August 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on aquatic mammal collective decision-making
by Elizabeth Zwamborn 20 Aug '23

20 Aug '23

Dear MARMAMers, My coauthors and I are pleased to share our review on collective decision-making in aquatic mammals, now online (early view) as an open access article in Mammal Review. Zwamborn E, Boon N & Whitehead H. Collective decision-making in aquatic mammals. Mammal Review. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mam.12321 Abstract: Collective decision-making is an essential part of day-to-day life for group-living animals. These decisions can be unshared (e.g. leadership) or shared (e.g. consensus). Aquatic mammals face particular challenges when making collective decisions, including a three-dimensional habitat that can make group coordination and collective navigation a challenge. We systematically reviewed literature on decision-making in non-human mammals by examining the types of collective decisions observed and hypotheses used to structure analyses. Most of the current literature was centred around terrestrial species, particularly within primates and artiodactyls. There are no collective decision-making studies on aquatic mammal species outside of cetaceans. Both unshared and shared decision-making have been reported in whales and dolphins, with leadership found in killer whales *Orcinus orca* and bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops* sp*.* and consensus decisions in sperm whales *Physeter macrocephalus. *Five recommendations for decision-making research include: 1) clearly delineating the temporal components of decision-making, 2) standardising research to allow for comparisons, 3) considering both shared and unshared decision-making, 4) analysing decision-making across behavioural contexts, and 5) avoiding anthropomorphic terminology. Future studies of collective decision-making will help us better understand how non-human mammals overcome environmental and contextual challenges – particularly in the case of aquatic species such as cetaceans, which face challenges related to their aquatic environment and exhibit phenomena such as mass strandings. Please contact me if you have any questions. Best, Elizabeth ******************************* Elizabeth Zwamborn MSc PhD Candidate Whitehead Lab Dalhousie University Halifax, NS

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Biological Scientist, Right Whale Aerial Observer, Florida
by Pitchford, Tom 18 Aug '23

18 Aug '23

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907310 Position Number: 77907310 Requisition No: 809456 Posting Closing Date: 09/05/2023 North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer (Seasonal) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Section: Wildlife Research - Marine Mammals Job Location: St. Augustine, FL (St. Johns County) Rate of Pay: $18.00/hr; 40 hrs/week including weekends and holidays Direct link to job posting: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/ST-AUGUSTINE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-… Observer positions are temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. Anticipated end date for this position is 4/2/2024. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: FWC's FWRI conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale population. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. Observers collect in-flight survey data and right whale photo-documentation and assist with data entry, processing, and archival tasks as well as photo-identification. Observers also provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and must communicate effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as well as the general public. Observers assist with vessel surveys and genetic sampling efforts as well as field necropsies of right whales, large whale disentanglement, and documentation of large whale reports from the public as needed. Prior to the start of surveys, applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training as well as training to introduce the skills and responsibilities of an observer with FWC's North Atlantic right whale program. This position is expected to start mid-November (date TBD). Applicants must be willing to regularly work weekends, holidays, and evenings. Observer positions are temporary/seasonal and contingent upon funding. QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited university is required. Preference may be given to candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience and practical knowledge of photo-identification techniques. Preference may also be given to candidates who demonstrate experience in database entry and hands-on experience with digital SLR cameras and lenses. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Applicant must be able to: thrive in a small team environment and maintain successful working relationships; apply basic methods of data collection and field research; utilize problem solving techniques and work independently; excel under adverse and mentally-demanding field conditions including a full day of observing while seated in a small aircraft or aboard a small vessel; swim sufficiently to save oneself; carry-out daily manual labor (able to vertically lift at least 50 lbs.); and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. TO APPLY: Applicants are required to apply by completing a State of Florida Employment Profile online in People First by midnight on the closing date stated. Additionally, in order to be considered for this position, applicants must include a cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and relevant qualifications, a resume or CV, and contact information for at least three professional references. When answering the application questions, do not elaborate beyond the scope of the question. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. (TTY applicants call 1-866-221-0268). Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a Level 1 Background Check. There is no cost to the candidate for this check. 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 (upon meeting eligibility requirements) * 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 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.

