January 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

LidarBoX: a 3D-printed, open-source altimeter system to improve photogrammetric accuracy for off-the-shelf drones
by Bierlich, Kevin C 11 Jan '24

11 Jan '24

Happy New Year MarMam! Are you using drones to obtain morphological measurements of marine mammals? Need a LiDAR altimeter for your drone? Our research team recently developed a 3D printed LiDAR altimeter system (called "LidarBoX") that can easily be attached and swapped amongst different drones (DJI Phantom, Inspire, and Mavic) to help obtain accurate altitude readings for photogrammetric analysis of marine mammals. Our team and colleagues have been using LidarBoX to obtain body size measurements on several different species, including bottlenose dolphins, gray whales, humpback whales, and minke whales. To help make LidarBoX accessible, we have made an open-source repository with design code and files and a how-to-assemble guide: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/datasets/3n204680g. If interested in having a LidarBoX built for your lab by the Oregon State University Innovation Lab, fill out the Contact Form at https://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/iLab. We recently published this work in the Drone Systems and Applications. The article is open access: https://doi.org/10.1139/dsa-2023-0051 Citation: K.C. Bierlich, Drummond Wengrove, Clara N. Bird, Robert Davidson, Todd Chandler, Leigh G. Torres, and Mauricio Cantor. 2024. LidarBoX: a 3D-printed, open-source altimeter system to improve photogrammetric accuracy for off-the-shelf drones. Drone Systems and Applications. 12(): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1139/dsa-2023-0051 Abstract Drones provide a privileged birds’-eye view for collecting high-resolution imagery for morphometric and behavioral sampling of animals. Biologically meaningful measurements extracted from overhead images require an accurate estimate of altitude, but current commercial drones include inaccurate barometer estimates. Recent proposals for coupling altimeter systems to drones have provided customized, open-source solutions, yet assembling such altimeter systems requires advanced technical skills, thereby potentially limiting their use. Here, we built upon recent advances to provide a 3D-printed enclosure for an altimeter system that is inexpensive, self-contained, easy to setup, and transferable across commercial drones. We depart from a published, successful data logger system composed of a GPS and LiDAR sensor and design a more compact and self-powered version (“LidarBoX”) that easily attaches to a variety of commercial drones. We compare flight times with/without LidarBoX attached, test flight maneuverability and performance, and validate the reliability of measurement accuracy. To make LidarBoX accessible, we provide an open-source repository with design code and files and a how-to-assemble guide for non-specialists. We hope this work helps popularize LiDAR altimeter systems on commercial drones to improve the accuracy and reliability of drones as a sampling platform for ecology and wildlife research. Cheers, KC KC (Kevin) Bierlich, PhD, MEM Postdoctoral Scholar Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab>) Lab Marine Mammal Institute | Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences Oregon State University Pronouns: he, him, his kcbierlich.com<http://kcbierlich.com/> kevin.bierlich(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:kevin.bierlich@oregonstate.edu>

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Job Opening: Research Associate with FWC's North Atlantic right whale research team
by Crum, Nathan 11 Jan '24

11 Jan '24

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is seeking a Research Associate for their North Atlantic right whale research team. Description: The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and analyzing right whale and vessel traffic spatial and relational databases to improve knowledge of the distribution of right whales and the threats they face in the Southeastern U.S. The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing and managing web mapping applications to serve relevant spatial data to collaborators and other stakeholders. Additionally, the successful candidate will have supervisory responsibilities. The position is located in St. Petersburg, FL and includes a salary of $47,000 (USD) per year. FWC is an EO/AA/ADA/VP Employer. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics and two years of experience in one of the physical or natural sciences or mathematics; or two years of experience as a Research Assistant - FWC. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for one year of the required experience. A doctorate from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the educational areas listed above can substitute for the required experience. *4 years professional experience in a direct related biological field or laboratory program can substitute for the required bachelor's degree; additional years of experience as described above are also required. Preferred Experience: Applicants with any of the following demonstrated experiences are encouraged to apply and may be given preference: applying scientific programming languages, such as R and Python; processing, managing, and analyzing AIS vessel traffic data or other large geospatial databases; developing and managing web mapping and data visualization applications; and conducting ecological analyses using hierarchical models, such as distance sampling, mark-recapture, and spatial capture-recapture. Other Requirements: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. To apply please visit the following job posting webpage and submit your application by 22 January 2024. https://jobs.myflorida.com/Florida%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife/job/ST-PETERSBUR… Nathan Crum Associate Research Scientist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 100 8th Ave SE, St Petersburg, FL 33701

