September 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

ORCA Ocean Conservationist Training Course
by Kate Weston 04 Sep '23

04 Sep '23

Would you like to join ORCA’s growing team of at-sea conservation professionals? We have an exciting opportunity to join our team of Ocean Conservationists in our 2023 Ocean Conservationist Training Course. With our unique take on marine conservation, ORCA is a charity that’s entirely dedicated to studying and protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises around the world. We work to identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats in our waters and beyond. What makes ORCA unique is our dedication to combining accessible marine education with our conservation activities allowing us to give ordinary people opportunities to take an active role in marine science and conservation. A key part of ORCA’s education and outreach work is the Ocean Conservation programme which we deliver across the world on board ferry and cruise ships. Working closely with our cruise and ferry partners, Ocean Conservationists work remotely at sea, inspiring thousands of passengers every year. The team will educate passengers on the marine wildlife around them during their voyage and show them the wonders of the ocean. We are looking for dedicated individuals to showcase the incredible diversity of wildlife that can be spotted in oceans around the world, helping guests onboard learn more about the marine environment. In addition to this enrichment work, you will also collect vital scientific data that can be used to help protect whales and dolphins around the globe. *The training course consists of a part-time online training course (October - February) and a 1-week in-person at-sea training course. This training will provide you with a background into ORCA and our work, how to collect cetacean data, an in-depth look into the Ocean Conservationist program and all the skills you will need to run a great educational programme on board* To apply, you will need to submit an up-to-date CV and a 2-minute video outlining why you would make a good Ocean Conservationist via this form <https://forms.monday.com/forms/7222e22dc78ccd13ffacbfbb84e69c46?r=use1>. Applications close on Sunday 24th September at 23:59 (UK) and applicants must complete the online application form in order to be considered for this role. Find out more at www.orca.org.uk

1 0

Marine Conservation Volunteers Wanted - South Africa
by Hotmail 04 Sep '23

04 Sep '23

Join the ORCA Foundation's Marine Conservation Team - Volunteer and Make a Difference! Are you passionate about marine conservation and eager to make a real impact? The ORCA Foundation, based in the stunning Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, is calling for volunteers to join us immediately until the end of 2023. Program Overview: The ORCA Foundation, a vital part of Ocean Blue Adventures, has been at the forefront of marine conservation since 2001. Our mission is to raise awareness about the pressing marine conservation issues affecting Plettenberg Bay. Our volunteer program is the lifeblood of our efforts, and it relies on individuals like you who are willing to contribute their time, dedication, and financial support. Volunteer Costs: Please note that there is a participation fee to join our volunteer program. This fee includes housing and food during your stay. By participating and contributing financially, you directly support our vital conservation work. All funds raised through our program go toward sustaining and advancing our efforts to protect marine life and preserve our oceans. How You Can Contribute: As a volunteer, you will play a pivotal role in our program, actively engaging in various hands-on projects. Expect to immerse yourself in marine conservation and education, including: -Regular hikes and marine life observations. -Data collection during opportunistic whale watching. -Surveys of local beaches, including marine debris clean-ups and monitoring marine standings. -Assisting resident marine scientists in their research on charismatic marine species like southern right whales, humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape fur seals, and Great white sharks. Data entry and error checking, a crucial component of research. What to Be Aware Of: -The level and extent of your participation will depend on the duration of your stay. -Be prepared for weather-dependent fieldwork, and expect last-minute changes to the work schedule. Bad weather days will be used for data entry and other tasks. Orientation and Training: No previous experience is necessary. However, having the following qualities will enhance your contribution: -A general interest in marine biology, research, conservation, and education. -An enthusiastic, positive, mature, and independent attitude. -A willingness to learn and collaborate within our small team. -Adaptability and patience due to the weather-dependent nature of fieldwork. -The ability to work long hours on small vessels. -A moderate level of fitness to handle long hikes. -Attention to detail. -A willingness to perform meticulous behavioral observations. -Strong English communication skills, both written and oral. Learn More and Connect: Visit our website for more information: ORCA Foundation <https://orcafoundation.com/> (www.orcafoundation.com <http://www.orcafoundation.com/>) Connect with us on social media: Instagram: ORCA Foundation on Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/orca_foundation_south_africa/> (https://www.instagram.com/orca_foundation_south_africa/ <https://www.instagram.com/orca_foundation_south_africa/>) Facebook: ORCA Foundation on Facebook <https://web.facebook.com/OrcaPlett/> (https://web.facebook.com/OrcaPlett/ <https://web.facebook.com/OrcaPlett/>) If you're ready to embark on this incredible journey with us, contribute to marine conservation, and support our cause through your participation fee, please email bookings(a)orcafoundation.com <mailto:bookings@orcafoundation.com> for more information.

