February 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Re: [MARMAM] Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL
by Greer, Bill 21 Aug '23

21 Aug '23

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery efforts of marine mammal carcasses for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) East Central Field Laboratory. The incumbent will serve as member of FWC’s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatee and other marine mammal carcasses, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will recover marine mammal carcasses for necropsy from the East Central region (coastal and inland waterways of southern Volusia County through Indian River County) of Florida and assist in manatee rescue and transport operations in the East Central region as well as assist with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. This position will be responsible for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. This position will be responsible for managing the East Central region’s intern and volunteer network which includes identifying candidates, interviewing, tracking their effort and training when needed. This position will be responsible for deployment, retrieval, maintenance and data collection of temperature probes throughout the winter months. This position will be responsible for assisting with other East Central regions projects such as photo identification and assisting with basic maintenance of vehicles, trailers and vessels as well purchasing needs and other tasks as assigned by supervisor. This position will assist with aerial surveys for manatees as needed. This position will have an assigned work schedule of Tuesday to Saturday (8:00 am-5:00 pm) and will be asked to respond to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. This position will serve in a rotation with other East Central staff members for the purpose of covering the East Central Region during state holidays. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques * Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses * Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques * Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26’ in length and smaller * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions * Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs, and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships * Be comfortable speaking to the public * Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver’s license within a month of employment Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management. **Preference may be given to candidates who have experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management; having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience; having photo-id collection experience in the field; or experience working alongside volunteers/interns. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers’ Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program – voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Nearest Major Market: Melbourne Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922 From: Greer, Bill Sent: Friday, October 18, 2019 7:44 PM To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Subject: Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922

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Characterization of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) habitat and resources availability
by Serrano Solis Arturo 17 Jun '23

17 Jun '23

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Suárez-Achaval, R.G., Serrano, A., Chamorro-Florescano, I. et al. Characterization of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) habitat and resources availability in the Alvarado Lagoon System, Veracruz. Eur J Wildl Res 69, 10 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-022-01639-x Abstract Historically, the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) was distributed along the coastline comprised by the five Mexican states that border the Gulf of Mexico. However, the few healthy populations that currently exist in Mexico are now limited to relatively isolated regions with very specific habitat characteristics. In the state of Veracruz, a limited number of individuals are found in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS), located in the coastal zone of southern central Veracruz. The aim of this study was to characterize manatee habitat in the ALS. Transects were established in the ALS and 503 points selected and sampled along these transects, producing data pertaining to salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, surface water temperature, pH, bottom type, and conductivity. A total of 45 outings were conducted, with a total sampling effort of 332.36 h. The average physicochemical parameters found were as follows: salinity 3.33 ppm, total dissolved solids 0.51 g/l, temperature 26.29 °C, dissolved oxygen 0.51%, pH 7.55, and oxidation–reduction potential 417.04 mV. Thirteen manatees were observed, mostly (84.6%) during the cold, where the parameters of electrical conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and oxidation–reduction potential showed differences between the sampled seasons, and in the lagoons with a presence of the floating and submersible vegetation species that form part of manatees’ diet. This study shows that the ALS presents lagoons that favor the presence of the Antillean manatee, further narrowing the distribution of the species within the same ALS in the southern central zone of the state of Veracruz. The article can be found at the following link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10344-022-01639-x [https://media.springernature.com/w200/springer-static/cover/journal/10344.j…]<https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10344-022-01639-x> Characterization of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) habitat and resources availability in the Alvarado Lagoon System, Veracruz - European Journal of Wildlife Research<https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10344-022-01639-x> Historically, the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) was distributed along the coastline comprised by the five Mexican states that border the Gulf of Mexico. However, the few healthy populations that currently exist in Mexico are now limited to relatively isolated regions with very specific habitat characteristics. In the state of Veracruz, a limited number of individuals are found in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS), located in the coastal zone of southern central Veracruz. The aim of this study was to characterize manatee habitat in the ALS. Transects were established in the ALS and 503 points selected and sampled along these transects, producing data pertaining to salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, surface water temperature, pH, bottom type, and conductivity. A total of 45 outings were conducted, with a total sampling effort of 332.36 h. The average physicochemical parameters found were as follows: salinity 3.33 ppm, total dissolved solids 0.51 g/l, temperature 26.29 °C link.springer.com Feel free to contact me to request a pdf or for any question regarding our work at: arserrano(a)uv.mx<mailto:arserrano@uv.mx> Regards, [cid:8becafb2-fc97-4ffd-b3ce-b66dcc242914]