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New Publication: Passive acoustic monitoring for assessing marine mammals population in European waters: Workshop conclusions and perspectives
by Mathilde MICHEL 11 Jan '24

11 Jan '24

Dear MARMAM community, I am delighted to share with you our recent publication stemming from the workshop, "Prospective Discussion on Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals for Descriptor D1 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)," held during the European Cetacean Society 2023. Title: "Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Assessing Marine Mammals Population in European Waters: Workshop Conclusions and Perspectives" Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X2300516X _Abstract: _The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/CE) aims to achieve and maintain the 'good environmental status' (GES) of marine ecosystems, including the assessment of marine mammal populations. However, assessing their abundance and distribution is challenging due to their mobility, elusiveness, and difficult data acquisition. This article highlights the role of passive acoustic monitoring as a complementary approach to traditional methods (mainly plane and boat surveys). It also presents the conclusions and perspectives of a workshop organized at the 34th conference of the European Cetacean Society in O'Grove, Spain (18th to 20th April 2023). Building on the rich foundation established by the European Cetacean Society (ECS) in 1987, this society plays a pivotal role in advancing marine mammal research and conservation efforts across European waters. The workshop emphasized the need for harmonization of protocols, indicators, and guidelines to ensure comparability of results. The establishment of a dedicated European working group was proposed to coordinate passive acoustic monitoring efforts, foster collaboration, and share best practices. The workshop concluded that the consolidation of scientific knowledge, the development of common guidelines, and the establishment of a transnational working group would improve the understanding and conservation of these vulnerable species and their habitats. For those interested, feel free to contact me for a PDF or with any questions at mathilde.michel(a)ensta-bretagne.org. Sincerely, Mathilde Michel PhD student mathilde.michel(a)ensta-bretagne.org +33 (0)2 21 09 58 89 Lab-STICC – UMR CNRS 6285 -- Logo ENSTA Bretagne <https://www.ensta-bretagne.fr> Logo LabSTIC <https://www.labsticc.fr/en/index/> Mathilde MICHEL *Doctorante*// PhD Student/ *+33 (0)2 21 09 58 89 * *Lab-STICC – UMR CNRS 6285 www.labsticc.fr * ENSTA Bretagne *Grande école d'ingénieurs et centre de recherche* /French State Graduate, Post-Graduate and Research Institute / 2 rue François Verny - 29806 Brest Cedex 9 - France www.ensta-bretagne.fr <https://www.ensta-bretagne.fr>

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New publication: Long-term strategies for studying rare species
by Robin Baird 10 Jan '24

