January 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opening - The Marine Mammal Center
by Sarah Tatum 09 Jan '24

09 Jan '24

Greetings All, The Marine Mammal Center is Hiring! Animal Care Crew Manager Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California Reports to: Animal Care Crew Senior Manager Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: This is a full-time salaried, exempt position. * Regular onsite work is required. * Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. * Occasional travel to satellite facilities and/or fieldwork may be expected for this position. Compensation Range: $62,400 - $66,560 annual salary. Full Benefits: * Holidays * Sick Time * Vacation * Medical, Dental, and Vision * Life Insurance * Long Term Disability Insurance * 401k Retirement Plan * The Marine Mammal Center offers benefits to support the emotional wellbeing of you and your loved ones (Employee Assistance Program) Job Summary The Animal Care Crew Manager (ACCM) provides support and mentorship to Animal Care Crew Volunteers at The Marine Mammal Center’s Sausalito hospital. Working alongside 25+ different animal care volunteer teams (crews) who care for the animal’s undergoing rehabilitation, primarily supports the volunteers but also provides varying levels of hands-on animal care. How to Apply: To read the entire position posting and how to apply visit this link: Link<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2139561/Marine-Mam…>. ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> Thank you! Sarah [Icon Description automatically generated with low confidence] Sarah Tatum (she-her) Human Resources Operations Coordinator <mailto:tatums@tmmc.org>MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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Seal louse and heartworm: A time-tested team and its impact on seals in the North and Baltic Sea
by Herzog, Insa 09 Jan '24

09 Jan '24

Dear MARMAM Community, on behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new publication "Heartworm and seal louse: Trends in prevalence, characterisation of impact and transmission pathways in a unique parasite assembly on seals in the North and Baltic Sea" available in open-access at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224423000998 Abstract: The ectoparasitic seal louse, Echinophthirius horridus infects harbour (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the North and Baltic Sea. The endoparasitic heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda parasitizes the right heart and blood vessels of harbour seals. The complete lifecycle of the heartworm is not entirely understood although the seal louse is assumed to serve as vector for its transmission. Knowledge about the impact of both parasite species on host health are scarce. In this study, necropsy data and archived parasites of harbour and grey seals in German waters were analysed to determine long-term seal louse (SLP) and heartworm prevalence (HWP) from 2014 to 2021. Histology, microbiology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied on seal louse infected and uninfected skin to investigate associated lesions and the health impact. During the study period, HWP in harbour seals was 13%, the SLP in harbour seals was 4% and in grey seals 10%. HWP of harbour seals was significantly higher during the winter months compared to the summer. SLP in adults was significantly higher in comparison to juvenile harbour seals. SLP varied significantly between grey seals from the North and Baltic Sea. Filarial nematodes were detected in the haemocoel, pharynx, and intestine of E. horridus highlighting the seal louse as vector for heartworms. Alopecia and folliculitis were associated with the attachment posture of E. horridus and microbiological investigations isolated bacteria commonly associated with folliculitis. Kind regards, Insa Herzog Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation Werftstraße 6/ 25761 Buesum/ Germany Phone: +49 511-856 8175 Fax: +49 511-856 8181 Insa.Herzog(a)tiho-hannover.de

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 09 Jan '24

09 Jan '24

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 15tg April to 30th November 2024. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Measure water visibility with the Secchi disk methodology; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals; - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2024 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in the research house; - Transportation to/from the marina; - Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork in the research vessel. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants and snacks; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and working outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | [image: Logo AIMM] <https://www.aimmportugal.org/> Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* m: (00351) 915013285 e: interns(a)aimmportugal.org www.aimmportugal.org <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jcTONJZsvaQ3tZiQtRFNQ> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aimm-portugal---marine-environment-researc…> <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/>

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Online Course - An Introduction to Basic Statistics for Biologists using R - 29th January to 1st February 2024
by Colin D MacLeod 09 Jan '24