1 0

New publication on the suckling behavior in humpback whales
by Maevatiana Ratsimbazafindranahaka 04 Sep '23

04 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all of the co-authors, I am pleased to announce our latest publication in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology titled " Humpback whale suckling behavior: an insight into the mother-offspring strategy in mysticetes ". DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-023-03369-9 Abstract Despite its biological importance, the nursing behavior in baleen whales has been poorly documented mainly because of the challenges in tracking whales in their natural environment. We studied the suckling behavior (nursing from the calf's perspective) in < 3-month-old humpback whale calves off Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar, South Western Indian Ocean (breeding/calving area). We investigated the temporal pattern of the suckling behavior, its spatial and behavioral context, and the ontogeny of these characteristics. We exploited data from both camera-equipped and non-camera-equipped animal-borne multi-sensor tags (Acousonde and CATS cam) collected from 2013 to 2022 (37 calves). Our dataset constitutes the largest sample assembled so far to investigate the suckling behavior in free-ranging whales. We found that the suckling event duration does not vary much with the calves’ relative age. The estimated proportion of time spent suckling ranged between 0.8 and 1.6%. The suckling events mainly occurred during the descent and bottom phases of dives and rarely during the ascent phase of dives or surface activities. Strong evidence of humpback whale suckling at night is presented for the first time. We found that suckling events were often performed in bouts of 2–6 events. Suckling bouts mostly occurred less than 10 min apart, and suckling sessions were separated by about 2 h of non-suckling periods. In other words, humpback whale calves suckled several times throughout the day in short sessions similar to terrestrial “followers.” Our results add to the evidence that humpback whales, and potentially most baleen whales, are behaviorally and functionally similar to terrestrial “followers” regarding maternal strategy. Significance statement Young mammals rely on the milk provided by their mother to survive during their early life stage. The suckling behavior, i.e., the procurement of milk from the mother, has been widely studied for terrestrial mammals but not for fully aquatic mammals like the baleen whales due to the challenges in tracking them. By placing sensors and cameras on calves, we described the suckling pattern in humpback whales, the most common baleen whale species. We found that the temporal pattern of suckling in humpback whales is similar to those of terrestrial precocial mammals experiencing comparable environments (open habitat with predators): the young suckle frequently but in short sessions. Our results offer a new insight supporting the hypothesis that the rearing strategy used by baleen whales is an aquatic version of the “following” behavior found in these precocial terrestrial species. You can access the view-only full-text version at https://rdcu.be/djlMY Best regards, Maevatiana Maevatiana N. RATSIMBAZAFINDRANAHAKA (He/Him) Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay (NeuroPSI), UMR 9197 CNRS Campus CEA Saclay, 151 route de la Rotonde, 91400 Saclay Bâtiment 151 +33(0)1 69 82 63 56, bureau 3054

1 0

New publication available: The prefrontal cortex of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus Montagu, 1821): a tractography study and comparison with the human
by Tommaso Gerussi 03 Sep '23

