August 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Florida Fish and Wildlife Biological Scientist II- Marine Mammals Position Opening
by Howell, Amber 09 Aug '23

09 Aug '23

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77073226 Salary: $39,900.12 per year Application deadline: August 27th, 2023 https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TEQUESTA-FISHERIES-&-WILDLIFE-BIO-SCIENTIST-… Job Description This position, located in Tequesta, will assist in the coordination and recovery of marine mammal carcasses for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Southeast Field Lab (SEFL) covering seven Counties from St Lucie County south to Monroe County and inland Okeechobee County. The incumbent will conduct marine mammal necropsies (primarily manatees) and accurately record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will serve as assistant field station lead. Duties include fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the public regarding marine mammals. The position will be required to transport select manatee carcasses to FWC's Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab located in St. Petersburg. Primary responsibilities include managing all vehicle, vessel, and trailer maintenance both on a weekly and monthly schedule as well as addressing issues as they arise. This position will also serve as the SEFL volunteer and intern coordinator and will be responsible for the management of volunteers and interns, including recruitment and scheduling. The position will also participate in an on-call rotation fielding afterhours (5pm to 8am) marine mammal calls for the state. Job duties include participation in rescues and transportation of sick and injured manatees to the appropriate facility; boat operation; report writing and database entry; field based photo identification; general cleaning of office and equipment; attend trainings, meetings, and other tasks as assigned by supervisor; organize at least two volunteer trainings per year; schedule and participate in education and conservation outreach programs; and assist with manatee aerial surveys. Minimum Requirements A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences One year professional biological experience in a field or lab research program Preferred Experience Applicants having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience may be given preference. Applicants having boat operating and trailering experience may be given preference. Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees * Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques * 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 * Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers, and watercraft vessels up to 26' in length * 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 * Must be able to multi-task, problem solve, and effectively communicate * Be comfortable speaking to the public * Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver's license within a month of employment * Must obtain boater safety certification and CPR/First Aid/Oxygen Administration within first 6 months of employment Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from a Level 1 Background Check. There is no cost to the candidate for this check. 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. VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here<http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/97612/566545>. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. Nearest Major Market: Palm Beach Nearest Secondary Market: Miami Apply Now ><https://jobs.myflorida.com/talentcommunity/apply/1061278100/?locale=en_US> Thank you, Amber Howell Assistant Research Scientist-Marine Mammals Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 19100 SE Federal Hwy., Tequesta FL 33469 Amber.Howell(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Amber.Howell@MyFWC.com>

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New publication on large aggregations of harbor porpoise in the Salish Sea
by Cindy Elliser 08 Aug '23

08 Aug '23

On behalf of all the co-authors I am excited to announce the publication of our paper, "Harbor Porpoise Aggregations in the Salish Sea" as part of the Special Issue Marine Mammals in a Changing World II in the journal Oceans. The paper is open access and can be downloaded here: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/4/3/19 Anderson, D.; Shuster, L.; Elliser, C.R.; MacIver, K.; Gless, E.J.; Krieger, J.; Hall, A. Harbor Porpoise Aggregations in the Salish Sea. *Oceans* 2023, *4*, 269-285. https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans4030019 Abstract: Harbor porpoises are typically seen in small groups of 1–3 individuals, with aggregations of 20+ individuals treated as rare events. Since the 1990s, the harbor porpoise population in the Salish Sea has seen a significant recovery, and an increased number of observed aggregations that exceed the more usual small group sizes has been observed in recent years. By combining the observational data of United States and Canadian research organizations, community scientists, and whale watch captains or naturalists, we demonstrate that harbor porpoise aggregations appear to be more common than previously known, with 160 aggregations documented in 2022 alone. Behavioral data also indicate that foraging behaviors are common and social behaviors, like mating, are seen more often during these encounters compared to small groups. Other behaviors that are considered to be rare or unknown were also observed during these encounters, including cooperative foraging and vessel approach. These aggregations are likely important foraging and social gatherings for harbor porpoises. This holistic approach integrating data from two countries and multiple sources provides a population level assessment that more effectively reflects the behavior of harbor porpoises in this region, which do not recognize the socio-political boundaries imposed upon the natural world. Please feel free to reach out to Dave Anderson ( DAnderson(a)cascadiaresearch.org) or myself (cindy.elliser(a)pacmam.org) with any questions. Best, Cindy Cindy Elliser, PhD Research Director Pacific Mammal Research www.pacmam.org 360-202-2860

