June 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

U.S. Navy Living Marine Resource Program Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by LMR Program 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

The U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals pertaining to five need topics. The FY22 need topics include: 1) demonstrate and validate the ability of existing sparse acoustic array technology to address Navy marine species monitoring goals, 2) demonstrate existing marine mammal tag technologies, 3) improve the ability to identify calling individual from acoustic tags. Details regarding the need topics mentioned above and what information is required in a pre-proposal can be found at https://www.navfac.navy.mil/lmr/proposals. All pre-proposals should be submitted via email to exwc_lmr_program(a)navy.mil. Pre-proposals pertaining to these need topics will be accepted until 11:59 PM PST on 02 December 2021. If invited, offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal.

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Florida Manatee Management Job Opportunity
by Pasawicz, Michelle 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

Greetings everyone, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV to aid the Imperiled Species Management Section with rule development and related permits and variances associated with species and their habitat under the responsibility of the Section. This position will have a focus on rules associated with the Florida manatee, but it will also act as subject matter expert and provide administrative guidance for rule related tasks for the Section's other species (marine turtles, Florida panthers, and Florida black bears). Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-F-&-W-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-IV-77… Sincerely, Michelle R. Pasawicz Biological Administrator Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/> Michelle.Pasawicz(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Michelle.Pasawicz@MyFWC.com>

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New paper: Far-Field Effects of Impulsive Noise on Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins
by Fernandez, Oihane 15 Sep '23

15 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I would like to share our recent publication in Frontiers in Marine Science (open access): Fernandez-Betelu O, Graham IM, Brookes KL, Cheney BJ, Barton TR and Thompson PM (2021) Far-Field Effects of Impulsive Noise on Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:664230. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.664230 The paper was published as part of the Frontiers research topic "Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) Studies in the Ocean" and can be downloaded freely from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.664230/full Abstract Increasing levels of anthropogenic underwater noise have caused concern over their potential impacts on marine life. Offshore renewable energy developments and seismic exploration can produce impulsive noise which is especially hazardous for marine mammals because it can induce auditory damage at shorter distances and behavioral disturbance at longer distances. However, far-field effects of impulsive noise remain poorly understood, causing a high level of uncertainty when predicting the impacts of offshore energy developments on marine mammal populations. Here we used a 10-year dataset on the occurrence of coastal bottlenose dolphins over the period 2009-2019 to investigate far-field effects of impulsive noise from offshore activities undertaken in three different years. Activities included a 2D seismic survey and the pile installation at two offshore wind farms, 20-75 km from coastal waters known to be frequented by dolphins. We collected passive acoustic data in key coastal areas and used a Before-After Control-Impact design to investigate variation in dolphin detections in areas exposed to different levels of impulsive noise from these offshore activities. We compared dolphin detections at two temporal scales, comparing years and days with and without impulsive noise. Passive acoustic data confirmed that dolphins continued to use the impact area throughout each offshore activity period, but also provided evidence of short-term behavioral responses in this area. Unexpectedly, and only at the smallest temporal scale, a consistent increase in dolphin detections was observed at the impact sites during activities generating impulsive noise. We suggest that this increase in dolphin detections could be explained by changes in vocalization behavior. Marine mammal protection policies focus on the near-field effects of impulsive noise; however, our results emphasize the importance of investigating the far-field effects of anthropogenic disturbances to better understand the impacts of human activities on marine mammal populations. Please, do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding our work (oihane.fernandez(a)abdn.ac.uk) Kind regards, Dr Oihane Fernandez-Betelu Research Fellow Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty IV11 8YL. Tel: 01381600548 [Aberdeen_Uni_logo_big low res]<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/> [FB_FindUsOnFacebook-320] <https://www.facebook.com/lighthousefieldstation> [follow us on twitter logo] <https://twitter.com/cromartylh> The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas cl?raichte ann an Alba, ?ir. SC013683.

