November 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

2024 Soundwatch Program Internship Opportunities
by Alanna Frayne 03 Nov '23

03 Nov '23

The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program: 2024 Summer Internship Openings The Soundwatch Boater Education Program is seeking interns for the 2024 summer field season. Soundwatch is a research, education and monitoring program operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a not-for-profit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State. The Soundwatch program mission is to reduce vessel disturbance to marine wildlife, particularly the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, in the Salish Sea region of Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Soundwatch is looking for three interns to help conduct vessel patrols, educate boaters on regional/federal Be Whale Wise guidelines and regulations, and collect data while monitoring vessel activity around whales. Data from this critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered killer whales and other marine wildlife. The data is used to promote better boater compliance and to inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and federal vessel laws and guidelines. To learn more, please visit our website and read Soundwatch’s most recent Contract Report and publications. INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES: • Perform a variety of tasks including data recording and photography in the field aboard small research vessels and in a research office setting. • Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. • Interact with the public during education and outreach events. • Be able to spend long hours on the water aboard a small vessel, sometimes in adverse seasonal conditions. Field days occur four to five times a week and may exceed eight hours per day. Internship is located in Friday Harbor, Washington. Interns are responsible for their own housing and having a mode of transportation. This position provides a stipend to offset housing costs. Once accepted, TWM staff will be able to assist interns in locating suitable housing options. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: • Commit to at least 12 weeks between May and September. • Be able to work approximately 35-40 hours per week, Mon-Sun. • At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs.), able to swim, and not easily susceptible to seasickness. This position requires extensive boating aboard small vessels and is not suitable for those prone to seasickness. • Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel) and Google Workspace. • Valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license (for the entirety of their position) and CPR/First Aid certification. A state boater license or equivalent safe boating card is encouraged but not required. • Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. • Knowledge of the area and Southern Resident killer whales is preferred but not required. • Wildlife photography experience is a plus but not required. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Submit application materials via email as one PDF if possible. Please include in your subject line: Soundwatch Internship Application (Last Name). Active review of applications will begin immediately and continue until 01 Dec 2023 or until positions are filled, with final selections made before 01 Feb 2024. PLEASE SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Alanna Frayne Soundwatch Boater Education Program Coordinator alanna(a)whalemuseum.org Feel free to contact with any questions. Alanna Frayne (she/her) Soundwatch Program Coordinator The Whale Museum 62 First St N | Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-4710 ex. 33 My response may be delayed during the field season (May-Sept). Thank you for your patience.

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Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network Spring 2024 Internship
by Mackenzie Russell 03 Nov '23

03 Nov '23

Dear MarMam Users, The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated intern to assist with marine mammal stranding response in coastal Alabama waters. ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner and works in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to dolphin, whale, and manatee strandings. Our primary goal is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. The DISL’s mission is to become a center for transformative U.S. oceanic and coastal research and education. This intern will gain useful knowledge, skills, and experience in the fields of marine biology, marine mammalogy, and marine mammal stranding response. *Internship Dates:* 3 months (option to extend depending on funds and performance); flexible start January 2024 *Daily Duties Include:* Field stranding response, data collection, data management, participation in necropsy events, sample handling, report writing, and equipment/lab maintenance/cleaning. Intern will also have the opportunity to complete an independent research project based on relevant interests, culminating in a presentation. *Qualifications*: -- Student or recent graduate (0-2 years) of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program; -- Interest in marine mammal biology, physiology and anatomy; -- Interest in research; -- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; -- 18 years or older; -- Physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs, drag at least 100 lbs, and a strong swimmer; -- Ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects; -- Ability to work 35 hours per week, including weekends, nights and holidays as needed; -- Experience with scientific writing is a plus; -- Knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses is a plus. This internship is a paid position ($10-$12/hour) expected to work 35 hrs/week (including nights and holidays as necessary for fieldwork). This is a physically demanding position that may involve long days in a variety of weather conditions. Intern is responsible for providing their own housing and transport to DISL. Assistance finding housing can be provided. Applicant must be eligible to legally reside in the U.S. for the duration of the internship period. International applicants are welcome to apply, however, we are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment VISA. All applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Interested applicants must send a cover letter, CV, and dates of availability to almmsn(a)disl.org by *17 November 2023* to be considered. Resources for the construction of such documents are available online and at most institutions’ Career Services departments, such as https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/careerservices/job.html and https://pathwaystoscience.org/Grad.aspx. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay through the entire internship period. Application review will begin immediately. DISL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from a diverse pool of prospective interns without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic or any other identity information. DISL and ALMMSN recognize that a diversity of perspectives, lived experiences, ideas, and passions allows us to better meet our goal of ocean-literate communities in Alabama and that equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to achieving our mission. It is the intent of the ALMMSN to be fair and impartial in all of its relations and to recognize and respect the individual. More information about ALMMSN and the DISL Marine Mammal Research Program can be found at https://www.disl.edu/research/marine-mammal-research-program or by contacting ALMMSN at almmsn(a)disl.org.