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NMLC MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP
by Gabbie Nicoletta 08 Aug '23

08 Aug '23

MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) is now accepting applications for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Internship for the Fall/Spring Bridging session. The application deadline is October 1, 2023. The internship session will run from the first week of November 2023 through the first week of March 2024. Animal Care Responsibilities: Depending on need, case load, and time of year, interns may assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including seals, sea turtles, and a variety of native turtle species. Animal Care duties may include animal restraint; cleaning; disinfecting tanks, equipment, and environmental enrichment devices; diet preparation; administering feeds (including tube feeding); record keeping; facility maintenance; and water quality testing. Interns may also assist animal care staff with medical procedures, admission exams, animal necropsies, and release events. Other Responsibilities: Each intern is assigned to multiple projects in different areas of the organization, e.g. research, fundraising, rehabilitation, marketing, or social media. A weekly chore will be delegated to each intern to assist with the upkeep of the facility and equipment. Each intern is required to attend regularly scheduled meetings throughout their time at NMLC. At the end of the internship, the intern will deliver a presentation about their experience and projects to staff and volunteers. Positions are unpaid. Interns must have their own transportation. Housing is not provided, but NMLC will offer suggestions. Qualifications * Must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university; preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or other related fields. * Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. * Must be adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail. * Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. * Must be willing to engage in a positive and informative manner with members of the public on a regular basis. * Must be willing to participate in and receive constructive feedback. * Must expect to work approximately 40 hours per week, which can include early morning and/or late-night seal feedings depending on the season. * Interns may be required to work some holidays. * Interns may be required to participate in fundraisers held by NMLC, which may occur outside of normally scheduled hours * International applicants are responsible for their own VISA arrangements, etc. * If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted. Physical Requirements: * Must be able to endure some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as medical equipment and boxes of medical supplies. * The work may require specific but common physical characteristics and abilities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, above-average agility, and dexterity. To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of recommendation to internship(a)nmlc.org<mailto:internship@nmlc.org> or P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532. Due to the high number of applications, only qualified candidates will be contacted. Gabriella Nicoletta Animal Care, Necropsy, & Operations Coordinator National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 Office: (508)-743-9888 Cell: (585)-775-5354 Email: gnicoletta(a)nmlc.org www.nmlc.org

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New publication on temporal patterns in Pacific white-sided dolphin communication signals recorded in the temperate Northeast Pacific
by Jasper Kanes 08 Aug '23

