November 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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Exciting Opportunity: Join the Nominations and Elections Committee of the Society for Marine Mammalogy!
by Katharina Peters 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Hi all, I hope this email finds you all well. As we celebrate our society's commitment to the conservation and study of marine mammals, we are thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for 2-3 passionate and dedicated individuals to become part of the Nominations and Elections Committee for the Society for Marine Mammalogy. About the Society for Marine Mammalogy: The Society for Marine Mammalogy (https://marinemammalscience.org)<https://marinemammalscience.org)%20is> is a global community of researchers, educators, and enthusiasts dedicated to the advancement of marine mammal science and conservation. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, our society plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals in the field. Position: Elections Committee Member Role Overview: As a member of the Elections Committee, you will contribute to the democratic process of our society by facilitating the election of key positions within the organization. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are passionate about marine mammal research and wish to actively contribute to the growth and success of our community. Workload for these positions is low and on as-need basis. We are especially interested in ECRs for these positions. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with fellow committee members to organize and execute the society's election process. Review and verify nominations for various positions within the society. Ensure a fair and transparent election process, adhering to established guidelines. Communicate effectively with society members regarding election-related matters. Qualifications: * Active membership in the Society for Marine Mammalogy. * Strong communication skills. * Commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the election process. * Enthusiasm for supporting the society's mission and values. How to Apply: If you are interested in joining the Elections Committee and making a meaningful contribution to the society, please submit your resume and a brief outline (max 300 words) of why you are interested in joining the committee to elections(a)marinemammalscience.org<mailto:elections@marinemammalscience.org> by 15th December. We look forward to welcoming dynamic individuals to our Nominations & Elections Committee and working together to further the goals of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. Kind regards, Katharina Dr Katharina J. Peters Chair, Elections and Nominations Committee, Society for Marine Mammalogy Lecturer in Biological Sciences (Career Development Fellowship) School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences University of Wollongong Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia E katharinap(a)uow.edu.au<mailto:katharinap@uow.edu.au> | P 02 42392058 | L 35.G01D Website<https://katharinajpeters.weebly.com/> | UoW Profile<https://scholars.uow.edu.au/katharina-peters> | GoogleScholar<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=7QWvsMUAAAAJ&hl=en> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/kjopeters> | ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katharina-Peters-3> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-j-peters-b47b5370/?trk=nav_responsive…> I may send emails outside of ‘normal’ working hours but please know that I do not expect a response outside of your own working hours.

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Upcoming SMM Editors’ Select Series Webinar, December 14th 2023: Narwhal calling rate changes in association with passing ships in Milne Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, with Crystal Radtke
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Greetings MARMAM community! Join us on Thursday, December 14th at 1 pm PST / 5 pm AST / 9 pm GMT for the next SMM Editors' Select Series Webinar: Narwhal calling rate changes in association with passing ships in Milne Inlet, Nunavut, Canada with Crystal Radtke This event is free to attend and presented online via Zoom, but registration is required. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s1vcgSAxT3StXpE-NB417g Space on Zoom is limited to the first 500 attendees. The talk will also be streamed live on the SMM Facebook page. About the talk: Concerns were raised about possible behavioural disturbance to narwhals (Monodon monoceros) when exposed to shipping noise in Milne Inlet, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. It is known that marine mammals often change their behaviours especially their vocalizations, around ships. With the use of underwater recordings operating continuously over two months (in 2018 and 2019), narwhal vocalizations in Milne Inlet were analyzed. Narwhals produce three social call types, whistles, buzzes and knocks. The calling rates of each call type were determined when no ships were present and during ship transits in a before-during-after analysis. Narwhal call counts were generally lower when bulk carriers were within line-of-sight (5 km), including when ship noise levels were barely above background noise levels. Call counts varied both “before” and “after” individual bulk carriers passed by the recorders. There was no evidence of habituation or sensitization to the bulk carrier noise within or between years. Continued monitoring in this area is recommended, especially if shipping levels increase. About the presenter: Crystal studied at the University of New Brunswick, in Saint John, NB, Canada for undergraduate and graduate studies. Her honours project was on the underwater soundscape of Mawson Station, Antarctica and the impacts this could have on the masking of Weddell seal calls. Her masters thesis was on the classification of narwhal calls and the changes in calling rates in association with passing ships. She has also volunteered with various organizations (Bimini Biological Field Station, Dolphin Communication Project and Operation Wallacea) for marine mammal, fish and marine invertebrate studies. Open access to this article is made temporarily available in the weeks around the presentation and can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.13028 Current SMM members have access to all Marine Mammal Science papers. Missed a presentation or want to share this series with a friend? All previous Editors' Select presentations are recorded and archived on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUc78IynQlubS2DVS1VZoplf_t42-yZOO We hope to see you there! -- Ayça Eleman, Ph.D. Candidate Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Candidate Sophia Volzke, Ph.D. Candidate Student Members-at-Large (SMaLs) The Society for Marine Mammalogy