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FWC Marine Mammal Research Program positions in Port Charlotte, FL
by Schubert, Molly 18 Aug '23

18 Aug '23

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Mammal Research Program is hiring two 40 hr per week positions, located in Port Charlotte, FL. The marine mammal team at the Charlotte Harbor Field Lab covers ten counties (Manatees: coastal and inland waterways of Sarasota County to Monroe County and inland to Glades/Hendry Counties; Cetaceans: Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties) of southwest Florida. Knowledge, skills, job duties, minimum qualifications, and how to apply are included in the posting below. https://jobs.myflorida.com/Florida%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife/job/PORT-CHARLOT… Molly R. Schubert Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Southwest Field Lab 585 Prineville St Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Office: (941) 249-6559 Molly.Schubert(a)myFWC.com Manatee Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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Job Postings: Stranding Biologist & Education Coordinator, Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
by hwhitehead＠tmmsn.org 18 Aug '23

18 Aug '23

Organizational Background: The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is a non-profit 501C3 organization, established in 1980, dedicated to marine mammal conservation through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. Our program investigates an average of 135 cetacean strandings along the Texas coast each year, with a goal of collecting consistent and high quality data for the advancement of knowledge, investigation of marine mammal health, and to inform conservation management. To learn more about our mission at TMMSN, please visit us at www.DolphinRescue.org or on social media. Position Title: Stranding Biologist Classification: Full-time, Salary Location: TMMSN Rehabilitation & Research Center, Galveston, TX Position Description: TMMSN is seeking an experienced biologist for marine mammal stranding response and field research out of our Rehabilitation and Research Center in Galveston, TX. The Stranding Biologist position will include response to stranded live and dead marine mammals ranging from rescue and rehabilitation, to recovery, data collection, necropsy, and carcass disposal. Another important component of this position is serving as a research assistant for our bottlenose dolphin photo-identification program. The position encompasses a variety of tasks in the field, at our rehabilitation and research center, and in an office setting. This is a physically demanding position that often requires field response on unscheduled lengthy days in a variety of extreme weather conditions. You must be willing to work on-call and flexible hours including frequent weekends and holidays. Due to the unpredictable nature of stranding response, weekly schedules are highly variable and may require adjusted days off, long hours, and real-time travel. Link for more information on the TMMSN Stranding Biologist position and how to apply: https://www.dolphinrescue.org/join-the-team Position Title: Education Coordinator Classification: Full-time, Hourly Location: TMMSN Rehabilitation & Research Center, Galveston, TX Position Description: TMMSN is seeking to hire a creative, energetic, and positive professional for the position of Education Coordinator (EC). The EC will work out of the TMMSN Rehabilitation and Research Center in Galveston, TX with the option of periodic remote work. The EC will develop, plan, and implement marine mammal conservation education and awareness of TMMSN through the use of both existing and newly developed curriculum, activities, distance learning, camps, community outreach booths, exhibit displays, educational materials and social media content. Depending on program activities, this position will require flexibility of schedule, including working some weekend events and holidays. Link for more information on the TMMSN Education Coordinator position and how to apply: https://www.dolphinrescue.org/join-the-team -------------------- Heidi Whitehead Executive Director Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network 4700 Avenue U. Galveston, TX 77551 Email: hwhitehead(a)tmmsn.org<mailto:hwhitehead@tmmsn.org> www.DolphinRescue.org<http://www.dolphinrescue.org/>

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New publication:"Brucella ceti Infection in Striped Dolphins from Italian Seas: Associated Lesions and Epidemiological Data".
by Grattarola Carla 18 Aug '23

