January 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project Internship
by The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

*Endangered Marine Mammal 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 *(CMMCP)*, in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration. The CMMCP is a research-led community conservation project, working for both people and the planet.The project's primary research aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, Indo-pacific humpback dolphin and dugongs in Cambodia's Kep and Kampot provinces. We are currently looking for marine mammal research interns to join the team for 2023! 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, but this is not essential. 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 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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New publication on prey in humpback whale feces, British Columbia
by Rhonda Reidy 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our recently published, open access paper in Ecology and Evolution: Reidy, R. D., Lemay, M. A., Innes, K. G., Clemente-Carvalho, R. B. G., Janusson, C., Dower, J. F., Cowen, L. L. E., & Juanes, F. (2022). Fine-scale diversity of prey detected in humpback whale feces. Ecology and Evolution, 12, e9680. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9680 Abstract: Predator diets are largely influenced by prey availability and abundance. Yet, in heterogenous marine environments, identifying the prey species consumed by diving mammals remains a fundamental challenge. For rorqual whales, the energetic constraints of prey engulfment require that the whales seek areas of high prey abundance and execute discrete lunge feeding events on patches of high-density prey. Prey occurrences in feces should therefore provide meaningful insight into the dominant taxa in food patches selected by the animal. We investigated the prey consumed by humpback whales in three regions in southern British Columbia (BC), Canada, using opportunistic fecal sampling, microscopy, and DNA metabarcoding of 14 fecal samples. Fish including Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), hake (Merluccius productus), and eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) were the most common fish species potentially targeted by humpback whales in two regions. The krill Euphausia pacifica was the most prevalent invertebrate DNA detected in all three regions, while sergestid and mysid shrimp may also be important. High DNA read abundances from walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) were also recovered in one sample each, suggesting that juveniles of these semi-pelagic species may occasionally be targeted. In general, we observed heavily digested fecal material that drove substantial dissimilarities in taxonomic resolution between polymerase chain reaction-based and morphological analyses of the feces. Pacific herring and walleye pollock were the only prey species confirmed by both methods. Our results highlight that molecular and visual analyses of fecal samples provide a complementary approach to diet analysis, with each method providing unique insight into prey diversity. Thank you, Rhonda Rhonda Reidy, Ph.D. Fisheries Ecology and Marine Conservation Lab Department of Biology, University of Victoria British Columbia, Canada rreidy(a)gmail.com

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Last Chance to Register: Spring UF Aquatic Animal Health Courses
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

Hi All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine would like to send notice that the last week of registration for our spring online courses will close Jan 13th. Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is offered as an online Undergraduate course (VME-4013 ), a Graduate level course (VME-6011) and for Continuing Education credit (CE). These classes are designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu>). Marine Mammal Biology (VME-6014) is an online Graduate or Continuing Education (CE) course that will provide graduate students with a detailed overview of marine mammal species including cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds, mustelids, and ursids. Each module will broadly explore a particular ecological, biological, or physiological theme related to the study of marine mammals, including taxonomy and biodiversity, diving physiology, thermoregulation, foraging ecology, and reproduction as well as the many conservation and management issues faced by different marine mammal species. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iske Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu>). Sincerely, Dr Larkin [AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program Paid Summer Fellowship
by Sydney P. Lundquist 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