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Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) positions available
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 30 May '23

30 May '23

THE PROJECT The Montenegro Dolphin Research is a scientific project run by Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD). Our study is the only long term research study of marine mammals in Montenegrin and Albanian coastal waters. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behavior, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to seismic practices. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community, particularly youth and women. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose love for dolphins is strong and sincere. Opportunities are available starting from January 2023 onwards. This project runs year round with prefered arrival within the first week, or just before, of candidates prefered month. The minimum duration of the placements is 2 MONTHS, with possible exceptions for skilled candidates. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once a week, weather allowing -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavior data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloging and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. -Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides intensive lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring every week. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammals research such as: -ArcGIS mapping -Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; -Photo-identification; -Discovery software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; -Visual and acoustic behaviour of marine mammals -Scientific manuscript and technical report writing skills PROJECT PARTICIPATION FEE The positions require a contribution fee; for volunteers it is €840/month for the first 2 months and €780 for any month more; for interns, it's €940/month for the first 2 months and €880 for any month more. All of which goes directly to supporting the projects and the participation fee includes: -Accommodation -Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania -Training and lectures -Scientific support -Field work -Use of equipment Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and motivation letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are the perfect asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better follow our websites: DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association www.dmad.org.tr https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/ https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, *Thalia de Haas* *Volunteer Coordinator of Montenegro Dolphin Research* *Researcher of DMAD-Marine Mammals Research Association * *WhatsApp +31645402061* *Skype: thalia.dehaas* *Thalia.deHaas(a)dmad.org.tr <thalia.dehaas(a)dmad.org.tr>* *https://www.instagram.com/marinevagabond <https://www.instagram.com/marinevagabond>* *General* *info@d <info(a)dmad.org.tr>m <info(a)dmad.org.tr>ad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/ <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature>* *https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>* [image: MDR Logo.jpg]

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Fully funded PhD studentship - Novel sensors to assess vessel, porpoise & dolphin activity
by Per Berggren 30 Mar '23

30 Mar '23

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We have a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship advertised and looking for a student with an Acoustic or Electronic Engineering background and interest in animal and anthropogenic sound in the marine environment. The project (Application of novel sensors to assess vessel, porpoise & dolphin activity during development of a floating wind farm off Blyth, UK) will further develop, test and use novel passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) sensors developed by the supervisory team (Prof Jeffrey Neasham and Prof Per Berggren) at Newcastle University, UK. The echolocation sound and cavitation noise sensors are low-cost and low-energy PAM platforms that listen, analyse and send the resulting data back to the user on land via long-range wifi or Iridium satellite networks. Please see link for full description and how to apply for the PhD studentship: https://auracdt.hull.ac.uk/research-projects/application-of-novel-sensors-t… Recruitment is open until 4 January 2023 for beginning study in September 2023. For any questions please contact Per Berggren (per.berggren(a)ncl.ac.uk) and/or Jeff Neasham (jeff.neasham(a)newcastle.ac.uk) ________________________________________________________ Professor Per Berggren Chair of Marine Megafauna Conservation Marine MEGAfauna Lab, School of Natural & Environmental Sciences Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, UK Tel +44 191 2085676, Email: per.berggren(a)ncl.ac.uk Skype: berggrenper, Twitter: @PerBerggren1 http://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/staff/profile/per.berggren ________________________________________________________

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New publication: drivers of dolphin group size
by Severine Methion 07 Mar '23

