November 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

DMAD Remote Internship Positions Available
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Dear all, *Please find below details of our Remote Internship with DMAD this February.* Sometimes it is not possible to travel and conduct an internship in a foreign country but that doesn't mean that you can't benefit from our knowledge and develop your career. Students, graduates, career changers etc can receive both research and public outreach experience working with the DMAD team. https://dmad.org.tr/en/education/internships/remote-internships/ WHO ARE DMAD AND WHAT DO WE DO? DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association have scientific projects running in Turkey and Montenegro. We conduct long-term studies of marine mammals in Istanbul, Antalya, the Levantine sea, Montenegrin coastal waters. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to hydrocarbon exploration. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. More details on the projects can be found here: https://dmad.org.tr/en/about/ ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP: The DMAD team provides recorded lectures and training. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -Cetacean species identification within the Mediterranean -Population statuses and threats to marine mammals within the Mediterranean -Software used in the field (Pythagoras, Logger 2010) -Data analysis using GIS, R, Distance, Mark -Passive Acoustic Monitoring using PamGuard -Residency Pattern Analysis -Population Estimation -Raven software for Sound Analysis -Scientific support on manuscript and technical report writing PARTICIPATION FEE: The internship is for 8 weeks and is about 100 hours and requires a contribution fee of 650 euro (excl. tax), which fully goes to supporting the project. WHATS INCLUDED IN THE FEE: -PDF copies of the training and lectures -Video recordings -Real data and practical examples to work through -Certification of participation HOW TO APPLY Our next Remote Internship starts on the 1st of February; the number of places has a limit. Email your CV and cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr. If you wish to have more info about our other internships and work please take a look at some of our web pages and social media: Our research: https://dmad.org.tr/en/our-researches/ Our remote internships: https://dmad.org.tr/en/education/internships/remote-internships/ Our publications: https://dmad.org.tr/en/publications/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmadfornature/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best and stay safe, DMAD team

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MSc in Statistical Ecology at University of St Andrews, UK
by School of Maths 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Dear Colleagues We are very pleased to announce that we are taking applications for the fifth intake of our new MSc in Statistical Ecology. You can find more information here<https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/assets/university/schools/school-of-mathematic…>. The MSc aims to give students * a sound understanding of the statistical foundations of modern methods in statistical ecology * Knowledge and skills to use these methods effectively * experience of applying them to real-world problems, under the supervision of experts, some of whom are leading researchers in this field The Programme involves two semesters of taught courses and a 3-month summer research dissertation. It is taught by staff at the interdisciplinary Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (https://www.creem.st-andrews.ac.uk/) The summer dissertation includes optional placements with collaborators in the UK or abroad, to give students experience of dealing with real-world problems in statistical ecology. The University of St Andrews is home to the Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM) in Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), and Scottish Oceans Initiative (SOI), providing many opportunities for networking including working on several summer projects focussed specifically on marine mammal which are matched to students' backgrounds and interests. As such, we think this MSc should be of interest to the MARMAM group. More information is available here: Course details: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/statistics/statistical-ecology-msc/ For any additional information, please direct enquiries to maths(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:maths@st-andrews.ac.uk>. [University of St Andrews]<https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/> School of Mathematics and Statistics Mathematical Institute, North Haugh University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SS Email : maths(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:maths@st-andrews.ac.uk> www.st-andrews.ac.uk<https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/> [cid:image002.png@01DA211E.4D1A0FA0][cid:image003.png@01DA211E.4D1A0FA0][cid:image004.png@01DA2377.99374EB0] The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

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Protected Species Observer Certification Course February 17-18, 2024
by Angela Bostwick 29 Nov '23

29 Nov '23

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on February 17-18, 2024. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and the certification is often accepted in many other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is needed for reducing impacts to protected species. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides which will be yours to keep. This course will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, how to locate and identify the animals, and objective reporting for regulatory agencies. After discussing regulatory requirements, we will examine key identifying traits and behaviors of protected species, how to quickly identify the animals, and the mitigation that is required to reduce impacts. The course will also include a discussion on different techniques for locating and identifying animals, and on the monitoring gear that is required to best document protected species presence and behavior. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Humpback whales research in southern Tanzania, Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 29 Nov '23

