September 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

UF Summer online aquatics courses - Manatee Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 29 Apr '24

29 Apr '24

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Summer 2023. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Manatee Health & Conservation course, fully online. Classes starts Monday May 15th and run through Friday Aug 11th. Registration will remain open through May 17th. Manatee Health and Conservation Class (VME4016 and VME6017) is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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Job Opportunities at Maine Department of Marine Resources
by Murray, Anita 21 Mar '24

21 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is hiring two Marine Resource Scientist II - Acoustic Project Lead positions. We previously posted the job advertisement for these positions, but due to an error in the previous advert we are re-posting a revised job advertisement and have extended the application deadline to August 18, 2023. These positions are part of a new North Atlantic right whale monitoring and research program. This program is being formed with three primary objectives in mind: 1. Collect baseline information on right whale occurrence, distribution, and habitat use in the Gulf of Maine. 2. Contribute to and create new right whale, fishery, and risk assessment models 3. Provide support for innovative gear testing and research, including on-demand fishing gear A link for the Acoustic Project Lead positions is included below along with the job description. These positions will be based at the DMR laboratory in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Feel free to contact me (anita.murray(a)maine.gov<mailto:anita.murray@maine.gov>) or Erin Summers (erin.l.summers(a)maine.gov<mailto:erin.l.summers@maine.gov>) with any questions about these positions. Cheers, Anita Anita Murray, PhD (she/her) Lead, Cetacean Research Program Maine Department of Marine Resources 194 McKown Point Road West Boothbay Harbor, ME., 04575, USA anita.murray(a)maine.gov<mailto:anita.murray@maine.gov> Link to Job Posting: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0xglj/ [cid:image004.png@01D9C930.DE59F1B0] [Logo Description automatically generated with medium confidence] http://www.maine.gov/dmr Public Service Career Diversity Retirement Promotional Opportunities Benefits Over 10,000 Employees Paid Holidays Statewide Locations Training Seasonal Jobs Full Time Part Time HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to complete and submit an online State of Maine Direct Hire Application along with a Cover Letter, and detailed Resume at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#dmr If you are unable to apply online, Direct Hire Application forms can be obtained by contacting the NRSC Personnel Office at (207) 624-6370 or by accessing the NRSC website at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: August 18, 2023 (EXTENDED) Direct Hire Career Opportunity Bulletin DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES State House Station #21, Augusta, ME 04333 - *Offices Located at 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta MARINE RESOURCE SCIENTIST II Acoustics Project Leads (Anticipated Vacancies) Opening Date: July 26, 2023 Closing Date: August 18, 2023 (EXTENDED) Location: West Boothbay Harbor Position #'s: 07200-2724 07200-2725 Position Type: Limited Period Full Time Class Code: 9363 Grade/Salary: Grade 25 $52,582.40 - $70,907.20 Annually* (*This includes the 5.5% salary adjustment) ________________________________ BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is hiring two positions to lead various passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) projects. The positions will be responsible for planning and designing PAM projects within DMR's passive acoustics monitoring program and setting project goals, protocols, and timelines that address data gaps and management needs. The positions will also be responsible for managing data collection, data storage, data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), acoustic analyses, and statistical analyses using species detection and/or ambient noise data depending on project goals. This position will also supervise a team of Marine Resource Scientist I positions, including dividing up tasks amongst analysts, leading project meetings, overseeing data analysis, and setting priorities and timelines for staff. The positions will also be responsible for disseminating information from the PAM projects by publishing in the peer-reviewed literature, representing DMR at meetings and conferences, and making recommendations to DMR's policy group and Commissioner's Office. These positions may foster and manage collaborations with external partners for various PAM projects as well as seek grant funding opportunities as appropriate. Finally, the positions will work across programmatic lines within the DMR to foster collaboration and maximize DMR's strengths. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES PREFERRED: A high level of supervisory, organization, and project management experience is necessary. Expertise in PAM and cetacean bioacoustics is necessary, including project design, methodologies, and data analysis. The candidate should be able to manage the operation and maintenance of a network of PAM sites, including the ability to troubleshoot acoustic equipment issues and issues that arise during deployment and retrieval of PAM moorings. There is a preference for a candidate with experience in automatic detection performance evaluation, acoustic localization and tracking of cetaceans, acoustic density estimation, calculating species detection range, sound propagation modeling, and/or ambient noise analysis and statistics. Preference will also be given to candidates who have experience working with RavenPro acoustic analysis software, SoundTrap acoustic recorders, LFDCS or other automatic detection algorithms, ArcGIS Pro mapping software, and/or computer programming in R, Python, and/or MATLAB. This position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelors Degree in a scientific, technical, or engineering field or equivalent in directly related work experience and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of marine resource research and/or management or related field. Preference will be given to previous experience in a supervisory capacity. Equivalent experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: * Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. * Health Insurance Coverage- The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs<https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/som-health-plan/premium-rates> for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. * Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements<https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-premium-credit>. * Dental Insurance- The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). * Retirement Plan- The State of Maine contributes 13.00% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. * Gym Membership Reimbursement- Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. * Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts- Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. * Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness- The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office<https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service>. * Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. * Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act<https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/rules-policies/policy-practices-m…>. * Voluntary Deferred Compensation- Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. * Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness<https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/>. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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MMO, PSO & PAM Training Course 2023
by Tabbi McGhee 15 Feb '24

