February 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: right whales and whale-watching
by Kate Sprogis 07 Feb '23

07 Feb '23

Dear Colleagues, The scientific article "Effects of whale-watching activities on southern right whales in Encounter Bay, South Australia" is published in the journal Marine Policy. It is free to download, and you can access it on Research Gate or from this link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105525. Authors: Kate R. Sprogis, Dirk Holman, Patricia Arranz and Fredrik Christiansen. Abstract: Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) are listed as Endangered under the Australian EPBC Act 1999. They migrate to shallow, coastal waters during the winter to mate, calve and nurse their young. During this time, they are easily accessible to the boat-based whale-watching industry. The aim of the study was to determine if whale-watching at 300 m distance affects the behaviour of southern right whales. To achieve this, behavioural focal follows on mother-calf pairs were conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the presence and absence of a commercial whale-watching vessel. There was no significant effect of phase (control, before, during, after) on the whales' respiration rate, swim speed, nursing rate and duration, maternal rate of active behaviours, tactile contact or calf pectoral fin contact. There was a significant reduction in resting between control and after phases, for both mothers (from 62 to 30%) and calves (from 16 to 1%). At 300 m distance and slow speed, vessel noise was measured to be slightly above ambient noise at the lower TOL0.25 kHz band, however, vessel noise was masked by ambient noise within the higher frequency TOL2-10 kHz bands. A factor which may have contributed to a decline in resting after whale-watch approaches, was an increase in vessel speed upon departure, which consequently increased vessel noise. Based on this, we recommend that vessels maintain a slow speed (e.g., ≤10 knots) within 1 km distance from the whales whilst conducting whale-watch activities. Citation: Sprogis, K.R., Holman, D., Arranz, P., Christiansen, F., 2023. Effects of whale-watching activities on southern right whales in Encounter Bay, South Australia. Marine Policy. 150:105525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105525. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Kind regards, Kate, Dirk, Patricia and Fredrik. Kate Sprogis, PhD Research Fellow Great Southern Marine Research Facility Albany campus WA 6330 Australia kate.sprogis(a)uwa.edu.au [UWA on Twitter]<https://twitter.com/KateSprogis>[UWA on Instagram]<https://www.instagram.com/katesprogis/>[UWA on Linked In]<linkedin.com/in/kate-sprogis-23abb58b>[cid:image005.png@01D93BA8.70DA00A0]<http://www.katesprogis.wordpress.com/> [cid:image006.png@01D93BA8.70DA00A0] [cid:image007.jpg@01D93BA8.70DA00A0] Recent publications: * Sprogis, K.R., Sutton, A.L., Jenner, M.N., McCauley, R.D., Jenner, K.C.S. 2022. Occurrence of cetaceans and seabirds along the Indian Ocean 110°E meridian from temperate to tropical waters. Deep Sea Research (Part II, Topical Studies in Oceanography). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2022.105184 * Sprogis, K.R., and Parra, G.J. 2022. Coastal dolphins and marine megafauna in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia: informing conservation management actions in an area under increasing human pressure. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR22023

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New publication: Sea ice directs changes in bowhead whale phenology through the Bering Strait
by Angela Szesciorka 07 Feb '23