10 Jan '24

Long-term strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a multi-species study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands This paper describes both our approach to studying rare species and provides findings from a long-term study of pygmy killer whales in Hawai‘i, including results from genetic analyses (of both stranded animals and biopsied free-ranging individuals), satellite tagging (both success and failures, including removal of tags by conspecifics), and photo-identification (including long-term re-sightings, movements among islands, and social network analyses). It shows that resident groups off O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island share a common mitochondrial haplotype, and that mass strandings on Maui likely represent groups from an open-ocean population, among other things. Citation: Baird, R.W., S.D. Mahaffy, B. Hancock-Hanser, T. Cullins, K.L. West, M.A. Kratofil, D.M. Barrios, A.E. Harnish, P.C. Johnson. 2024. Long-term strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a multi-species study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands. Pacific Conservation Biology https://doi.org/10.1071/PC23027 Abstracts are included in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, below. For those who subscribe to Pacific Conservation Biology, the paper is available at https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC23027 If you don’t subscribe and would like a pdf, let me know. Supplemental materials are available to all at https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/acc/PC23027/PC23027_AC.pdf Robin Abstract Context. Funding agencies are often unlikely to fund research on rarely-encountered species and limited time is usually spent with such species when they are not the focus of research. Thus, knowledge of these species often lags behind their encounter rates. Aims. To gain information on rarely-encountered odontocetes in Hawai‘i while simultaneously studying common ones. Methods. During a long-term small-boat based study, we prioritized time spent with rarely-encountered species, collecting photos and biopsy samples, and satellite tagging. Sample sizes were augmented with photo contributions from members of the public and other researchers, and genetic samples from stranded animals and other researchers. Results from genetic and tag data analyses were interpreted in the context of social network placement and re-sighting histories. Key results. Pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) represented <2% of odontocete sightings, and sighting rates varied by depth and among islands. Photo-ID shows that 318 of 443 identified individuals are linked by association in the main component of the social network. Movements among islands were limited, with individuals off O‘ahu and Hawai‘i exhibiting high site fidelity, although resident groups from each island share a common mitochondrial haplotype. Three groups involved in mass strandings in two different years were not linked to the main component of the social network, and did not share mitochondrial haplotypes with known resident groups. Conclusions. The approach of prioritizing rarely-encountered species for additional sampling is an effective way of learning more about poorly-known species. Implications. Such an approach may be critical for filling data gaps for populations potentially at risk from human activities. Ka Hōʻuluʻulu Ka Pōʻaiapili. ʻAʻole paha e kākoʻo nā keʻena kālā i ka noiʻina i nā lāhulu e ʻike kākaʻikahi ʻia a ʻaʻole hoʻi nui nā hola e lilo ana i ka launa ʻana me ia mau lāhulu inā hoʻi ʻaʻole nō lākou ke kia o ka noiʻina. No laila, ʻoi loa aku ke emi o ka ʻike i ia mau lāhulu ma mua o ka nui o ka launa pū ʻana aku. Nā Pahuhopu. No ka loaʻa ʻana o ka ʻikepili o nā koholā niho ma Hawaiʻi ma ka wā hoʻokahi