18 Aug '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our most recent publication titled "Brucella ceti Infection in Striped Dolphins from Italian Seas: Associated Lesions and Epidemiological Data". You will find the open access publication at the link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/12/8/1034 Citation: Grattarola, C.; Petrella, A.; Lucifora, G.; Di Francesco, G.; Di Nocera, F.; Pintore, A.; Cocumelli, C.; Terracciano, G.; Battisti, A.; Di Renzo, L.; et al. Brucella ceti Infection in Striped Dolphins from Italian Seas: Associated Lesions and Epidemiological Data. Pathogens 2023, 12, 1034. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/pathogens12081034 Abstract: Brucella ceti infections have been increasingly reported in cetaceans. In this study, we analyzed all cases of B. ceti infection detected in striped dolphins stranded along the Italian coastline between 2012 and 2021 (N = 24). We focused on the pathogenic role of B. ceti through detailed pathological studies, and ad hoc microbiological, biomolecular, and serological investigations, coupled with a comparative genomic analysis of the strains. Neurobrucellosis was observed in 20 animals. The primary histopathologic features included non-suppurative meningoencephalitis (N = 9), meningitis (N = 6), and meningoencephalomyelitis (N = 5), which was also associated with typical lesions in other tissues (N = 8). Co-infections were detected in more than half of the cases, mostly involving Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV). The 24 B. ceti isolates were assigned primarily to sequence type 26 (ST26) (N = 21) and, in a few cases, ST49 (N = 3). The multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) data showed that strains from Italy clustered into four genetically distinct clades. Plotting these clades onto a geographic map suggests a link between their phylogeny and the topographical distribution. These results support the role of B. ceti as a primary neurotropic pathogen for striped dolphins and highlight the utility of WGS data in understanding the evolution of this emerging pathogen. Kind regards, Carla Grattarola Carla Grattarola - DVM S.C. Neuroscienze con annesso CEA - S.S. Laboratorio Neuropatologia Centro di Referenza per le Indagini Diagnostiche sui Mammiferi marini spiaggiati (C.Re.Di.Ma.) Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta Via Bologna, 148 - 10154 Torino, Italia Tel. 011/2686314 e-mail: carla.grattarola(a)izsto.it - www.izsplv.it<http://www.izsplv.it/> Le informazioni contenute in questo messaggio sono riservate, confidenziali ed a uso esclusivo del destinatario ed è vietata la loro diffusione. Qualora riceveste il presente messaggio per errore e non ne siate destinatari, vi preghiamo di darcene notizia via e-mail, di astenervi dal consultare il messaggio stesso e gli eventuali file allegati e di cancellare il messaggio dal vs. sistema informatico. Costituisce comportamento contrario ai principi del Dlgs. 196/2003 e del Regolamento UE 679/2016 il trattenere il messaggio, diffonderne il contenuto, inviarlo ad altri soggetti, copiarlo in tutto od in parte, utilizzarlo da parte di soggetti diversi dal destinatario. L'iIZSPLV, titolare del trattamento ,garantisce la massima riservatezza dei dati da voi comunicati; gli stessi saranno trattati in ottemperanza alle normative vigenti. L'interessato può esercitare i propri diritti di soggetto interessato dandone comunicazione all'indirizzo e-mail DPO(a)izsto.it Le dichiarazioni contenute nel presente messaggio nonché nei suoi eventuali allegati devono essere attribuite esclusivamente al mittente e non impegnano L'IZSPLV ,nei confronti del destinatario o di terzi. L'istituto non si assume alcuna responsabilità per eventuali intercettazioni, modifiche o danneggiamenti del presente messaggio e-mail.

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Seeking Senior Scientist---Right Whale Ecology Program
by Valerie Daniels 17 Aug '23