07 Feb '23

Colleagues, I am pleased to announce our new publication in Movement Ecology: Szesciorka, A.R., Stafford, K.M. (2023). Sea ice directs changes in bowhead whale phenology through the Bering Strait. Movement Ecology 11, 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-023-00374-5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-023-00374-5 Article link: https://movementecologyjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40462-02… Abstract: Climate change is warming the Arctic faster than the rest of the planet. Shifts in whale migration timing have been linked to climate change in temperate and sub-Arctic regions, and evidence suggests Bering–Chukchi–Beaufort (BCB) bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) might be overwintering in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. We used an 11-year timeseries (spanning 2009–2021) of BCB bowhead whale presence in the southern Chukchi Sea (inferred from passive acoustic monitoring) to explore relationships between migration timing and sea ice in the Chukchi and Bering Seas. Fall southward migration into the Bering Strait was delayed in years with less mean October Chukchi Sea ice area and earlier in years with greater sea ice area (p = 0.04, r2 = 0.40). Greater mean October–December Bering Sea ice area resulted in longer absences between whales migrating south in the fall and north in the spring (p < 0.01, r2 = 0.85). A stepwise shift after 2012–2013 shows some whales are remaining in the southern Chukchi Sea rather than moving through the Bering Strait and into the northwestern Bering Sea for the winter. Spring northward migration into the southern Chukchi Sea was earlier in years with less mean January–March Chukchi Sea ice area and delayed in years with greater sea ice area (p < 0.01, r2 = 0.82). As sea ice continues to decline, northward spring-time migration could shift earlier or more bowhead whales may overwinter at summer feeding grounds. Changes to bowhead whale migration could increase the overlap with ships and impact Indigenous communities that rely on bowhead whales for nutritional and cultural subsistence. Feel free to reach out to me at angela(a)szesciorka.com if you have any questions. -- *Angela R. Szesciorka, M.Sc., Ph.D.* NSF Office of Polar Programs Postdoctoral Fellow Marine Mammal Institute Hatfield Marine Science Center | Oregon State University Office: ‭541-867-0362‬ Pronouns: Dr/she/her ‪ ‪

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New publication: Aquatic mammal fossils in Latin America – a review of records, advances and challenges in research in the last 30 years
by Carolina Loch Silva 07 Feb '23

07 Feb '23

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our publication in the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 20th Anniversary Special Edition *Aquatic mammal fossils in Latin America – a review of records, advances and challenges in research in the last 30 years* Mariana Viglino, Ana M. Valenzuela-Toro, Aldo Benites-Palomino, Atzcalli Ehécatl Hernández-Cisneros, Carolina S. Gutstein, Gabriel Aguirre-Fernández, Jorge Vélez-Juarbe, Mario A. Cozzuol, Mónica R. Buono, and Carolina Loch LAJAM Vol. 18 No. 1, January 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00295 *Abstract* Records of aquatic mammal fossils (e.g. cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, mustelids, and desmostylians) from Latin America (Mexico to Tierra del Fuego) span since the mid-1800s. Aquatic mammal fossils received little attention from the scientific community, with most of the first studies conducted by Northern Hemisphere researchers. Over the last 30 years, paleontological research in Latin America has increased considerably, with descriptions of several new species and revisions of published original records. The Latin American fossil record spans from the Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene, with formations and specimens of global significance. All three main groups of cetaceans are represented in the continent (Archaeoceti, Mysticeti, and Odontoceti). Pinnipedia are represented by the families Otariidae, and Phocidae, with records starting in the middle Miocene. Both living families of Sirenia (Trichechidae and Dugongidae) are recorded. While less common, but still relevant, records of desmostylians and mustelids are known from Oligocene and Miocene deposits. This review provides a summary of the aquatic mammals known to date, with a special focus on the advances and developments of the last 30 years, since Cozzuol’s (1996) review of the South American fossil record. An up-to-date complete list of species based on the literature and unpublished data is also provided. The study also provides future directions for paleontological research in Latin America, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in the field, including the emergence of a strong new generation of Latin American researchers, many of whom are women. The article can be found here: https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/article/view/1513/521 Any questions, please get in touch _______________________________________ Carolina Loch Silva, PhD Senior Lecturer in Oral Biology Deputy Director, Sir John Walsh Research Institute Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago Dunedin 9054, New Zealand Phone: +(64) 03 479-9255 http://www.otago.ac.nz/sjwri/people/profile/index.html?id=2033

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Marine mammal rehabilitation and outreach internship
by Casey Mclean 07 Feb '23