03 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM Readers, On behalf of my co-authors, I am glad to announce the publication in early view of the paper "The prefrontal cortex of the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus* Montagu, 1821): a tractography study and comparison with the human" in Brain Structure and Function. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-023-02699-8 Authors: Gerussi, T., Graïc, JM., Peruffo, A., Behroozi, M., Schlaffke, L., Huggenberger, S., Güntürkün, O. & Cozzi, B. Abstract Cetaceans are well known for their remarkable cognitive abilities including self-recognition, sound imitation and decision making. In other mammals, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) takes a key role in such cognitive feats. In cetaceans, however, a PFC could up to now not be discerned based on its usual topography. Classical in vivo methods like tract tracing are legally not possible to perform in Cetacea, leaving diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as the most viable alternative. This is the first investigation focussed on the identification of the cetacean PFC homologue. In our study, we applied the constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD) algorithm on 3 T DWI scans of three formalin-fixed brains of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) and compared the obtained results to human brains, using the same methodology. We first identified fibres related to the medio-dorsal thalamic nuclei (MD) and then seeded the obtained putative PFC in the dolphin as well as the known PFC in humans. Our results outlined the dolphin PFC in areas not previously studied, in the cranio-lateral, ectolateral and opercular gyri, and furthermore demonstrated a similar connectivity pattern between the human and dolphin PFC. The antero-lateral rotation of the PFC, like in other areas, might be the result of the telescoping process which occurred in these animals during evolution. Thank you very much for reading it. Best regards -- *Tommaso Gerussi, DVM, Ph.D.* Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science - University of Padova Viale dell'università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD) +39 3343301409 t <jeanmarie.graic(a)unipd.it>ommaso.gerussi(a)studenti.unipd.it tommaso.gerussi(a)phd.unipd.it Skype: tommaso.gerussi

1 0

Pacific Marine Mammal Center Hiring 2 positions: Research/Necropsy Biologist and Marketing Social Media Manager (Laguna Beach, California)
by Dr. Alissa Deming 02 Sep '23

02 Sep '23

Dear Colleagues, The Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) is hiring! PMMC is a rehabilitation hospital that cares for sick and injured marine mammals (primarily pinnipeds with occasional cetaceans) that strand in Orange County, California. We have a growing research program and have begun a large expansion of our rehabilitation center and water reclamation plant. To facilitate this growth, we are hiring two exciting full-time positions: Research/Necropsy Biologist and Marketing and Social Media Manager. Please see below for details on both positions. Please reach out with questions or for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you! 1. Research and Necropsy Biologist is a full-time position that is responsible for conducting necropsies, facilitating research projects with collaborators/students, and assist the Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science with various research related tasks. Daily activities include leading pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sea turtle necropsies, maintain sample inventory, enter data into the electronic medical records system (Tracks®), the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program’s National Stranding Database, Health MAP (when implemented), and as needed, participating in all aspects of the care of marine mammal patients and live cetacean stranding response. This position is critical in acquisition of samples that support the important research PMMC conducts. Candidates should be passionate about conservation-focused research and be committed to the mission of PMMC (www.pacificmmc.org) 1. Primary Responsibilities: - Conduct necropsies, maintain necropsy/histology sample inventory, and facilitate sample shipping - Write necropsy reports, collate diagnostic findings, and order necropsy supplies/equipment x Input and maintain lab results, necropsy sample inventory, necropsy records, and histology findings into Tracks® , the National Marine Mammal Stranding and Health database and Health MAP (once implemented) - Oversee the Ocean Health Fellowship Program - Facilitate research projects and coordinate collection of research samples and data - Assists medical staff, as needed, in performing medical procedures and laboratory diagnostic - Coordinate educating and training volunteers, undergraduate, graduate and veterinary students that participate in necropsy and research Requirements and Competencies: - Master's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Animal Science or related field. Preference will be given to those with Master’s degree and/or significant research experience in relevant fields - Marine mammal necropsy experience required - Must be available to work varying hours including being on call for live marine mammal stranding response and afterhours/weekend/holidays - Must have a valid state driver’s license - Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint Preferred qualifications - Minimum of 2-years experience in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation - Experience managing large sample inventories - Publications in peer reviewed scientific journals - Experience with Tracks® (electronic medical record system), Conservation Standards and/or Miradi - Experience with statistics and statistical analysis software To apply send CV/resume, cover letter, and list 3 references with contact information to ademing(a)pacificmmc.org. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Must be US citizen/able to work in US. Further information about this position can be found here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bb6555ef8135a760bccc650/t/64efdaf23… 1. Marketing and Social Media Manager: is a full-time position responsible for all aspects of maintaining, protecting and the active placement of the PMMC brand, across all platforms to maintain a positive public image for PMMC Primary Responsibilities: - In collaboration with PMMC leadership, serve as the Public Information Officer. - Maintain and increase opportunities to share our brand and mission across all media platforms, promotional material. - Create, execute, and maintain a robust, engaging, and creative media calendar. - Responsible for all media requests, including but not limited to filming and photography inquiries. - Maintain, edit, and update website. - Ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work effectively across the enterprise. - Be able to set goals, prioritize objectives and meet expectations to achieve measurable results. - Create and maintain relationships with the media to ensure that PMMC is well represented across a broad platform, actively pitch stories to the media including writing and distributing press releases and other messaging about PMMC. - Research, develop and monitor social media influencer campaigns/partners. Requirements and Competencies: - A working understanding of animal stranding centers, aquariums, or zoos. - Experience working in a non-profit organization. - Experience in current and emerging social media platforms and design programs. - Ability to react positively to changing priorities. To apply send resume and cover letter to Debra Finster dfinster(a)pacificmmc.org. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Must be US citizen/able to work in US. Further information about this position can be found here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bb6555ef8135a760bccc650/t/64efda993… [cid:164b5673-9252-4fc9-8928-95c3c759f5b1]<http://www.pacificmmc.org/> www.pacificmmc.org<http://www.pacificmmc.org/> Alissa C. Deming DVM, MS, PhD Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science O: (949) 494-3050 ext:202 20612 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, CA 92651