17 Aug '23

*Senior Biologist -Right Whale Ecology Program* The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking a Senior Biologist/Ecologist to lead its internationally known Right Whale Ecology Program. CCS has studied the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and its habitat since 1981. Our research facility is located adjacent to Cape Cod Bay, a critical habitat of this species and the only area in the North Atlantic used by the majority of the population each year. We are looking for an established researcher to lead our long-term population and ecology studies and to develop new research initiatives. This is a unique scientific opportunity to continue and expand upon a multi-decade research effort on a species of grave conservation concern. The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative, well-published, quantitative cetacean scientist with prior experience with North Atlantic right whales, photo-identification techniques and vessel and plane based surveys. Key responsibilities: - Serve as the Principal Investigator for RWEP research, in collaboration with other scientists, agencies and research partners; - Disseminate research through peer-reviewed publications and other means; - Serve as the RWEP spokesperson to the public, government agencies and other entities. - Supervise RWEP full-time, part-time, and seasonal personnel, and ensure that they receive all required specialized training; - Maintain responsibility for RWEP fiscal management and research authorizations, including grant writing, program budgets, reporting, research permits and charter agreements for planes and vessels. Requirements: - A Ph.D. is required. At least 10 years of experience as a principal investigator is preferred. - A strong scientific publication record. - A well-documented history of successful grants and contracts. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills This is a full-time salaried position with full benefits. The anticipated start date is fall 2023, with a pay range of $95-$110k. About CCS: The Center for Coastal Studies is an NGO research institution nearing its 50 th anniversary. We are internationally-known for our multi-decade studies of North Atlantic right and humpback whales, as well as our whale and turtle disentanglement efforts. Our diverse research programs also study other cetaceans, coastal geology and ecology, water quality, commercial fisheries, marine debris, seals, sharks and more. We offer long-term data and sample archives, state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, and a small fleet of research vessels. CCS is located at the tip of Cape Cod in the vibrant community of Provincetown, Massachusetts. We offer a highly flexible and collaborative work environment that is just steps from the Cape Cod National Seashore and a short ferry ride to Boston. www.coastalstudies.org *Application process:* Please submit cover letter, CV/resume, and three professional references in a single PDF via email to employment(a)coastalstudies.org. The application deadline is October 1. Inquiries may be sent to vdaniels(a)coastalstudies.org. No phone calls, please. *The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer **and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.* * Diversity of opinions, experience, and backgrounds is a key asset.* Valerie Daniels Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657

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Job Opportunity
by Rebeccah Hazelkorn - NOAA Federal 17 Aug '23

17 Aug '23

As part of the Compilation of Environmental, Threats, and Animal Data for Cetacean Population Health Analyses <https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/project?id=231> (CETACEAN) Deepwater Horizon restoration project, an implementing partner, the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) is now advertising for a cetacean biologist/data scientist <https://gcoos.org/cetacean-data-scientist/> to assist with data acquisition for the project. Please circulate the link to the job advertisement to anyone you know that may be interested. The text of the ad is below for your convenience. All interested parties should reply to Grant Craig at grant.craig(a)gcoos.org The CETACEAN Biologist and Data Scientist will work closely with the Project Manager and Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure Team to identify, gather, and QA/QC available data that is useful to achieve project goals with the guidance of the project’s Executive Committee. This is an ideal role for someone with a solid background in marine mammal biology, ecology, health, and/or management training and experience. The CETACEAN Biologist and Data Scientist responsibilities will include: - Discovering available data (primary data types in this project are population, environment/habitat, and threats); - Identifying priorities within different data types and databases; - Reviewing suitability of data for contributing to project objectives; - Developing collaboration agreements with data providers; - Reviewing and implementing exploratory data analysis, and QA/QC datasets Additional skills and experience in project management, project communication, data science and GIS, and ability to work cooperatively will be appreciated. This is a two-year remote work contract position that offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. - *Contact:* Grant Craig, GCOOS CETACEAN Project Manager, grant.craig(a)gcoos.org - Downloadable PDF of job announcement <http://gcoos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MM-Biologist-and-Data-Scientist…> -- Rebeccah A. Hazelkorn Protected Resources Division NOAA, NMFS, Southeast Regional Office 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Office: 727-551-5751 Cell: 941-724-3906

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New England Aquarium job opportunity: senior scientist and program chair
by Jessica Redfern 16 Aug '23