07 Feb '23

SR3<http://www.sr3.org/> (Sealife Response, Rehabilitation and Research), located just outside of Seattle, WA, is now accepting applications for our 2023 marine mammal rehabilitation internships. We are seeking six interns for each of our two cohorts. The first cohort will be from June 12th- August 12th and the second from August 1st- November 1st. There maybe some flexibility with start and end dates to accommodate school schedules. Applications will remain open until February 28th with interviews to occur throughout March. There is limited financial support that students can apply for. Full details and how to apply at: https://www.sealifer3.org/2023-internship<https://www.sealifer3.org/2023-internship> INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION SR³ is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Des Moines, Washington. Our mission is to promote the health and welfare of marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. Interns play a critical role in our mission by supporting our animal husbandry, field response, and public outreach programs. Duties and Responsibilities Marine animal stranding response, rehabilitation and necropsy: * Food preparation, animal feeding, providing animal enrichment * General cleaning duties and animal enclosure maintenance * Assist with intake exams, perform animal restraint, and administer medications and treatments * Learn to make daily medical observations including wound monitoring, body condition, behavioral health, and recognizing common medical emergencies. * Learn and adhere to standards of PPE, sanitation, and quarantine as it applies to transfer of disease and parasites * Assist lead animal care specialist and veterinary staff in emergency situations as needed * Assist with processing laboratory samples including packaging and shipping * Assist with all aspects of marine animal stranding response, including: public interaction, animal transport, data collection, and post-mortem exam and sampling * Participate in field rescues, releases, and other field responses as needed * Routine upkeep of all resources needed for response and rehabilitation * Perform data entry * Other projects as assigned Note: General husbandry and cleaning are a large portion of this internship Outreach/Public Education: * Engage with the public at community and outreach events, promoting and inspiring marine conservation * Maintain and inventory educational materials * Assist with fundraising events as needed * Contribute to social media platforms and blogs * Assist with administrative tasks as requested Leading Volunteers * Assist Community Engagement Coordinator in coaching, supporting, and occasionally mentoring animal husbandry volunteers in the course of their duties * Communicate regularly with Community Engagement Coordinator on volunteer successes and areas for improvement * Direct animal husbandry volunteers in the completion of cleaning, feeding, and maintenance tasks Sent from Outlook<http://aka.ms/weboutlook>

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SMM Editors' Select Series on February 16th: Are dolphins more affected by commercial fisheries than artisanal fisheries?: A case study from Montenegro
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 07 Feb '23

07 Feb '23

Greetings MARMAM! Join us on Thursday, 16 February 2023 at 4 PM GMT / 8 AM PST / 11 AM EST for the next SMM Editors’ Select Series: Are dolphins more affected by commercial fisheries than artisanal fisheries?: A case study from Montenegro with Mr. Tim Awbery of the Scottish Association for Marine Science and DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association. This event is free to attend and presented online via Zoom, but registration is required. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wIJwObUlS4WwS7lv5g2utA Space on Zoom is limited to the first 500 attendees. The talk will also be streamed live on the SMM Facebook page. About this talk: Given that bottlenose dolphins are often encountered in coastal waters and that they have a diet that mainly consists of fish, it is unsurprising that their habitats often overlap with fisheries. A number of previous studies have demonstrated that the presence of boats (particularly those associated with whale-watching) affect marine mammal behaviours, but to the best of our knowledge, nobody has previously addressed whether different types of fishing vessels altered the behaviour of marine mammals. In this study, a combination of land-based and boat-based surveys were used to look at four different bottlenose dolphin behaviours (diving, socialising, surface-feeding, and travelling). Dolphins were observed in both the presence of large, commercial vessels and smaller, artisanal fisheries as well as in the absence of any marine vessel traffic. Both commercial fishing vessels and artisanal vessels were found to affect the behaviour of dolphins, but importantly they affected dolphin behaviour in different ways. Commercial fishing boats significantly altered the proportion of time that bottlenose dolphins spent performing three out of four of the recorded behaviours. Whilst artisanal fishing boats only affected the proportion of time spent performing one behaviour, this behaviour was surface-feeding, a behaviour important to dolphins for obvious reasons. If these dolphin behaviours are interrupted for a long period then it is likely to have consequences on the health of the dolphin population. This work alongside previous studies demonstrates that the type of vessel is an important factor in how a dolphin might be disturbed and therefore must be taken into account when considering management strategies. About the presenter: Tim Awbery is a researcher based in the Marine Mammal Research Team at the Scottish Association for Marine Science currently investigating minke whales on the west coast of Scotland. Prior to this, Tim worked in the Mediterranean for DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association, an NGO based in Turkey. Whilst his work took him throughout the north-east Mediterranean, he was predominantly based in Montenegro, Turkey and Albania working on a number of marine mammal research projects. Tim has been involved in the publication of a range of studies that have provided some of the first data for overlooked regions of these countries. His research has two primary focuses, 1) building a baseline of marine mammal data in understudied areas, 2) using this data to understand where marine mammals and human threats overlap and how these threats may affect marine mammals. He hopes his work can be used to help inform conservation decisions by providing concrete information rather than managers being reliant on anecdotal evidence. Open access to this article is made temporarily available in the weeks around the presentation and can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12913 Current SMM members have access to all Marine Mammal Science papers. Missed a presentation or want to share this series with a friend? All previous Editors' Select presentations are recorded and archived on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUc78IynQlubS2DVS1VZoplf_t42-yZOO All the best, *Ayça Eleman, Ph.D. Candidate* *Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Candidate* *Sophia Volzke, Ph.D. **Candidate* *Student Members-at-Large* Society for Marine Mammalogy