1 0

PAM of the Yangtze finless porpoise at the junction of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake
by Zhitao Wang 02 Sep '23

02 Sep '23

1 0

PhD opportunity - Australian southern right whales
by Joshua Smith 01 Sep '23

01 Sep '23

Dear colleagues, We wanted to let you know of an exciting PhD opportunity to study the conservation status and population dynamics of Australia's endangered southern right whales through the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) of the University of Tasmania in Hobart. IMAS has a strong reputation in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ecology and Biodiversity, and Oceans and Cryosphere with cross-disciplinary themes of Climate Change. Critical to this project will be an understanding of how climate change has and likely will impact upon the recovery of this species. Project title: Population Dynamics of Right Whales<https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/available-projects/projects/marine…> This PhD project will utilise a long-term program (over four decades) of annual aerial survey data on Australia's southern right whale population that was initiated and maintained by the late John Bannister since the mid 1970's. The successful candidate will contribute to the curation, analysis, and publication of the southern right whale aerial survey dataset and strongly collaborate with the Australian and international southern right whale research community on ongoing research into Australian southern right whale population dynamics and potential impacts from climate change on southern right whales. The candidate will: - conduct time series analysis of the aerial survey count data to determine long-term population trends and associated variability; - assess methods to estimate population size and estimate change in the spatial distribution of sightings over the survey period; - determine whether oceanographic conditions on Southern Ocean summer feeding grounds correlate with annual calving rates by developing past climate histories in likely foraging areas; and, - assess the utility of satellite imagery to complement or replace annual aerial surveys for annual censuses of right whales in southern Australia. Funding Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides: - a living allowance stipend of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years - a relocation allowance of up to $2,000 - a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only) If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years. Furthermore, applicants will also be considered for an additional generous top-up by the John L Bannister Memorial Top-Up Scholarship of $7,500 per annum for 3.5 years, if successful. This scholarship is funded from the John L Bannister Memorial. Selection Criteria The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College. Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project: - Strong quantitative skills - Experience with programming languages analysis and display software, such as python, R or Matlab. Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project: - Experience with image processing software - Understanding of Southern Ocean ecosystem dynamics - Understanding of Southern Ocean physical processes Application process - Full details of the application process can be found at the UTAS website for the Project<https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/available-projects/projects/marine…> - Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship; - Contact the Primary Supervisor Dr Stuart Corney (stuart.corney(a)utas.edu.au<mailto:stuart.corney@utas.edu.au>) to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and In your application: - Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don't correctly do this your application may be rejected. - Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal. - Apply prior to 25 September 2023. The Project team consists: Dr Stuart Corney, Dr Mike Double, Dr Virginia Andrews-Goff, Dr Madeleine Brasier, Dr Joshua Smith and strong collaborations with the Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study and Dr Claire Charlton. Project link: (https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/available-projects/projects/marine…) Regards Dr Joshua Smith Senior Research Fellow Murdoch University

