January 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on using drones to estimate availability and group size of coastal dolphins for aerial surveys
by Alex Brown 23 Jan '23

23 Jan '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent paper published in Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation: Brown AM, Allen SJ, Kelly N & Hodgson AJ. 2022. Using unoccupied aerial vehicles to estimate availability and group size error for aerial surveys of coastal dolphins. Remote Sens Ecol Conserv. doi: 10.1002/rse2.313 The paper describes a cost-effective approach to collecting availability data using multi-rotor drones launched from a small vessel. Additionally, the study explored the influence of sample size on availability estimates and their precision, the results of which can inform target sample sizes to minimize bias in future research. The pdf and supporting information are available (open access) here: https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.313 The accompanying data and code are available here: https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.qbzkh18mq Abstract: Aerial surveys are frequently used to estimate the abundance of marine mammals, but their accuracy is dependent upon obtaining a measure of the availability of animals to visual detection. Existing methods for characterizing availability have limitations and do not necessarily reflect true availability. Here, we present a method of using small, vessel-launched, multi-rotor Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, or drones) to collect video of dolphins to characterize availability and investigate error surrounding group size estimates. We collected over 20 h of aerial video of dive-surfacing behaviour across 32 encounters with Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) off north-western Australia. Mean surfacing and dive periods were 7.85 sec (SE = 0.26) and 39.27 sec (SE = 1.31) respectively. Dolphin encounters were split into 56 focal follows of consistent group composition to which example approaches to estimating availability were applied. Non-instantaneous availability estimates, assuming a 7 sec observation window, ranged between 0.22 and 0.88, with a mean availability of 0.46 (CV = 0.34). Availability tended to increase with increasing group size. We found a downward bias in group size estimation, with true group size typically one individual more than would have been estimated by a human observer during a standard aerial survey. The variability of availability estimates between focal follows highlights the importance of sampling across a variety of group sizes, compositions and environmental conditions. Through data re-sampling exercises, we explored the influence of sample size on availability estimates and their precision, with results providing an indication of target sample sizes to minimize bias in future research. We show that UAVs can provide an effective and relatively inexpensive method of characterizing dolphin availability with several advantages over existing approaches. The example estimates obtained for humpback dolphins are within the range of values obtained for other shallow-water, small cetaceans, and will directly inform a government-run program of aerial surveys in the region. Best wishes, Dr Alex Brown (he/him) SMRU Consulting, Scottish Oceans Institute, East Sands, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK | Main Office: +44-1334-466010 ab(a)smruconsulting.com<mailto:ab@smruconsulting.com>

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New publication: An unknown nocturnal call type in the Mariana Archipelago
by Angela Szesciorka 23 Jan '23

23 Jan '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to share our recent publication in JASA Express Letters: Szesciorka, A.R., McCullough, J.L.K., Oleson, E.M. 2023. An unknown nocturnal call type in the Mariana Archipelago. *JASA Express Letters* 3, 011201. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0017068 Abstract: In spring/summer of 2018 and 2021, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Cetacean Research Program deployed drifting acoustic recorders in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones surrounding the Mariana Archipelago. Manual assessments revealed a low-frequency (median 473–554 Hz), short-duration (median 0.596 s), stereotypic tonal nocturnal call throughout the Mariana Archipelago. Based on time of year, spatiotemporal patterns, clear division among calls (i.e., no chorusing), comparisons with known vocalizations of whales, turtles, and fish, and presence of Bryde's whale calls, and because the call has not been detected elsewhere, we hypothesize this 500-Hz pulsed call is produced by Bryde's whales (*Balaenoptera brydei*). As always, feel free to reach out to me at angela(a)szesciorka.com if you have any questions or cannot access the article. Let's solve the mystery together! Angie -- *Angela R. Szesciorka, M.Sc., Ph.D.* NSF Office of Polar Programs Postdoctoral Fellow Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University Office: ‭541-867-0362‬ | Pronouns: Dr/she/her ‪

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Allied Whale/Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. Research Assistant Positions: 2023 Field Season
by AW Internship Coordinator 23 Jan '23