Hello, The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting applications for Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellowships. The application deadline is February 15th, 2023. * Fellows are expected to work 400 hours over approximately three months, starting in either May or June. * Fellowships will be fulfilled in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines and positions are subject to change based on the most current recommendations. * Housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. * Fellows are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. * This competitive position includes $15/hour compensation to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period. Position Overview Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) Fellows promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. Fellows will be trained in all aspects of stranding response. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by fellowship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Duties * Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field. * Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection & entry, photographing, report writing, carcass recovery, and cleaning. * Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies and equipment. * Assist staff with new patients, including: daily treatments, restraining animals for exams, collecting vital rates (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, taking photographs, administering medications, and performing wound care. * Assist with research projects and field activities involving sea turtles and marine mammals. * Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning/restocking gear and supplies. * Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator training. * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork. * Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff. Required Qualifications * Must be at least 18 years old. * Must be a rising junior, recent graduate, or currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in a science-based (or veterinary) program. * Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team. * Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50 lbs and walk long distances (>3 mi/5 km) on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and/or wind. * Be able to swim and be comfortable in and around open water and boats. * Be willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required). Preferred Qualifications * Demonstrate interest in a career in marine or veterinary science. * Have some experience in stranding response, field research, and/or wild/exotic animal care. * Have basic math and computer skills using MS spreadsheets, relational databases, and data entry (advanced programs such as SQL, GIS, R, etc. preferred). * Be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals. * Be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans. Position Requirements * Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving upon starting. * Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. * Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check. * Be available to perform support activities (24-7) as needed during the period of appointment. Fellowship Learning Objectives Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills: * Perform basic post-mortem examinations on sea turtles and marine mammals. * Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including collecting vital rates, treating wounds, administering medications, and processing blood samples. * Be able to complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Marine Mammal Stranding Level A forms. * Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access. * Complete an individual project with a final deliverable (paper/report and/or oral presentation). Fellow Schedule Fellow is expected to be available 4-5 days per week, either 8:00am - 4:30pm or 7:00am - 5:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Maximum Commitment Required 400 hours (800 hours if fellow is available for a longer time frame) Fellow Supervisor/Mentor VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor Work Location Virginia Aquarium’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center Application Requirements A complete Stranding Response Fellowship application must include the following components: * Cover letter. There is some flexibility with Fellowship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter. * Fellowship expectations letter. This should include what you expect to do and get from your experience at VAQS. * Resume * College transcript(s) * Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. Letters can be sent separately to vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com> If applying via email, please send application to interns(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:interns@virginiaaquarium.com> and send a copy of the application to vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com>. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If applying via mail, please send application to: Volunteer Services Office – Batten Fellows Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Boulevard Virginia Beach, VA 23451 For more information please visit https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/support/work-with-us Thank you, Sydney Lundquist, MPhil Stranding & Research Scientist: Field Response & Volunteer Manager Phone: (757) 385-6484 SLundqui(a)VirginiaAquarium.com<mailto:Email@VirginiaAquarium.com> Stranding Response Hotline: (757) 385-7575 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center<http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/> 717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 [cid:48f8dc7c-8aa6-4b5d-9e86-5cfce9f83db7]

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Texas A&M Galveston Seeks an Assistant Professor in Marine Mammal Biology
by Childress, Gretchen 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

Assistant Professor in Marine Mammal Biology The Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston invites applications for a full time, tenure-track position with a 9-month academic appointment beginning August 1, 2023. Applicants will be considered for the faculty title of Assistant Professor in marine mammal biology, with an emphasis on their ecology, physiology, behavior, and/or evolution. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission<https://www.tamu.edu/statements/mission.html> and living our core values<https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html>. We are particularly interested in recruiting someone who has developed innovative research and will develop multidisciplinary partnerships across the University, including projects within the Blue Economy framework (https://www.tamug.edu/AcademicAffairs/StrategicPlan.html) (as stated in TAMUGs 2020-2025 Strategic Plan). Individuals with strong quantitative skills and experience in acoustics and telemetry are encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities will include an existing undergraduate course on the biology of marine mammals and contributing to advanced classes offered at the graduate level. The successful applicant will establish and sustain a vigorous externally funded research program and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Department of Marine Biology occupies space in the Ocean and Coastal Studies Building, a LEED-certified facility home to over 20 research laboratories, two teaching laboratories, and a Sea Life Center with running seawater systems. More information on the Department and the campus can be found at http://www.tamug.edu. The Department members participate in their PhD and MS program, but can also consider graduate appointments in other departments on the Galveston and College Station campuses. Texas A&M University at Galveston is the ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University which educates more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students in a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts, and transportation. It is driving the development of the blue economy in the Gulf Coast Region and is a critical contributor to Texas A&M's sea-grant portion of Texas A&M's land-, sea-, space-grant mission with more than $20 million in research expenditures. Texas A&M University Galveston is also home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, one of seven in the U.S. and the only academy integrated into a Tier 1 academic institution, which trains over 400 cadets annually for maritime service and employment around the world. Texas A&M University Galveston is ideally located in Galveston, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, surrounded by the industrial, environmental, and other programs essential to fulfilling its special-purpose mission. Aggies are known for their deep commitment to the success of each other and their strong desire to serve. Qualifications We seek an individual with a Ph.D. whose research complements and enhances that of faculty in the Department of Marine Biology (www.tamug.edu/marb<http://www.tamug.edu/marb>) and other departments of the University. The Ph.D. should be in biology, marine biology, marine science, biological oceanography or related fields. Preferred qualifications: postdoctoral or other related job experience; and a strong publication record. Application Instructions Applicants must submit electronic PDF copies of 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) statement on research experience, 4) statement on teaching philosophy and interests, 5) a diversity statement detailing professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to support campus inclusion, diversity, and equity efforts and 6) a list of three references with contact information by applying online at: apply.interfolio.com/114816<http://apply.interfolio.com/114816>. For more information on the position, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Antonietta Quigg, at quigga(a)tamug.edu<mailto:quigga@tamug.edu>. The review of applications will begin on January 15, 2023. While preference will be given to applications received by this date, the position will remain open until filled. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission<https://www.tamu.edu/statements/mission.html> and living our core values<https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html>. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.