29 Nov '23

*Humpback whales research in southern Tanzania, Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park* The project focuses on monitoring the migrating humpback whales in Tanzanian waters, using variety of methods, including systematic small boat surveys with data collection on distribution, behaviour, group cohesion, photo identification and acoustics, in strategically selected areas. The humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) - is a cosmopolitan species which undertake extensive annual migrations, they arrive yearly to Tanzania’s waters for breeding activities, and are observed off Mnazi Bay marine protected area from July to October. Tanzania is witnessing the remarkable recovery of these charismatic baleen whales after the severe depletion of the population by industrial whaling. Despite being the most studied species globally, there is very little research conducted in Tanzania, leaving a considerable data gap, which prevents an effective conservation status assessment. The current project aims to enhance information on the species ecology, population structure, connectivity, abundance estimates, distribution, migration patterns, habitat use and breeding ecology by conducting pertinent research that began in 2018. By participating in the research, you’ll help to bridge crucial data gaps for better understanding of the conservation status of the subpopulation which will assist conservation strategy development in the region. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer a limited number of volunteering placements for the 2023 season, that will take place in southern Tanzania with the research base in the heart of the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP) – the most biodiverse seascape of the region and a cetacean hotspot. Selected volunteers will participate in the small boat surveys off MBREMP, where migration is taking place, and will assist collecting visual and acoustic data on humpback whales, gaining practical experience and theoretical knowledge from reputable cetacean experts. Placements are open for the fixed period of 3 weeks starting early August 2024. REQUIREMENTS - A genuine interest in marine conservation, integrity, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Physical fitness and mental endurance enabling sustaining long hours out at sea in sometimes challenging conditions; living in a camp with limited facilities; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment in a remote location; -Respect for the project's rules and work ethics, willingness to adhere to the standards and protocols; -Fluency in English (both spoken and written) and good communications skills; -Willingness to learn new software applications and field techniques; -Ability to handle equipment responsibly and with due care; -Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage; FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Participating in small boat-based surveys daily (total number of surveys is contingent on weather, but +- 10 surveys should be expected). -Collecting whale sightings (as well as other cetaceans), behavioural, acoustic and photo identification data, alongside environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating various equipment including cameras, hydrophone (commensurate with skills and experience) and managing respective software programs (Logger, Discovery, Pamguard, ArcGIS etc.); -Data entry and basic analysis; -Cataloguing and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; TRAINING The Nyangumi Tanzania team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -GIS mapping -Photo-identification; -Discovery, Darwin and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; PROJECT CONTRIBUTION The project contribution for the 3-week placement is $2,600, and will go directly into funding the research project as well as covering the amenities for the volunteers during their stay. The contribution covers the cost of participation in the project and includes: -Accommodation in a tented camp in the heart of the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park; -Basic meals; -Training and lectures with a copy of the lecture on PDF; -Fieldwork (daily boat surveys, up to 10 surveys); -Use of the equipment (subject to respective skills). Applicants are responsible for their international flights to/from Tanzania and internal flights to Mtwara, extra meals not included in the field work period, insurance (all participants must have health and/or travel insurance), visa and personal expenses. In the beautiful and remote location of the Mnazi Bay, you’ll have opportunity to: · Encounter cetaceans including Risso’s and Spinner dolphins, Indo Pacific and Common Bottlenose dolphins, elusive humpback dolphins. There are chances to encounter rarely seen in this region pelagic melon headed whales and pilot whales, and if we’re lucky, other cetacean species. · Visit sand dunes. · Snorkel pristine coral reefs. · Visit Ruvuma Estuary and see hippos (at extra cost). HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to nyangumiznz(a)gmail.com, copying info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are a suitable asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us.