23 Jan '23

Allied Whale (AW), the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. (BHWW) seeks 5 interns/research assistants for the 2023 field season. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. Two summer positions (May 15 through August 31) and three full season positions (May 15 through October 15) are available. Overview of position: This is a unique internship program in that the selected individuals will have the opportunity to participate and receive training in a wide range of marine mammal research activities Allied Whale while also working as a crew/scientist aboard commercial whale watching trips operating from Bar Harbor, Maine. Allied Whale currently supports field projects in the trophic ecology of humpback and fin whales, the ongoing housing and maintenance of the North Atlantic humpback and fin whale photo ID catalogs, an active stranding response program, and a research/education partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. In addition, Allied Whale maintains the facilities on and conducts research from Mount Desert Rock, a remote offshore island. The interns play a critical role in the success of the field season and serve as support to all aspects of summer activities within both Allied Whale and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. Description of duties: Upon arrival in May, all interns will receive research, boat crew, and Gulf of Maine natural history training by both Allied Whale and the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company staff. As the Allied Whale field season does not begin until early June- the first several weeks will be focused on hands-on training of whale watch deckhand responsibilities, helping with boat maintenance, and assisting with whale catalog matching in the office or stranding response. Once the season is in full swing, interns will rotate through shifts working as a Research Assistant/Deckhand (RA) for the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., shifts working as deck/galley on lighthouse/nature cruises, shifts in the Allied Whale office, and time off. Every week, schedules will be different and weather dependent. A typical week in June-August may include 2-4 days scheduled as researchers on Whale Watch vessels, 1-2 days scheduled in the office, and two days off (these days may or may not be consecutive). Weather may cause shifts to be canceled and some weeks may be lighter in load or responsibilities. Below are specific expectations for each designated shift: Whale watch trips: Research responsibilities on the whale watch trips include searching for whales, photo-identification of whales, and behavioral data collection. RAs will also collect pelagic seabird data during offshore travel to the whale feeding areas. Beyond research, RAs are responsible for assisting the naturalist in promoting education and conservation programs on each trip. In this, maintaining a positive, professional, and friendly demeanor while engaging whale watch passengers and fellow crew is necessary. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, helping seasick passengers, and passenger safety. When whale watch trips cancel for weather, crew may be asked to report for duty to complete maintenance on the vessel. Allied Whale office shifts: On scheduled office days, interns will be required to be available in the Allied Whale office from 9AM-5PM. During those hours, interns will match individual whales to our catalog, enter their whale watch data into the database, manage the Adopt-a-whale program, answer phone calls to the office, and be on call for assisting with response to strandings or necropsies. Interns schedule for office shifts will also be on call for boat research days. Allied Whale boat research days: When weather permits, interns will assist Allied Whale staff and graduate students on trips offshore to collect biopsy samples of humpback and fin whales. While on board one of the research vessels, interns will be responsible for collecting photo identification of whales and recording data. Interns will be responsible for processing images from these trips. If schedule allows, RAs may also participate in an overnight trip to collect samples in Canada. Mount Desert Rock: We hope for interns to also complete several shifts (each at least a week in length) at our offshore research station Mount Desert Rock. While on the island, interns will participate in land-based whale monitoring from the lighthouse tower, seal counts, gull counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station. Interns will collect weekly samples of seal scat to contribute to a collaborative microplastics project. Interns will also receive experience working in a remote off-the-grid location. Once hired, RAs will work to develop a collaborative group project (on seal colony, intertidal community, nesting birds, jellies, etc.) and will take turns with data collection during their shifts offshore. RAs will also stay in contact with the BHWW office with sightings reports. Pay/Housing: Those accepted to the program are able to earn income by their work on the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Deckhands are paid $70 a trip (at the height of summer, there are 2 trips running a day). Interns also receive free First Aid Certification. Provided housing in downtown Bar Harbor is mandatory for a fee. Rent for the season will total approximately $2080 for summer interns and $2350 for full season interns. While at Mount Desert Rock, food is provided for free. **After August 31, if any of the summer interns are interested they are welcome to work full time for the remainder of the season as crew for the BHWW as deckhand/galley on lighthouse trips, nature cruises, whale watches, and cruise ship tendering operations. Qualifications: Applicants should have a college background or be currently enrolled in a biology, ecology, and/or marine sciences program. Previous data collection experience in a research setting and/or knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. While training will be provided and no prior boating/camera experience is required, time spent offshore or skills in photography are also assets. Due to Coast Guard requirements, all crew onboard US commercial vessels and therefore all research assistants/interns, must be US citizens or have permanent resident alien status. Also, all interns will be drug screened prior to employment and will be enrolled in a random drug testing program. Most importantly, applicants must be positive in attitude, flexible to quickly changing schedules, able to work independently, and be seaworthy/comfortable working on boats in rough weather. Lastly, because of the community living situation both in Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Rock, applicants must get along well with others and be able to handle working in a team setting. To apply: Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation via email to AlliedWhale.Internships(a)gmail.com. Recommendation letters may either be sent with the application or directly from the references. Please specify which position you are interested in (summer or full-season). Deadline of application is February 24th. Allied Whale and the College of the Atlantic are committed to inclusive excellence. We strive toward an open and diverse community that fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized or underrepresented in higher education. More information about the college’s commitment and strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion can be found here: https://www.coa.edu/about/dei/ -- Best, Amanda Liebau Allied Whale Internship Coordinator

