December 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on marine bird and marine mammal observations as part of the WindFloat Pacific Offshore Wind Floating Wind Demonstration in Coos Bay, Oregon
by Melinda Conners 22 Dec '23

22 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce a recent publication on marine bird and marine mammal observations in Coos Bay, Oregon as part of a geophysical survey for the Pacific Offshore Wind Floating Platform Demonstration. Bates, O. M., Cranmer, E. S., Lane, R., Lomac-MacNair, K. S., & Smultea, M. A. (2023). MARINE MAMMAL AND MARINE BIRD SURVEYS DURING THE WINDFLOAT PACIFIC OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT NEAR COOS BAY, OREGON, 2014 AND 2015. Northwestern Naturalist, 104(3), 209-228. https://doi.org/10.1898/NWN21-16 Abstract Information on marine mammals and marine birds in US Pacific Northwest waters is limited but necessary to assess potential impacts from proposed and planned human activity (for example, cable installation, energy and port development) as required by regulatory permitting processes, particularly relative to recent plans for offshore wind development. We conducted daily opportunistic, non-systematic observations of marine mammals and marine birds in autumn 2014 and of marine mammals in summer 2015 to meet mitigation and monitoring requirements associated with a geophysical site characterization survey for a proposed offshore wind floating platform demonstration project off Coos Bay, Oregon. Two biologists completed observations during daylight with the naked eye and reticle binoculars from a 17-m vessel between Coos Bay and the proposed platform site 30 km offshore. In 2014, 1058 h (3244 km) of observation occurred during 3 October through 4 November, with 1182 h (4367 km) observations conducted from 10 July through 28 August 2015. In total, 543 groups (approximately 1389 individuals) representing at least 14 marine mammal species and 7444 groups (approximately 18322 individuals) representing at least 22 marine bird species were observed. Sighting rates (number of individuals observed per 100 km of observation) were higher for nearly every species of marine mammal in summer 2015 than autumn 2014. An extralimital sighting of 25 Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and 5 sightings of rare transient Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) were documented. Results address a gap in site-specific marine mammal and marine bird baseline occurrence data and information required to assess effects of proposed offshore wind development and other human-related activities near Coos Bay, Oregon, as well as climate and oceanographic changes. Please email mari.smultea(a)smulteasciences.com<mailto:mari.smultea@smulteasciences.com> for a copy of the PDF or, follow the link above to Northwestern Naturalist if you have library access to the journal. Happy holidays to all! Melinda Melinda Conners, Ph.D. Strategic Growth Director/ Principal Scientist melinda.conners(a)smulteasciences.com Morro Bay, CA 93442 M: +1 (831) 428-6576 O: +1 (425) 683-1517 LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-conners-aa3a37230/> / Twitter<https://twitter.com/melbirds5> Smultea Environmental Sciences<http://www.smulteasciences.com> Women-Owned / WOSB / DBE

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Marine Mammals of Maine Summer Internship Announcement
by Walk, Dominique 21 Dec '23