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New Publication: Whales for Sale: A Content Analysis of American Whale-Watching Operators’ Websites
by Reamer, Marcus 03 Nov '23

03 Nov '23

Dear MarMam community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our latest article, available open access in the latest issue of Tourism in Marine Environments<https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/cog/tme/2023/00000018/f0020003/ar…>. Article Title: Whales for Sale: A Content Analysis of American Whale-Watching Operators’ Websites Abstract: Digital media, particularly websites, have become a critical component of wildlife tourism experiences, especially during the pretour information-seeking stage. With a focus on whale watching, this study used a grounded theory approach to identify, categorize, and investigate the common themes, text, and images used on 178 whale-watching operator websites across six geographic regions in the US. The results of a content analysis suggest that operators who are predominantly small business owners focus their marketing strategies on elements of their tour offerings and operator characteristics to distinguish themselves from competitors rather than emphasizing the whales themselves, conservation actions, or educational opportunities, catering to a segment of entertainment-oriented rather than sustainability-oriented guests. Ecolabel-certified operators in the sample mentioned conservation and educational topics more, though the information provided could still use improvement. We discuss implications and opportunities for the continued study of media related to whale watching and other marine wildlife tourism activities. Happy reading! Marcus B. Reamer, MPS, MPA (he/him/his) Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Environmental Science and Policy Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science ORCiD<https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4140-0989> | LinkedIn<http://linkedin.com/in/mreamer>

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Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship 101 Webinars
by Logan Kline 03 Nov '23

03 Nov '23

[image: Knauss Outreach Webinars - Facebook.png] The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship <https://seagrant.noaa.gov/knauss-fellowship-program/> provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The Fellowship, named after one of Sea Grant’s founders and former NOAA Administrator John A. Knauss, matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one-year paid fellowship. Graduate students involved in marine mammal research are excellent candidates for this program. Previous years have hosted fellows with experience in passive acoustics, physiology, stranding, and other marine mammal studies who bring their unique skills to marine conservation policy issues. Join current Sea Grant Knauss Fellows in marine policy to learn about the 2025 Knauss application <https://seagrant.noaa.gov/prospective/> timeline and process, hear from current Fellows about their experiences, and ask any questions you may have about the fellowship. Topics covered will include the executive and legislative tracks, award information, eligibility, and the 2025 application package. Sessions are on November 7 (4-5 pm ET), November 29 (4-5 pm ET), December 21 (5-6 pm ET), and January 9 (5-6 pm ET). All sessions will cover the same materials. Click here to register. <https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/B9Pkqd5/2023Knauss101s> ( http://bit.ly/Knauss_101s_2023)

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Summer and winter surveys of deep waters of the Hellenic Trench, Greece, provide insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of odontocetes.
by Alexandros Frantzis 01 Nov '23