o ke kālailai ʻia ʻana o nā mea laha. Nā Kiʻina Hana. Ma ka noiʻi hikiāloa ma kekahi waʻapā, hoʻomakakoho mākou i nā hola e launa ana me nā lāhulu e ʻike kākaʻikahi ʻia, i ka ʻohi ʻana mai i nā kiʻi me nā hāpana ʻokina, a i ka hoʻolēpili ukali ʻana. Hoʻololi ʻia ka nui o nā hāpana i nā kiʻi i ʻohi ʻia mai ke kaiāulu a me nā kānaka noiʻi ʻē aʻe, a pēlā pū i nā hāpana ōewe o nā holoholona ili me nā kānaka noiʻi ʻē aʻe. Kālailai ʻia ka hopena o nā hāpana ōewe me nā wehewehena ʻikepili lepili i loko ka pōʻaiapili o ka hoʻonoho launa a me nā moʻokūʻauhau ʻike hou ʻana. Nā hua nui. Mai loko mai o nā ʻikena i nā koholā niho, ʻike ʻia nā koholā luku ʻiʻi (Feresa attenuata) he ʻuʻuku iho o ka ʻelua pākēneka, a kū ka pinepine o ka ʻike ʻia ʻana i ka hohonu a puni nā mokupuni. Hōʻike ʻia nā kiʻi, pili he 318 mai loko mai o ka 443 i ka ʻūmaupaʻa nui o ka hoʻonoho launa. ʻAʻole i nui ka holo ʻana i waena o nā mokupuni, hōʻike ʻia naʻe ke kū loa o nā mea ma kai aku o Oʻahu me Hawaiʻi i ka leo, like naʻe kekahi ōewe hoʻoilina i waena o nā pūʻulu noho o kēlā me kēia mokupuni. ʻAʻohe pilina o ʻekolu pūʻulu i pili i nā nuʻa ili o ʻelua makahiki ʻokoʻa i ka ʻūmaupaʻa nui o ka hoʻonoho launa, a ʻaʻole hoʻi i kaʻana like ʻia kekahi mau ōewe hoʻoilina me nā pūʻulu noho ʻike mua ʻia. Nā hopena. He kiʻina hana kūpono ka hoʻomakakoho ʻana i nā lāhulu ʻike kākaʻikahi ʻia no ka hāpana hou ʻana i mea e mōakāka hou aku ai ka ʻike no nā lāhulu laha ʻole. Nā panina manaʻo. He mea koʻikoʻi nō pha kēia ʻano kiʻina hana no ka hoʻopihapiha ʻana aku i nā ʻikepili kōā no nā lāhulu pā paha i nā hana kānaka. -- Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Hawai‘i Program Director Cascadia Research Collective<https://cascadiaresearch.org/> 218 ½ W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Cascadia on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/CascadiaResearch/> Cascadia on Twitter<https://twitter.com/cascadiares> Updates from our Oct/Nov Kona effort<https://cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii-update/nov2023/> Recent publications from our group<https://cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii_publications/>: Baird, R.W., S.D. Mahaffy, B. Hancock-Hanser, T. Cullins, K.L. West, M.A. Kratofil, D.M. Barrios, A.E. Harnish, P.C. Johnson. 2024. Long-term strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a multi-species study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands. Pacific Conservation Biology 30, PC23027. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC23027 Mahaffy, S.D., R.W. Baird, A.E. Harnish, T. Cullins, S.H. Stack, J.J. Currie, A.L. Bradford, D.R. Salden, and K.K. Martien. 2023. Identifying social clusters of endangered main Hawaiian Islands false killer whales. Endangered Species Research 51:249-268. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01258 Harnish, A.E., R.W. Baird, E. Corsi, A.M. Gorgone, D. Perrine, A. Franco, C. Hankins, and E. Sepeta. 2023. Long-term associations of common bottlenose dolphins with a fish farm in Hawai‘i and impacts on other protected species. Marine Mammal Science 39(3):794-810. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13010 Kratofil, M.A., A.E. Harnish, S.D. Mahaffy, E.E. Henderson, A.L. Bradford, S.W. Martin, B.A. Lagerquist, D.M. Palacios, E.M. Oleson, and R.W. Baird. 2023. Biologically important areas II for cetaceans within U.S. and adjacent waters — Hawai‘i region. Frontiers in Marine Sciences, 10:1053581. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1053581 Baird, R.W., S.D. Mahaffy, and J.K. Lerma. 2022. Site fidelity, spatial use, and behavior of dwarf sperm whales in Hawaiian waters: using small-boat surveys, photo-identification, and unmanned aerial surveys to study a difficult-to-study species. Marine Mammal Science 38(1):326-348. https://doi.org/10.111/mms.12861