21 Dec '23

*Marine Mammals of Maine 2024 Summer Internship Announcement* Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) is accepting applications for our summer harbor seal pup season internship, now through January 31st, 2024. MMoME is a non-profit organization federally authorized to respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles between Kittery and Rockland, Maine, covering some of the busiest seal stranding activity on the East Coast. MMoME also operates a unique triage and rehabilitation center which provides critical care to nearly 50 sick and injured pinnipeds annually. Additionally, our mission and work heavily encompasses marine mammal research, education, and outreach. MMoME is seeking flexible, positive, and independent interns who will be given the unique opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Interns will learn marine mammal field health assessment, handling, basic husbandry and clinical care of pinnipeds, as well as Level A data collection, necropsy, and sampling of deceased marine mammals. The internship is based out of Midcoast Maine (town of Brunswick), though travel throughout our response region and New England will be necessary. Interns will work as a team alongside volunteers and staff to accomplish MMoME’s broad scope of work during our busiest time of year and will be required to dedicate 40-50 hours per week to the internship (approximately 4 days/week). These hours will include holidays, weekends, late nights and early mornings. This internship is unpaid. Intern housing may be provided for a monthly fee. There are numerous seasonal job opportunities available in the area to supplement income, and work schedules are created for interns to be able to acquire a job if needed. *Key Tasks and Responsibilities:* *Stranding Response:* respond to live and dead cetacean, pinniped, and sea turtle strandings to collect Level A data, perform health assessments, and monitor, relocate, and collect for rehabilitation or humane euthanasia. Carcass collection for disposal or necropsy will also be required. *Patient Care:* assist with all aspects relating to the care of sick, injured, and abandoned pinnipeds (primarily harbor seal pups) undergoing short, or long-term care at MMoME’s center. Tasks include extensive cleaning of animal enclosures/dishes/laundry, etc., meal prep, tube-feeding, assisting with medical procedures, animal restraint for exams, running diagnostic lab samples, charting, medical record maintenance, and patient transport to other long-term care facilities. *Necropsy:* transport carcasses to necropsy and compost sites, assist staff with necropsy of fresh dead pinnipeds (both from the field, and rehab patients that pass), and cetaceans, archive necropsy samples, and maintain and clean necropsy equipment. *Education and Outreach:* give presentations to the public about the organization, attend outreach and fundraising events, and help create educational materials. *Other Tasks:* additional time will be spent on data entry, fundraising, lots of cleaning, and other tasks as needed. *Internship Requirements:* - Must be 18 years of age or older to apply. This internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, or individuals recently graduated within 3 years from an undergraduate program. -The ideal candidate is working towards a career in marine mammal science, veterinary technology, marine biology, environmental education, or a related field. -Must commit to at least three months, and be available from May 7, 2024, through August 16th, or October 20th, 2024. *All interns must be able to start on May 7th.* -Must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, a reliable vehicle, and willing/able to drive a full-size truck in urban and rural areas. -Must be able to work independently and as part of a team with other interns, volunteers, and staff, and be adaptable to a fast-paced, changing and at times unpredictable schedule. -Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and be in good physical shape. -Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, eager to learn, flexible, able to work under minimal supervision, able to work well with others as a team member, and detail-oriented are encouraged to apply. -Preference given to individuals with a demonstrated interest in marine mammals and are specifically interested in marine mammal response and care. Previous marine mammal experience or animal husbandry is a plus. *How to Apply:* Please send a letter of interest which addresses all of the following questions: 1. Why you would like to be considered for this internship 2. How you meet the requirements 3. What your expectations of this internship are 4. What you hope to gain from this internship 5. The start and end dates you can commit to Your application must also include a resume and one professional letter of recommendation. Completed applications can be sent to info(a)mmome.org by 11:59 PM EST on January 31st, 2024. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Learn more at www.mmome.org. We look forward to your application for this exciting and unique experience! *Dominique Walk* *Assistant Stranding Coordinator* *Marine Mammals of MaineOffice: 207-844-8718* *Reporting Hotline: 1-800-532-9551* *www.mmome.org <http://www.mmome.org>*

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New pub: Uncertain bioenergetics of North Atlantic right whales
by Michael Moore 21 Dec '23