08 Aug '23

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new paper published in Marine Mammal Science: “Seasonal and diel patterns in Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) pulsed calls near Barkley Canyon” K. S. Jasper Kanes<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Kanes/K.+S.+Jasper>, Stan E. Dosso<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Dosso/Stan+E.>, Tania Lado Insua<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Insua/Tania+Lado>, Xavier Mouy<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Mouy/Xavier>, Andrew Bateman<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/authored-by/Bateman/Andrew> https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13055 Abstract: Evaluation of temporal patterns in offshore marine mammal activity through visual data collection can be impaired by light and weather conditions and the cost of ship time. The conditions-independence and cost-efficacy of acoustic data collection make it popular for researching the temporal patterns of wild dolphins. However, Pacific white-sided dolphins (PWSDs) north of Southern California remain under-researched. This study evaluates diel and seasonal patterns in PWSD communication signals detected in 480 days of near-continuous passive acoustic data collected over 20 months from the Barkley Canyon node of Ocean Networks Canada's NEPTUNE observatory, offshore Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. In this study, a random forest classifier is used to identify PWSD pulsed calls and false positives are manually removed. The resulting acoustic presence-absence data set is evaluated for seasonal and diel patterns using generalized additive mixed models, considering masking effects from ambient noise. PWSDs are found to be vocally active during all diel periods year-round, with high summer and low spring activity. Seasonally dependent diel patterns are identified, with PWSD pulsed calls exhibiting no diel pattern in spring, a slight increase in vocal activity during dusk and night in fall and winter, and a notable increase during night and dawn in summer. If you’re having trouble accessing the paper or would like to contact us with questions please email me at ksjkanes(a)uvic.ca<mailto:ksjkanes@uvic.ca> Best wishes, Jasper -- K. S. Jasper Kanes (they/them), M.Sc. | Jr. Staff Scientist Ocean Networks Canada | T (250) 472-4807 | M (250) 415-2175 | oceannetworks.ca<http://oceannetworks.ca/> University of Victoria Queenswood Campus #100-2474 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC V8N 1V8 A UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA INITIATIVE

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Re: [MARMAM] Reminding-3nd Announcement of the 3rd Oceanoise Asia (Oceanoise Asia 2023)
by songhai 08 Aug '23