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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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Call for submissions for LAJAM Special Issue on the Biology and Conservation of Manatees
by Meirelles, Carol 01 Aug '23

01 Aug '23

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the Guest Editors, I am pleased to announce that the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM/) will publish a *Special Issue on the Biology and Conservation of Manatees* by the end of 2023. LAJAM is published twice a year by Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos/Sociedade Latino-Americana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Aquáticos (SOLAMAC). The journal publishes articles concerning research, management, and conservation biology of aquatic mammals in Latin America. Articles on theory or techniques broadly applicable to the study of aquatic mammals are also considered. For this Special Issue, we encourage submissions dealing with the distribution, population status, biology and ecology of manatees, as well as dealing with human conflicts, population genetics, ex-situ conservation, and sampling methods. For this issue, LAJAM will publish three types of contributed manuscripts: Articles, Notes and Protocols. Manuscripts must be written in English. All submitted manuscripts will be reviewed by at least 3 anonymous referees for scientific content. Guest Editors of the special issue are Drs. Carol Meirelles, João Carlos G. Borges, Rodrigo S. Amaral, and Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez. We invite you to submit your article prior to or by the 31st of July, 2023. The final decision will be communicated by 30 November 2023. The Guidelines for Authors are available here https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/about/submissions. Manuscripts can be submitted online here https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/login?source=%2Findex.php%2Flajam%…, and to do so, at least one author will need to register as a user. Please, declare in your cover letter that you wish to submit your manuscript to the *Special Issue on the Biology and Conservation of Manatees*. Please direct any enquiries to Dr Carol Meirelles: c.meirelles(a)oceans.ubc.ca<mailto:c.meirelles@oceans.ubc.ca> Sincerely, Carol. Carol Meirelles, PhD (she/her) Marine Mammal Research Unit Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada

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New publication - The Acoustic Repertoire of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Cres-Lošinj Archipelago (Croatia): Site Dependent Diel and Seasonal Changes
by Raffaela Falkner 30 Jun '23

30 Jun '23

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce the publication of our recent article titled: The Acoustic Repertoire of Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Cres-Lošinj Archipelago (Croatia): Site Dependent Diel and Seasonal Changes Falkner R, Picciulin M, Pleslić G, Rako-Gospić N. The Acoustic Repertoire of Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Cres-Lošinj Archipelago (Croatia): Site Dependent Diel and Seasonal Changes. *Diversity*. 2023; 15(6):787. https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060787 *Abstract:* Describing the acoustic repertoire of cetaceans is necessary to understand the functionality of their sounds and the effect anthropogenic pressures have on animals living in a marine environment. This study provides a description of the acoustic repertoire of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago based on continuous 24-h recordings collected from two monitoring stations, both inside and outside the Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance, during an 8-day period in March/April 2020 and a 13-day period in July/August 2020. A total of 1008 h were visually and aurally analyzed to identify vocalizations and investigate diel and seasonal patterns in their parameters. Furthermore, sound pressure levels were calculated for the low (63 Hz–2 kHz) and high (2 kHz–20 kHz) frequency range. Bottlenose dolphins in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago were found to produce whistles, chirps, low frequency narrow-band sounds, burst pulse sounds, and echolocation clicks showing that dolphins are present at both monitoring stations, during both diel and seasonal periods, in a comparable manner. This paper also provides evidence that whistles, chirps, and low frequency narrow-band sounds change their parameters in relation to the background noise in the area, that varies according to diel and seasonal patterns. This suggests a vocal plasticity in the species and a coping strategy to avoid masking of relevant acoustic signals for the local population in the Cres-Lošinj archipelago. Kind regards, Raffaela Falkner

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Job posting: Ecological modeller
by James Robbins 30 Jun '23

