January 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

JNCC-recognised MMO course
by Carolyn Barton 06 Jan '24

06 Jan '24

Spaces available on a JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters on 15th and 16th January 2024, remote delivery by Zoom. February dates will be available soon. This course will cover all the information needed for work as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in UK waters. Taught by an instructor with over 25 years experience, the course content includes: 1) Impacts of noise on marine mammals 2) Introduction to activities that require mitigation 3) Legislation protecting marine mammals and marine licensing 4) Detailed examination of the JNCC guidelines for geophysical surveys, pile driving and explosives 5) Data recording and reporting requirements 6) Visual monitoring and distance estimation 7) Overview of passive acoustic monitoring 8) Working as an MMO/ PAM operator 9) Identification of marine mammals Zoom sessions will be a mixture of lectures and exercises, over 1.5 days. Any exercises not completed during the sessions can be completed in your own time. There is also an online multiple choice exam to be done at your convenience after the Zoom sessions (re-sits are possible if you don't pass first time). Each delegate gets individual feedback on their exercises and the exam. The cost of the course is £180 (180GBP). On successful completion of the course (including the exercises and exam) you will receive JNCC-recognised certification, which is required for work as an MMO in UK waters. For further details and for a registration form see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk .

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New Publication on Fin Whale Behavioral Response
by Brandon Southall 04 Jan '24

04 Jan '24

MARMAM, My co-authors and I would like to provide the following recent publication to all those interested. The Open Access paper is entitled “Behavioral responses of fin whales to military mid-frequency active sonar” and the citation, link for access, and abstract are provided below: Southall, B. L., Allen, A. N., Calambokidis, J., Casey, C., DeRuiter, S. L., Fregosi, S., Friedlaender, A. S., Goldbogen, J. A., Harris, C. M., Hazen, E.L., Popov, V. and Stimpert, A. K. (2023). Behavioural responses of fin whales to military mid-frequency active sonar. Royal Society Open Science, 10(12), 231775. <https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231775> [rsos.2023.10.issue-12.largecover.jpg] Behavioural responses of fin whales to military mid-frequency active sonar | Royal Society Open Science<https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231775> royalsocietypublishing.org<https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231775> The effect of active sonars on marine mammal behavior is a topic of considerable interest and scientific investigation. Some whales, including the largest species (blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus), can be impacted by mid-frequency (1-10 kHz) military sonars. Here we apply complementary experimental methods to provide the first experimentally controlled measurements of behavioral responses to military sonar and similar stimuli for a related endangered species, fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Analytical methods include: (1) Principal Component Analysis paired with Generalized Additive Mixed Models; (2) Hidden Markov Models; and (3) structured expert elicitation using response severity metrics. These approaches provide complementary perspectives on the nature of potential changes within and across individuals. Behavioral changes were detected in five of 15 whales during controlled exposure experiments (CEEs) using mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) or pseudorandom noise (PRN) of similar frequency, duration, and source and received level. No changes were detected during six control (no noise) sequences. Overall responses were more limited in occurrence, severity, and duration than in blue whales and were less dependent upon contextual aspects of exposure and more contingent upon exposure received level. Quantifying the factors influencing marine mammal responses to sonar is critical in assessing and mitigating future impacts. ——— Brandon Southall, Ph.D President, Chief Scientist - Southall Environmental Associates, Inc. Research Associate - UC Santa Cruz Institute of Marine Science Adjunct Assistant Professor - Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net 831.661.5177 (office) 831.332.8744 (cell) 9099 Soquel Dr., suite 8 Aptos CA 95003 USA www.sea-inc.net

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Summer Education Internship
by Valerie Daniels 04 Jan '24

04 Jan '24

Kindly post the attached internship posting on your website and thank you! https://coastalstudies.org *Summer 2024 Internship Opportunity* The Center for Coastal Studies is a non-profit organization dedicated to conducting scientific research with emphasis on marine mammals of the western North Atlantic and on the coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Gulf of Maine. CCS has been conducting research and marine and coastal educational programs on Cape Cod for 46 years. *Education Responsibilities*-Intern/s will assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, and festivals, including CCS’s signature summer week of events: Whale Week: A Celebration of the Sea, and Whale Camp. Interns will assist in staffing the Center’s SEASpace Marine Discovery Center, and beach pop-up tents; designing and delivering presentations, answering questions about CCS, marine animals (especially whales, seals and sharks) and ocean conservation issues, and other general duties. Interns must have their own transportation. Housing is not provided, but the Center will assist candidates in finding potential housing. A small stipend is provided. *Qualifications-* - The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. - Preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards environmental studies, education, marine science, biology or other related fields. - Intern should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. - Intern should be a self-starter able to take responsibility for completing projects. - Students that are adaptable, responsible, hard working, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. - Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. - Must be comfortable working with all ages. - Must be comfortable working outside in all conditions. - Must be comfortable working with and handling marine species. - Must be able to carry at least 30lbs over short distances. - Interns must be able to commit to at least two-three months; preferred start date-end date mid June to mid August, but dates are flexible based on school schedules. - Interns must work a minimum of 20 hours per week. - Schedule is flexible but intern may have to work some weekends and evenings. - Preference will be given to students with secured housing on Cape Cod. To Apply- Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to Valerie Daniels at employment(a)coastalstudies.org or 5 Holway Ave, Provincetown, Massachusetts 02567. Applications must be received by March 8, 2024. Valerie Daniels Human Resources Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657