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New publication on Southeast Alaska harbor porpoise
by Alex Zerbini - NOAA Affiliate 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

Dear Marmamers, My co-authors and I would like to share the publication of a new paper on the abundance of harbor porpoise Southeast Alaska inland waters: *Estimating abundance of an elusive cetacean in a complex environment: Harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in inland waters of Southeast Alaska* Alexandre N. Zerbini, Kimberly T. Goetz, Karin A. Forney and Charlotte Boyd Abstract: The harbor porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*) is common in temperate waters of the eastern North Pacific Ocean, including Southeast Alaska inland waters, a complex environment comprised of open waterways, narrow channels, and inlets. Two demographically independent populations are currently recognized in this region. Bycatch of porpoises in the salmon drift gillnet fisheries is suspected to occur regularly. In this study, we apply distance sampling to estimate abundance of harbor porpoise during ship surveys carried out in the summer of 2019. A stratified survey design was implemented to sample different harbor porpoise habitats. Survey tracklines were allocated following a randomized survey design with uniform coverage probability. Density and abundance for the northern and southern Southeast Alaska inland water populations were computed using a combination of design-based line- and strip-transect methods. A total of 2,893 km was surveyed in sea state conditions ranging from Beaufort 0 to 3 and 194 harbor porpoise groups (301 individuals) were detected. An independent sighting dataset from surveys conducted between 1991 and 2012 were used to calculate the probability of missing porpoise groups on the survey trackline (g[0]=0.53, CV=0.11). Abundance of the northern and southern populations were estimated at 1,619 (CV=0.26) and 890 (CV=0.37) porpoises, respectively. Bycatch estimates, which were only obtained for a portion of the drift gillnet fishery, suggest that mortality within the range of the southern population may be unsustainable. Harbor porpoises are highly vulnerable to mortality in gillnets, therefore monitoring abundance and bycatch is important for evaluating the potential impact of fisheries on this species in Southeast Alaska. The article can be downloaded here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.966489/full Best wishes and Happy New Year! Alex Zerbini ----------- Alexandre N Zerbini, Ph.D. Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES). University of Washington & Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115-6349, USA Phone: (206) 526.4511 <(206)%20526-4511> Email: alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W 4th Ave Olympia, WA, 98501, USA www.cascadiaresearch.org Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2468 Camp McKenzie Tr NW Seabeck, WA 98380 www.marecotel.org ----------

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Movements and Habitat Use of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
by Glenn, Tre W 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