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Sea Watch Foundation: Research internship opportunities
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 29 Nov '23

29 Nov '23

Interns are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in the picturesque town of New Quay, West Wales, and supports the conservation management of one of only two semi-resident bottlenose dolphin populations in the UK. Interns will gain experience in the following areas: -Conducting land-based surveys for marine mammals -Conducting boat based line transect surveys for marine mammals -Performing photo-identification matching -Using equipment such as DSLR cameras, GPS units and other field equipment -Data entry using Excel and Access based databases -Public speaking -Running and organising public awareness and outreach activities Fieldwork is weather dependent but interns are scheduled on a daily land based watch and a full day of wildlife boat trips once a week. In addition to this, full day line transect surveys for bottlenose dolphins are conducted regularly within the Cardigan Bay and Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau Special Areas of Conservation. Interns are required from early April until the end of October 2024. The research season is split into four separate periods lasting between 7 and 8 weeks. The research periods for the 2024 season are: Period 1: April 1 - May 26 (8 weeks)  Period 2: May 27- July 14 (7 weeks) Period 3: July 15 - September 1 (7 weeks)  Period 4: September 2 - October 27 (8 weeks) Interns will be trained in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins but the following skills are advantageous: -Strong team player with a sense of humour as you’ll be living and working with a small team in the changeable Welsh weather! -Ability to work independently -a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar, prior fieldwork experience is beneficial -Good IT skills -Good written and verbal communication skills Interns will be based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales. Accommodation is provided by a private landlord through rental of a house that interns share at a rate of around £82 per person per week. If you are interested in this position, please contact Katrin on katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk with a completed Research Intern application form (available on the Sea Watch website) and CV by 28th January 2024. Decisions will be made by 25th February 2024. For a snapshot of what to expect, why not check out our social media profiles! Facebook: shorturl.at/QS568 Instagram: @seawatchfoundation TikTok: @seawatchfoundation

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Internship opportunity: Research Assistant and Intern Coordinator
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 29 Nov '23

29 Nov '23

The Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) is looking for a Research Assistant and Intern Coordinator to assist with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in the picturesque town of New Quay, West Wales, and supports the conservation management of one of only two semi-resident bottlenose dolphin populations in the UK. The Research Assistant will gain experience in the following areas: -Daily land-based surveys -Full day boat surveys -Opportunistic data collection from wildlife tour boats -Training and supervising interns -Assisting in all stages of photo-identification and matching -Assisting and supervising data entry and processing -Public speaking and raising public awareness -Organising and planning environmental education initiatives and events -Assisting with the running adult cetacean surveying training courses -Opportunity to undertake a personal research project In addition to these tasks, we have some specialist equipment: a hydrophone, a polecam, and an aerial drone to opportunistically collect acoustic, video and aerial data during boat-based surveys. This is an unpaid internship but accommodation is provided for the Research Assistant free of charge. The Research Assistant will be trained in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins but the following skills are advantageous: -Strong team player with a sense of humour with previous experience supervising volunteers as you’ll be living and working with a small team in the changeable Welsh weather! -Excellent organisational and time management skills -Ability to work independently a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar, prior fieldwork experience is beneficial, particularly photo-identification -Good IT skills -Good written and verbal communication skills, experience with public speaking is also desirable If you are interested in this position, please visit the Sea Watch Foundation website for more information and how to apply: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/ or email katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Deadline for applications is the 14th January 2024. Decisions will be made by the end of February. For a snapshot of what to expect, why not check out our social media profiles! Facebook: shorturl.at/QS568 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seawatchfoundation/

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New Book - Nga Tohora - Right whales of New Zealand and the Southern Oceans
by Dale Chatwin 28 Nov '23

