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the northern Gulf of Mexico has been a focus of extensive research as a result of the Barataria Basin, Louisiana being one of the most heavily oiled estuaries following the *Deepwater Horizon* oil spill. The goal of this study was to build upon previous research to better understand social and genetic structure of BBES dolphins. 2. Photo-identification data from 2010-2019 were analysed with SOCPROG to identify dolphin social clusters. Genetic analyses were conducted on samples obtained during remote biopsy surveys and health assessments (2010-2018) to assess if identified social clusters were congruent with genetic clustering results, and to evaluate relatedness and gene flow within and between social and genetic clusters. Spatial analyses of the cumulative photo-identification sighting histories from each cluster were also used to determine their geographic range and degree of overlap within the Barataria Basin. 3. Social analyses identified four distinct clusters with some degree of geographic overlap and similar utilization distributions as the three identified genetic clusters. Dolphins in the Barataria Basin were confirmed to be genetically differentiated from those in adjacent coastal waters. 4. In general, genetic analyses differentiate distinct dolphin communities established through long-term (generational) preferential breeding behaviour. In contrast, social associations can be more fluid over the short-term, may change in response to habitat or predator/prey changes, and strong associations can be formed between a mix of related and unrelated individuals. The combination of genetic and social methodologies is valuable for developing a better understanding of complex dolphin social interactions and provides unique insights into dolphin behaviour that can be important for developing effective management strategies. Please contact me at todd.speakman(a)nmmf.org for a pdf copy of the paper. Best regards, Todd -- Todd Speakman Biologist, Conservation Medicine National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway, Ste B Charleston, SC 29455 Ph/ 843.822.3287

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Project Grypus - grey seal behaviour
by Ben Burville 08 Aug '22

08 Aug '22

"Project Grypus" is the world's largest collection of grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) underwater video recordings. Filmed mainly off the North East coast of England, Project Grypus has already recorded behaviour never previously seen and has led to some innovative collaborations (e.g. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/archive/2020/02/sealclapping/) This Autumn, underwater cameraman and Visiting Researcher at the University of Newcastle, Dr Ben Burville, will be utilising new camera techniques and equipment, along with recently discovered sites to expand Project Grypus further. Seal researchers and animal behaviourists at academic institutions are welcome to contact Dr Ben Burville directly if they would like to explore possibilities for collaborative working. Ben Burville bburville(a)hotmail.com +44 (0) 7932577608

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