Dear Colleagues, BOEM is pleased to announce the following paper and can be found at link below. Slone DH, Butler SM, Reid JP, Beck CA, Bonde RK (US Geological Survey, Gainesville, FL). 2022. Movements and habitat use of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans (LA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 282 p. Agreement No.: M13PG00030. Report No.: BOEM 2022-075. https://espis.boem.gov/final%20reports/BOEM_2022-075.pdf<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fespis.boe…> Abstract The federally-threatened Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) inhabits coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and southeast Atlantic states. Their movements in the northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) may bring them into contact with oil- and gas-related activities, thus prompting this study to determine the potential for conflict. This was done by characterizing the seasonal and annual movements of manatees in the NGOM using photo-identification, radio tracking, and sighting reports, identifying manatee habitats in the region, and delineating important forage species and habitat features. A total of 139 manatees were captured in northwestern Florida and given full health assessments. Satellite-linked GPS telemetry tags were attached to 36 manatees, which recorded 852,838 locations. Manatees were tracked traveling as far west as Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, and as far south to Tampa Bay, Florida. A total of 327 high-use locations were sampled for vegetation, and eight freshwater species, two euryhaline species and three marine species were identified as comprising the majority of species found in these locations. Foraging areas were relatively shallow, with the majority occurring between 0.25 m and 1.25 m at mid-tide, while traveling corridors were generally deeper than 3 m. The documented spatial and temporal patterns of manatee movements and resource use across the NGOM will aid land and resource managers in their planning and operations by understanding and minimizing potential conflicts. Thanks, Tre Donald (Tre) W. Glenn, III, Ph.D., P.E., CFM Protected Species Biologist Consultation Specialist Professional Environmental Engineer Contracting Officer's Representative III Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) GOMRO, Office of Environment Mail Stop GM 673E 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana 70123

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New publication on Ross seal diving behaviour
by Mia Wege 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

Dear MARMAMMers, My co-authors and I are stoked to share our recent publication with you. Wege M, Bornemann H, & Bester MN (2023). The nightlife of a Ross seal: Diving and haul-out behaviour from the eastern Weddell Sea. Antarctic Science, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954102022000438 [Published as Open Access] Abstract: Ross seals (*Ommatophoca rossii*) travel away from the pack ice and spend most of their year foraging pelagically. Here, we augment the few existing records of Ross seal diving and haul-out behaviour, providing novel insights into how these are inﬂuenced diurnally and seasonally. We used biologging devices that recorded the dive behaviour (n = 5) and/or haul-out behaviour (n = 9) of Ross seals in the eastern Weddell Sea (2016–2019). Ross seals mostly dived between 100 and 200 m deep, often > 300 m, and for 5–12 min in duration, often > 20 min. During March–July, when Ross seals forage pelagically, diving metrics varied diurnally. The seals dived deeper during twilight and shallowest at night, while the number of dives and diving duration did not follow a clear diurnal pattern. Consequently, diving effort was highest during the night. Ross seals preferentially hauled out in the middle of the day during September, October, February and December, but not during the rest of the year. Three females that entered the pack ice during breeding season were hauled out continuously for 5–7 days, punctuated by water entries for 1–3 h during and/or after such continuous haul-outs over the breeding season. This behaviour might suggest that Ross seals alternate between capital and facultative income breeding. All the best, Mia -- Mia Wege, PhD (she/her) Lecturer Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria https://www.drmiawege.com/ +27 (0)78 002 3951 mia.wege(a)gmail.com

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Call for Volunteers with the Alaska Whale Foundation
by Dana Bloch 04 Jan '23