15 Feb '24

Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is offering its next Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)-approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEst)-approved Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses. JNCC-certified MMOs comply with UK regulations, and PSOs comply with USA regulations, to minimise the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from various offshore operations. OSC's MMO course comprises theory and practice, including binocular and range estimation, and role-play sessions. The PAM course comprises theory and practice using PAM equipment in OSC's workshop facilities and/or onboard OSC's survey vessel (subject to weather). The intention is to run the following course in-person near Edinburgh at OSC's Dunbar headquarters: 5th to 8th September 2023 Prices are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate. A discounted package price of £700 is offered for participants who wish to attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Course participants will also receive a discount for purchases of marine binoculars or tripod mounts from Opticron - these should be ordered in advance of the course to ensure availability. For further details: https://www.osc.co.uk/training For course registration: https://www.osc.co.uk/jncc-registration Best wishes, OSC training team Tabbi McGhee PA to Directors & Office Manager Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK D: +44 (0)3330 235 764 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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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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Shining light on dolphin physiology
by Andreas Fahlman 16 Nov '23

16 Nov '23

Dear MarMamers We would like to share our new open-access publication that investigated the use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy as a non-invasive tool to study physiology in the bottlenose dolphin. We report preliminary data which indicate that this technology allows us to measure blood flow and tissue and blood oxygenation in this dolphins. The details about the paper can be found below, and please send me or Alex Ruesch (aruesch(a)andrew.cmu.edu) an email if you have any questions. Sincerely, Andreas Title: Evaluating feasibility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in dolphins Authors: Ruesch, A., Acharya, D., Bulger, E., Cao, J., McKnight, J. C., Manley, M., Fahlman, A., Shinn-Cunningham, B. G. and Kainerstorfer, J. M. Journal: Journal of Biomedical Optics doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.28.7.075001 Abstract: Significance: Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) could help to understand how echolocating animals perceive their environment and how they focus on specific auditory objects, such as fish, in noisy marine settings. Aim: To test the feasibility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in medium-sized marine mammals, such as dolphins, we modeled the light propagation with computational tools to determine the wavelengths, optode locations, and separation distances that maximize sensitivity to brain tissue. Approach: Using frequency-domain NIRS, we measured the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient of dolphin sculp. We assigned muscle, bone, and brain optical properties from the literature and modeled light propagation in a spatially accurate and biologically relevant model of a dolphin head, using finite-element modeling. We assessed tissue sensitivities for a range of wavelengths (600 to 1700 nm), source-detector distances (50 to 120 mm), and animal sizes (juvenile model 25% smaller than adult). Results: We found that the wavelengths most suitable for imaging the brain fell into two ranges: 700 to 900 nm and 1100 to 1150 nm. The optimal location for brain sensing positioned the center point between source and detector 30 to 50 mm caudal of the blowhole and at an angle 45 deg to 90 deg lateral off the midsagittal plane. Brain tissue sensitivity comparable to human measurements appears achievable only for smaller animals, such as juvenile bottlenose dolphins or smaller species of cetaceans, such as porpoises, or with source-detector separations ≫100 mm in adult dolphins. Conclusions: Brain measurements in juvenile or subadult dolphins, or smaller dolphin species, may be possible using specialized fNIRS devices that support optode separations of >100 mm. We speculate that many measurement repetitions will be required to overcome hemodynamic signals originating predominantly from the muscle layer above the skull. NIRS measurements of muscle tissue are feasible today with source-detector separations of 50 mm, or even less..