07 Mar '23

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Methion S, Giralt Paradell O, Padín XA, Corrège T, Díaz López B (2023). Group size varies with climate and oceanographic conditions in bottlenose dolphins. Marine Biology 170:7. Doi.org/10.1007/s00227-022-04154-4 AbstractAn understanding of animal grouping patterns is essential to increase knowledge about their social systems. We used a five-year continuous dataset to investigate grouping behavior in a free-ranging highly social mammal, the bottlenose dolphin. Our objective was achieved by examining the relationships between a set of oceanographic, climatic, topographic, anthropogenic and social variables and bottlenose dolphin group size. Modeling analysis revealed that bottlenose dolphin group dynamics was linked to both small-scale oceanographic variation and large-scale climatic variation. Larger groups of bottlenose dolphins were predicted with an elevated concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water column, a moderate concentration of chlorophyll-a 60 days before each encounter, and a neutral NAO index. The observed link between environmental variables and dolphin group size is likely associated to changes in dolphin prey availability. Bottlenose dolphin group dynamics are likely driven by multiple factors, and social variables may act synergistically with environmental parameters. Larger groups of bottlenose dolphins were indeed also predicted with a greater number of dependent calves, likely because of enhanced care towards the calves. This study illustrates the value of using multiple variables at different scales to explore the factors that shape animal societies. The current study therefore contributes to the growing body of literature on how environmental change, occurring at different spatio-temporal scales, is indirectly related to the social behavior of a marine top predator. The article can be found at the following link: https://rdcu.be/c1ZvL Feel free to contact me to request a pdf or for any question regarding our work at: severine(a)thebdri.com Kind regards, Séverine Methion, PhDshe/her/hersBDRI Research Scientist0034 640 119 669http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Severine_Methion https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9348-2592 Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRIAv. Beiramar 192, 36980, O Grove, Pontevedra, Spainwww.thebdri.comFind us on Facebook & Instagram! This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).

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An invitation to international scientific conference and workshop „Does the Wildlife Feel Safe in the Baltic Sea?“ at the Baltic Sea Animal Rehabilitation Center in Lithuania (11-12 May)
by Laura Lupeikaitė 28 Feb '23

28 Feb '23

The Baltic Sea faces numerous challenges, as it is semi-enclosed sea surrounded by a large population, which inevitably impacts the marine environment. HELCOM holistic assessment of the Baltic Sea ecosystem shows that most fish, birds, and marine mammals, as well as benthic and pelagic habitats of the Baltic Sea, are still not in a healthy state. It is anticipated that biodiversity will show signs of improvement in the coming years, as the effects of recently implemented measures start to be seen, nevertheless, continued efforts to improve the environmental status of biodiversity are of key importance. Lithuanian Sea Museum organises the international scientific conference and workshop „Does the Wildlife Feel Safe in the Baltic Sea?“ focusing on the health state of the Baltic Sea, diseases, rehabilitation and monitoring of marine mammals. Scientists and experts working in the field will share their experience and latest research results in the conference on 11-12 May 2023 held in the newly opened Baltic Sea Animal Rehabilitation Center (BSARC). The first day of the conference will be dedicated to scientific presentations. On the second day’s workshop, a group of marine mammal experts led by prof. prof. h. c. dr. Ursula Siebert will carry out the necropsy of a grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) according to the criteria of the monitoring of the health status of seals. Live streaming to the BSARC conference hall will be arranged. Language of the conference is English. TO REGISTER TO THE CONFERENCE Click on the category of participant in the table below: Category of participant Conference fee Dinner 11th May 2023 7.00–11.00 P.M. Conference participant <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemEtgKq1jb3rJA7NRP8OcMqnng0j2xFRB…> 80 Eur 60 Eur Student<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeBz6KfcgNDT4LSXxtGwXFn-l9GcyagQg…> 40 Eur 60 Eur More information about the conference: https://muziejus.lt/en/paslaugos/international-conference-does-wildlife-fee… We kindly invite you to participate in the conference and look forward to seeing you in Klaipėda in May 2023!

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New Publication - Beaked whale circovirus in ten new host cetacean species
by Cody Clifton 28 Feb '23

28 Feb '23

Aloha MARMAM community, On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication titled "Targeted surveillance detected novel beaked whale circovirus in ten new host cetacean species across the Pacific basin." *Abstract*: The first cetacean circovirus, beaked whale circovirus (BWCV), was recently reported in a Longman’s beaked whale (*Indopacetus pacificus*) stranded in Hawai‘i and represents an emergent disease with unknown population impacts. In other species, circovirus infection may cause mortality or opportunistic co-infection by other pathogens. We report on a targeted surveillance of stranded cetaceans in the Pacific basin, including archived beaked whale species, strandings where pathological findings suggested disease presence, mass stranded animals, and additional individuals to represent a broad range of Hawaiian cetacean species. Archived tissues primarily from the brain, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and lymph nodes of individuals stranded between 2000 and 2020 (n=30) were tested by PCR for the presence of BWCV. Suspect positive tissue amplicons were confirmed as BWCV through sequencing. Of the screened individuals, 15 animals tested positive in one or more tissues, with a single striped dolphin (*Stenella coeruleoalba*) testing positive in all six tissues. The highest rate of detection among positive cases was found in the brain (69%), followed by lymph (67%) and lung tissues (64%). Additionally, co-infections of cetacean morbillivirus (n=3), *Brucella ceti* (n=1), and *Toxoplasma gondii* (n=1) were found among the positive cases. These results expand the potential host range for BWCV into ten additional odontocete species. New host species include a dwarf sperm whale (*Kogia sima*) that stranded on O‘ahu in 2000, predating the initial case of BWCV. The results broaden the known geographic range of BWCV to Saipan in the Western Pacific, and American Samoa in the South Pacific, where stranded Cuvier’s beaked whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*) tested positive. Although the clinical significance is currently unknown, this study demonstrates that BWCV has a high prevalence within targeted cetacean screening efforts. Infectious diseases pose a major threat to cetaceans and BWCV may represent an important emerging disease within populations spanning the central, Western, and South Pacific. *Citation: *Clifton, C. W., Silva-Krott, I., Marsik, M. G., and West, K. L. (2023). Targeted surveillance detected novel beaked whale circovirus in ten new host cetacean species across the Pacific basin. *Front. Mar. Sci.* 9:945289. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.945289 Access to the full article can be found here: https://www.frontiersin. org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.945289/full Mahalo, Cody -- Cody Clifton Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Student Health and Stranding Lab University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

