October 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

UF Summer online aquatics courses - Manatee Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 29 Apr '24

29 Apr '24

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Summer 2023. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Manatee Health & Conservation course, fully online. Classes starts Monday May 15th and run through Friday Aug 11th. Registration will remain open through May 17th. Manatee Health and Conservation Class (VME4016 and VME6017) is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior 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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Job Opportunities at Maine Department of Marine Resources
by Murray, Anita 21 Mar '24

21 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is hiring two Marine Resource Scientist II - Acoustic Project Lead positions. We previously posted the job advertisement for these positions, but due to an error in the previous advert we are re-posting a revised job advertisement and have extended the application deadline to August 18, 2023. These positions are part of a new North Atlantic right whale monitoring and research program. This program is being formed with three primary objectives in mind: 1. Collect baseline information on right whale occurrence, distribution, and habitat use in the Gulf of Maine. 2. Contribute to and create new right whale, fishery, and risk assessment models 3. Provide support for innovative gear testing and research, including on-demand fishing gear A link for the Acoustic Project Lead positions is included below along with the job description. These positions will be based at the DMR laboratory in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Feel free to contact me (anita.murray(a)maine.gov<mailto:anita.murray@maine.gov>) or Erin Summers (erin.l.summers(a)maine.gov<mailto:erin.l.summers@maine.gov>) with any questions about these positions. Cheers, Anita Anita Murray, PhD (she/her) Lead, Cetacean Research Program Maine Department of Marine Resources 194 McKown Point Road West Boothbay Harbor, ME., 04575, USA anita.murray(a)maine.gov<mailto:anita.murray@maine.gov> Link to Job Posting: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0xglj/ [cid:image004.png@01D9C930.DE59F1B0] [Logo Description automatically generated with medium confidence] http://www.maine.gov/dmr Public Service Career Diversity Retirement Promotional Opportunities Benefits Over 10,000 Employees Paid Holidays Statewide Locations Training Seasonal Jobs Full Time Part Time HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to complete and submit an online State of Maine Direct Hire Application along with a Cover Letter, and detailed Resume at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#dmr If you are unable to apply online, Direct Hire Application forms can be obtained by contacting the NRSC Personnel Office at (207) 624-6370 or by accessing the NRSC website at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: August 18, 2023 (EXTENDED) Direct Hire Career Opportunity Bulletin DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES State House Station #21, Augusta, ME 04333 - *Offices Located at 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta MARINE RESOURCE SCIENTIST II Acoustics Project Leads (Anticipated Vacancies) Opening Date: July 26, 2023 Closing Date: August 18, 2023 (EXTENDED) Location: West Boothbay Harbor Position #'s: 07200-2724 07200-2725 Position Type: Limited Period Full Time Class Code: 9363 Grade/Salary: Grade 25 $52,582.40 - $70,907.20 Annually* (*This includes the 5.5% salary adjustment) ________________________________ BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is hiring two positions to lead various passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) projects. The positions will be responsible for planning and designing PAM projects within DMR's passive acoustics monitoring program and setting project goals, protocols, and timelines that address data gaps and management needs. The positions will also be responsible for managing data collection, data storage, data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), acoustic analyses, and statistical analyses using species detection and/or ambient noise data depending on project goals. This position will also supervise a team of Marine Resource Scientist I positions, including dividing up tasks amongst analysts, leading project meetings, overseeing data analysis, and setting priorities and timelines for staff. The positions will also be responsible for disseminating information from the PAM projects by publishing in the peer-reviewed literature, representing DMR at meetings and conferences, and making recommendations to DMR's policy group and Commissioner's Office. These positions may foster and manage collaborations with external partners for various PAM projects as well as seek grant funding opportunities as appropriate. Finally, the positions will work across programmatic lines within the DMR to foster collaboration and maximize DMR's strengths. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES PREFERRED: A high level of supervisory, organization, and project management experience is necessary. Expertise in PAM and cetacean bioacoustics is necessary, including project design, methodologies, and data analysis. The candidate should be able to manage the operation and maintenance of a network of PAM sites, including the ability to troubleshoot acoustic equipment issues and issues that arise during deployment and retrieval of PAM moorings. There is a preference for a candidate with experience in automatic detection performance evaluation, acoustic localization and tracking of cetaceans, acoustic density estimation, calculating species detection range, sound propagation modeling, and/or ambient noise analysis and statistics. Preference will also be given to candidates who have experience working with RavenPro acoustic analysis software, SoundTrap acoustic recorders, LFDCS or other automatic detection algorithms, ArcGIS Pro mapping software, and/or computer programming in R, Python, and/or MATLAB. This position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelors Degree in a scientific, technical, or engineering field or equivalent in directly related work experience and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of marine resource research and/or management or related field. Preference will be given to previous experience in a supervisory capacity. Equivalent experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: * Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. * Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs<https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/som-health-plan/premium-rates> for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. * Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements<https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit>. * Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). * Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes 13.00% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. * Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. * Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. * Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office<https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service>. * Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. * Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act<https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-m…>. * Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. * Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness<https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/>. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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MMO, PSO & PAM Training Course 2023
by Tabbi McGhee 15 Feb '24