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Internship at NAMMCO
by NAMMCO, Jana Djukaric 07 Feb '23

07 Feb '23

Would you like to be the next Intern at NAMMCO? The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission is looking for a new member to join the Secretariat, and the internship is a great way for students or early career individuals to enhance their skills while working for an Intergovernmental Organisation. The internship presents a potential to work on project(s) relevant to the work of NAMMCO. Currently we are particularly, but not only, seeking applicants interested in the topic of marine mammal-fisheries interactions and willing to participate in the assessment of the by-catch risk posed by different fisheries on marine mammals in the NAMMCO management areas. Depending on the activities, the intern may also get the opportunity of travelling for joining NAMMCO meetings in the Nordic countries. The preferred duration of the internship is between 9 and 12 months. Start of the next internship ~ 01.08.2023 (flexible) Application deadline = 01.04.2023 Find more information, including stipend and how to apply, here: https://nammco.no/nammco-internship/ Questions can be send to nammco-sec(a)nammco.no Jana Djukarić Intern NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission POB 6453, Sykehusveien 21-23 N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Tel.: +45 93802710 E-mail: intern(a)nammco.no<mailto:intern@nammco.no> [X]

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PhD projects available in the Cetacean Ecology Group at the University of Queensland, Australia
by Michael Noad 06 Feb '23