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New publication on interactions of bottlenose dolphins and Antillean manatee calves
by Eric Angel Ramos 10 Jan '24

10 Jan '24

Greetings MARMAM, I am pleased to announce the publication of our newest open access article in PLOS One titled: "Agonistic interactions initiated by adult bottlenose dolphins on Antillean manatee calves in the Caribbean Sea" Abstract The dynamics and drivers of inter-species interactions in the wild are poorly understood, particularly those involving social animal species. Inter-species interactions between ceta- ceans and sirenians have rarely been documented and investigated. Here, we report 10 cases of interaction initiated by adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) towards Antil- lean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). Interactions were documented through behavioral observations in the wild (n = 7) and from the examination of orphaned calves (i.e., tooth rake marks on their body; n = 4) that entered a rehabilitation facility, one individual both observed interacting with dolphins and found stranded with bite marks. Bottlenose dol- phins were observed interacting with orphan manatee calves and with mother-calf pairs, exhibiting agonistic behavior (n = 2), affiliative or neutral behaviors (n = 1), but the behavioral contexts of these interactions remain unclear in most cases (n = 7). Information on stranded individuals was collected from four calves (of 13 examined calves) recovered in poor condi- tion with bottlenose dolphin tooth rakes and bite wounds on their bodies, one of which died. Injury from bite wounds varied in extent and severity, ranging from superficial scratches leaving rake marks to deep lacerations. Our findings suggest the regular occurrence of ago- nistic behaviors initiated by adult bottlenose dolphins and directed toward manatee calves. However, the drivers of these interactions remain unknown and need to be further investigated. The article can be downloaded free here: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0295739 If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com. Best regards, *Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D.* Scientist at FINS (Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad) Member of the IUCN SSC Sirenian Specialist Group for Mesoamerica www.finsconservation.org <https://finsconservation.org/> E-mail: eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/ericangelramos> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/EricAngelRamos> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/eric.angel.ramos/> ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Ramos> | ORCiD <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4803-3170> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-angel-ramos-aa9b4915/>

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35th annual European Cetacean Society Conference
by Marecamp 10 Jan '24

10 Jan '24

Dear colleagues and friends, Let us start by wishing you a very happy and prosperous 2024. As most of you probably know already, the *35th annual European Cetacean Society* *Conference* will be held in Catania (Sicily Island, Italy) and organized by the Marecamp Association. The conference theme is: "*Marine mammals and human activities: how to reach a sustainable development of coastal areas?*" The 35th ECS Conference will be conducted only in the traditional in-person format. All the speakers of talks and posters will be required to attend the meeting in person. The Conference agenda includes *2 days of workshops* *(8th and 9th April) * and *3 days of plenary sessions* *(10th, 11th and 12th April).* See the Conference website at https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/35th-annual-conference-catania-sicil… We kindly remind you that the *abstract submission deadline *(oral presentation, poster presentation, short talk, and workshop) *is 10th of January 2024 *(23:59 CET). The early registration deadline is 23rd of February 2024. We look forward to receive lots of abstracts and to see you all in Catania, enjoying together the beauty of the Sicilian coastline, and sharing a lot of marine mammal research and conservation insight! Please find more information and updates on our websites and social media: www.europeancetaceansociety.eu www.marecamp.com *Facebook* https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCetaceanSociety/ *Instagram* https://www.instagram.com/europeancetaceansociety/ *LinkedIn* https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-cetacean-society-ecs/ *Twitter/X* https://twitter.com/EuroCetSoc Best wishes on behalf of the ECS Council and LOC *Associazione Marecamp* *Via Lungomare Scardamiano 1, 95021 Acicastello (CT) <https://www.google.it/maps/place/Marecamp/@37.5543687,15.1526497,311a,35y,2…> * *www.marecamp.com <http://www.marecamp.com>* *info(a)marecamp.com <info(a)marecamp.com>* *(0039) 331 437 6987* *How to support us?* Click here and donate <https://www.marecamp.com/en/support-us> *FOLLOW US* *Facebook* www.facebook.com/Marecamp *Twitter* twitter.com/Marecamp_CT *Instagram* www.instagram.com/mare.camp

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Original publication on Multispecies approaches to Identify Priority Areas for Conservation of Vulnerable Marine Megafauna
by Eduardo Secchi 10 Jan '24