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Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program - 2024 Summer Internship
by Sydney P. Bryant 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Summer 2024. Intern Application Deadline: 2/1/2024 For more information, including duties, position requirements, and how to apply, visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/support/work-with-us or email strandingvolmgr(a)vbgov.com with any questions. Position Overview: Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. VAQS covers all live and dead marine mammal and sea turtle strandings for the state of Virginia. Interns will be trained in all aspects of stranding response, but may be assigned a rehabilitation or necropsy focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary by internship session. VAQS will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Internship: Internships will be approximately three months long, starting between May and June. We recognize that this is a tight turnaround time and can be flexible with start and end dates. Internship positions are non-compensatory, and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. The intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8:00am-4:30pm. Some weekend and holiday coverage are expected. Thank you, Sydney Bryant, MPhil Stranding & Research Scientist: Field Response & Volunteer Manager Phone: (757) 385-6484 SBryant(a)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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Potential PhD opportunity in seal ethology, Durham University, UK
by TWISS, SEAN D. 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Potential PhD opportunity in seal ethology (competitive funding via the Durham Doctoral Studentship scheme) Project title: Quantity or quality: understanding the significance of ‘resting’ in energy management strategies in lactating grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Application deadline*: Wednesday 31st January 2024 at 5 pm (GMT) * see detailed notes below Supervisory team: Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham University): s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk> Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, University of St. Andrews) Dr Courtney Shuert (Conservation Programs Manager, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Winnipeg, MB,) Dr Isabella Capellini (School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast) Project description Lactation is an energetically demanding period for mammals, and iteroparous mothers must balance how they partition their energy resources between provisioning offspring while maintaining their own health and future capabilities. Among capital breeding phocids this balance is particularly acute, where mothers sustain themselves and their single pup exclusively on a finite energy reserve acquired prior to parturition. Therefore, judicious management of energy reserves is apparent in phocid mothers, most readily observed as the large proportion of time-activity budgets spent inactive (resting). Our recent research on grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) mothers has revealed individual differences in behaviour (Twiss et al. 2012, Shuert et al. 2020a), stress-coping styles (Twiss et al. 2020) and energy management patterns (Shuert et al. 2020b), suggesting that, despite the tight constraints imposed by the capital breeding life-history, there is still considerable inter-individual variation in the tactics adopted to manage energy budgets. This study aims to investigate individual variation in the quantity and quality of resting during lactation in relation to individual personality, stress-coping style and reproductive energetics among female grey seals. The aim will be to use pre-existing data to establish approaches for discerning differing qualities of rest (e.g. sleep vs inactivity) and assess how these patterns vary across individuals. The investigation will capitalise on a long-term study of lactating grey seals at the Isle of May (Scotland), which provides both behavioural and biotelemetry data, including heart-rate metrics and accelerometry, for multiple females across multiple years. Further, resting comes with associated costs (such as reduced vigilance), and this study will adopt a holistic approach to examining time-activity budgets to explore these trade-offs. The aim is to better understand individual differences in energetic management during this key life-history phase. There may also be scope for some additional field-based data collection, but this will depend upon opportunity. Potential candidates should be able to evidence a sound understanding of contemporary behavioural ecology and ethology, in terms of both principles and practice. Candidates will also require strong data analytical skills, including experience of modern statistical modelling techniques. Experience with R and analysis of behavioural data is advantageous. Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct prolonged periods of behavioural observations from archived video footage, while remaining focused, and maintaining accuracy and precision and enthusiasm! Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. There is the possibility of additional data collection through field campaign(s), but candidates will need to show a willingness and ability to travel, and conduct prolong field observations alone. Candidates should be able to demonstrate competency in the English language (see: English Language Requirements - Durham University<https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-langua…>). Eligibility Applications for this project are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Applicants must be applying to start a full-time PhD in the Faculty in October 2024. They must have fulfilled Durham University’s requirements regarding English language ability and must not require a pre-sessional course as a condition of their place. See: https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/ *Funding and how to apply This project is in competition with others for funding (via the Durham Doctoral Studentship scheme). Success will therefore depend on the quality of applications received, relative to those for competing projects. If you are interested in applying, in the first instance contact Dr Sean Twiss, (s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk) with a CV and covering letter, detailing your reasons for applying for the project. Please do this at least 1 month prior to the application deadline (i.e. by early January 2024). Only the best applicants will be asked to submit a full application in time for the application deadline. UK and Non-UK students are advised that to be considered for the Durham Doctoral Fellowship, the minimum requirements include an excellent undergraduate degree with either postgraduate or work experience in a relevant discipline and scientific publication(s) in peer reviewed journals. Application deadline: Wednesday 31st January 2024 at 5 pm (GMT) _________________________________ Dr. Sean Twiss, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biosciences, South Road, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. E-mail: s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk Web-site: <https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/about/schoolstaff/academicstaff/?id=1132> Dr Sean Twiss - Durham University<https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/s-d-twiss/> Blog: http://sealbehaviour.wordpress.com/ Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Research (BEER) Centre: www.dur.ac.uk/beer-centre<https://owa.dur.ac.uk/owa/redir.aspx?C=AjvknJfcq0-zlL0498uhGGKmvrw4G9MIOkl7…> Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office) Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab) Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201 _________________________________