09 Jan '24

Data preparation and analysis is a key skill for all those working with marine mammals, and of the available software packages, R has rapidly become the most widely used. This means that a knowledge of how to prepare and analyse data in R is essential skill for marine mammalogists. We will be running a new instructor-led online course in January 2024 based around our book titled _An Introduction to Basic Statistics for Biologists using R. It will be held over the Zoom video-conferencing platform and will provide all the practical knowledge and experience you need to get started with analysing biological data using R. As a result, no previous experience with R or statistical analysis is required to do this course. It will run from the 29th of January to the 1st of February 2024. The course will consist of four three-hour sessions, and one session will need to be completed each day. However, you will have a choice of completing it between 10:00 and 13:00 UK Time (primarily for those living in Europe, Asia and Africa) or 19:00 to 22:00 UK Time (primarily for those living in North and South America). This choice of time slots for each session allows participants from as wide a range of time zones to participate in the course. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 24 people per session. The fees for this course are GBP 295 per person (with a discounted rate of GBP 245 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, you can either email us at info(a)GISinEcology.con or visit the link below. http://gisinecology.com/stats-for-biologists-1/live-online-course-an-introd… ABOUT THE COURSE: This is a practical course and it is aimed at anyone who wishes to learn how to carry out basic data processing and statistical analyses on biological data using R. This includes importing data sets into R, error-checking and processing them to prepare them for analysis, calculating basic summary statistics, creating graphs, assessing and transforming their distributions, and running statistical tests such as Shapiro-Wilk tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, paired t-tests, Wilcoxon Matched Pairs tests, F-tests for equality of variance, Levene’s tests, ANOVAs, Kruskal-Walis tests, chi-squared tests, correlations and linear regressions. It will also cover how to use R, how to work out how to do things for yourself in R and how to create annotated R script archives of what you have done. Each session will consist of a series of background talks covering specific topics (more details are provided below), followed by related practical exercises based on instructions from An Introduction to Basic Statistics for Biologists using R. As a result, all participants will receive a free copy of this book shipped to their address in advance of the start of the course. While you are encouraged to remain online during the practical sessions, you can choose to go off-line as you work though the exercises (or if you need to take a break). However, if you have any questions, the course instructor will be available throughout the course for you to ask any questions you wish at any point. This course will be hosted by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, one of the authors of _An Introduction to Basic Statistics for Biologists using R._. At the end of the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and completion. Each certificate is embossed with the GIS In Ecology official stamp to prevent its fraudulent reproduction. In addition, each certificate has its own unique identification number that we will record, along with your name, meaning that we can verify the authenticity of the certificates we issue (and the course you have completed) on request.

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Job Opening: Research Assistant | QLD, Australia
by Stephanie Stack 08 Jan '24