10 Jan '24

Dear MARMAMers, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our recent publication in Biodiversity and Conservation, below: Saüt, M.M., Monteiro D.S., Prado, J.H., Pennino, M.G., Secchi, E.R. 2024. Identifying priority areas using a multispecies approach for the conservation of marine megafauna species vulnerable to bycatch in commercial gillnet fisheries. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-023-02748-y <https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-023-02748-y> Abstract Bycatch is one of the main causes of mortality among marine megafauna around the world. In the coastal waters of southern Brazil, bycatch in gillnet fisheries affects threatened species that use this region as a breeding and feeding area. The identification of hotspot areas of bycatch is necessary to design and prioritize efficient spatial–temporal closures that protect the largest possible number of threatened species of marine megafauna. In this context, the use of a multispecies approach is an important step towards planning effective fisheries management measures. This study has two main objectives: (1) to identify hotspot areas of bycatch in gillnet fisheries for the most threatened marine megafauna species on the continental shelf of Rio Grande do Sul (RS); (2) compare single species and multispecies mapping methods for the identification of these areas. To meet these objectives, data collected by onboard observers during fishing trips in the coastal commercial RS-based gillnet fleet between 2013 and 2015 and between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed. For the identification of the areas, hierarchical Bayesian spatio-temporal models were implemented, using monospecific and multispecific approaches and a weighting system for the conservation status of the species. Both approaches provide similar results, identifying three bycatch hotspots according to the time frame analysed. Based on our findings, we propose these areas as the top candidates for fishing exclusion zones, based on their biodiversity value. The suggested spatio-temporal closures would benefit several endangered species while also contributing to the recovery of fish populations. Kind regards, Edu -- Eduardo R. Secchi, PhD Senior Researcher Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - EcoMega Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) www.furg.br <http://www.furg.br/>

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Graduate Assistantship in Marine Mammal Physiology (M.S. in Biology or Marine Biology)
by Tift, Michael S. 10 Jan '24

10 Jan '24

Graduate Assistantship in Marine Mammal Physiology (M.S. in Biology or Marine Biology) Agency University of North Carolina Wilmington – Department of Biology and Marine Biology Location Wilmington, North Carolina Job Category Graduate Assistantship Salary TBD – Competitive Graduate Teaching Assistantship Start Date 08/19/2024 Last Date to Apply 05/15/2024 (Priority deadline = 2/15/2024: Applications will be accepted until position is filled) Lab Website: https://michaeltift.weebly.com/ Description The UNCW Comparative Physiology Laboratory, headed by Dr. Michael Tift, is seeking a highly motivated, responsible, and independent individual that is interested in pursuing a research project focused on the comparative physiology in marine mammals. The student will be integrated in collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects investigating the role of red blood cell lifespan in endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) production in marine mammals. The student will be part of a large laboratory, working with several other graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists, and undergraduate students. Competitive applicants will be those with prior experience conducting physiological research, and/or working in a laboratory setting. Field work with stranded marine mammals is a possibility. However, this project will primarily be laboratory focused, which is why a strong passion for physiology and laboratory work is strongly desired. The student will earn a M.S. in either Biology or Marine Biology at University of North Carolina, Wilmington (Wilmington, NC, USA). Student support will be provided via a combination of teaching assistantships, summer research assistantships, and tuition waivers. The student will also be required to pursue independent grants and fellowships. University of North Carolina, Wilmington provides an engaged and dynamic academic experience, with over 2,200 graduate students and over 18,000 students in total enrollment. UNCW is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that promotes achievement and success for all persons. The campus is located on the southeast coast of North Carolina, less than 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. UNCW has a separate Center for Marine Science which is approximately 7 miles from main campus and sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway of the Atlantic Ocean. Qualifications Applicants must have a strong academic background and at least a B.S. degree focused in physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, or closely related field. Applicants should have proven laboratory experience, with references to speak about this experience. A background in stable isotope analysis is strongly desired and will make applicants more competitive. Students are expected to conduct their thesis research project and complete required course work within two years. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills are essential. Interested applicants should review material regarding the UNCW Graduate Program (https://uncw.edu/academics/graduate-school/<https://uncw.edu/bio/graduate.html>) and the UNCW Comparative Physiology Lab under the supervision of Dr. Michael Tift (https://michaeltift.weebly.com/<https://uncw.edu/bio/Faculty_Tift.html>). If you’re interested in applying, first send a single document (Word or PDF) to Dr. Michael Tift (tiftm(a)uncw.edu<mailto:tiftm@uncw.edu>) that contains the following: 1) 1-2 page cover letter that highlights your research interests, research background, future career directions, and hypothesis driven questions related to red blood cell lifespan and endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) in marine mammals. 2) Current CV (which includes GRE scores, GPA, research skills/experience, scientific publications/presentations). 3) Unofficial transcripts. 4) Contact information for three (3) references that can speak to your ability to conduct rigorous scientific research. Next, apply to the Regular Term Instruction Application for Fall 2024: (https://uncw.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/regular-term<https://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/admissions/index.html>). Applications will begin to be accepted from 2/15/2024 through 5/15/2024. The application window will close once a candidate has accepted the position. Contact Dr. Michael Tift tiftm(a)uncw.edu<mailto:tiftm@uncw.edu> (preferred contact method) Dr. Michael Tift (He/Him/His) Assistant Professor Director of UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program Department of Biology and Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington 601 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403. U.S.A. Telephone: +1-(910) 962-2777 Lab Website: https://michaeltift.weebly.com/ For Shipments use: Dobo Hall 1008 4978 Cahill Drive Wilmington, NC 28403-5915 Standing Zoom Meeting: https://uncw.zoom.us/j/83459979593?pwd=TEtDc1BpOUFWakZ6NnZseWl3bjN4Zz09 Meeting ID: 834 5997 9593 Passcode: TIFT NOTICE: Emails sent and received in the course of university business are subject to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. §132-1 et seq.) and may be released to the public unless an exception applies.