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New Publication: Ban Bycatch
by Smith, Zak 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Hello MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new publication titled, Ban Bycatch: The United States Must Ban Seafood Imports from Countries Failing to Protect Marine Mammals. Global fisheries kill or seriously injure more than 650,000 whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals annually by hooking, entangling, or trapping them in fishing gear. Legally, the U.S. government has had an obligation since December 1972 to reduce this bycatch by banning fish imports that fail to meet U.S. bycatch standards. However, the U.S. government has historically failed to enforce this rule for all imported fish and fish products. During these decades of negligence, tens of thousands of marine mammals have died every year in excess of U.S. standards, consumers have been unknowingly supporting the killing of marine mammals around the world, and U.S. fishers have invested millions of dollars to meet standards while the government has applied no standard to imports, creating unfair competition. The U.S. government will finally apply the Marine Mammal Protection Act's bycatch standards to all seafood imports on January 1, 2026. In advance of this rule going into effect, NRDC and its partners the Center for Biological Diversity, Animal Welfare Institute, and Environmental Investigation Agency, assessed 11 countries on their ability to meet U.S. bycatch standards. Our assessment of publicly available data from these countries revealed that it is unlikely any of them can demonstrate that all of their fisheries' exports to the United States are meeting U.S. standards for marine mammal bycatch. It also is likely that the United States must ban imports of wild-caught fish and fish products from most countries unless they take additional action in the coming years, enabling them to show they are meeting U.S. standards. NRDC, the Center, AWI, and EIA's publication-along with country assessments for Canada, Ecuador, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, South Korea, and the United Kingdom-can be found here: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/ban-bycatch-united-states-must-ban-seafood-i…. If you have any questions about our work, please reach out. Thank you, Zak Zak Smith Senior Attorney Director, Global Biodiversity Conservation Nature Program *Admitted in Montana and California Natural Resources Defense Council 317 E Mendenhall STREET, Suite D Bozeman, MT 59715 T 406.556.9305 zsmith(a)nrdc.org<mailto:zsmith@nrdc.org> NRDC.ORG<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?…>

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2024 Environmental Training Calendar
by Emily Welsh 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Edgewise Environmental has released training dates for our Marine Mammal Observer, Seabird Observer, and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operator courses for 2024. All courses include online theory and an in-person, at-sea practical with offerings in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia. Click here <https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/events/> for more information or email info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com. -- Emily Welsh *Social Media and Marketing Coordinator* Edgewise Environmental Ltd. (709) 770-0492 St. John's, NL, Canada www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

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