16 Aug '23

The New England Aquarium (NEAq) is seeking seek an accomplished senior research scientist with a proven record in conservation biology to lead a program focused on understanding the effects of climate change and ocean use on marine species. Individuals in this program have expertise in quantifying ecological patterns and processes in space and time, conducting aerial surveys to collect the data needed to inform/support conservation actions, habitat modeling, risk assessment, and assessing the impacts of climate change. There is room to expand on these focus areas, including through new field work opportunities, data collection methodologies, and the scientific questions addressed. The individual in this role is expected to integrate their own established research program to support conservation goals related to climate change and responsible ocean use. We are open to a broad range of research disciplines and taxonomic focus areas, including ecosystem modeling, marine mammal ecology, species distribution modeling, population modeling, oceanography, climate change, and risk assessment. While nine months of annual salary support will be provided, the individual is expected to lead fundraising efforts for the program and their residual salary, as well as contribute to broader organizational fundraising efforts. It is expected that the person filling this position will primarily work remotely. The employee must live in MA, NY, RI, VT, NH, or ME. The full job announcement can be found at https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/3007937.html. Please contact Jessica Redfern (jredfern(a)neaq.org<mailto:jredfern@neaq.org>) for more information. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Senior Scientist and Program Chair * Develop and lead the scientific/strategic direction of a program focused on understanding the effects of climate change and ocean use on marine species, in accordance with broader NEAq strategies, priorities, and targeted outcomes. * Conduct primary scientific research related to their areas of expertise. * Identify existing or emerging conservation issues and research opportunities where innovative monitoring and analysis approaches can amplify the effectiveness and impact of our conservation science projects and initiatives. * Serve as a leader and key spokesperson for the program's research, as well as an ambassador for the NEAq as a whole (both internally and externally) to diversify funding sources and increase research impact. * Represent the NEAq and its various programs/skillsets regionally, nationally, and internationally by presenting original research at scientific conferences, workshops, and public engagements. Respond to media requests and work closely with the NEAq's Marketing/Communications as an NEAq spokesperson. * Lead grant proposals and philanthropic fundraising efforts for staff salaries and research projects. Contribute to broader NEAq fundraising * Recruit, supervise, mentor and directly advise staff, including quantitative ecologists and members of the aerial survey team * Oversee financial and reporting/funding requirements for contracts and grants. * Other duties as applicable. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Training and Experience * Ph.D. required. Post-doctoral training or additional advanced degrees are desirable. * The candidate must be a highly accomplished scientific researcher with a marine conservation orientation and be a recognized authority in their field. * 10+ years of relevant research experience, with at least five years leading a lab or program that includes technical staff, early career scientists, and/or graduate students. * Strong record of publications in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. * Experience presenting research at scientific conferences and serving as an invited expert on regional, national, and international working groups. * Proven ability to raise annually significant (6-7 figures) levels of government and private funding to support a large-scale lab/program. * Strong partnerships with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., with the scientific community, fishing industry, decision makers, regulators, funders, and other key influencers in the field). Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Proven leadership skills and abilities to manage/lead a multidisciplinary group of staff and colleagues, including research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and interns/volunteers. * Evidence that research outputs have contributed to environmental management/policy measures, processes, and/or regulations. * Outstanding oral and written communication skills are needed to disseminate research findings, write successful research grants, and to serve as an effective ambassador for the NEAq. * Must be a collegial team player who is committed to strengthening the quality of work, productivity, profile, and mission impact of the NEAq. * Must be willing to travel to national and international professional conferences and workshops to represent their program and the broader NEAq. This electronic message contains information from the New England Aquarium which may be privileged and confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the addressee only. If you have received this communication in error, do not read or circulate it. Please delete it from your system without copying it or saving any attachments and notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.

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New publication on the first record of a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Haiti, Greater Antilles
by Jaime 15 Aug '23