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Marine Science/ Ecosystem Inthernship in Bar Harbor, Maine 2023
by Analise Wittenberg 28 Feb '23

28 Feb '23

Acadian Boat Tours, Bar Harbor, Maine Frenchman Bay Ecosystem Monitoring Project Acadian Boat Tours is currently looking for an intern to join our team for our second research season monitoring the Frenchman Bay ecosystem in Bar Harbor, Maine from May to September 2023. This is an entry-level research position designed to offer experience for scientific individuals, and the ability to develop their professional careers in environmental monitoring and research. *The project*: This project includes monitoring various aspects of Frenchman Bay to gain a baseline understanding of the bay and to observe long-term changes in the Gulf of Maine. Historically, Frenchman Bay has been a productive hotspot supporting several major fisheries with reports of whales commonly within the Bay. Recent years have seen an absence of megafauna along with a shift in fish and plankton diversity. Multiple land-based sampling efforts have been utilized to observe the environment; this project plans to work in conjunction with those sampling efforts by providing a boat sampling platform. This project plans to utilize presence data of marine mammals, pelagic birds, fish, and plankton commonly found in Frenchman Bay. *Overview of the position: *The successful intern will work on our commercial passenger fishing vessels, tour vessels, and when processing data, in our on-site ticket sales location. The majority of the intern’s time will be spent working as a deckhand and onboard scientist. The intern will also work with the scientific coordinator on data maintenance, quality control, and writing up a final report. *Description of duties: *Upon arrival the intern will receive boat crew, naturalist, and research training. The successful candidate will be trained on vessel safety operations, vessel deck operations, and customer service in addition to project protocols. Some of the basic responsibilities include but are not limited to: preparing the vessel for the trips, assisting customers with fishing activities, cutting and gutting fish, daily vessel chores, excellent customer service, and ticket sales. As the onboard scientist, the intern will gain experience identifying fish, deploying a CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth meter), and processing plankton samples. *Pay/Compensation: *The successful intern will receive compensation based on the number of trips they crew aboard passenger vessels and the number of hours they work post-processing data in the ticket sales location. Plankton data post-processing will be completed at a partner facility and will be for college credit only. Shared seasonal housing will be available to the successful candidate for a small weekly fee. *Qualifications: *Applicants should have a college background or be currently enrolled in a biology, ecology, and/ or marine science program. Some prior experience with scientific study data collection is preferred but not necessary. While training is provided and no prior boat experience is required, time spent on a boat is also an asset. Customer service experience, while not required, is also highly valued. Due to Coast Guard requirements, all crew on board US commercial vessels (deckhands, naturalists, and science interns), must be US citizens or have permanent resident alien status. Also due to USCG requirements, the intern will be drug screened prior to employment and will be enrolled in a random drug testing program throughout the duration of the internship. Most importantly, applicants must exhibit a strong work ethic, stay positive and contribute positively to the dock community, remain flexible to changing schedules, demonstrate an ability to work independently and be comfortable working on boats in a variety of sea states and weather conditions in the cold. *To apply: *Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume/ CV, and two letters of recommendation via email to Kaitlyn Mullen and Analise Wittenberg at acadianboattours(a)gmail.com. *Deadline for applications is March 15, 2023.* Analise Wittenberg Internship Coordinator at Acadian Boat Tours College of the Atlantic '20