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FWC Technical Report Announcement (Right Whales)
by Neyman, Lisa 03 Jan '24

03 Jan '24

We are happy to announce the publication of a new Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Technical Report assessing mariner usage of recommended lanes designated for the protection of the North Atlantic right whale. Title: Mariner Cooperation with Recommended Lanes in Two Critical Habitats of the North Atlantic Right Whale, Eubalaena glacialis Authors: Lisa C. Neyman, Nathan J. Crum, Jeffrey D. Adams, Eric M. Patterson, and Caroline P. Good Abstract: Vessel strikes are a significant threat to large whales worldwide and have had a substantial impact on the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) in particular. Managers have implemented several measures to reduce vessel strikes to right whales, including routing measures, such as the recommended lanes established in Cape Cod Bay, MA, and the southeastern United States in 2006. The goal of these recommended lanes is to minimize co-occurrence of vessels and whales and reduce the number of strikes, the success of which depends on mariner cooperation. To evaluate the effectiveness of this tool for reducing vessel strikes to right whales, we assessed mariner use of the recommended lanes. We measured lane use (defined as the proportion of a vessel's traveled path occurring within the recommended lanes) using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data collected from January 2017 through December 2019, and compared use rates across study regions, vessel types, routes traveled, and time of year. Recommended lane use varied widely across vessel type, route, region, and the combination of vessel type and region, and only slightly across time of year. Use varied most widely across vessel types, and commercial vessels, specifically cargo carrying type vessels, had the highest lane-use rates, while recreational and fishing vessels had the lowest lane-use rates. Therefore, recommended lanes are likely more effective for managing the risk of vessel strikes from large commercial vessels near commercial ports, while other approaches may be needed for managing risk from other vessel types. You can find the full publication (Technical Report 24) on the FWC Technical Reports website: https://myfwc.com/research/publications/technical-reports/ Lisa Neyman Research Associate Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission 100 8th Ave. SE Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: (727) 502-4751 Email: Lisa.Neyman(a)myfwc.com<mailto:Lisa.Neyman@myfwc.com>

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NOAA Fisheries Requests Public Comment on Proposed Incidental Take Regulations for the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, Offshore Maryland
by Jessica Taylor - NOAA Affiliate 03 Jan '24

03 Jan '24

Good morning Colleagues, On Thursday, January 4, 2024, NOAA Fisheries will open a 30-day public comment period on the proposed incidental take regulations related to US Wind’s Maryland Offshore Wind Project <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-us-wind…>. The project would be located offshore Maryland within the Maryland Wind Energy Area. Under Offshore Renewable Energy Certificates, the project would provide power to Maryland. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, these regulations will govern the “take,” by harassment only, of small numbers of marine mammals exposed to elevated underwater noise generated by the project’s activities over a five-year period. NOAA Fisheries has preliminarily determined the take as analyzed in the proposed rule, will have a negligible impact on all affected marine mammal species and stocks. No take by mortality, serious injury, or non-auditory injury is anticipated to occur or proposed for authorization. As required by the MMPA, the proposed regulations include mandatory mitigation measures undertaken by the wind developer that ensure the "least practicable adverse impact" on marine mammals and their habitat, as well as monitoring and reporting measures to better understand those impacts. Impacts to a small number of North Atlantic right whales are expected to be limited to short-term behavioral disturbance (Level B harassment). The public comment period on the proposed regulations will be open January 4, 2024 to February 3, 2024. Documents associated with this proposed action, including information on how to submit a public comment, will be available on our website <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-us-wind…> . NOAA Fisheries is committed to careful review and use of the best available scientific information in satisfying the requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. -- Jessica Taylor, M.E.M. (she/her) Senior Analyst, ESA/MMPA Support Services Contractor with Ocean Associates, Inc. Permits and Conservation Division Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Fisheries 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 427-8475 Email: Jessica.Taylor(a)noaa.gov