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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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MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP
by Gabbie Nicoletta 30 Sep '23

30 Sep '23

MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) is now accepting applications for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Internship for the Spring 2024 session. The application deadline is November 1, 2023. The internship session will run from the first week of January 2024 through the third week of May 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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A note on the first record of the Clymene dolphin in Costa Rican waters
by Jaime 29 Sep '23

29 Sep '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 Clymene dolphin in Costa Rican waters. The pdf is freely available at the website of the LAJAM journal at: View of First record of the Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene Gray, 1850) in Costa Rican waters | | | | View of First record of the Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene Gray, 1850... | | | Brief summary (not available in the note) First record of the Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene Gray, 1850) in Costa Rican watersJaime Bolaños-Jiménez, Gilberto Borges-Guzmán, and Gabriela Hernández-Mora On 02 November 2022, a dead dolphin was found floating in Costa Rican waters approximately 45 km from Tortuguero Hill (approx. 10°48’N, 83°00’W) by the crew of a sport fishing boat who sent the pictures to one of the authors (GBG). The dolphin was identified as a Clymene dolphin based on diagnostic characteristics visible in the photographs that included 1) a three-part color pattern including a dark gray cape, light gray sides, and white belly; 2) a cape that dips above the eyes and below the dorsal fin; 3) dark “mustache” marking on the middle of the top of the beak; and 4) dark stripe on the top of the beak running from the tip to the apex of the melon. The present record adds one species to the current inventory of the cetacean fauna of Costa Rica, increasing the number of confirmed species to ten. We emphasize the importance of educating the public about marine conservation and the contribution of citizen science initiatives to advance the knowledge of marine biodiversity, as in this case, where the support of citizen science was critical to provide the pieces of evidence for the description of this Clymene dolphin.

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Searching for SoundTrap for Cetaceans studies
by Joana Castro 29 Sep '23

29 Sep '23

Dear colleagues, I am looking for some acoustic devices to continue and expand our acoustic research projects in the south of Portugal focused on cetacean bioacoustics where the acoustic studies are limited. Specifically I am looking for a SoundTrap ST300 HF (Compact recorder) and also a 4 channel SoundTrap ST4300HF. Since these units are no longer produced, I was hoping to find one in our marmam community. If any of you have any of these units available and are considering selling them, please let me know. These sound traps have the specifications that we are looking for to use in our bioacoustic projects. All the best Joana Castro <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Sem vírus.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#m_2782112524846139824_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Upcoming Environmental Training in Victoria, British Columbia
by Emily Welsh 29 Sep '23

29 Sep '23

Edgewise Environmental is offering a Marine Mammal Observer program from October 11th - November 1st. This course includes 4 weeks of online theory and an at-sea practical on November 9th in Victoria, British Columbia. We're also offering a Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator course from October 16th - November 6th. This course includes 3 weeks of online theory and a 2 day in-person practical session on November 7th and 8th in Victoria, British Columbia. Click here <https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/events/> for more information or email info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com -- Emily Welsh *Social Media and Marketing Coordinator* Edgewise Environmental Ltd. (709) 770-0492 St. John's, NL, Canada www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

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