30 Jun '23

Dear MARMAM-ers, Natural Power, a renewables consultancy, are hiring for an ecological modeller. This role involves modelling of marine mammal, bird, fish and invertebrate populations and would suit someone with an interest in ecology (particularly offshore), and aptitude for coding and statistics. Please find the advert below, and at the following link. The application deadline is the 14th of July. Ecological Modeller | Natural Power<https://www.naturalpower.com/uk/careers/career?Category=Planning%2520%26%25…> Who are we looking for and why work at Natural Power? The Geospatial team within Natural Power is a diverse forward-thinking team with a variety of technical expertise relating to both offshore and onshore ecological data. As an Ecological Modeller, you will apply a range of data management, statistical analysis and modelling techniques, predominantly relating to offshore ornithological datasets. As the successful candidate you will have excellent skills in R for data manipulation and data analysis, as well as statistical knowledge and experience of applying this to complex problems, ideally in an offshore context. If you are experienced at analysing a variety of ecological spatial and statistical data, this could be the role for you! We will offer an engaging, collaborative and fast-paced environment and an excellent benefits package, including: Generous Annual Leave, Flexible Working, Pension, Employee Assistance Programme, Personal Insurances and a selection of elective benefits which include Health Plans, Discounts and Salary Sacrifice options Our work and culture We have been pioneers of positive renewable change at Natural Power for more than 25 years. If you're looking for a job in the renewable energy industry, we could be just the place to advance your career. Our values<https://www.naturalpower.com/uk/about/our-vision-mission-and-values> are at the very heart of what we do every day. By working with us, you'll be joining a diverse international community of experts who are innovative, inclusive and supportive of your own personal development. We also provide the highest quality of expertise, innovation and client commitment globally. These are just some of the great things you can help to deliver as part of our team. All the best, James Robbins James Robbins tel: mobile: email: jamesr(a)naturalpower.com naturalpower.com renewable energy consultants ________________________ Natural Power Consultants Limited is a registered company (SC177881) in Scotland. Our Registered Office is The Greenhouse, Dalry, Castle Douglas, DG7 3XS, UK. Disclaimer

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NEW PUBLICATION: Quantifying the age structure of free-ranging delphinid populations: Testing the accuracy of Unoccupied Aerial System photogrammetry
by Fabien Vivier 28 Jun '23

28 Jun '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our new paper entitled "Quantifying the age structure of free-ranging delphinid populations: Testing the accuracy of Unoccupied Aerial System photogrammetry", published in *Ecology and Evolution*. The paper can be accessed and downloaded here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.10082 Abstract: Understanding the population health status of long-lived and slow-reproducing species is critical for their management. However, it can take decades with traditional monitoring techniques to detect population-level changes in demographic parameters. Early detection of the effects of environmental and anthropogenic stressors on vital rates would aid in forecasting changes in population dynamics and therefore inform management efforts. Changes in vital rates strongly correlate with deviations in population growth, highlighting the need for novel approaches that can provide early warning signs of population decline (e.g., changes in age structure). We tested a novel and frequentist approach, using Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS) photogrammetry, to assess the population age structure of small delphinids. First, we measured the precision and accuracy of UAS photogrammetry in estimating total body length (TL) of trained bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Using a log-transformed linear model, we estimated TL using the blowhole to dorsal fin distance (BHDF) for surfacing animals. To test the performance of UAS photogrammetry to age-classify individuals, we then used length measurements from a 35-year dataset from a free-ranging bottlenose dolphin community to simulate UAS estimates of BHDF and TL. We tested five age classifiers and determined where young individuals (<10 years) were assigned when misclassified. Finally, we tested whether UAS-simulated BHDF only or the associated TL estimates provided better classifications. TL of surfacing dolphins was overestimated by 3.3% ±3.1% based on UAS-estimated BHDF. Our age classifiers performed best in predicting age-class when using broader and fewer (two and three) age-class bins with ~80% and ~72% assignment performance, respectively. Overall, 72.5%–93% of the individuals were correctly classified within 2 years of their actual age-class bin. Similar classification performances were obtained using both proxies. UAS photogrammetry is a non-invasive, inexpensive, and effective method to estimate TL and age-class of free-swimming dolphins. UAS photogrammetry can facilitate the detection of early signs of population changes, which can provide important insights for timely management decisions. How to cite this paper: Vivier, F., Wells, R. S., Hill, M. C., Yano, K. M., Bradford, A. L., Leunissen, E. M., Pacini, A., Booth, C. G., Rocho-Levine, J., Currie, J. J., Patton, P. T., & Bejder, L. (2023). Quantifying the age structure of free-ranging delphinid populations: Testing the accuracy of Unoccupied Aerial System photogrammetry. Ecology and Evolution, 13, e10082. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10082 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or problems accessing the link (fvivier(a)hawaii.edu) Finally, we would like to thank our funders and research partners: NOAA-PIFSC, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Office of Naval Research and Dolphin Quest. Best, Fabien Vivier