06 Feb '23

PhD projects available in the Cetacean Ecology Group (Dunlop lab and Noad lab) at the University of Queensland, Australia The Cetacean Ecology Group currently has three PhD project available to commence mid-2023 or early 2024. The Cetacean Ecology Group is comprised of two labs headed by Assoc. Prof. Rebecca Dunlop and Prof. Michael Noad. The two labs are based at the St Lucia campus (Brisbane) and at the Moreton Bay Research Station (MBRS) at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Is (Minjerribah) near Brisbane. The University of Queensland (UQ) is routinely listed in the top 50 or so universities in the world and has one of the largest marine science programs in Australia. We value a team-based approach, where supervisors and researchers work effectively together on various projects. We also value gender equity and cultural diversity within the labs. As part of the labs' PhD programme, we offer experience in field data collection, collecting and analysis of underwater acoustic data, grant and report writing, and statistical data analysis. We are also able to offer students industry placements, where we encourage and support students to gain real-world experience. Our labs provide a challenging, but impactful, PhD experience. Humpback whale communication behaviour project in the Dunlop lab The Dunlop lab is seeking applicants for one PhD position. The Dunlop Lab has a primarily focus on cetacean acoustic behaviour and communication, the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals, and cetacean physiology. We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable student with strong interests in animal acoustic communication and cognition. This PhD will be part of a larger study on the effects of anthropogenic noise on humpback whale communication. Applicants should therefore have a background and general interest in animal communication, behaviour and cognition and should hold an honours degree or masters degree (or equivalent). Background Humpback whales are renowned for their complex communication repertoire. A previous study (project BRAHSS; https://www.brahss.org.au) led by UQ, Curtin University, and the University of Sydney, found that humpback whales changed their migratory behaviour in response to the noise from seismic air guns. However, less is known about how they might change their communication behaviour in response to these sounds. The PhD project will measure if, and how, humpback whale groups change their communication behaviour in the presence of natural noise (wind, singing whales, snapping shrimp), potential predators (killer whales) and anthropogenic noise sources (air guns, large vessels). It also will determine the potential active space of their non-song vocal sounds and surface-generated sounds and model the decrease in this space with various sources of noise to determine the likelihood of signal masking. You will use data already collected on humpback whale responses to conspecific sounds and air gun sounds (project BRAHSS) with a chance to develop your own research proposal and apply for further funding. In addition, you will be part of the HHARC (Hearing in Humpbacks Acoustic Research Collaboration) project field effort (2021 - 2024) to collect further data on humpback responses to 'tones' and 'killer whale sounds' (Peregian Beach field site). For further information on the field site and earlier studies see previous publications from the group. Results will extend our knowledge of the effects of various anthropogenic, and natural, noise sources on large whale communication behaviour. Ultimately, this will help make improvements to ocean policy aimed at mitigating the negative effects of anthropogenic noise on large whales. For this PhD, the applicant's background should be in biology and/or ecology with quantitative training and experience preferred (e.g., in R). You should also have experience in scientific writing (preferably as an author on a peer reviewed publication) and be able to produce a sample of your writing, be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of hypothesis testing and experimental design and have some experience in data processing and analysis. Song PhD projects in the Noad lab Humpback whales produce the most complex acoustic display known of any animal. Not only are the songs complex and structured, but the patterns of the song change rapidly. In any given population at any given time, the whales sing similar songs, using the same or similar sounds arranged into phrases and themes in a similar manner to each other. Over time, however, the pattern changes with all the singing whales making the same changes to their songs so as to maintain population-wide conformity. This constant process of change is known as 'song evolution'. In some populations, very large changes can occur in songs very quickly, usually due to a new song being introduced from a neighbouring population, and these events are known as 'song revolutions' to distinguish them from evolutions. Only males sing and do so predominantly during the breeding season. This means that songs are almost certainly used as sexual displays as are the songs used by many species of birds. The precise function, however, remains elusive with evidence for both intra- and inter-sexual roles. Although the constantly changing nature of humpback whale songs has been known for some time, the details of how and why the songs change are also not understood. The Noad lab (https://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/1028) is currently offering two PhD projects on song change in humpback whales that will help establish, in different ways, the 'how' and the 'why'. Both PhDs would be co-supervised by Assoc. Prof. Rebecca