15 Feb '24

Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is offering its next Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)-approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEst)-approved Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses. JNCC-certified MMOs comply with UK regulations, and PSOs comply with USA regulations, to minimise the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from various offshore operations. OSC's MMO course comprises theory and practice, including binocular and range estimation, and role-play sessions. The PAM course comprises theory and practice using PAM equipment in OSC's workshop facilities and/or onboard OSC's survey vessel (subject to weather). The intention is to run the following course in-person near Edinburgh at OSC's Dunbar headquarters: 5th to 8th September 2023 Prices are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate. A discounted package price of £700 is offered for participants who wish to attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Course participants will also receive a discount for purchases of marine binoculars or tripod mounts from Opticron - these should be ordered in advance of the course to ensure availability. For further details: https://www.osc.co.uk/training For course registration: https://www.osc.co.uk/jncc-registration Best wishes, OSC training team Tabbi McGhee PA to Directors & Office Manager Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK D: +44 (0)3330 235 764 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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U.S. Navy Living Marine Resource Program Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by LMR Program 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

The U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals pertaining to five need topics. The FY22 need topics include: 1) demonstrate and validate the ability of existing sparse acoustic array technology to address Navy marine species monitoring goals, 2) demonstrate existing marine mammal tag technologies, 3) improve the ability to identify calling individual from acoustic tags. Details regarding the need topics mentioned above and what information is required in a pre-proposal can be found at https://www.navfac.navy.mil/lmr/proposals. All pre-proposals should be submitted via email to exwc_lmr_program(a)navy.mil. Pre-proposals pertaining to these need topics will be accepted until 11:59 PM PST on 02 December 2021. If invited, offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal.

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Shining light on dolphin physiology
by Andreas Fahlman 16 Nov '23

16 Nov '23

Dear MarMamers We would like to share our new open-access publication that investigated the use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy as a non-invasive tool to study physiology in the bottlenose dolphin. We report preliminary data which indicate that this technology allows us to measure blood flow and tissue and blood oxygenation in this dolphins. The details about the paper can be found below, and please send me or Alex Ruesch (aruesch(a)andrew.cmu.edu) an email if you have any questions. Sincerely, Andreas Title: Evaluating feasibility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in dolphins Authors: Ruesch, A., Acharya, D., Bulger, E., Cao, J., McKnight, J. C., Manley, M., Fahlman, A., Shinn-Cunningham, B. G. and Kainerstorfer, J. M. Journal: Journal of Biomedical Optics doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.28.7.075001 Abstract: Significance: Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) could help to understand how echolocating animals perceive their environment and how they focus on specific auditory objects, such as fish, in noisy marine settings. Aim: To test the feasibility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in medium-sized marine mammals, such as dolphins, we modeled the light propagation with computational tools to determine the wavelengths, optode locations, and separation distances that maximize sensitivity to brain tissue. Approach: Using frequency-domain NIRS, we measured the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient of dolphin sculp. We assigned muscle, bone, and brain optical properties from the literature and modeled light propagation in a spatially accurate and biologically relevant model of a dolphin head, using finite-element modeling. We assessed tissue sensitivities for a range of wavelengths (600 to 1700 nm), source-detector distances (50 to 120 mm), and animal sizes (juvenile model 25% smaller than adult). Results: We found that the wavelengths most suitable for imaging the brain fell into two ranges: 700 to 900 nm and 1100 to 1150 nm. The optimal location for brain sensing positioned the center point between source and detector 30 to 50 mm caudal of the blowhole and at an angle 45 deg to 90 deg lateral off the midsagittal plane. Brain tissue sensitivity comparable to human measurements appears achievable only for smaller animals, such as juvenile bottlenose dolphins or smaller species of cetaceans, such as porpoises, or with source-detector separations ≫100 mm in adult dolphins. Conclusions: Brain measurements in juvenile or subadult dolphins, or smaller dolphin species, may be possible using specialized fNIRS devices that support optode separations of >100 mm. We speculate that many measurement repetitions will be required to overcome hemodynamic signals originating predominantly from the muscle layer above the skull. NIRS measurements of muscle tissue are feasible today with source-detector separations of 50 mm, or even less..