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New Publication | Morganella morganii septicemia and concurrent renal crassicaudiasis in a Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) stranded in Italy
by Umberto Romani Cremaschi 22 Jan '23

22 Jan '23

Dear MARMAM community, Together with my co-authors, I am very glad to share with you that our newest publication, entitled "*Morganella morganii* septicemia and concurrent renal crassicaudiasis in a Cuvier’s beaked whale (*Ziphius cavirostris*) stranded in Italy ( https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.1058724) " has been published in Frontiers in Marine Science ( Sec. Marine Megafauna) as part of the Research Topic "Risks, Threats, and Conservation Status of Cetaceans in the Mediterranean and Black Sea" and is available online: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.1058724/full *Abstract* Information regarding bacterial diseases in Cuvier’s beaked whale (CBW, Ziphius cavirostris) is scattered and mostly incomplete. This report describes a case of septicemia by *Morganella morganii* in a juvenile male CBW with concurrent renal crassicaudiasis. The animal stranded along the Ligurian coastline (Italy) and underwent a systematic post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Histopathology showed lesions consistent with a septicemic infection, severe meningoencephalitis, and renal crassicaudiasis. An *M. morganii* alpha-hemolytic strain was isolated in pure culture from liver, lung, prescapular lymph node, spleen, hepatic and renal abscesses, and central nervous system (CNS). The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the strain was evaluated with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) method and reduced susceptibility to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole is reported. Crassicauda sp. nematodes were retrieved from both kidneys. No other pathogens were detected by immunohistochemistry, serology, or biomolecular analyses. Toxicological investigations detected high concentrations of immunosuppressant pollutants in the blubber. The chronic parasitic infestation and the toxic effects of xenobiotics likely compromised the animal's health, predisposing it to an opportunistic bacterial infection. To our knowledge, this is the first description of *M. morganii* septicemia with CNS involvement in a wild cetacean. Regards, Umberto Romani Cremaschi Veterinary Department, Mundomar (Benidorm,Spain) Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain umberto.romanicremaschi(a)gmail.com

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Seasonal Animal Care Specialist - Wildlife Response
by Savannah Costner 21 Jan '23