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Vacancy - ORCA Ocean Conservationist - Oslo (Norway)
by Kate Weston 03 Jan '24

03 Jan '24

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 sailing on board DFDS, working on board the Pearl or Crown Seaways. *Please note the candidate will need to be fluent in English as well as either Norwegian or Danish to be eligible for this role. * 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 passionate individuals to showcase the diversity and abundance of wildlife that can be spotted across Norway & Denmark; encouraging passengers to help protect the whales and dolphins. This education work is conducted through lectures, or other interactive activities. In addition, you will be collecting scientific data based on your sightings using the OceanWatchers app, data that contributes to the protection of whales and dolphins. *This role is on a fixed-term basis, week commencing 25/03/2024 - week commencing 29/09/2024. *You will work remotely on board the vessels with a 3-week on, 3-week off rotation. You must be 18 or over to apply for this role. To apply for the Ocean Conservationist role, please send a 2-minute video outlining why you think you’d be a good fit for this role and why you want to help protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises, as well as an up-to-date CV (no more than 2-pages). Applications should be submitted through the Application Form on the ORCA website. The deadline for this position is *1*5th January 2024 23:59 (GMT). Find out more at www.orca.org.uk/vacancies Kate Weston | Ocean Conservationist Manager| ORCA | www.orca.org.uk <http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/>

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Vacancy - ORCA Ocean Conservationist - Portsmoth / Plymouth (UK)
by Kate Weston 03 Jan '24

03 Jan '24

If you have a passion for whales and dolphins and just love telling people all about them, this is the position for you! ORCA are pleased to announce we have an exciting opportunity to join our team of Ocean Conservationists sailing on board Brittany Ferries, based in *Portsmouth (x6 positions available) or Plymouth (x2 positions available).* With our unique take on marine conservation, ORCA is a charity entirely dedicated to the long-term 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 passionate individuals to showcase the diversity and abundance of wildlife that can be spotted across the *Bay of Biscay*; encouraging passengers to help protect the whales and dolphins. This education work is conducted through lectures, or other interactive activities. In addition, you will be collecting scientific data based on your sightings using the OceanWatchers app, which contributes to vital protection measures for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. *This role is on a fixed-term basis, week commencing 25/03/2024 - week commencing 23/09/2024. *You will work remotely on board the vessels with a 1-month on, 1-month off rotation. You must be 18 or over to apply for this role. To apply for the Ocean Conservationist role, please send a 2-minute video outlining why you think you’d be a good fit for this role and why you want to help protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises, as well as an up-to-date CV (no more than 2-pages). Applications should be submitted through the Application Form on the ORCA website. The deadline for this position is 5th January 2024 23:59 (GMT). Find out more at www.orca.org.uk/vacancies Kate Weston | Ocean Conservationist Manager| ORCA | www.orca.org.uk <http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/>

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Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Internship
by Info SeaLifeR3 02 Jan '24

02 Jan '24

Sealife Response, Rehabilitation and Research, located just outside of Seattle, WA, is now accepting applications for our 2024 Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Internship.The Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Internship is an exciting opportunity for students with a background in marine biology, conservation, education or a related program who are interested in gaining experience and knowledge as an animal care intern, and learning about the behavior, rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals. This position works with our animal care and veterinary staff and SR3’s animal husbandry volunteers to provide care for our patients, which primarily consists of harbor seals. Due to the seasonal nature of our patients, our Internships are available from June through November. Each internship opportunity may vary slightly depending upon our patient load and what opportunities are available. This is a two to three month long, full-time, unpaid position. Housing is not available and the intern is responsible for having reliable transportation. *Session Dates* *Summer Session 1:* June 10, 2024 to August 10, 2024 *Summer Session 2:* June 10, 2024 to September 10, 2024 *Fall Session: *August 5, 2024 to November 5, 2024 Key Responsibilities - Work with a team of volunteers and staff to provide care for marine mammals, mostly harbor seals, including assessment, treatment and general husbandry. - Help with daily upkeep of all resources needed for rehabilitation, general cleaning duties and animal enclosure maintenance. - Learn and adhere to standards of PPE, sanitation, and quarantine as it applies to transfer of disease and parasites. - Prepare daily diets, administer feeds, and provide patients with environmental enrichment. - Perform data entry and daily records on feeds and animal behaviors. - Assist with exams, perform animal restraint, and administer medications and treatments. - Aid in conducting post-mortem examination on deceased patients to investigate causes of death and disease processes. - Assist with processing laboratory samples including packaging and shipping. - Develop a marine mammal research project, topic of your choosing, and present findings at the end of the internship to staff and other interns. - Participate in outreach and education at a variety of events. For full details and how to apply visit: https://www.sealifer3.org/internship