08 Jan '24

Pacific Whale Foundation Australia is seeking two Research Assistants to join our team in Hervey Bay, Queensland. This project builds upon the long-term research conducted by PWF in East Australia since 1984. The successful candidates will join two other full-time team members and will assist with collecting data in the field and processing PWF Australia's whale and dolphin photo-ID data. DETAILS Location: Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia Reporting To: Dr. Barry McGovern, Research Associate at Pacific Whale Foundation Immediate Start: While there is no fixed start date, we are eager to onboard the right candidates as soon as possible. Compensation: $34/hr (AUD) at 38 hours per week Eligibility: Applicants must currently reside in Australia and either hold Australian citizenship or be legally authorised to work in Australia. Relocation costs are not provided. RESPONSIBILITIES * Fulfill the Mission and Vision of the organization by assisting with scientific research under the direction of the Research Associate and the Chief Research Biologist. * Collect research data (ID photographs, behavioural observations and associated information) in the field aboard a dedicated research vessel. * Follow a detailed protocol and record data in an accurate and consistent manner. * Accurately identify age-classes, behaviours, and individuals during encounters. * Accurately record weather and environmental conditions. * Quality control of data and use photo-ID software to catalogue photos into an existing Access database. * Cataloguing tasks: entering sightings data, verifying quality and distinctiveness of dolphin individuals, and matching of dolphin dorsal fins. * Gather information from a wide variety of sources (e.g., literature searches) and synthesize information and data in the form of graphs, reports, and presentations. * Maintain, clean, and take care of research equipment. * Prepare outreach materials to communicate research findings and/or informative presentations to internal and external audiences. * Further duties may be assigned as necessary according to the needs and requirements of the research programme. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor of Science degree (or higher). * Relevant work or volunteer experience in the field of marine mammal research. * Strong working knowledge of cetacean photo-identification procedures, methodologies and assumptions. * Experience in cataloguing and/or photo-ID matching of humpback whales and/or dolphins. * Experience using Microsoft Office packages including Excel and Word. * Reliable, detail oriented, and displays a mature attitude towards research. * Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move about on a vessel at sea. * Adaptability to a varied workload; occasional long hours, weekend events, and alternative hours to accommodate international time zones are required. * Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic work environment with speed, accuracy, and a collegial attitude. * Strong commitment to the mission, goals, and values of Pacific Whale Foundation. * Ability to legally work in Australia. Desired but not required: * Prior experience participating in line transect surveys for marine mammals. * Prior experience driving small vessels around marine mammals. * Prior experience using drones at sea. * Experience using GIS software. * Hold a Queensland-recognised driver’s licence or the ability to obtain one before commencement of position. * Hold a Queensland-recognised recreational vessel licence or the ability to obtain one before June 2023. To apply, please send a 1-page cover letter and a resume in PDF format to research(a)pacificwhale.org and clearly state how you meet the above-stated requirements. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until both positions are filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to apply without delay. All candidates will be updated on the status of their application once a decision has been made. NOTE: This post is a full-time (38hrs per week) position based in Hervey Bay, Australia. However, as fieldwork is heavily weather dependent, we often work above the standard 38hrs per week during periods of fieldwork, and time off in lieu is given to account for this. Stephanie Stack (she/her) Chief Research Biologist Pacific Whale Foundation In Hawai'i: 300 Ma‘alaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793 USA In Australia: Shop 2A Hervey Bay Tourist Terminal, Urangan, QLD 4655 Australia PacificWhale.org<http://www.pacificwhale.org/> [cid:picture1_a4611a42-d4c6-48fc-88c1-401f13b8d76b.jpg]<https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=www.pacificwhale.org&t=h.eJxlkM…>

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Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-Identification Internship Summer 2024
by Jessica Taylor 08 Jan '24