01 Nov '23

Dear Marmam and ECS members, The following paper has been publish a few days ago: Thompson KF, Webber T, Karantzas L, Gordon J, Frantzis A (2023) Summer and winter surveys of deep waters of the Hellenic Trench, Greece, provide insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of odontocetes. Endang Species Res 52:163-176. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01265 The publication was accompanied by a Press Release available here: https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/endangered-wh… *Abstract:* The Mediterranean Sea provides habitat for globally threatened cetaceans. The Hellenic Trench is an Important Marine Mammal Area, providing core habitat for sperm whales /Physeter macrocephalus/ and Cuvier’s beaked whales /Ziphius cavirostris/. Surveys have characterized distributions of these species in near-shore areas (<2000 m deep). Sparse survey effort in deeper waters during winter has allowed speculation that it is not an important habitat in winter. We used passive acoustic monitoring from towed arrays to document cetaceans during summer and winter, covering 18 366 km of trackline off the Peloponnese and Crete. We confirmed the acoustic presence of 5 odontocetes: sperm whales (n = 49 encounters; mean depth (x): 3360 m; range (R): 1250 to 4210 m), Cuvier’s beaked whales (n = 4; x: 3070 m; R: 1970 to 3770 m), Risso’s dolphins /Grampus griseus/ (n = 5; x: 3340 m; R: 2250 to 4440 m), striped dolphins /Stenella coeruleoalba/ (n = 2; x: 2980 m; R: 2490 to 3470 m) and rough-toothed dolphins /Steno bredanensis/ (n = 1; 3650 m). We also encountered 224 unidentified delphinids, including a potential blackfish (3020 m). We confirmed that these species are present in the Hellenic Trench throughout the year. Given the impact of multiple threats on sperm and Cuvier’s beaked whales in the Hellenic Trench, we suggest that policymakers follow the precautionary approach in managing human activities in the area. Ongoing seismic surveys, hydrocarbon extraction and uncontrolled shipping could have potentially negative effects on these species at the population level and we advise caution in permitting such activities in future. For copies, please contact the first and corresponding author Dr. Kirsten Thompson at: k.f.thompson(a)exeter.ac.uk Best wishes, Alexandros -- __________________________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Scientific director Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute Terpsichoris 21 16671 Vouliagmeni, GREECE Tel.: +30-210-8960108 e-mail:afrantzis@otenet.gr website:http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyp-eiteK0GBb0Lr5psk0g __________________________________________________________ -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Job postings for 2024 Seasonal Hawaiian Monk Seal Field Research Positions
by Lizabeth Kashinsky 01 Nov '23