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Dolphin Research Internship in Sardinia (Italy) 2024
by Fabio Ronchetti 02 Jan '24

02 Jan '24

MareTerra Onlus (www.mareterra-erc.org) is offering internships to join research projects on the conservation of the bottlenose dolphins and marine environment in Sardinia island, a hotspot of biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. MareTerra is a non-profit organization created in 2012 by experienced researchers promoting the conservation of nature and sustainable development. On board our boats, interns will join dolphin-watching activities and learn research methods to monitor the habitat use, abundance and distribution of the bottlenose dolphins logging data into our database. Interns will collect georeferenced data on dolphins, fishing activities and boat traffic that impact their behaviour. Our research projects aim to implement measures for marine ecosystem conservation and promote a sustainable and responsible management of fishing and tourism activities. Working in an international and multicultural context, our interns will play an active role in environmental education to develop awareness and respect for the marine environment among tourists and locals. We accept applications of varying duration between May and October 2024. Required skills: - Ability to communicate fluently in English (English level > B2). - Self-confidence. - Flexibility, adaptability to an international work environment and punctuality. - Good public relations skills. - Confidence on board a motorboat and ability to swim properly. We look for people who are highly motivated, responsible and willing to work long hours in the field. For any questions and to receive detailed information for applying, please send email to: info(a)mareterra-erc.org Gabriella La Manna, PhD --- Dr Fabio Ronchetti www.mareterragroup.net www.progettonaturasardegna.com www.instagram.com/progetto_natura_ecoturismo www.facebook.com/progettonaturasardegna progettonatura(a)mareterragroup.net.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069 Research associate *MareTerra ERC* www.mareterra-erc.org ronchettifabio(a)gmail.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069

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New publication: Distribution and densities of marine megafauna in three subregions of the South Pacific
by sophie laran 02 Jan '24

02 Jan '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new publication "*Who lives in the open sea? Distribution and densities of surfacing marine megafauna in three subregions of the South Pacific (New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and French Polynesia)*" available in open-access at: https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC23023 Abstract *Context* Assessing the distribution and abundance of marine fauna and the ecological status of coastal and pelagic ecosystems is key to biodiversity conservation, but the monitoring of mobile marine species raises multiple logistical and financial challenges. *Aims* The project describes the distribution, abundance and taxonomic assemblage of several marine megafauna taxa in three subregions of the western and central South Pacific Ocean (New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and French Polynesia). *Methods* Large-scale aerial surveys were conducted using a standardised multi-taxon protocol, to characterise the occurrence and abundance of marine megafauna over 2.5 million km^2 . Analysing more than 122 000 km of transects, the densities of 22 different taxa were estimated: seven taxonomic groups of marine mammals (Physeteridae, Kogiidae, Ziphiidae, Globicephalinae, Small Delphininae, Large Delphininae, and Dugongidae), a single group for hard-shelled sea turtles, three groups of elasmobranchs (including whale sharks), and 11 groups of seabirds (including Phaethontidae, Hydrobatidae, Fregatidae and Sulidae). *Key results* Contrasting patterns of species distribution were found. Marine mammal diversity increases north and west, with a distinct species assemblage in New Caledonia, compared to other subregions. A strong latitudinal gradient was observed across French Polynesia, independent of taxa. *Conclusions* This study provides the first comparison of marine species assemblages across the three oceanic subregions and sets a regional baseline for the biogeography of marine megafauna in the region. *Implications* The taxonomic and spatial extension of the results opens up new perspectives for the development of local conservation measures, especially for taxa with already documented population declines. *Keywords:*aerial survey, cetacean, dugong, elasmobranch, marine mammal, marine megafauna, seabird, sea turtle, Southwest Pacific Ocean. Best regards and Happy New Year !! Sophie -- Sophie Laran Observatoire PELAGIS, UAR 3462 (La Rochelle Université - CNRS) TEL : +33 (0)5 46 44 99 10 (STD) /+33 (0)5 16 49 67 15 (LD) Suivre la campagne MAMO: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5ca0a777a43b4d0bb8280597bb702ff9 Observatoire PELAGIS *La Rochelle Université* Centre commun d'analyse 5 allée de l'océan 17000 La Rochelle www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr <http://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr> univ-larochelle.fr <http://www.univ-larochelle.fr> Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/LaRochelleUniversite/> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/UnivLaRochelle> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/univlarochelle/> | Linkedin <https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-la-rochelle/> | YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Cf7Z00cbodH9qC8i7SHXA>

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