08 Jan '24

Bottlenose DolphinPhoto-ID Internship Position for Summer 2024 The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch are currently acceptingapplications for the 2024 summer season. The research season is May 6th-October18th. Four internship positions are available for the followingdates: May 6th-September 30th, May 6th-August19th, May 20st-September 30th, and June 10th– October 18th. Start/end dates are flexible but successfulapplicants must be able to commit for the entire internship period. The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to theconservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ourprogram’s goal is to gain an understanding of the population dynamics, movementpatterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the soundsand coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR conducts a long-term photo-identificationmonitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlicoand Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via dedicated small boat surveys aswell as opportunistically from a local dolphin watch. Information from themonitoring study is used to examine annual population trends, habitatutilization, social associations, and ecology of the dolphins as well as aid inefforts to examine bottlenose dolphin stock structure and movement patternsalong the U.S. Atlantic coast. Interns will gain experience in field datacollection, photo-identification of dolphins, and environmental education. Formore information about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org. The internshipposition will consist of bottlenose dolphin photo-identification,opportunistic/dedicated field research, and environmental education.Responsibilities include: § Mate/naturalistduties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch: This involves the implementation of educational programs,including public speaking aboard the eco-tours (using a microphone andone-on-one) to educate others about local dolphin biology and marineconservation, as well as additional mate duties. The mate/naturalist will alsocollect opportunistic sighting data aboard the eco-tours (measuringenvironmental parameters, and recording sighting data) and assist in generalmaintenance of field equipment. For additional information about the NagsHead Dolphin Watch, please see www.nagsheaddolphinwatch.com (70% of time) | | | | | | | | | | | HOME | | | § Photo-identificationof dolphins in the lab:This includes photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, andassisting in maintenance of the long-term OBX catalog using the programs finFindRand FinBase. This work will be completed remotely through a remote login to ourlab computer. (20% of time) § Boat-basedphoto-identification: The intern willassist with dedicated boat-based photo-identification surveys to contributionto the examination of site fidelity and stock structure of bottlenose dolphinsin northeastern North Carolina sounds. Responsibilities may include operating asmall vessel during transect surveys and sightings, assisting withphoto-identification, collecting sighting data for dolphin groups, and generalmaintenance of field equipment. (10% of time) This internshiprequires a minimum commitment of 36 hours per week, consisting of eco-tours,lab photo-identification, and dedicated surveys. The intern will carry outmate/naturalist duties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch for 3-4 days per weekthroughout the field season while 1-2 days per week will be spent conductingphoto-identification using FinBase and finFindR. Dedicated surveys will beconducted 2-3 times per month from May through October. Salary: Thisinternship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly pay of $15/hr.for the naturalist position on the dolphin watch portion only. (Lab workand dedicated surveys are not included) Tips aboard the dolphin tours areexpected, but not guaranteed. Housing: Although housing is not provided, we will assist you in finding housingaccommodations in the Outer Banks. Interns are responsible for their owntransportation to and from the Outer Banks as well as to and from the fieldsites and lab. The successfulapplicant would ideally have the following qualifications: § Minimum of 18 years of age and recentlygraduated with an undergraduate degree in marine biology, biology, zoology, orrelated field § Strong interest in the marine environment andconservation § Ability to swim § Basic proficiency in MS Access, Word, Excel,and Picture Manager as well as digital photography § Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, independent,focused, and dedicated § Works well in a team environment as well asindividually § Experience in boating and marine field datacollection § Experience in environmental outreach preferred § Experience in photo-identification preferred § Adequate strength and agility to performduties necessary to dock 45 ft. boat § First AID/CPR certification preferred § Due to employment aboard the dolphin eco-tours,all candidates must be U.S. citizens NOTE: The United States Coast Guard requires allpassenger vessels to be drug free work environments. In order to work aboardthe dolphin eco-tours, the intern will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test andto participate in random drug testing during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit coverletter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email toouterbanksdolphins(a)gmail.com. Use “Dolphin photo-id internship” in thesubject line of the email. Applicants must apply by March 1st to beconsidered for this position. Applications will be reviewed in the orderreceived. John Kerner Owner/Captain NagsHead Dolphin Watch Executive BoardMember, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research P.O. Box 7721 Kill Devil Hills, NC27948 Obxdolphins.org

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New publication on niche partitioning among odontocetes in the western South Atlantic
by Renan Lima 08 Jan '24

08 Jan '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: Tatsch, A.C., de Lima, R.C., Secchi, E.R., Botta, S. 2024. Niche partitioning among odontocetes in a marine biogeographic transition zone of the western South Atlantic Ocean. Marine Biology 171, 38. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-023-04359-1 ABSTRACT: Toothed cetaceans represent a diverse and important component in poorly studied pelagic food webs. We used the variation in δ13C and δ15N values in tooth dentin and bone collagen sampled from 185 specimens of 23 species (families Delphinidae, Physeteridae, Kogiidae, Phocoenidae, and Ziphiidae) stranded in the western South Atlantic Ocean (WSAO) to estimate the isotopic niche width and assess the interspecific isotopic niche overlap. Two gradients of increasing δ13C values among species were evidenced: ocean-coast and high-to-low latitudes. Variation in δ13C and δ15N values indicated the existence of at least four trophic and habitat-related guilds: neritic high trophic-level predators (*Pseudorca crassidens*, *Tursiops truncatus gephyreus*, *T. truncatus truncatus* and *Phocoena spinnipinis*); oceanic intermediate trophic-level predators (*Orcinus orca*, *Steno bredanensis*, *Kogia breviceps*, *Lagenodelphis hosei*, *Physeter macrocephalus*, *Delphinus delphis* and *Stenella frontalis*), oceanic low trophic-level predators (*Grampus griseus*, *P. crassidens*—mass stranded group,* Mesoplodon grayi*,* M. densirostris,* *Ziphius cavirostris*, *Globicephala melas*, *S. coeruleoalba*, and *K. sima*), all from the subtropics, and a temperate/polar grouping of neritic/oceanic low trophic-level predators (*Berardius arnuxii*, *M. layardii*, *M. hectori *and *P. dioptrica*). Furthermore, our results also suggest the occurrence of putative ecotypes of *O. orca* and *P. crassidens*. The isotopic niche width was highly variable among species, with high niche overlap among several oceanic taxa. The results of the present study suggest a wide variation in trophic position, habitat and, therefore, the ecological role of different odontocete species in the WSAO ecosystems. All the best, Renan -- *Renan C. de Lima, PhD* Postdoctoral fellow Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - EcoMega Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) Association of Polar Early Career Scientists - Brazilian Committee (APECS Brazil) - National Representative *Phone*: +55(53)99718994 | *e-mail*: renancdl(a)gmail.com *RG:* www.researchgate.net/profile/Renan-Lima-2 *ORCID*: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9311-7085