21 Jan '23

Hi MARMAM! We have a seasonal Animal Care Specialist position, with a focus on marine animal rehabilitation, open at the Alaska SeaLife Center! Check out the job description below and click the link here to apply. <https://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/job/783377?source=ccp&key=a9xXKGhP84Y%2fAkS…> *Summary:* This position is responsible for the routine handling and care of animals being housed in the Rehabilitation/Quarantine area under the supervision of the Wildlife Response Curator at the Alaska SeaLife Center. The main focus of this position is marine mammals but there are occasional responses to birds and other wildlife in the Seward area. *Education/Training Requirements:* Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, veterinary science or related field. Two year experience in animal husbandry, experience with marine mammals preferred. *Primary Responsibilities:* 1. Under the supervision of the Wildlife Response Curator, assists in the delivery of animal care to animals being housed and cared for in the rehabilitation area, quarantine area, and other animal areas in the ASLC. 2. Coordinates with the Wildlife Response Curator and veterinary staff to ensure consistency in the delivery of animal care to animals being housed and cared for in the rehabilitation / quarantine area. 3. Performs routine animal husbandry to include diet preparation, feeding animals, cleaning animal enclosures, disinfecting prep areas and equipment, and maintaining animal records. 4. Follows established routine for animal care, food preparation, and clean up, including proper maintenance and disinfection of equipment. 5. Under the supervision of a veterinarian or a veterinary technician performs basic medical treatments such as delivery of oral medications and wound cleaning and assists in basic medical procedures such as animal restraint for physical exam. 6. Keeps proper records in accordance with the ASLC and permit requirements. 7. As team leader, supervises interns and volunteers to ensure animals are monitored and daily tasks are completed in a timely manner. 8. Participates as needed in presentations to visitors and the public on topics in marine science and ASLC operations. 9. Answers the ASLC’s 24-hour stranding hotline. May be asked to be on call to cover the hotline after regular working hours. Employees are compensated for being on call. 10. Becomes familiar with maintenance and operation of mechanical systems. 11. Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service. 12. Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs. 13. Performs other duties as assigned. *Other Skills and Abilities:* Ability to be organized, self-motivated, and possess a strong sense of cleanliness and animal awareness. Attention to detail. Willingness to work holidays, weekends, and/or overnights to accommodate the needs of the animal patients. Comfortable with social media and potentially being on camera and interviewed while working. Ability to drive safely. *Physical Requirements:* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to see and hear; move about; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds. *Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums* *APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1/31/2023* *START DATE: 5/1/2023 End Date: 9/30/2023 * *PAY RATE: $17.75* *Please upload your resume, cover letter and letter of reference when you apply.* *Must be able to pass background check.* https://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/job/783377?source=ccp&key=a9xXKGhP84Y%2fAkS… Equal Employment Opportunity -- <https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter> <https://twitter.com/alaskasealife> <http://instagram.com/alaskasealifecenter> <https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaska-sealife-center> *Savannah Costner* *Animal Care Specialist II *Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 <https://maps.google.com/?q=1329%C2%A0%E2%80%A2+301+Railway+Ave%C2%A0%E2%80%…> Direct: 907-224-6399 *ASLC 24-hour Stranded Animal Hotline* 1-888-774-7325 (SEAL) www.alaskasealife.org [image: Pick.Click.Give Alaska SeaLife Center] <https://www.pickclickgive.org/index.cfm/pfdorgs.info/Alaska-SeaLife-Center>

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Open Access textbook “Marine Mammals – A Deep Dive into the World of Science”
by Anja Reckendorf 20 Jan '23

20 Jan '23

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PhD DTA opportunity at the University of Plymouth, UK - 6 days to go
by Simon Ingram 20 Jan '23

20 Jan '23

Dear Marmamers, This is a final reminder about our PhD opportunity at the University of Plymouth surveying cetaceans in the western English Channel, estimating abundance, distribution and exposure to shipping noise. The project will manage ongoing data collection aboard the University's sailing vessel 'Take the Helm' conducting visual and acoustic surveys using a towed hydrophone array in the English Channel and combine these data with passive acoustic data from a moored hydrophone to model exposure to vessel noise. The project will be supervised by Dr Simon Ingram and Dr Clare Embling at the University of Plymouth in collaboration with Dr Rosalyn Putland at CEFAS (Centre for Environment Fisheries & Aquaculture Science). The post is a 5 year part time teaching and part time DTA (Doctoral Teaching Assistant) studentship. The closing date for applications is 26th January 2023. For more details use the link below. Please be aware that because this is a part-time teaching post, the studentship is only open to UK or Irish citizens or those with a current right to work in the UK. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/school-of-biological-and-marine-sciences…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymo…> ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, University of Plymouth accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. University of Plymouth does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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Marine Policy Officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
by Simon Berrow 20 Jan '23