08 Aug '23

Dear Colleagues, On request of some of our colleagues, we are very happy to extend the deadline for abstract submission for the 3rd Oceanoise Asia (Oceanoise Asia 2023) (Conference Website: https://oceanoiseasia2023.casconf.cn ), which would be taken place on November 13-17, 2023, in Sanya, Hainan Province, China, to 31 August. So now the important dates were updated as below. Important Dates 31 August Deadline for Abstract Submission 30 September Abstract Acceptance Notification Date 13 November Registration Date 14 - 17 November Conference Date Best Regards Songhai ------------------------------------------------------------------- Songhai Li Ph.D. & Prof. Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences 28 Luhuitou Road, Sanya, 572000, China Phone: +86-898-88222393 Email: <mailto:lish@sidsse.ac.cn> lish(a)idsse.ac.cn http://www.idsse.cas.cn/yjsgk2015/zzjg2015/yftx2015/shkxyjb2015/hybrdwyhysws xyjz2015/ <http://www.cetacean.csdb.cn/> http://www.cetacean.csdb.cn/ From: songhai <lish(a)idsse.ac.cn> Sent: 2023年6月20日 15:57 To: 'BIOACOUSTICS-L(a)list.cornell.edu' <BIOACOUSTICS-L(a)list.cornell.edu>; 'marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca' <marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca> Subject: Reminding-2nd Announcement of the 3rd Oceanoise Asia (Oceanoise Asia 2023) Dear Colleagues and Friends, I hope you are all well. Here I would like to remind you that the 3rd Oceanoise Asia (Oceanoise Asia 2023) (Conference Website: https://oceanoiseasia2023.casconf.cn ) would be taken place on November 13-17, 2023, in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. I hope to see you in Sanya (a very beautiful and popular tropical tourism city in China) in November. Important Dates 31 July Deadline for Abstract Submission 31 August Abstract Acceptance Notification Date 13 November Registration Date 14 - 17 November Conference Date 3rd Oceanoise Asia (Oceanoise Asia 2023) November 13-17, 2023, Sanya, Hainan Province, China Website: https://oceanoiseasia2023.casconf.cn Extensive marine engineering works are occurring in Asian waters, where there is high marine biodiversity. Maritime constructions, offshore wind power installations, underwater mining, shipping, fisheries, and geological studies produce a wide variety of noises in the water. Marine mammals, sea turtles, fishes, and aquatic invertebrates all could be affected by the exposure to underwater noises. At this moment, baseline information on ecologically important marine organisms, and proposed scientific standards of noise impact on these marine organisms are still quite limited within Asian waters. Reliable ocean noise measurements and an evaluation of its effects in coastal and deep waters are needed. The Oceanoise Asia symposium focuses on current available knowledge and future perspectives on physiology, ecology and behavior of ecologically and economically important marine organisms, physical and biological sound measurement and biological noise response observations. The 3rd Oceanoise Asia aims at promoting scientific research and awareness about the impacts of noise on the marine organisms in Asian waters. Keywords: soundscape, underwater ambient noise, man-made noise, noise impacts, physiology, ecology and behavior of marine organisms. Science Committee Songhai Li, Chair (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences; lish(a)idsse.ac.cn <mailto:lish@idsse.ac.cn> ) Ding Wang, co-Chair (Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; wangd(a)ihb.ac.cn <mailto:wangd@ihb.ac.cn> ) Tomonari Akamatsu, co-Chair (Ocean Policy Research Institute, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation; akamatsu.tom(a)gmail.com <mailto:akamatsu.tom@gmail.com> ) Chi-Fang Chen, co-Chair (Taiwan University; chifang(a)ntu.edu.tw <mailto:chifang@ntu.edu.tw> ) Zhibin Zhang (International Society of Zoological Sciences; and Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; zhangzb(a)ioz.ac.cn <mailto:zhangzb@ioz. ac.cn> ) Chunhua Zhang (Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; zch(a)mail.ioa.ac.cn <mailto:zch@mail.ioa.ac.cn> ) Michel André (Technical University of Catalonia; michel.andre(a)upc.edu <mailto:michel.andre@upc.edu> ) Lien-Siang Chou (Taiwan University; chouls(a)ntu.edu.tw <mailto:chouls@ntu.edu.tw> ) Shane Guan (The Catholic University of America; guan(a)cua.edu <mailto:guan@cua.edu> ) Wen Xu (Zhejiang University; wxu(a)zju.edu.cn <mailto:wxu@zju.edu.cn> ) Organizing Committee Songhai Li (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Wenhua Xiong (International Society of Zoological Sciences) Kexiong Wang (Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Rui Liu (Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Zixin Yang (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Lijun Dong (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Yixi Shi (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Agathe Serres (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Mingming Liu (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Wenzhi Lin (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Peijun Zhang (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Mingli Lin (Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Venue Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Address: 28 Luhuitou Road, Sanya, Hainan Province, China http://www.idsse.ac.cn/ City: Sanya is located on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, which is the most famous tropical resort in China. http://en.explorehainan.com/en/experience/sanya/jbqk.shtml#ej Access: Hainan has several airports, including Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Qionghai Boao Airport. These airports have numbers of international flights, and domestic flights as well. Haikou Meilan International Airport is connected with Meilan Railway Station. Many (approximately every thirty minutes) bullet trains connect the Meilan Railway Station to the Sanya Station, which takes about one and half hours. Please confirm to travel agent when you book the flight. Hotel There are several nice five- or four-star