December 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

FIRST VOLUME OF HANDBOOK OF MARINE MAMMALS 2ND EDITION PUBLISHED!
by Thomas Jefferson 16 Dec '24

16 Dec '24

FIRST VOLUME OF HANDBOOK OF MARINE MAMMALS 2ND EDITION PUBLISHED! Ridgway and Harrison's Handbook of Marine Mammals, Volume 1: Coastal Dolphins and PorpoisesEdited by T. A. Jefferson Offers a comprehensive, standard reference work on marine dolphins and porpoises, their anatomy, distribution, ecology, and behavior. DESCRIPTION Coastal Dolphins and Porpoises: Ridgway and Harrison's Handbook of Marine Mammals, Volume One, the first volume in the Handbook of Marine Mammals series, covers some of the world's most beautiful, intelligent, and highly adapted mammals that inhabit our seas and oceans. As our knowledge of marine mammals grows, the need exists for a reliable and complete reference to the ecology and biology of these fascinating creatures. Scientists, conservationists, and informed laypersons will find series book to be a definitive review of all the world's living whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea cows, and marine otters and bears. This first volume consists of species review chapters written by leading global experts on a variety of coastal marine species of dolphins and porpoises. Each chapter includes a description of the species followed by sections on distribution and abundance, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, reproduction, parasites, diseases, and the impacts of human activities on the species. KEY FEATURES • Provides in-depth reviews of bottlenose, humpback, and other coastal dolphins, as well as the closely related porpoises • Addresses the evolution, anatomy, ecology, distribution, and behavior of these marine mammal species • Features numerous photos of live and specimen animals, skulls, and anatomical details, along with distribution maps TO LEARN MORE: https://shop.elsevier.com/books/coastal-dolphins-and-porpoises/jefferson/97… Thomas A. Jefferson, PhDClymene Enterprises, CA, USAsclymene(a)aol.com

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Audubon Aquarium Rescue Spring Internship
by Nicole Kieda 16 Dec '24

16 Dec '24

Audubon Aquarium Rescue, based out of New Orleans, LA is recruiting for a spring intern. Housing and a stipend will be provided. Please see details below or check out the posting on our Facebook page: Audubon Aquarium Rescue<https://www.facebook.com/AudubonAquariumRescue>. Audubon Nature Institute: Audubon Aquarium Rescue Spring 2025 Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Internship Position Start and End Dates: February 10th-June 28th (Some flexibility in start and end dates) About the Program: Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR) is a conservation program coordinated by Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, LA. AAR works in conjunction with The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, National Marine Fisheries Service, US Fish and Wildlife service, as well as other Northern Gulf of Mexico stranding partners to respond to dolphin, whale, and sea turtle strandings within the state of Louisiana. The main goals of AAR are to enhance stranding response to marine mammals and sea turtles across the state, keep detailed records of these strandings, and to collect and test samples acquired during necropsy and/or response. Intern Responsibilities: The selected candidate will become an integral member of the team and will assist with stranding response, beach surveys, marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies, paperwork, and cleaning. Additional projects may include entering data, vehicle maintenance, and organization/restocking of supplies. Due to the unpredictable nature of strandings, interns are required to be in the office 5 days per week (weekends included), 8 hours a day (with occasional longer hours). This schedule should be considered flexible as one may not exceed 40 hours per week. Most stranded animals reported are dead, beach cast-animals; live animal rehab is possible but should not be expected throughout the duration of the internship. Applicant must: • Be 18 years or older • Preferably a recent college graduate with interest in marine biology or conservation biology • Be physically fit and able to lift at least 50 lb • Can endure unpleasant conditions, extreme temperatures ranging from 40-100 °F, rain, humidity, biting insects, and prolonged exposure to the sun • Possess good communication skills, and the ability to work in group settings or alone • Have experience using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive • Ideally have experience driving large vehicles and UTVs Housing/Compensation: Housing and stipend are provided. Application Process: Interested applicants are encouraged to send their cover letter, resume, and dates of availability to gharlamert(a)auduboninstitute.org no later than January 12th, 2025, to be considered. Preference will be given to those who can stay through the entire internship period. Application review will begin immediately. Nicole Kieda Audubon Aquarium Rescue Audubon Nature Institute Assistant Stranding and Rehab Coordinator Stranding Hotline: 877-942-5343 The not-for-profit Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana, operates ten parks and museums dedicated to Celebrating the Wonders of Nature. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please notify the system manager at postmaster(a)auduboninstitute.org. Please note that the views or opinions represented in this e-mail are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Audubon Nature Institute. Finally, you should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The Institute accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