Dunlop (https://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/1334) who has expertise in humpback whale acoustic and social behaviour. Variability in humpback whales' songs While humpback whales in any one population usually conform to a particular song type or pattern, when individual songs are examined in detail, variations can be found. While consistent variance among singers might be used as 'signature information', variation also occurs within many singers, from song to song and even phrase to phrase, and so is inconsistent and unlikely to be useful for this. Why then do whales vary the structures of their songs? One possibility is that this may, at least partly, be due to social context. Another is that noise may play a role. Variance may also be due to whales improvising, creating small novelties that may be associated with fitness. This PhD will examine individual variance in the songs of east Australian humpback whales and attempt to ascertain the main reasons for variance. This knowledge will create a much better understanding of the origins and importance of variance, and ultimately how this variance may fuel novelties in songs and rapid song evolution. This PhD would suit a student with a background in animal behaviour or ecology. No previous experience in acoustics is necessary but would be preferred. Models of social learning in humpback whales Core to humpback whale song is the idea of social learning, where animals learn behaviours from each other. While there are many examples of animal social learning, few are as rapid and complex as the learning of new songs. While we can easily record and listen to the results of this extraordinary feat of social learning, the underlying process itself is hidden due to it being impossible to study individual whales over extended periods. One powerful way to study invisible processes is through modelling. Agent-based (or individual-based) models have been used in biology for a few decades to study complex systems, especially when the actions of individual animals (agents) can give rise to complex 'emergent' population level behaviours or characteristics. While agent-based models of humpback whales have been developed previously to address some questions of social learning, these have either not produced the emergent qualities needed (songs that conform within a population, but which change over time) or they have been at very broad scales without spatial or behavioural realism. This PhD will involve developing a new agent-based model (ABM) based on the east Australian migratory corridor, and its neighbouring populations (west Australian, Oceanian). The model would be used to study social learning rates, impacts of population level on social learning under different migratory scenarios, and, in a link with the other PhD on offer, would also be able to explore the development of individual variability and its role in driving song change. This PhD would either suit someone with a background in animal behaviour or ecology that was interested in developing coding skills, or someone with a background in modelling and coding with an interest in learning about humpback whales and social learning. Applying for the positions To apply for any of these PhD position, applicants should send a cover letter to both Rebecca Dunlop r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au> and Michael Noad m.noad(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:m.noad@uq.edu.au> . Applicants should indicate which project they are interested in (it could be more than one but please indicate first preference). They should include why they would like to undertake the project, a summary of their relevant qualifications and experience (including their response to the criteria outlined above), and information on their status as a domestic (Australian or New Zealand) or international applicant. They should also include a CV and a copy of their academic transcript/record. Emails should have the subject "PhD EOI" followed by the applicant's surname and an indication of their first preference project (e.g. "PhD EOI Smith song variation"). Strong applicants will be interviewed (by zoom). If successful, applicants will then be put forward to the University to compete for a scholarship which will fully cover tuition and pay a living stipend. For domestic applicants, candidates must demonstrate a strong academic background (usually first class hons or equivalent) as well as some research experience. If successful, they will start in mid-2023 or the beginning of 2024. For international applicants, candidates must have a strong academic background, research experience, and at least one first-authored publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Given the competition for UQ international scholarships, these criteria must be met for the application to be progressed. The scholarship process timeline means, if successful, they will start at the beginning of 2024. Applications close 28 February 2023. Associate Professor Rebecca Dunlop BSc(Hons) PhD Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Physiology Chair of the Faculty of Science Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland Australia Ph: +61 7 3443 2028 Email: r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au> Prof. Michael Noad BVSc(Hons) Qld PhD Sydney Director, Centre for Marine Science Professor, School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland - Gatton campus Gatton Qld 4343 Australia M +61 416 270 567 E mnoad(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:mnoad@uq.edu.au> W https://marine.uq.edu.au/ https://www.uq.edu.au/moreton-bay-research-station/ CRICOS 00025B * TEQSA PRV12080 [UQ own unknown w diver banner]