28 Nov '23

Posted on behalf of my colleague Rhys Richards Nga Tohora: The Right Whales of New Zealand and the Southern Oceans by Rhys Richards A not-for-profit publication by the Paremata Press. Price $NZ35.00 276 pages, size 276 x 250mm ISBN 978-0-473-68062-6 Contains a series of studies based on nearly 50 years of research documenting historical whaling for southern right whales. The work concludes with an estimate of the size of the southern right whale population pre-whaling. Part One begins with the results of in-depth studies of commercial whaling and right whale behaviour around southern New Zealand. Between 1827 and 1850, at least 20,000 adult southern right whales (nga tohora) were taken in New Zealand south of the Kermadecs and north of Campbell Island. Most were pregnant females, making the decline all the more abrupt and long lasting. Part Two includes several other regional studies, including the global expansion of the British and American whaling fleets into the South Atlantic, along with studies of the French, Spanish, Portuguese and other smaller fisheries, primarily focused on initial exploitation. Also included is a review of bay whaling by the British and French off Southern Africa between 1785 to 1805 and 1817 to 1842. Sail whalers operating in this area drove local stocks to near extinction. A final regional study focuses on historical whaling in Tasmanian waters finally providing an estimate of the number of southern right whales taken pre-1827. Part Three presents new material. Market evidence using material from US, British, French and other sources in order to establish a baseline population for the southern right whale prior to the commencement of whaling. The total number is not over 100,000. Copies of the book and postage rates available from: parematapress(a)gmail.com Dale Chatwin Franklin, Australia bswfdb(a)gmail.com www.britishwhaling.org

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New Publication: Using Drones to Study Distribution Patterns of Bottlenose Dolphins in a South Carolina Estuary
by Nicole Principe - NOAA Affiliate 28 Nov '23

28 Nov '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in *Drones, *titled "Using Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UASs) to Determine the Distribution Patterns of Tamanend’s Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops erebennus*) across Varying Salinities in Charleston, South Carolina." The paper is available in open-access at https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/7/12/689 Principe, N.; McFee, W.; Levine, N.; Balmer, B.; Ballenger, J. Using Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UASs) to Determine the Distribution Patterns of Tamanend’s Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops erebennus*) across Varying Salinities in Charleston, South Carolina. *Drones* *2023*, *7*, 689. Abstract: The Charleston Estuarine System Stock (CESS) of Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) exhibit long-term site fidelity to the Charleston Harbor, and the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando Rivers in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. In the Cooper River, dolphins have been irregularly sighted in upper regions where salinity levels are below what is considered preferred dolphin habitat. We conducted unoccupied aerial system (UAS) surveys in high-salinity (>15 parts per thousand) and low-salinity (<15 parts per thousand) regions (n = 8 sites) of the Cooper River and surrounding waters to assess dolphin distribution in terms presence/absence, detection rate, abundance, and density. We also assessed the influence of ecological factors (salinity, water temperature, season, and prey availability) on dolphin distribution. Dolphins were detected at five sites, with higher salinity and water temperature being significant predictors of presence and abundance. Dolphins were detected year-round across high-salinity sites, and were infrequently detected in low-salinity sites during months with warmer water temperatures. The results from this study contribute to the overall understanding of dolphin distribution across various habitats within the Charleston Estuary System and the potential drivers for their movement into low-salinity waters. Best, Nicole Principe -- *Nicole Principe, MSc* Marine Mammal Stranding Technician Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network NOAA National Ocean Service 331 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 Cell: 815-210-8501

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PhD opportunity: Humpback whale song
by Ellen Garland 27 Nov '23