15 Aug '23

Dear Marmamers, on behalf of my coauthors, I am very pleased to announce the publication of a short note on the first record of the common minke whale in Haiti, Greater Antilles. The note can be donwloaded from LAJAM's website at: First record of gillnet entanglement of a common minke whale calf (Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Lacépède, 1804) in Haiti, Greater Antilles, with a note on the local and regional fishing techniques | Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals | | | | | | | | | | | First record of gillnet entanglement of a common minke whale calf (Balae... | | | A brief summary of the note (not included in the publication) is provided at the end of this message. Brief summary Information on the presence of the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in tropical waters is scarce, but the Caribbean Sea has historically been considered a wintering ground for the population of the North Atlantic Ocean. In February 2017, a small whale got entangled and drowned in a single layer gillnet, off Côte des Arcadins, Gulf of Gonave, Haiti, in the Greater Antilles (approx. 18°55’27” N, 72°39’44” W,Fig. 1). The entanglement of cetaceans in fishing gear, both active and ghost, has been noted as an increasing issue of concern for the Caribbean Sea. At least 18 of the marine mammal species that occur in the Caribbean Sea have been recorded as interacting with fishing gear, and at least 16 species of marine mammals have been documented as bycatch in artisanal and commercial fishing gear, including longlines, gillnets, trawls, beach seines, and traps.This is the first confirmed record of the presence of the species in Haitian waters, contributing to the growing knowledge of threats and the spatiotemporal distribution of the species in the WCR. Warm regards Jaime Bolaños Jiménez

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Call for voluntires Guafo Science 2023-24
by Guafo Science 15 Aug '23

15 Aug '23

*Announcement:* *Guafo Science research team is calling for volunteers for our project this Austral summer of 2023-24. We are* *seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist with fieldwork and data collection activities of wild South American fur seals at Guafo Island, Northern Chilean Patagonia. The field working season this year is between December 5th, 2023, and March 15th, 2024 with the possibility of starting on January 5th, 2024. The project responsibilities include capturing and restraining South American fur seal adults and pups and depending on volunteer skills and experience collection of blood, swabs, and feces, also daily monitoring and behavior analysis. Volunteers will also assist veterinary staff during Necropsies of fur seal pups following a standard protocol of sample collection. The work also includes helping with domestic tasks, keeping the campsite, and assisting with the work of the field laboratory (mainly helping with CBCs, blood smears, and osteological sample processing). Guafo Island is a pristine and large oceanic island with no permanent human inhabitants. During the prolonged fieldwork (2 to 3 months) communication is very limited and our campsite does not have electricity or running fresh water. The weather is cold, rainy, and windy with an average thermal sensation in the summer of 9 Celsius degrees. Qualifications and requirements for selection:* **Over 20 years of age.* **Health compatible with field activities.* **Tolerance to: long working hours (10 to 16 hours per day), extreme isolation (no communications, electricity, or basic services), navigation, and adverse weather conditions. * **Be able to integrate a multidisciplinary and international work group and maintain a healthy coexistence with the group. * **Intermediate (speaking and reading) level of Spanish. Work to be carried out in the field: * **Daily census and/or monitoring. * **Collection of environmental samples (e.g., feces, carcasses). * **Necropsies. * **Capture (re-capture), handling, and release of pups and adult females of southern fur seals. * **Laboratory analysis of samples. * **Creation of physical and digital databases. * **Interaction with the Guafo Island community (fishermen and Chilean Navy). * *Maintenance of the scientific station (cleaning, repairs, etc.). * **Habitation tasks (cooking, cutting firewood, collecting rainwater, etc.).* * Benefits for those selected: * **To get to know and live in a pristine place with unique biodiversity in the world. * **Training in fieldwork techniques (capture, monitoring, and laboratory) with fur seals. * **Opportunity to develop a professional internship and/or research proposal (undergraduate or graduate thesis).* **Meet, live, and interact with a multidisciplinary group of experienced professionals. * **Coverage of living expenses, transportation within Chile, and food during the duration of the fieldwork. To apply you must send a letter of interest (1 page max.) and your CV to:* *Dr. Diego Perez-Venegas: **guafoscience(a)gmail.com* <guafoscience(a)gmail.com> *Closing date: October 1, 2023* * Additional information about research projects at Guafo Island can be found at **http://www.guafoislandscience.com/* <http://www.guafoislandscience.com/> * or Instagram: @guafoscience Best Regards.* *Mauricio Seguel DVM, PhD, DACVP Assistant Professor Department of Pathobiology Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph, Canada**. * *Saludos. / Regards.* *Equipo / Team Guafo Science.* *Webpage: www.giafoislandscience.com <http://www.giafoislandscience.com>* *Intagram: @guafoscience *

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