hotels with a walking distance to the symposium venue. The price would be around USD 50-70 per night for each room, including buffet breakfast. The hotels can be reserved by the symposium Organizing Committee (if the filled Registration Form is returned before 31 July, 2023), and paid by the attendees during checking in. More details about hotels will be announced later. Background of the conference Oceanoise Asia symposium is the Asian version of Oceanoise conference. This symposium was initiated by marine biologists and marine acousticians from Mainland China, Japan, and Chinese Taipei, which aims to bring together Asian leading experts in underwater noise measurement, modeling and mapping, physiological and behavioural effects on marine organisms, as well as policy making, regulation, and mitigation procedures that address ocean noises. Oceanoise Asia 2023 is the third symposium in its series. It is co-hosted by the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the International Society of Zoological Sciences, in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. The first Oceanoise Asia was held in Chinese Taipei in 2016, and the second Oceanoise Asia was held in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan, in 2018. Potential participants include researchers, students, government regulators, NGO conservationists, industrial representatives and their consultants, and persons who are interested in underwater noise issues. Format The Format of Oceanoise Asia 2023 aims to favor a dynamic exchange of the latest findings in the field of ocean noise, their effects on marine life, and other ecological and conservation issues. Its goal is to provide ocean stakeholders with the best scientific knowledge and technical solutions to address environmental issues, and to ultimately promote scientific research and raise awareness of the impacts of ocean noise on marine life in Asian waters. The Science Committee will evaluate and organize the submitted abstracts to form several sessions. As in the previous Oceanoise conferences and Oceanoise Asia 2018, a round table discussion will follow each session. In addition, a poster session that encourages close discussion will be organized. Registration Form for the 3rd Oceanoise Asia Please fill out the registration form in the underlined areas and return to Songhai Li: lish(a)idsse.ac.cn <mailto:lish@idsse.ac.cn> Basical Information Name: Given name Family name Email: xxxx(a)xxxx.xxx.xx <mailto:xxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx> Affiliation: Your institute Address: 1-2-3, building, town, city, prefecture/state, postcode, country Telephone: +country code-your telephone number Visa: Hainan 59-Country Visa-Free Entry / 6-Country Visa-Free Entry / Chinese Business (F) Visa (Select one of them) Hotel reservation: Please fill your information in https://www.wenjuan.com/s/qmmqMr/# <https://www.wenjuan.com/s/qmmqMr/> Registration fee Registration fees will be exempt if a registration form with an abstract is submitted before 31 August 2023. Otherwise, a registration fee of CNY 1000 (RMB) (approximately USD 150) will be required, which can be paid on site during the conference. Regular meals (lunch and dinner, Chinese food, buffet), as well as Icebreaker (November 13th) and Banquet (November 16th) for all participants will be supported by sponsors. ABSTRACT submission (to Songhai Li: lish(a)idsse.ac.cn <mailto:lish@idsse.ac.cn> , before 31 July 2023) Submission: Yes / No (Select one of them) Preferred presentation style: Oral / Poster (Select one of them) Student accommodation Award application: Yes / No (Select one of them) The title of your presentation First Author: Given Name, Middle Name, Last Name (Affilication1, address, email) Second Author, Third Author and Forth Author… (Affiliation2, address, email; …) Corresponding Author The abstract should be no more than 300 words. Please make sure to have the consent of co-authors for your presentation. Please follow the WORD template for the abstract as below. The acceptance of abstracts and student accommodation award will be announced before 31 August, 2023. Submitted abstracts will be collated in the Symposium Program Book for attendees. Full manuscripts of presented talks and posters from the Symposium are welcome for submission, peer review and publication in Integrative Zoology (INZ) or Water Biology and Security (WBS). Integrative Zoology (INZ) is the official SCI-indexed journal of the International Society of Zoological Sciences. It is a peer-reviewed journal and its impact factor in 2021 stands 2.083, ranking top 30% among 179 zoological journals. For author guidelines, please visit https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17494877. Water Biology and Security (WBS, ISSN 2772-7351) is an official journal of Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. It has been indexed by Scopus and DOAJ during the first year released. The Virtual Issue "Advances in cetacean research and conservation" is open for submission in Water Biology and Security which is led by Prof. Ding Wang, Prof. Songhai Li Professor Tomonari Akamatsu and Professor AR Hoelzel ( <https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/water-biology-and-security/special-is sue/10N9QHXGRDS> https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/ <https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/water-biology-and-security/special-is sue/10N9QHXGRDS> water-biology-and-security/special-issue/10N9QHXGRDS). As a non-profit journal, there is no publishing charge for all participants. For author guidelines, please visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/water-biology-and-security Best Regards Songhai ------------------------------------------------------------------- Songhai Li Ph.D. & Prof. Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences 28 Luhuitou Road, Sanya, 572000, China Phone: +86-898-88222393 Email: <mailto:lish@sidsse.ac.cn> lish(a)idsse.ac.cn http://www.idsse.cas.cn/yjsgk2015/zzjg2015/yftx2015/shkxyjb2015/hybrdwyhysws xyjz2015/ <http://www.cetacean.csdb.cn/> http://www.cetacean.csdb.cn/