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Cedar Key Dolphin Project summer internships
by CKDolphin Project 08 Jan '24

08 Jan '24

Dear Marmam subscribers, The Cedar Key Dolphin Project (CKDP) has been conducting surveys of resident bottlenose dolphins around the Cedar Keys, Florida, for more than 20 years. The project goals include investigating the ecology, social structure, and communication of the local population, with a focus on documenting a unique foraging behavior, Driver-Barrier foraging, which is the only known example of a role-specialized behavior in a delphinid species. Research takes place in Cedar Key, Florida and the surrounding coastline, 3 hours north of Tampa and 60 miles west of Gainesville. For more information regarding the project, please visit our website: www.cedarkeydolphinproject.org The CKDP is now taking applications for full-time field assistants for the 2024 field season this upcoming summer, between mid June to the end of September (exact dates to be determined). Applicants available for the full period will be given priority. Please note that we receive far more applications than the number of positions that we can offer, therefore the selection process is highly competitive. Assistants will be expected to work on a boat on all good weather days (up to 7 days per week), for up to 12 hours at a time. Typical weather conditions in summer include 95 degree heat, high humidity, and no breezes. When the weather does not permit fieldwork, work will consist of photo-identification, data entry, and equipment maintenance. Assistants can expect to spend 40% of their time in the field and 60% in the lab. Goals of the upcoming field season include collecting audio and drone-based video data. Assistants may also be asked to assist in local marine mammal stranding response via partner organizations. This is a volunteer position. Shared housing and food will be provided, but assistants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to Florida. Applicants must meet the following requirements: - At least 18 years old - Able to swim - Can lift 25 to 50 pounds - Flexible, mature, and hard-working - Able to work well in small groups with a positive attitude (the team work and live together for the duration of the season) - Willing to learn a variety of field and lab skills - Applicants of the following qualifications will be given priority: - Available for the full field season (mid June to end of September) - Currently enrolled in a related undergraduate or graduate program, or recent graduate - Prior field experience with photo-ID and boat handling How to apply (complete both steps): 1. Complete an application form via the project website: https://www.cedarkeydolphinproject.org/field-assistant-application.html 2. Submit all required application materials (CV, cover letter, and contact for 3 references) as a single PDF file via email with the subject line “2024 Field Assistant Application” to ckdolphinproject(a)gmail.com, CC’ing Field Manager Jolinde Vlaeyen (jolinde.vlaeyen(a)gmail.com) Completed applications are due by Friday, February 23rd. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered. A short-list of applicants will be asked to conduct a short, informal online interview in early March. For more information or to ask any questions, please email ckdolphinproject(a)gmail.com. Best Wishes, The Cedar Key Dolphin Project -- ____________________ Donate Now! <https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NjQxODQ=> Cedar Key Dolphin Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Thus, your donation should be tax deductible. Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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Mysterious pits in the seabed caused by the activity of harbour porpoises?
by Gilles, Anita 08 Jan '24