20 Jan '23

*Marine Policy Officer* The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is Ireland’s premier eNGO working in the marine environment. Established in 1990, the IWDG has built a credible reputation for effective advocacy for cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and their habitats. The IWDG is also a primary data holder with unique datasets on cetaceans which we use to support conservation actions and policies. The IWDG currently has three full-time staff and eight service providers. We wish to recruit a full-time *Marine Policy Officer* on a three-year contract to develop IWDG conservation policies, build our advocacy capability and assist in the delivery of the IWDG 5 year plan. The initial focus of the IWDG Policy Officer role will be to drive the preparation and promotion of key IWDG policies on *offshore renewable energy* and *commercial fishing.* The roll out of offshore wind and wave energy in Irish inshore waters over the next 10 years will have profound effects on our marine environment. The potential for biodiversity enhancement and net biodiversity gain is huge. The IWDG published a policy document on offshore wind in 2021 and has had many consultations with the offshore renewables industry and their representatives. The demand on IWDG for consultations regarding environmental scoping, assessments and mitigation and monitoring is increasing rapidly and IWDG wish to provide a consistent and coherent response to these requests. The fishing sector, especially inshore, is under increased pressure from a range of policy developments including the licensing of offshore renewable energy (wind and wave farms) and marine protected areas. This has led fishers to describe these key policies as resulting in “fishing squeeze” and fishers face potential restrictions and exclusion from large areas of the sea. However, such restrictions may also yield benefits for fishers in terms of stock recovery and increased fishing opportunities in the future. The IWDG wish to further build on our good relationships with fishers and their representative organisations to engage in these issues, identify areas of mutual concern and benefit, and identify policies which will further our stated objectives. This role will appeal to a candidate with a strong knowledge of marine conservation and a desire to communicate the importance of marine protection to a variety of stakeholders and audiences from the general public to government representatives. A good understanding of environmental impact assessment and marine spatial planning as well as a good understanding of government policy in these areas is an advantage. *Responsibilities*: A detailed programme of work will be agreed with the successful candidate at the outset. The successful candidate will report to the IWDG CEO and work closely with IWDG Officers, especially the Science and Conservation Officers. Responsibilities include; Advocacy - Primary contact and lead at the IWDG for consultation with offshore renewable companies on impact assessment, site stewardship, planning and monitoring - Researching and writing submissions to consultations on offshore renewable developments. - Advocating for strong marine conservation measures and an ethos of site stewardship to be implemented. - Developing and promoting IWDG policy on commercial fishing, especially on inshore fisheries. Stakeholder Engagement and Communications - Engaging international partners on best practice for offshore renewables. - Attending occasional in-person meetings in Brussels with our European partners. - Exploring opportunities for collaboration between Irish and European initiatives - Build relationships with fishers and their representative organisations. - Represent the IWDG at a number of fisheries forums and stakeholder groups (e.g. RIFFs, RAC, IEN Marine Group). - Supporting the production of reports, policy positions and website articles. - Communication of reports, press statements, policy positions and outputs from advocacy campaigns to the IWDG network and beyond through social media, press releases, Flukes magazine articles and talks. Reporting - Tracking campaign activities and deliverables - Identifying funding sources and preparing funding applications - Assisting in writing reports - Communicating campaigns to IWDG members *Essential skills or experience* - Skills in communicating scientific information to a diverse range of audiences - A relevant university degree or equivalent qualifications or experience - An understanding of marine ecosystems and marine conservation biology · Knowledge of the relevant EU and Irish policies and legislation · Experience working as part of a team and independently · Understanding of the roles and interactions of various marine stakeholders such as: civil society groups, researchers, commercial interests, state agencies and politicians · An ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally - Experience working in marine science or nature conservation advocacy - Experience in research and report writing - Organisational and time management skills and the ability to manage and prioritise workloads and deadlines - Proficiency in working across software platforms: video meetings, word processing, spreadsheets, social media *Desirable skills or experience* - Advocacy and lobbying experience in an environmental NGO - An understanding of offshore renewable energy in Ireland - An understanding of commercial fishing in Irish inshore waters - Experience writing evidence-based submissions to public consultations *Personal attributes and competencies* - Passion for wildlife conservation and the mission of the IWDG to engage people with nature conservation - Enjoy working as part of a team - Ability to use own initiative and work independently - Full driving license and own vehicle *Conditions of Employment* This role allows for remote working options, however the successful candidate will be expected to attend occasional in person meetings and events at our head office in Kilrush, Co Clare. Applicants can be based anywhere in Ireland, including at our head office, although this role may ideally suit a candidate based in Dublin or Cork to facilitate contact with key government department and agencies. The successful candidate will be required to be available for travel within Ireland and internationally when necessary. This is a full-time job as an IWDG employee for a fixed period of 3 years. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and will align with recommendations for graduates in Ireland and is likely to be in the region of €30-40,000 per annum. *How to apply* To apply for this position please email your CV and cover letter to ceo(a)iwdg.ie Your cover letter should be in pdf format and a maximum of two pages in length. In your letter, please outline your motivation for this position and why you feel you have the skills and experience to succeed in the role. Please put *IWDG Marine Policy Officer* in the email subject line. *Closing date*: 3 March 2023 at 5pm -- -------- Dr Simon Berrow Chief Executive Officer Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co Clare, Ireland, V15 E762 www.iwdg.ie / http://consulting.iwdg.ie Office; 065 9051763 / Mobile: 086 8545450 Charity Number: CHY 11163 Charity Regulatory Authority No. 20029913