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ECS Workshop
by Mathilde MICHEL 28 Feb '23

28 Feb '23

Dear Marman community, On the occasion of the 34th annual conference of the European Cetacean Society, our team is pleased to organize a half-day workshop on April 17: "Prospective Discussion about Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammal for MSFD D1". The aim is to discuss with other EU Member States who are considering the use of acoustics as a monitoring method for cetaceans in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and how it could be integrated into the Good Ecological Status assessment. You can find more information on this link: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-ecs2023 If you are interested, we are looking for people who can present recent passive acoustic monitoring projects in Europe and elsewhere! Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and to register: Mathilde Michel / mathilde.michel(a)ensta-bretagne.org (ENSTA Bretagne, France) Best Regards Mathilde Michel -- Logo ENSTA Bretagne <https://www.ensta-bretagne.fr> Logo LabSTIC <https://www.labsticc.fr/en/index/> Mathilde MICHEL *Doctorante*// PhD Student/ *+33 (0)2 21 09 58 89 * *Lab-STICC – UMR CNRS 6285 www.labsticc.fr * ENSTA Bretagne *Grande école d'ingénieurs et centre de recherche* /French State Graduate, Post-Graduate and Research Institute / 2 rue François Verny - 29806 Brest Cedex 9 - France www.ensta-bretagne.fr <https://www.ensta-bretagne.fr>

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New publication on behavioral anomaly in Washington sea otter population
by Carter Johnson 27 Feb '23

27 Feb '23

On behalf of myself and my coauthors I am excited to share our recent paper on a unique foraging behavior in sea otters in Washington state, published in *Northwestern Naturalist *last week titled "Rapid consumption of kelp crab: implications for sea otters in Washington state." The paper can be found here: http://doi.org/10.1898/NWN20-07 Abstract: As animal populations approach environmental carrying capacity, competition for food increases, generally leading to decreased individual energy intake rate. Energy-intake rate can therefore be used as one metric of population status relative to carrying capacity. Focal observations of Sea Otter (*Enhydra lutris*) foraging behavior have been used throughout their range to estimate energy-intake rates and infer population status. In Washington State, previous research has demonstrated that handling times for Kelp Crabs (*Pugettia spp.*) by Sea Otters are 1.5 to 2 times faster than those observed in California and British Columbia, resulting in higher energy-intake rate estimates for Sea Otters in Washington. We investigated potential causes for the difference in handling time by: (1) comparing Sea Otter handling times of Kelp Crab and non-Kelp Crab prey items in Washington, California, and British Columbia; (2) comparing the handling times of Kelp Crabs by a subset of Sea Otters in California, which are Kelp Crab specialists (2003–2012, *n* = 244 Kelp Crab captures) to those of Sea Otters in Washington (2015–2018, *n* = 541 captures) and British Columbia (2013–2017, *n* = 359 captures); and (3) comparing the biomass-to-width ratios of Kelp Crabs from Washington and California. We did not observe consistent differences between regions in Sea Otter handling times of non-Kelp Crab prey. Mean Sea Otter handling time of small Kelp Crabs (carapace ≤1 Sea Otter paw width) in Washington (32.7 s) was significantly faster than in British Columbia (52.0 s, *P* < 0.0001) and all of California (40.6 s, *P* < 0.0001), but was not significantly different from that of Kelp Crab-specialist Sea Otters in California (31.7 s, *P* = 0.313). Mean Sea Otter handling time of large Kelp Crabs (≥1 Sea Otter paw) in Washington (64.7 s) was significantly faster than in British Columbia (87.7 s, *P*= 0.003), in all of California (104 s, *P* < 0.0001), and in the subset of Kelp Crab-specialist Sea Otters in California (91.6 s, *P* = 0.007). Kelp Crabs in Washington had a larger biomass-to-width ratio than Kelp Crabs in California: in Washington, a Kelp Crab with a 20-mm maximum carapace width had a 3.8% greater predicted biomass than a Kelp Crab in California of the same width, and a 27.1% greater biomass for a 60-mm carapace. Our results suggest that Sea Otters in Washington are Kelp Crab specialists with behavioral differences allowing them to consume Kelp Crabs faster, a difference that may affect the inference of Sea Otter population status from energy-intake rates in Washington. -- *Carter Johnson (he/him/his)* PhD Student University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences 17101 Point Lena Loop Rd | Juneau, AK cjjohnson22(a)alaska.edu

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