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Marine Mammal Wildlife Biologist Posting
by Polasek, Lori K (DFG) 31 Oct '23

31 Oct '23

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Wildlife Biologist 1 located in Juneau! What you will be doing: Under general supervision of the Marine Mammal Program and Threatened, Endangered and Diversity Coordinators, the Long Term Non-Permanent (LTNP) performs a variety of mission critical office tasks to address issues on species that are listed or candidate species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and/or are under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The incumbent, after initial training, will work independently to prepare presentation material on the ESA, MMPA, and species of interest, review species related documents, maintain an ESA calendar action list, review and summarize species specific literature, maintain notes from ESA meetings, to achieve Division of Wildlife goals. This position will also be responsible for updating the ESA website and archiving a significant backlog in ESA documents. This position must excel in the use of computers and software for the construction of MS Word documents with excellent writing skills, MS Excel for action items, MS Teams for calendar of events and sharing of materials, MS PowerPoint for presentations, peer reviewed and federal agency literature searches, and technical report construction. Performs additional duties as assigned. The position may assist in fieldwork as needed. This is a LTNP position. This position comes with benefits, but not a retirement package. The position has 2 full years of funding with the potential for extension. *This position is reposting to gain a broader applicant pool. Posting link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/4260982/wildlife-biologi… Hiring Manager: Lori Polasek, Marine Mammal Program Coordinator Phone: (907) 465-6167 lori.polasek(a)alaska.gov

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - PR-383843 Research Fish Biologist ZP-0482-3/4 (North Atlantic Right Whale Program Lead 10 year Federal Employee TERM Position)
by Mridula Srinivasan - NOAA Federal 31 Oct '23

31 Oct '23

Hello, The NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center's Marine Mammal and Turtle Division is looking for interested and highly qualified candidates to serve as a Program Lead for coordinating North Atlantic Right Whale projects in the Southeast region. This is a full-time *Federal Employee Term Appointment for 10 years.* Additional details are provided below in the vacancy announcement. The *Direct Hire* announcement for one *Research Fish Biologist ZP-0482-3/4 position *in* Pascagoula, MS, or Miami, FL *has been posted. The announcement will be open for *14* days; it is set to open on *11/1/23* and close on* 11/14/23.* NMFS SEFSC-24-12157979-DHA https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/758125900 Please distribute widely. Thank you, Mridula -- *_________________* *Mridula Srinivasan (Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Special Advisor* *Office of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction (ASEOP)* *National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce* *+1202.308.3440 (Work Cell)* *----------------------------------------------------------* *Director, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/marine-mammal-and-turtle-division-sout…>)* *Atlantic IACUC Chair* *Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida* *NOAA Fisheries, Department of Commerce* *+1305.814.4526 (Google Voice)* Executive Board Member NOAA AAPI ERG <https://sites.google.com/noaa.gov/oicr-erg-asian/home?pli=1&authuser=1> ****** I support flexible working arrangements and I am sending this email now because it suits the hours I am working today. Please do not feel obliged to reply right away as I understand and expect you to respond during your work hours. Thank you.

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HWDT recruiting Fieldwork Research Officer
by Jenny Hampson 31 Oct '23