1 0

Postdoc position
by Derville, Solene 01 Sep '23

01 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM Community, The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab/> in the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral research position focused on whale spatial ecology and conservation. The successful applicant will play a key role in research projects investigating large whale distribution and interactions with fishing gear off the coast of Oregon, USA to help inform conservation management efforts. The full-time postdoctoral scholar position is fully funded for 18 months, providing a competitive stipend and health insurance. Start date is 1 March 2024. Please see the full description and information about the application process in the link below: https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/postdocs/open-positions/18501-whale-dist… Sincerely, Leigh Torres, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Oregon State University The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab (GEMM Lab) Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon Sea Grant Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, U.S.A 541-867-0895; leigh.torres(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:leigh.torres@oregonstate.edu> Website<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab> Blog<http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/gemmlab/> Twitter<https://twitter.com/GemmLabOSU> Recent publications: Torres, L. G., Brander, S. M., Parker, J. I., Bloom, E. M., Norman, R., Van Brocklin, J. E., . . . Hildebrand, L. (2023). Zoop to poop: assessment of microparticle loads in gray whale zooplankton prey and fecal matter reveal high daily consumption rates. Frontiers in Marine Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1201078 Torres, L. G., Hildebrand, L., & Crews, T. (2023). Students as Scientists: Using Immersive Experiences and Near-Peer Mentoring to Build STEM Identity and Community. Current: The Journal of Marine Education. doi:10.5334/cjme.77 Derville S, Buell TV, Corbett KC, Hayslip C, Torres LG (2023) Exposure of whales to entanglement risk in Dungeness crab fishing gear in Oregon, USA, reveals distinctive spatio-temporal and climatic patterns. Biological Conservation 281:109989; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109989

1 0

New Publication - Wild pedigrees inform mutation rates and historic abundance in baleen whales (Marcos Suárez Menéndez)
by Suárez Menéndez, Marcos 01 Sep '23

01 Sep '23

Dear all, On behalf of all the co-authors I'm happy to share our new publication in *Science* "Wild pedigrees inform mutation rates and historic abundance in baleen whales" https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adf2160 *Abstract* Phylogeny-based estimates suggesting a low germline mutation rate (μ) in baleen whales have influenced research ranging from assessments of whaling impacts to evolutionary cancer biology. We estimated μ directly from pedigrees in four baleen whale species for both the mitochondrial control region and nuclear genome. The results suggest values higher than those obtained through phylogeny-based estimates and similar to pedigree-based values for primates and toothed whales. Applying our estimate of μ reduces previous genetic-based estimates of preexploitation whale abundance by 86% and suggests that μ cannot explain low cancer rates in gigantic mammals. Our study shows that it is feasible to estimate μ directly from pedigrees in natural populations, with wide-ranging implications for ecological and evolutionary research. Best, Marcos -- *Marcos Suárez Menéndez, MSc. *(he/him) PhD Student | Marine Evolution and Conservation Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) University of Groningen Zernike Campus, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands

1 0