08 Jan '24

Dear MARMAM community, mysterious pits in the seabed of the North Sea that cannot be categorised as typical pockmarks? Could marine mammals be the cause? Please have a look at the theory in this article: Schneider von Deimling, J., Hoffmann, J., Geersen, J., Koschinski, S., Lohrberg, A., Gilles, A., Belkin, I., Böttner, C., Papenmeier, S., Krastel, S. (2023) Millions of seafloor pits, not pockmarks, induced by vertebrates in the North Sea. Communications Earth & Environment 4, 478 (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-023-01102-y https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01102-y Abstract: Seabed pockmarks are among the most prominent morphologic structures in the oceans. They are usually interpreted as surface manifestation of hydrocarbon fluids venting from sediments. Here we suggest an alternative hypothesis of pockmark formation based on latest multibeam echosounder data with a centimeter resolution. In the North Sea, >40,000 enigmatically shaped shallow depressions or ‘pits’ with a mean depth of 0.11 m were documented, that do not resemble known pockmark morphologies. Combining the new echosounder data with information from behavioral biology, physical oceanography, satellite remote sensing and habitat mapping, we conclude that harbor porpoises excavate sediments during benthic foraging. By grubbing the seabed, they cause sandeels to escape from the sediment and initiate the formation of seafloor pits. Time-lapse data reveals that the initially feeding pits serve as nuclei for scouring and eventually merge into larger scour-pits. With the immense number of vertebrates in the ocean, such megafauna-driven macro-bioturbation reshapes the seafloor, modulates sediment transport, and ultimately impacts associated ecosystems on a global scale. Best wishes and Happy New Year, Anita -- Dr. Anita Gilles University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 | 25761 Büsum Germany Phone: +49 (0)511-8568177 Fax: +49 (0)511-8568181 anita.gilles(a)tiho-hannover.de https://www.tiho-hannover.de/en/itaw/beschaeftigte/beschaeftigte-buesum/ani…

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2024 Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research internship in Italy
by Info DDP 07 Jan '24

07 Jan '24

DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project Delfini del Ponente is currently looking for and accepting interns to join our research project on bottlenose dolphins and other marine fauna in the Western Ligurian Sea, Imperia (Italy) from March to October. The project The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente”, started in 2018, is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) occurrence and distribution in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis, to obtain data year-round. The study has already provided very interesting information about this community inside the study area - its social organisation, abundance of individuals, distribution, and movements also outside the region. Our dataset includes records on several cetaceans species and also on other marine fauna such as seabirds - Mediterranean shearwaters (Puffinus yelkouan), Scopoli’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea), Northern gannets (Morus bassanus), Sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) and more - sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and sunfish (Mola mola), among others. Surveys are carried out in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on recording data on marine fauna, collecting photos for photo-ID purposes, environmental, marine traffic, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys take place in Imperia, in 2 different locations to collect data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats in activity and marine birds. Fieldwork is a great opportunity to get involved and improve skills in cetaceans and marine biodiversity research. Both land-based and zodiac surveys are weather-dependent, and their number can change each month. Office work (6 hours per day) includes training and lessons for the interns and supervision of all the activities (photo-id work, transcription of data, data entry, skin lesion analysis, QGIS work, etc...) Where: Imperia, Italy When: 1 March-30 October 2024 (minimum 30 days) Number of interns for month: 2 /3 Activities: - boat-based surveys monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins - boat maintenance - data collection of other cetaceans, fishes, seabirds, turtles - office work, database updating - photo-id matching and skin-lesion analysis - land-based surveys /opportunistic surveys - monitoring survey for potential sea turtle tracks (only in July-August) - pilot project - lectures and training on cetacean ecology, biology and research techniques, and seabirds and sea turtles id skills This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation. Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or office work) During their free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visiting museums, surfing and sailing. Skills/qualifications: - Minimum age of 18 - Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required - Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) - Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research - Speak, read and write in fluent English - Be adaptable and highly flexible as fieldwork is weather-dependent - Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun, be able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore and offshore waters - Be prepared to spend many hours in the office (generally 6 hours/day) - Be sociable and with a positive attitude as interns are expected to live and work in an international team Internship fee Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. The fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips, insurance). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy) and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. How to apply: Send your CV with a letter of interest to info(a)delfinidelponente.it For any further enquiries and details, please send an email to info(a)delfinidelponente.it -- *Delfini Del Ponente APS* Via Regione Bussi, 18100 Imperia (Italy) C.F. 91048910086 pec: delfinidelponente(a)pec.it https://delfinidelponente.it/

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