31 Oct '23

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is looking for a Fieldwork Research Officer to deliver its long-term marine mammal monitoring project on board Silurian. Fieldwork Research Officer: £130.80 per day, 65 day contract worked over 8 months (March-October 2024 inclusive) to a pre-agreed trip schedule. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to deliver HWDT's core marine mammal monitoring programme on board our charity owned and operated research vessel, Silurian. We are looking for somebody experienced in marine mammal fieldwork and volunteer training to lead a programme of visual, photographic, and acoustic data collection. The ability to deliver high quality training to volunteers with a genuine enthusiasm for teaching skills to others is essential to this role. We are seeking someone who loves being at sea and enjoys living and working in a close team. Experience working on boats or sailing would be an advantage. A valid medical fitness certificate (i.e. ML5 or ENG1) is required to work on board Silurian. Read the full role description here: hwdt.org/vacancies To apply send a CV, a covering letter explaining how your skills and experience meet the role responsibilities and person specification, and details of two references to Jenny Hampson at science(a)hwdt.org<mailto:alison.lomax@hwdt.org> with 'Fieldwork Research Officer' in the subject line. The closing date for applications is Thursday 7th December 2023 at 12pm. Interviews will take place online. For an informal chat about the role, contact Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills(science(a)hwdt.org<mailto:lauren.hartny-mills@hwdt.org>). Cheers, Jenny [A graphic of a dolphin and a dolphin Description automatically generated]<https://hwdt.org/> Jenny Hampson Fieldwork Research Manager jenny.hampson(a)hwdt.org<mailto:jenny.hampson@hwdt.org> 01688 302 620<tel:01688302620> HWDT.ORG<http://www.hwdt.org/> [Title: instagram - Description: instagram icon]<https://www.instagram.com/hwdt_org/>[Title: Facebook - Description: Facebook icon]<https://www.facebook.com/HWDT.org/>[Title: Twitter - Description: twitter icon]<https://twitter.com/HWDT_org> I am in the field April - October and will have intermittent access to my emails. I will respond to all emails as soon as possible.

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New pubblication: First scientific research on common bottlenose dolphins in the Calabrian (Italy) Ionian Sea
by mariaritamenniti＠libero.it 31 Oct '23

31 Oct '23

On behalf of myself and my coauthors I am excited to share our recent paper on common bottlenose dolphins in the Calabrian (Italy) Ionian Sea, published in Academia Biology. The paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadBiol6137 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadBiol6137 Best regards Maria Assunta Menniti Centro Studi e Ricerca Ambiente Marino CESRAM Italy mariaritamenniti(a)libero.it; cesram(a)libero.it mailto:mariaritamenniti@libero.it; Mobile: +39 3486922981http://www.cesram.it Authors: Maria Assunta Menniti, Adriana Vella, Jessica Alessi Abstract Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) suffer from multiple anthropogenic pressures due to their habitat preference in coastal waters. As this vulnerable species is protected under the European Habitats Directive and various other conventions (Bern, Barcelona, Bonn) and agreements (ACCOBAMS), it requires MPAs (such as SCIs—Sites of Community Importance and SACs—Special Areas of Conservation) for their protection. Bottlenose dolphin research carried out in the stretch of the Southern Ionian Sea, between Brancaleone and Botricello, has reduced the gap in knowledge about the presence and distribution of cetacean species in this region. The first year-long study, in 2019, was developed through the regional operational program 2014–2020, 6.5.a.1-sub-action 2 “Conserving, restoring and protecting habitats and species of the Natura 2000”. The project involved a multi-action approach including scientific field research, citizen science in order to increase the knowledge and awareness regarding the marine environment and dolphins’ conservation, and removal of the marine litter in the SAC Fondali di Stalettì in order to reduce the negative impact these could have on the health of the bottlenose dolphins (entrapment in abandoned fishing ghost nets, plastic ingestion, etc.). Preliminary results on the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins scientifically investigated year-round are presented here. Similar scientific studies are necessary for cetacean protection providing necessary knowledge for the institution of marine protected areas (MPAs) and monitoring for effective conservation of marine mammals. Keywords: Tursiops truncatus, cetaceans, marine conservation, photo-identification, Calabrian Ionian Sea

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The Arctic and the future Arctic? NEW PUBLICATION
by Samuel Martínez Llobet 31 Oct '23

31 Oct '23

On behalf of my coauthors, I am glad to announce the new publication: Llobet SM, Ahonen HA, Lydersen C, Kovacs KM. The Arctic and the future Arctic? Soundscapes and marine mammal communities on the east and west sides of Svalbard characterized through acoustic data. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1208049/full The highlights of the study: -A high number of species were acoustically detected, 11 in total. -More variety of seasonal species were detected on the west coast, Arctic endemic marine mammals dominated the east coast. -Biophonies were an important source of sound energy in the east. -Moderate boat traffic was found on the west coast, peaking in summer. Little traffic was found on the east coast. -New potential breeding ground for Spitsbergen bowhead whales identified. Bowhead whales and narwhals were found vocalizing for months on the east coast during winter and spring. Samuel Martínez Llobet Research Department, Norwegian Polar Institute -- Samuel Martínez Llobet

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