01 Nov '23

The University of Hawaii Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (CIMAR) works with the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP) through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii to conduct population assessment and recovery activities on Hawaiian monk seals. CIMAR hires program staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) and is currently seeking applicants for two separate recruitments for the 2024 Hawaiian monk seal field research season: HMSRP Field Camp Research Technician (job ID #223688) - serves as field camp team lead A full list of qualifications are stated in the job announcement and include but are not limited to the following: - Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in Marine Biology, Biology,Fisheries Oceanography, Hawaiian Studies in Natural Sciences, or a related field. (At least twenty-four (24) credit hours of college coursework in biological sciences or related field and one (1) year of field experience may substitute for an Associate’s Degree) - One to three (1-3) years of field experience, which includes experience working or camping in small groups in remote or isolated settings, conducting research on Hawaiian monk seals, and handling monk seals - Strong boating skills and/or boat maintenance experience, and/or knowledge of Hawaiian waters are a plus HMSRP Field Camp Research Assistant (job ID #223687) - serves as assistant on the team A full list of qualifications are stated in the job announcement and include but are not limited to the following: - High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent - One to three (1-3) years of field experience, which includes experience working or camping in small groups in remote or isolated settings. Prior experience handling or working with wildlife or other animals - Strong boating skills and/or boat maintenance experience, and/or knowledge of Hawaiian waters are a plus Ideal candidates for both positions will also have experience working and camping outdoors in remote or isolated areas, working with diverse groups of people, possess both physical and mental agility and endurance, and very importantly, demonstrate an ability to maintain a sense of calm and steadiness in the face of many unexpected challenges that such a remote location presents. Small boat experience and familiarity with Hawaiian waters is also a plus. Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders, minorities, kamaʻāina, and those with a strong connection to place and interest in giving back to place are encouraged to apply. Selected candidates will have the rare opportunity to live and work within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/new-about/__;…> (PMNM), a place with thriving coral reefs and that is home to a diverse array of seabirds, sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and other marine life, many of which are unique to the Hawaiian Islands. It is also a place of great cultural importance to Native Hawaiians <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/new-heritage/…> . Selected individuals will study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and may conduct other protected species work while deployed. The work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NOAA Fisheries and includes: conducting trend counts, tagging seals, identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks, monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, vaccinating against morbillivirus, performing necropsies, collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis, collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis, and removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. Researchers may participate in shark predation mitigation activities. Training will include Wilderness First Aid and a NOAA Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC). General information about the program can be found via the links below: http://www.conservationcompass.org/index.php/career-guidance/fantastic-fiel… <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.conservationcompass.org/index.php/ca…> https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian-monk-seal#science <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian…> Field teams will be stationed at field sites located within PMNM. Fieldwork is accomplished with a Technician who will serve as the team lead, and usually one or more assistants. Researchers live in wall tents at the various sites which are accessible only by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu). Few (if any) resupply opportunities exist and communication with others outside of field sites is limited throughout deployment due to the remoteness and lack of infrastructure. The employment period varies, but in a typical year, the duration of employment includes up to about 4 months of deployment to a field site with approximately 4-6 weeks of training and packing in Honolulu, and ~1-4 weeks at the end of the field season back in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. For the 2024 field season, plans are still being formulated, but positions may begin as soon as late February/early March with a deployment to field sites around late April. Applicants must be flexible in their availability as dates could change, including unforeseen delays such as inclement weather or ship delays. Travel to and from Honolulu and food, lodging, and transportation during the training period and post season in Honolulu before/after deployment are not provided. Transportation between Honolulu and field sites and food and other living costs are covered by the program during the deployment. Due to unforeseen circumstances or mission logistics, departure delays or returning earlier than expected could result in longer periods in Honolulu that may result in additional uncompensated living expenses. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, and must be able to meet both the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access the work location, and also the health requirements to board a NOAA vessel. Instructions to apply for both the technician and assistant positions are in the attached job postings and as indicated below. Please clearly address all qualifications in your cover letter and resume. If you do not clearly address all qualifications, we may not be able to consider you as an applicant. For example, to address the experience qualification, indicate in your cover letter how many years (cumulative months or years) of field experience you have and be sure that is reflected in your resume. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: You can access both recruitments here <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://hr.rcuh.com/psp/hcmprd_exapp/EMPLOYEE/H…> and search for indicated job ID #s. Note that if applying for both positions, you must do so separately. CIMAR/PIFSC HMSRP Field Camp Research Technician (team lead) – search job ID #223688 CIMAR/PIFSC HMSRP Field Camp Research Assistant - search Job ID #223687 You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting (11/06/2023). If you do not have access to the RCUH system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment(a)rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. -- Lizabeth Kashinsky (she/her/hers) Why does this matter? <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.mypronouns.org/what-and-why__;!!PvD…> * <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.mypronouns.org/what-and-why__;!!PvD…>* Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Program Manager, Protected Species Division Hawaiian Monk Seal Research and Recovery Program Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 1845 Wasp Blvd., B176, Honolulu, HI 96818 Office: (808) 725-5719 Mobile: (808) 285-4578

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