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Job Opportunity: FWC OPS Biological Scientist II (Florida Manatee Photo-identification)
by Johnson, Jennifer 06 Feb '23

06 Feb '23

OPS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Working Title: OPS Biological Scientist II Position #: 77907732 Section: Wildlife Research Subsection: Marine Mammals Location: This position is home-based; however, the residence must be in the Brevard County area due to field work. Salary: $18.00 per hour Closing Date: March 5, 2023 Job Description: This position provides technical support for the manatee photo-identification project. The successful candidate will be responsible for matching images to known manatees; facilitating matching manatees between partner organizations and regions of the state; entering, editing, and verifying data; maintaining project databases; sketching manatee scar patterns from images; labeling, sorting, and tagging (categorizing) images; creating and updating written procedures; managing, organizing, and archiving slide, print, and digital manatee photo-identification records and associated datasheets; providing summary information and data to managers as needed; and assisting with the implementation of an integrated multi-agency Manatee Individual Photo-identification (MIPS) database. Additional responsibilities include independently collecting manatee-related photographic, spatial, environmental, genetic, and behavioral data from shore, in-water, and from watercraft (field work emphasis will be in the east central region of Florida but may include state-wide travel); assisting with field and lab equipment, vehicle, and vessel, purchasing, organization, and maintenance; and other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. This position is primarily lab-based but does include field work. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences. Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities: * Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and natural systems * Experience in photo-identification techniques (data collection and management of photo-identification data) * Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, scanning software, and image management software * Skilled in the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft.) * Skilled in the use and maintenance of scientific field equipment, including digital SLR cameras * Skilled in problem-solving and visual spatial reasoning * Ability to record data independently and accurately in a sometimes-harsh field environment * Ability to perform detail-oriented work in an organized manner * Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing * Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships * Ability to swim with sufficient skill to perform in-water research * Ability to maintain a U.S. driver's license Application Requirements: Applicants are required to ensure that their profile in People First is up to date and must apply through People First by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77907732 in the keyword search field) or https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/794045/. Applicants should also upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email and phone) for three references with their People First application by the closing date, but these do not replace the requirement for applying through the State of Florida's People First system. Applicants are required to complete the additional application questions. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. OPS Employment: WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a 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 to determine eligibility.) * 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 Additional Requirements: The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) point-of-view. Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC's organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed. Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Department of Financial Services rules and FWC's invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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NOAA Fisheries announces final revisions to its Procedural Directives for making serious injury determinations and developing stock assessment reports for marine mammal stocks
by Eric Patterson - NOAA Federal 06 Feb '23

06 Feb '23

Hi fellow MARMAMers, Today, NOAA Fisheries announces final revisions to the *Process for Distinguishing Serious from Non-Serious Injury of Marine Mammals* and the *Guidelines for Preparing Stock Assessment Reports Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act*. In summer 2022, NOAA Fisheries published proposed revisions to its Serious Injury Process and Guidelines for Preparing Stock Assessment Reports for a 30-day public comment period. NOAA Fisheries received comments on the proposed revisions from several interested parties, and either comments were incorporated or a response to the comment is provided. The finalized national procedures can be found here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/laws-and-policies/protected-resourc… Cheers, *Eric M. Patterson, Ph.D.* *Cetacean and Pinniped Conservation LeadMarine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation DivisionOffice of Protected ResourcesNOAA FisheriesU.S. Department of Commerce* *301-427-8415 <301-427-8415>eric.patterson(a)noaa.gov <eric.patterson(a)noaa.gov>https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-protected-resources <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-protected-resources>*

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New publication: The Amazon River dolphin, Inia geoffrensis: What have we learned in the last two decades of research?
by Mintzer,Vanessa J 06 Feb '23

06 Feb '23

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new review article on the Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis): Da Silva, VMF; Brum, SM; Mello, DMD; Amaral, RS; Gravena, W; Campbell, E; Gonçalves, RS, & Mintzer, VJ (2023). The Amazon River dolphin, Inia geoffrensis: What have we learned in the last two decades of research? Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 139-157. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00298 ABSTRACT In the last decades, knowledge about the biology of the Amazon River dolphin Inia geoffrensis has increased considerably. Accordingly, we present a review of the published literature on this river dolphin, with a focus on topics with the most advancements and those that are important to the species conservation. We also present new information, including emerging knowledge on the other species of Inia. We summarize the current knowledge of the biology of Inia, covering aspects of taxonomy, distribution, life history and reproduction, genetics, anatomy and physiology, health, behavior, ecology, demographic parameters, and population trends. We also highlight the main anthropogenic threats affecting the species and the resulting conservation efforts. The full-text can be found here: https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/article/view/1523 Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Vanessa J. Mintzer, Ph.D. Wildlife Research Partnerships vanessamintzer(a)gmail.com Director of Research, Galveston Bay Foundation Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program http://galvestonbaydolphin.org vmintzer(a)galvbay.org Courtesy Assistant Professor Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences University of Florida vjs(a)ufl.edu

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