21 Dec '23

The following *Open Access* paper was published Dec 21 2023 at https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m725p167.pdf Uncertain bioenergetics of North Atlantic right whales sprog Jasmin C. Hütt1,2,*, Peter Corkeron2,3, Julie M. van der Hoop2 , Michael J. Moore2 1 Department of Biology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany 2 Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA 3 Present address: Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia ABSTRACT: Without substantive reduction in anthropogenic trauma, Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis (NARWs) risk extinction. Decreasing population size is attributable to 2 main issues besides vessel collision: entanglement in fishing gear and changes in food availability due to ecosystem changes in the face of climate disruption. Both can affect NARW energetics, leading to reduced body condition, decreased reproductive success of individuals, and deterioration of overall population health. To measure the impact of these stressors and their interaction, energetic costs associated with entanglement and starvation were incorporated in a bioenergetics model, established for a generic female right whale. We compared models for a NARW living now, one from 2 decades ago, when the species’ abundance was increasing at ap - proximately 2% yr−1, and a southern right whale (SRW) from a population increasing at approximately 6% yr−1. Parameter uncertainty associated with daily estimates of energy income, basal metabolic rate, and possible influences of baleen rack disruption from entanglement was so great that differences between the 3 generic right whale females were indistinguishable. Therefore, we included a stunted whale in the model. It was also indistinguishable from our first 3 model whales. Further, it made robust predictions of NARW energy budgets, let alone the impact of specific stressors of varying intensity, impossible. The capacity of bioenergetic modeling to inform conservation management of NARWs will be substantially enhanced by resolving these parameter uncertainties. KEY WORDS: Bioenergetics model · Energy budget · Sublethal stressor · Reproductive success · Entanglement · Eubalaena glacialis · Cetacea -- Michael J Moore Vet. M.B., Ph.D. Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution We Are All Whalers <https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/mmoore/we-are-all-whalers/>

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New paper: How whales dive, feast and fast
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 21 Dec '23

21 Dec '23

Dear All, This recent review in Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics may be of interest to some of you: How Whales Dive, Feast, and Fast: The Ecophysiological Drivers and Limits of Foraging in the Evolution of Cetaceans Abstract Whales are an extraordinary study group for questions about ecology and´evolution because their combinations of extreme body sizes and unique foraging strategies are unparalleled among animals. From a terrestrial ancestry, whales evolved specialized oceanic foraging mechanisms that characterize the two main groups of living cetaceans: echolocation by toothed whales and bulk filter feeding by baleen whales. In toothed whales, lineage-specific increases in body size, enhanced diving capacity, and echolocation enable them to hunt the most abundant prey on the planet: deep-sea fish and cephalopods. Even greater body size increases, along with filter feeding and fasting capacity, permit large baleen whales to migrate long distances and exploit epipelagic patches of schooling prey, such as krill or fish, which are highly abundant but ephemeral. For both groups, prey abundance and distribution limit foraging performance, yielding divergent energetic niches that have shaped their convergent evolution to gigantism. The paper can be found here: https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-102220-025458 Alternatively, feel free to write me an email for a pdf copy. Happy holidays, Peter

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MMO Posting - Woodfibre LNG Project, Squamish, BC
by Blake Aleksich 20 Dec '23

20 Dec '23

HOW TO APPLY Email a resume to *blake(a)sartorienv.com <blake(a)sartorienv.com>* Posting will remain open until it is filled. POSITION SUMMARY Sartori is seeking to add Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) to their ongoing Marine Mammal Monitoring Program at the Woodfibre LNG project near Squamish BC. MMOs will be responsible for conducting visual observations for marine mammals, deploying and operating hydrophone monitoring equipment, and conducting water quality monitoring. Long hours on the water may be required during certain construction periods. Camp facilities will be available for non-local candidates, daily transportation to/from project site from Squamish will be available for local candidates. POSITION TERM Temporary contract from December 2023 to February 2024 with opportunity for continued work on the MMO program in 2024/2025. POSITION LOCATION The position will primarily involve monitoring on the Woodfibre LNG project in Squamish, BC. Candidates from outside of the Squamish/Vancouver area can expect to be stationed in camp. PREFERRED CAPABILITIES • MMO or marine monitoring experience. • Whale and pinniped species identification abilities. • Hydroacoustic monitoring experience. • Water quality monitoring experience. • Field work experience in aquatic biology (e.g., fish and amphibian surveys/salvages and habitat assessment), terrestrial wildlife and birds (e.g., breeding bird nest surveys, raptor surveys, wildlife and species at risk surveys) and vegetation assessment. • Strong interpersonal skills for client and contractor communications. REQUIREMENTS • Position will likely require shift work with length of shifts to be determined. Normal working days are likely to be up to 10-12 hours. • Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean Driver’s Abstract. PREFERENCES GIVEN TO CANDIDATES WITH: • Suitable academic background and/or experience with applied science biology work or other related field work. • MMO or marine monitoring experience. • Hydroacoustic monitoring experience. • Level 1 First Aid • SVOP certification COMPENSATION Competitive hourly rate based on experience, education and training. BENEFITS • Cell phone allowance. • Overtime in keeping with applicable employment laws. HOW TO APPLY Email a resume to *blake(a)sartorienv.com <blake(a)sartorienv.com>* Posting will remain open until it is filled. Blake Aleksich, AScT, RBTech Project Manager m: 778-868-6229 <info(a)sartorienv.com> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/sartori-environmental> <https://www.instagram.com/sartorienvironmental/> <https://goo.gl/maps/uX8SMb2Tt6zBRMzU7> <https://www.sartorienv.com/>