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New publication: Marine megafauna catch in Thai small-scale fisheries
by Per Berggren 08 Aug '23

08 Aug '23

Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to share our new OA research paper in Aquatic Conservation, where we estimate the annual marine megafauna catch (marine mammals, sea turtles, and elasmobranchs) in Thailand's small-scale fisheries. Svarachorn T, Temple AJ & Berggren P (2023). Marine megafauna catch in Thai small-scale fisheries. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3989 Abstract: 1. Small-scale fisheries are a global conservation threat to marine megafauna (marine mammals, sea turtles, and elasmobranchs). There is currently limited information about marine megafauna catch in Thailand's small-scale fisheries, which is required for effective management. 2. This study represents the first independent catch assessment of marine megafauna in Thai small-scale fisheries. Data on catch and fisheries effort across 1 year (2016-2017) were collected from questionnaire interviews with 535 fishers in 17 provinces along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea coasts. Catch per unit effort was calculated for marine megafauna by fishing gear types and extrapolated to estimate annual catches using Thai official fisheries statistics. 3. The annual estimated catches were 5.66 million (95% confidence interval, CI: 4.10-7.82 million) rays, 457,864 (95% CI: 192,352-969,166) sharks, 2,400 (95% CI: 1610-3,537) sea turtles, 790 (95% CI: 519-1,167) small cetaceans, and 72 (95% CI: 19-194) dugongs in Thai small-scale fisheries. 4. Gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort for all megafauna groups in both sea areas except for sea turtles, where pound nets had the highest catch per unit effort in the Gulf of Thailand. Further, among gillnets, crab gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort for all groups except dugongs, where ray gillnets had the highest catch per unit effort. Accounting for effort, crab gillnets and shrimp trammel nets were responsible for most of the megafauna catch, where crab gillnets contributed 72%-95% of the annual estimated marine megafauna catch. Crab gillnets and shrimp trammel nets were used by 46% and 40% respectively of the interviewed fishers and by 27% and 15% respectively of all small-scale fishers operating in Thai waters. 5. Restrictions for gillnet fishing effort (crab gillnets specifically) are needed to prevent extirpation of threatened megafauna species that are important for ecosystem resilience and productivity. Open access paper available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3989 Cheers, Per _______________________________________________________________ Per Berggren Professor of Marine Megafauna Conservation, School of Natural & Environmental Sciences 5.90 Ridley Building 2, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, UK Tel +44 191 2085676, Email: per.berggren(a)ncl.ac.uk<mailto:per.berggren@ncl.ac.uk> https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/our-research/marine/ https://twitter.com/perberggren1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [cid:image001.png@01D9C94D.C8518230] Latest papers: Marine megafauna catch in Thai small-scale fisheries https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3989 Offshore construction using gravity-base foundations indicates no long-term impacts on dolphins and harbour porpoise. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04240-1 _______________________________________________________________

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Call for Expression of Interest for PhD project: Body-condition and health of humpback whales on their Alaskan foraging grounds
by Lars Bejder 07 Aug '23