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Job Posting - Marine Mammal Stranding Center New Jersey
by Stranding Tech 28 Jun '23

28 Jun '23

Job Title: Stranding Technician Supervisor: Jay Pagel- Stranding Coordinator Job Type: Full-time salaried, minimum 40 hours per week; weekends and holidays required; days off mid-week. Salary: starting salary $31,200 with insurance allowance after three months of employment Job Description Stranding Technicians are responsible for all aspects of stranding response and animal care at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in Brigantine, New Jersey. Stranding Technicians are also responsible for coordinating the efforts of volunteers as well as local, State, and Federal authorities during stranding responses in the field. This position requires a high level of commitment and flexibility with regards to scheduling to accommodate the unpredictable nature of stranding response and required 24/7 on-call status. General Responsibilities • Coordinate stranding response, recovery, and documentation of cetaceans, seals, and sea turtles within the designated response area. • Collect data and complete required documentation for all stranded animals and complete required reporting to databases. • Coordinate and conduct or assist veterinarian in necropsies both in the field and at MMSC, including coordinating the disposal of carcasses and waste materials. • Provide husbandry care to animals in rehabilitation. • Ensure adequate safety training and PPE for all volunteers on all procedures involved in stranding response and necropsy, including hazardous and biological waste training, animal handling, and zoonotic disease transmission. • Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications • College graduate with degree and/or coursework in the appropriate area of specialization (i.e., Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Veterinary/ Veterinary Technician program). • Relevant experience caring for animals in animal rehabilitation, zoo, aquarium, or veterinary hospital setting (may be a combination of paid and unpaid work). • Ability to lift and carry 50lbs unassisted, and work under harsh weather conditions. Requirements • Living near Brigantine, NJ to ensure response time of less than 30 minutes. • Experience in animal husbandry and knowledge of marine mammals and sea turtles. • High level of commitment and flexibility with regards to scheduling. • High level interpersonal communication skills, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team. To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to jpagel(a)mmsc.org Field Stranding Technician Marine Mammal Stranding Center PO Box 773 3625 Brigantine Blvd. Brigantine, NJ 08203 Phone: 609-266-0538 Fax: 609-266-6300 Web: www.MMSC.org<http://www.mmsc.org/> Email: stranding(a)mmsc.org

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First professional accreditation for cetacean sanctuaries
by Lori Marino 28 Jun '23

28 Jun '23

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) has adopted and published the first ever set of best practices for cetacean (whale and dolphin) sanctuaries. (See the press statement here<https://whalesanctuaryproject.org/wp-content/uploads/New-Sanctuary-Standard…>.) The new guidelines are the product of a pioneering collaboration between the Whale Sanctuary Project, the National Aquarium, Sea Life Trust, and Merlin Entertainments. Accreditation standards for sanctuaries that care for land animals – including elephants, great apes and big cats – have been in place for many years. And now, coastal sanctuaries for cetaceans are being developed for their retirement. The new standards provide the answer to a critically important question: What constitutes a true, authentic sanctuary? And how do you know that a facility that calls itself a sanctuary really is what it claims to be? Until now, there have been no generally recognized standards for what differentiates a sanctuary from any other facility that houses whales and dolphins. “These guidelines were established through the combined efforts of top cetacean experts,” says Valerie Taylor, executive director of GFAS, in a press statement issued this week. “They signal a defining moment for the future of captive cetaceans across the globe.” For more information: Lori Marino, marinolori(a)outlook.com Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows

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