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Call for Aquatic Mammals journal’s Special Issue of Technological Advances to Study Aquatic Mammals
by Kathleen Dudzinski 20 Dec '23

20 Dec '23

A Special Issue in Aquatic Mammals journal on technology advances used to study aquatic mammals. Submission Deadline is 30 June 2024! This special issue in Aquatic Mammals is intended to present a collection of papers on recent technological advances in the study or care of aquatic mammals. Technological advances and innovative use of those methods continue to evolve to unprecedented levels allowing for us to glean more about the behavior, physiology, and ecology of marine mammals. There are many innovative ways to study marine mammals including (but not limited to) artificial intelligence (AI), satellite imagery, unmanned systems (e.g., drones, gliders), genomics, tagging, biologging, and passive acoustic monitoring. The methods are as diverse and interesting as the animals that are studied. Special Issue Logistics Submissions – content We encourage contributors to submit short notes and/or research articles with data from use of a drone, glider, or other novel or updated technology to advance the understanding of aquatic mammals. Space will be available for supplemental video files or PDFs on the journal’s website, if applicable. Be sure to provide these materials during manuscript review process. Video files should be sent to the journal using either wetransfer.com or a DropBox link. (Contact the managing editor with questions about video format.) Deadlines 30 June 2024 – deadline to submit a manuscript for peer-review consideration in this special issue – you are encouraged to submit early!! 15 August 2024 – date by which review process of all submitted manuscripts to be completed (if not sooner) 1 September 2024 – date by which all review decisions delivered to contributors (if not sooner) 5 October 2024 – date by which all accepted and revised manuscripts to be received for copy editing (if not sooner) 10 - 31 October 2024 – review galleys as available, confirm final in-press PDF versions Planned Publication Issue/Date Issue 50.6: The special issue is planned for the 6th issue of volume 50 in Aquatic Mammals, which publishes on 15 November 2024. (Note: after peer review, accepted and revised manuscripts will be formatted with in-press PDFs sent to the corresponding author once page fees are paid. Final ADA PDFs will be available to authors once the issue is officially published.) Page Fees – author(s) responsibility Articles accepted for inclusion in this special issue will be responsible for their publication page fees. See the journal website for details related to page fees. Please mention in your cover letter that your manuscript is submitted for consideration in the special issue of technological advances. And, to submit your manuscript file and cover letter, follow this link. Visit our Manuscript Fast track web site at: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php For more Information, contact Aquatic Mammals journal’s managing editor. Happy Holidays! Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Managing Editor, Aquatic Mammals business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <about:blank>

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New book chapter on Long-finned pilot whales
by Philippe Verborgh 20 Dec '23