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New Online Training Course: An Introduction To Integrating QGIS/GIS And R For Spatial Analysis - 6th to 8th May 2020
by cdmacleod＠gisinecology.com 20 Jan '23

20 Jan '23

We will be running a new online training course called 'An Introduction To Integrating QGIS/GIS and R For Spatial Analysis' between the 6th and 8th of May 2020. It will be held via the Zoom video-conferencing platform. This course is aimed at those who wish to learn how to use and integrate QGIS (the leading freely available GIS software package) and R (the leading freely available data analysis software package) for spatial analysis. It will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, the author of 'An Introduction To Integrating QGIS And R for Spatial Analysis [1]' (Pictish Beast Publications) and a renowned expert in using GIS in biological and ecological research. He is also a co-author of the recenntly publised 'An Introduction To Basic Statistics For Biologists Using R [2]', which is a practical guide to carrying out the analysis of biological data in R. The course assumes no prior knowledge of either QGIS/GIS or R, and so is open to complete beginners as well as those how know how to use one of these software packages, and wish to learn how to integrate it with the other. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 16 people. The course for this three day course will cost GBP 395 per person (with a discounted rate of GBP 300 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, visit http://gisinecology.com/online-course-an-introduction-to-integrating-qgis-g… or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. GIS and statistical analysis are two of the most fundamental software tools for marine mammalogists wishing to conduct spatial analyses, which is, itself, a cornerstone for the management and conservation of marine mammal species. However, GIS and statistical analyses have their own sets of software packages, and sometimes it can be difficult to know how to integrate the two. This course will provide an introduction to the integration of QGIS (the leading freely available GIS software package) and R (the leading data analysis software packages used by biologists) to create a combined tool set that makes the most of the strengths of each of these individual software packages. It will consist of a series of background sessions on using GIS and R for spatial analysis, mixed in with practical sessions where you will learn how to use QGIS, how to use R, and how to integrate two to complete a spatial analysis project. This last part will include working through an example project, starting with creating a high quality map for publication through creating raster data layers of environmental variables, joining data together based on their spatial relationships and analysing the combined data set using R (including creating summary statistics, conducting linear regressions and conducting generalised additive modelling - GAMs). While it will primarily be based around QGIS, this course is taught using software-independent approach, and it is also open to those who wish to learn how to use ArcGIS to do biological GIS. When you attend this course you will receive a free copy of An Introduction To Integrating QGIS And R for Spatial Analysis [1] (GIS For Biologists Workbooks) as the practical exercises in that course are based on the ones contained in that book. NOTE: If you wish to use ArcGIS software for this course, alternative materials will be provided for the practical sessions. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== Links: ------ [1] http://gisinecology.com/an-introduction-to-integrating-qgis-and-r-for-spati… [2] http://gisinecology.com/stats-for-biologists-1

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Ethics codes of the Society for Marine Mammalogy and its journal should be coordinated and revised
by Conor Ryan 19 Jan '23

19 Jan '23

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I would like to announce that our recently published letter is now freely available to read online (for two months): "Ethics codes of the Society for Marine Mammalogy and its journal should be coordinated and revised" https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12993 The letter is in response to the Yasunaga et al. (2022) whaling research paper that does not comply with the stated animal welfare standards of the Society. Best wishes Conor Ryan

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