04 Jan '23

Alaska Whale Foundation is looking for volunteers for the 2023 field season! Overview: Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is seeking volunteers to participate in a series of research projects at its field station on Baranof Island, Southeast Alaska (latitude 57.0877 N, longitude 134.8342 W). Successful applicants will assist in collecting and analyzing data for projects examining humpback whale health, foraging ecology, and social biology as well as regional oceanography. Responsibilities: Volunteers will work in a team of 5 and will split their time between on-the-water activities and data work. AWF’s field station is a cooperative living environment so volunteers will also be responsible for cooking, cleaning and basic equipment maintenance. Volunteers are expected to cover the costs of getting to/from either Petersburg or Sitka, Alaska and to supply their own foul-weather gear (rain gear, boots, etc.) appropriate for work in the Alaskan marine environment. Compensation: In return for participation, AWF will provide travel within Southeast Alaska to AWF’s field station, room and board, Mustang-style survival suits and additional safety gear. AWF can also assist students that wish to develop for-credit independent projects through their own academic institutions. Schedule: Volunteers are asked to participate in one of two rounds. The tentative dates for these are: i) May 27 – July 27; and, ii) July 27 – September 30. Volunteers should plan to arrive in Southeast Alaska no later than 1pm on the first day and depart no sooner than noon on the final day of the appropriate round. Because of the logistics involved with travel to/from the field station, we cannot accommodate arrival and departure outside of these dates/times. Qualifications: All applicants will be considered; however, preference will be given to individuals that are pursuing or have recently been awarded a BS/BA degree or higher in biology, environmental science or similar field, and who have basic first aid training. Additionally, the following will be viewed favorably: * Desire to pursue a career in marine sciences * Experience operating small boats, especially in marine waters * Experience working in remote field settings * An ability to work well with colleagues in both research and cooperative living situations How to Apply: Interested individuals should apply by following this link: https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers You will need to include a link (i.e., in Google Drive or similar) to a CV, brief cover letter (no more than 500 words), and contact information for two references in a single PDF file. Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, January 20 @ midnight PST. Qualified candidates will be contacted within two weeks to set up interviews, and final decisions will be made no later than February 18. Further announcements - including notification that positions have been filled - will be posted on Alaska Whale Foundation’s social media pages. For more information contact: dbloch(a)alaskawhalefoundation.org<mailto:dbloch@alaskawhalefoundation.org>

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Marine Mammal Spring Internships in Rescue & Rehabilitation
by Karen Helms 04 Jan '23

04 Jan '23

Marine Mammal Spring Internships in Rescue & Rehabilitation The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is accepting applications for Spring internships in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and public education. Internships are 12-14 weeks. The internships include a $1000 stipend. Applicants will be living and working in Crescent City, CA. The spring term (Harbor Seal Pupping Season) is the busiest and most "hands-on" term at NMMC. The application deadline is January 25th. Intern duties include: * marine mammal rescue and health assessment * diet preparation and feeding * wound care and medication administration * blood draw and subcutaneous fluid * cleaning enclosures, pools, and kennels daily * facility/equipment maintenance and cleaning tasks * fundraising events and special projects * engaging with the public in our gift shop * observing surgical procedures and necropsy * additional tasks as assigned Requirements: * a recent graduate or actively pursuing a degree in marine biology, zoology, or veterinary * must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and hike long distances in adverse conditions * must be available to work 5 days a week including evenings, weekends, and holidays * must be self-motivated, articulate, reliable, and responsible * must work well independently and on a team * must possess a valid driver's license * must have experience with Microsoft Office, Word and Excel Preferred Qualifications: * previous experience working with the public * previous experience in any marine mammal field Additional Information: * Verification of COVID-19 vaccination or medical exemption will be required * interns are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution for university credit. * This is an unpaid position with no housing provided, however, we do offer a $1000 housing stipend (in 3 payments) * All interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation * A vehicle is preferred as public transportation is very limited and will not allow for participation in rescues which often take place with short notice * A one-week variation in term dates may be discussed, with a minimum of 12 weeks required Application Deadline: January 25th Internship dates: March 3 - June 1 To Apply: please include the following and submit via email to volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone calls or faxes please. * a cover letter that includes term dates * a current curriculum vitae or resume * three references familiar with the applicant's academic/professional performance Karen Helms, Executive Director Northcoast Marine Mammal Center 424 Howe Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531 Office: (707) 465-6265 | Direct: (425) 444-1386 www.NorthCoastMMC.org<http://www.northcoastmmc.org/> [cid:image001.jpg@01D92048.1367BC80]

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