20 Dec '23

Dear Marmam community, We are pleased to share with you our latest chapter published in the Handbook of the Mammals of Europe reviewing scientific knowledge on long-finned pilot whales in Europe Verborgh, P., Desportes, G. (2023). Long-Finned Pilot Whale Globicephala melas (Traill, 1809). In: Hackländer, K., Zachos, F.E. (eds) Handbook of the Mammals of Europe. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65038-8_115-1 Do not hesitate to contact me for a copy: philippeverborgh(a)yahoo.fr Kind regards, Philippe Verborgh and Geneviève Desportes

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Postdoc/researcher position on marine mammal bycatch
by Guðjón Már Sigurðsson - HAFRO 20 Dec '23

20 Dec '23

Good afternoon, We at the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, are looking for a postdoc/researcher to work on projects related to marine mammal bycatch. The main responsibilities are to participate in two recently funded EU Life and Horizon projects, CIBBRiNA and Marine Beacon, along with participating in other marine mammal related projects and tasks at the MFRI. Our component within Marine Beacon focuses on bycatch risk assessment in Icelandic waters, using a combination of species distribution modelling and sightings surveys along with fishing effort data to highlight bycatch risk. The work within the CIBBRiNA project focuses on mitigation measures, including field trials of mitigation measures in gillnet fisheries and review work on available mitigation tools. Experience and knowledge of R is required. Experience with conducting risk assessments and running species distribution models is an asset. See more details here: https://www.researchgate.net/job/1006219_Postdoctoral_scientist_Research_sc… The position is a fixed term position for 4 years at our headquarters in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavík in southwest Iceland. Deadline for applications is the 18th of January. All the best, Gudjon ---- Guðjón Már Sigurðsson, Ph.D, M.Sc. Sjávarlíffræðingur / Marine biologist Uppsjávarsviði / Pelagic division Hafrannsóknastofnun / Marine and Freshwater Research Institute Hafnarfjörður, Iceland gudjon(a)hafogvatn.is<mailto:gudjon@hafogvatn.is> +354 575-2113

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Position Opening at the Marine Mammal Center
by Sarah Tatum 19 Dec '23

19 Dec '23

Greetings All, The Marine Mammal Center is Hiring! Laboratory Technician Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California Reports to: Clinical Laboratory Manager Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: This is a full-time hourly position, non-exempt. * Regular onsite work is required. * Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. * Occasional travel to satellite facilities and/or fieldwork may be expected for this position. Compensation Range: $25.92/hr. Full Benefits: * Holidays * Sick Time * Vacation * Medical, Dental, and Vision * Life Insurance * 401k Retirement Plan * The Marine Mammal Center offers benefits to support the emotional wellbeing of you and your loved ones (Employee Assistance Program) Job Summary The Laboratory Technician will undertake various laboratory procedures of a technical nature, including handling sensitive equipment to perform tests on biological specimens. They will help optimize laboratory procedures and produce reliable results that will be used in marine mammal care, treatment, and research. To read the entire position posting and how to apply visit this link: Link<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2125237/Marine-Mam…>. ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> Thank you! [Icon Description automatically generated with low confidence] Sarah Tatum (she-her) Human Resources Operations Coordinator TatumS(a)tmmc.org<mailto:tatums@tmmc.org> | T: 415.858.7103 | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program - 2024 Summer Batten Fellowship
by Sydney P. Bryant 19 Dec '23

19 Dec '23

The Virginia Aquarium’s Veterinary Science & Research Division is now accepting applications for Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellowships. Fellow Application Deadline: 2/28/2024 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) Fellows promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, necropsy and education. Fellows will be trained in all aspects of stranding response. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary by fellowship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Batten Fellows are also expected to complete a focused research project. We work with each accepted Batten Fellow to select a project from predetermined options based on their background, experience, and interests. Fellowships will be 400 - 800 hours (~3-6 months), depending on the candidate's availability, with a start date around May/June. Start and end dates are flexible. This competitive position includes $15 per hour compensation to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period. Housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Fellows are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. The fellow is expected to be available 4-5 days per week, either 8:00am-4:30pm or 7:00am-5:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is 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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