27 Nov '23

We are seeking to recruit a PhD student for the following project: Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) song evolution, ontogeny, and vocal learning: quantifying individual-level differences. Male humpback whales sing a long and elaborate vocal display. Thousands of males can rapidly and synchronously change their population-specific song to a new version in as little as two months, a feat which is unparalleled in any other animal except humans. Despite our advances in understanding the cultural aspects of song, we have little understanding of song development and variability at an individual level and how factors such as age may affect the cultural transmission of the song. Using acoustic and supporting data, this PhD project seeks to study individual-level differences in song and potentially how the age of males may govern changes in the song. The student will be based at the University of St Andrews under the supervision of Dr Ellen Garland, and co-supervised by Dr Luke Rendell (St Andrews), in collaboration with Dr Emma Carroll (University of Auckland), Dr Soléne Derville (IRD UMR ENTROPIE) and Dr Claire Garrigue (IRD UMR ENTROPIE). Candidates should have a strong background in behavioural ecology or evolutionary biology. Knowledge or experience in bioacoustics is essential, and experience of laboratory genetics is an advantage (but not essential). Candidates with a genetic background are encouraged to apply but should note the strong focus on acoustics, which will require substantial acoustic analysis to be undertaken. However, training in molecular or acoustic techniques will be tailored to the candidate’s experience. There is no fieldwork component associated with this PhD project, but there may be opportunities to join other fieldwork activities in the lab. Previous field experience involving small boats, marine mammals, and remote locations would be advantageous. The candidate should have strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills given the highly collaborative nature of the project. The ability to speak French is also a plus (but not essential). General requirements include a background in evolutionary and/or behavioural biology, and a minimum 2:1 BSc (Hons) or MSc degree (first class) in a relevant discipline. The funding includes a four-year studentship (fees and stipend) funded at the Home (UK) fee level by the Royal Society and School of Biology. International students may apply but will be responsible for the difference in fees; a fee waiver scholarship may be available for outstanding candidates. For more information see: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/apply/postgraduate/research/ Applications close on 19 December 2023 and will need to be submitted online through the St Andrews system. Please include a cover letter, CV, 1-page project proposal, academic transcripts, writing sample and English language test (if required). Please send any enquiries to Dr Ellen Garland at ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.uk> with the subject line: PhD studentship – individual-song. Kind regards, Ellen ----------------------------------------------------- Ellen C. Garland, Ph.D. Royal Society University Research Fellow Member RSE Young Academy of Scotland Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Scottish Oceans Institute School of Biology University of St Andrews Fife, KY16 8LB, UK Ph: +44 (0)1334-46-3620 Ph: +44 (0)7478-649964 Email: ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.uk> WWW: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/people/ecg5 Twitter: @EllenGarland4 ----------------------------------------------------- The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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Society of Marine Mammalogy Louis M Herman Research Scholarship Open for Application
by Lindsay Porter 27 Nov '23

27 Nov '23

*Society of Marine Mammalogy Louis M Herman Research Scholarship Open for Application* Louis M. Herman, Ph.D. and Emeritus Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, was a pioneer and trailblazer in research on dolphin sensory perception and cognition, and humpback whale behavioral ecology. This work was carried out through the world renowned Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory (KBMML) that he established in 1969 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He also co-founded The Dolphin Institute (TDI), dedicated to dolphins and whales through education, research, and conservation. KBMML/TDI’s findings on marine mammals were published in over 160 scientific papers and featured in more than 230 national and international media articles, television and radio programs, and documentary films. Dr. Herman’s life’s work significantly influenced marine mammal conservation. It also had an enormous impact on the lives and careers of countless interns, undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, visiting faculty, and volunteers from around the world, all of whom played important roles in the unique research team he assembled over more than four decades. Dr. Herman will always be remembered for his innovative, creative, and scientifically rigorous approach to the study of the marine mammals he so loved, and for the future generations of marine mammal researchers he and his work continue to inspire. Dr. Herman’s family, colleagues, and friends established the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship in 2017 to honor his legacy by promoting the type of research that was the focus of his groundbreaking studies. The Scholarship is given every two years and the 2024 award will be for USD $6,000. Criteria details and the application portal can be found here <https://marinemammalscience.org/awards-funding/awards-and-scholarships/loui…> < https://marinemammalscience.org/awards-funding/awards-and-scholarships/loui… > Closing date is *Monday, February 5, 2024* Any enquiries can be directed to Dr. Lindsay Porter ( awardschair(a)marinemammalscience.org)

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