07 Aug '23

Dear Marmam Readers, Call for Expression of Interest for PhD project: Body-condition and health of humpback whales on their Alaskan foraging grounds The Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) and the Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) at the University of Hawaii are seeking applicants for a PhD project. This project aims to build on our Alaska - Hawaii humpback whale (HBW) body condition work using Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS; drone) - photogrammetry. The research will focus on how ocean conditions and/or foraging tactics influence whale body condition on the Alaskan foraging grounds. Within this general topic, the successful applicant will be encouraged to explore their own areas of research interest. The PhD project will have access to >3000 body condition measurements of individual HBWs in Alaska collected over the past six years - with another >7000 measurements available from their Hawaiian breeding grounds. The successful applicant will be expected to continue to collect UAS body condition data in Alaska for an additional 3-4 field seasons. Other available data streams include 30 years of whale sighting history data, tri-accelerometer video tag data from >50 whales, >150 biopsy samples, and recent systematic physical, chemical and biological oceanographic data. This project will entail annual five-month field seasons in Southeast (SE) Alaska (May-October) with possible additional short ~two-week field trips to Alaska between November and April. Field work is based out of AWFs remote field station in Warms Springs Bay, SE Alaska. While in the field, the successful candidate will be working with a team of 4-6 graduate students and interns. A key field responsibility of the candidate is to collect UAS-photogrammetry data of HBWs from small research vessels.The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and maintaining the Alaskan humpback whale body condition database. Required qualifications: Applicants must have strong analytical and coding/programming experience in R and/or MATLAB. Candidates must have significant UAS experience and hold a FAA 107 license when field work commences. Strong writing skills are required. Desirable qualifications: Candidates should be well-read in biological and oceanographic literature, especially pertaining to climate change, ocean health, and ocean productivity and how these affect marine food webs. We seek candidates with small boat field experience. Masters degree preferable. Experience in database management. The project is a collaboration between Alaska Whale Foundation and the Marine Mammal Research Program at the University of Hawaii. The student will be enrolled at the University of Hawaii and be based at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology on Oahu. The successful candidate will be provided with full tuition costs and a PhD stipend (GA-ship) for the initial year of their program. While further funding cannot be guaranteed at this stage, PIs currently have grants submitted for additional student stipend and tuition support (outcomes pending), and track records of success in establishing funding/GAships. Teaching assistantships (which cover student stipends and tuition) at the University of Hawaii are typically available for students who do not have GAships. Timeline: 15 Sept 2023: Deadline to express interest in position (see below application requirements). 1 Nov 2023: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for Zoom interviews during 7-14 Nov. 15 Nov 2023: The preferred applicant will be asked to submit their PhD application to the University of Hawaii. Mid-Dec 2023: Formal deadline for PhD applications to University of Hawaii. Jan-Mar 2024: Applicant joins field team for one-month of training in Hawaii (food/accommodation will be provided). March/April 2024: PhD position offers sent out by the Registrar at the University of Hawaii. May - June 2024: Commence pre-PhD field work in Alaska. July/Aug 2024: PhD enrolment. To apply: Candidates should submit the following materials via email to lbejder(a)hawaii.edu and szabo(a)alaskawhalefoundation.org in a single PDF document, with the file name “YourLastName_AlaskaHawaii_PhD.pdf” and the subject heading: “HBW_PhD_AlaskaHawaii_application” no later than 15 September 2023: 1) A cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for this position, how your prior experience qualifies you for the position, how you satisfy both the required and desirable qualifications, and your career goals. 2) Your CV 3) Two letters from personal references MMRP and AWF are committed to equality and diversity and encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. Kind regards, Andy and Lars

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin lifespan
by Molly McEntee 07 Aug '23

07 Aug '23

Hi MarMamers, We are excited to share our new paper on lifespan in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia: McEntee, M. H. F., Foroughirad, V., Krzyszczyk, E., & Mann, J. (2023). Sex bias in mortality risk changes over the lifespan of bottlenose dolphins. *Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences*, *290*(2003), 20230675. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.0675 Research on sex biases in longevity in mammals often assumes that male investment in competition results in a female survival advantage that is constant throughout life. We use 35 years of longitudinal data on 1003 wild bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) to examine age-specific mortality, demonstrating a time-varying effect of sex on mortality hazard over the five-decade lifespan of a social mammal. Males are at higher risk of mortality than females during the juvenile period, but the gap between male and female mortality hazard closes in the mid-teens, coincident with the onset of female reproduction. Female mortality hazard is non-significantly higher than male mortality hazard in adulthood, resulting in a moderate male bias in the oldest age class. Bottlenose dolphins have an intensely male-competitive mating system, and juvenile male mortality has been linked to social competition. Contrary to predictions from sexual selection theory, however, male–male competition does not result in sustained male-biased mortality. As female dolphins experience high costs of sexual coercion in addition to long and energetically expensive periods of gestation and lactation, this suggests that substantial female investment in reproduction can elevate female mortality risk and impact sex biases in lifespan. Please contact me at mhm95 at georgetown.edu if you have any questions or would like the pdf! Best, Molly -- Molly McEntee, PhD She/Her Department of Biology Georgetown University