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CLOSING SOON -Job Opportunity - ORCA Ocean Conservationist - Oslo (Norway)
by Kate Weston 10 Jan '24

10 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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New Publication: Harbor Porpoise in Hood Canal, WA
by Greg Schorr 09 Jan '24

09 Jan '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to provide our recent paper titled "Distribution, abundance, and density of harbor porpoises in Hood Canal, Washington" which was recently published as an Open Access research article in the Journal of Wildlife Management. The paper can be found at: https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jwmg.22543 The reference is: Rone BK, Zerbini AN, Falcone EA, Keene EL, Schorr GS Distribution, abundance, and density of harbor porpoises in Hood Canal, Washington. The Journal of Wildlife Management n/a(n/a):e22543. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22543 Abstract: Harbor porpoises (*Phocoena phocoena*) are the only cetaceans routinely sighted in Hood Canal, a narrow fjord that comprises the western edge of Puget Sound, Washington, USA. Harbor porpoises are sensitive to anthropogenic sounds, including noise from recreational and commercial vessel traffic, and the United States Navy, which conducts military training and testing within Hood Canal that can include underwater sound sources. This study was funded as part of the Navy monitoring program to assess potential impacts of naval activities on cetaceans. We conducted vessel-based line-transect surveys for harbor porpoises in Hood Canal in 2022–2023 to derive seasonal estimates of abundance and density. We carried out surveys over 37 days and surveyed the entire canal twice per season totaling 2,176 km of on-effort track line. We recorded 809 on-effort harbor porpoise groups and 1,385 individuals. Seasonal abundance estimates were lowest in winter (308 animals, 95% CI = 189–503) and gradually increased through spring and summer to a peak of 1,336 animals (95% CI = 826–2,160) in fall. Overall porpoise density was highest in central Hood Canal, an area that includes a designated United States Navy training range, though porpoise sightings were notably absent in a 21-km2 area adjacent to the naval submarine base within this otherwise high-density region. Though we collected only a single year of data, these results suggest that harbor porpoise abundance in Hood Canal increased significantly since it was last estimated (2013–2015). The notable seasonal fluctuation of harbor porpoise abundance suggests Hood Canal may host a larger percentage of the overall Washington Inland Waters stock during the fall season, raising important management considerations. Best regards, Greg -- Greg Schorr Research Scientist Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2468 Camp McKenzie Trail NW, Seabeck WA 98380-4513 206-931-4638 www.marecotel.org Follow MarEcoTel on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/marecotel/> Follow MarEcoTel on Twitter <https://twitter.com/marecotel>

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