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IWC Extinction Alert
by Kate Wilson 07 Aug '23

07 Aug '23

Dear MARMAM community, The Scientific Committee of the IWC today issued its first ever Extinction Alert - for the vaquita. After nearly thirty years of warnings, the Committee reached the sombre conclusion that a new mechanism is needed to voice extinction concerns for an increasing range of cetacean species and populations. This first Extinction Alert statement is issued today in order to encourage wider recognition of the warning signs of impending extinctions, and to generate support and encouragement at every level for the actions needed now to save the vaquita. The statement says: "The decline of the vaquita has continued despite a very clear understanding of both the cause (bycatch in gillnets) and the solution (replacement of gillnets With safe alternatives in the vaquita habitat." The statement also points to lessons that can be learned, particularly the need for early and multi-disciplinary actions that look beyond the immediate conservation concern to address wider factors. Read the full text of the IWC Extinction Alert: Statement of Concern for the Vaquita<https://archive.iwc.int/?r=20358>. Please contact me with any questions. Best wishes Kate Wilson INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION The Red House, 135 Station Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9NP, UK t. +44 (0) 1223 233971 d. +44 (0) 1223 209302 www.iwc.int<http://www.iwc.int/> [A picture containing table Description automatically generated] This e-mail and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the named addressee you should delete the email and notify the sender immediately. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Any opinion and other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the International Whaling Commission.

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New publication: 'Shiny tools for management rules: interactive applications that aid in conservation strategies for North Atlantic right whales'
by Leah Crowe - NOAA Affiliate 06 Aug '23

06 Aug '23

Hello MARMAM people, My co-authors and I would like to share with you our recent publication about a software tool we developed to aid in processing survey data, as well as analyze North Atlantic right whale detections (both visual and acoustic) for dynamic management: Crowe LM, Cole TVN, Foley HJ, Cholewiak DM (2023). Shiny tools for management rules: interactive applications that aid in conservation strategies for North Atlantic right whales. Journal of Open Source Software, 8(88), 5436, https://doi.org/10.21105/joss.05436 Summary: Conservation strategies aimed at protecting the Critically Endangered North Atlantic right whale in the United States currently include static and dynamic management measures to mitigate vessel strikes. The vessel speed restriction ruling was first put into place in late 2008, but beginning around 2010, a range-wide distribution shift occurred for the species, and right whales were increasingly sighted in regions without existing static protections. This change in habitat use put pressure on dynamic measures to provide some level of protection in these areas outside of Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs). The shift in right whale habitat use motivated the integration of additional ways to detect the presence of right whales, and in late 2020, a program was introduced that expanded dynamic management by triggering Slow Zones in response to acoustic detections of right whale vocalizations. The expansion of the dynamic management conservation strategy, as well as the increase in detection of right whales outside of SMAs, called for tools to: 1) streamline the process of handling multiple streams of right whale detection data, 2) refine and modernize the process of determining if the trigger criteria for dynamic measures were met, 3) quickly and accurately calculate the boundaries of a proposed Slow Zone, and 4) communicate this information to federal managers in near real-time. The tools described here were developed for scientists at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in their role as data stewards to support federal managers at the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office; however, the data processing and reporting procedure will be of interest to wildlife survey and management teams with similar objectives. Additionally, these publicly available tools provide transparency and reproducibility of the process for declaring dynamic protection zones in the Northeast United States. These tools were written primarily using the R coding language and specifically leverage the ‘Shiny’ package. The paper is available at the link above through the Journal of Open Source Software, which provides a link to our GitHub repository. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions! Leah -- Leah M. Crowe (she/her) Protected Species Branch Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/

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