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NEW ARTICLE: Genetic Sex Determination of Free-Ranging Short-Finned Pilot Whales from Blow Samples
by LAURA MIRALLES LOPEZ 16 Dec '24

16 Dec '24

Dear MARMAM readers, We are happy to share with all of you our new article entitle: 'Genetic Sex Determination of Free-Ranging Short-Finned Pilot Whales from Blow Samples' It is an open access article that you can read here: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7159/4/4/51 The abstract: Whale blow, the vapor exhaled during respiration of cetaceans, provides valuable genetic information to monitor health status and population dynamics. However, obtaining samples of sufficient quality and quantity remains a challenge, particularly for small odontocetes. Here, we developed both field and laboratory protocols optimized for the genetic analysis of blow samples of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Blow collection was performed from a small research vessel at a slow speed using a hand-held carbon fiber pole equipped with a sterile Petri dish. Determination of the sex was conducted using up to five PCRs of multiplexed markers from a classical methodology (SRY + ZFX/ZFY genes) and a novel protocol (SRY + FCB17) optimized for highly degraded, fragmented and/or scarce DNA. A total of 47 blow samples of free-ranging pilot whales off the Canary Islands were collected. The presence of DNA was confirmed in 98% of the blow samples, which were further processed resulting in 32 of them with positive genetic sex determination applying the novel methodology (70%), compared to only 8 (19%) with the classical method. Results confirmed the success of sampling, DNA extraction and sex determination using multiplexed markers in blow samples of odontocetes. This protocol represents an important management tool to conduct future non-invasive health assessments of small cetaceans in the wild. We hope that you enjoy the reading and if you have any further questions, I will be happy to answer them. All best, Laura Laura Miralles López, PhD Assistant Professor, University of Oviedo Dto. Biología Funcional. Genética. C/ Julián Clavería s/n 6º D-04 33006 Oviedo, Asturias. España. Tfno: (+34) 985104196

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Marine Mammal/Sea Turtle Observer Certification Course on February 15-16, 2025
by Angela Bostwick 15 Dec '24

15 Dec '24

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on February 15-16, 2025. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical/seismic surveys, and the certification is often accepted in many other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is required for reducing impacts to protected species. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides which will be yours to keep. This course will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, how to locate and identify the animals, and the monitoring and objective reporting that is required for submission to regulatory agencies. After discussing regulatory requirements, we will examine key identifying traits and behaviors of the different protected species, as well as the key visual cues which can enable location of protected species in a dynamic and rapidly-changing environment. The course also includes discussions on how to prepare and pack for life offshore. The live, interactive discussions for this course provide a personalized approach to learning as we discuss how to identify protected species and how to document impacts to the animals. Discussions for this course will also include best practice methods for living and working with other PSOs and vessel crew within a collaborative team environment, in order to effectively advise on the regulatory measures required to document and reduce impacts to protected species. By monitoring for marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, advising on the mitigation measures that are required, and documenting impacts through impartial and unbiased reporting, PSOs serve a crucial role in the conservation of protected species during industry or research operations. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder & CEO Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com BOEM/BSEE/NMFS-Compliant Provider of Protected Species Observer Certification

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Dolphins conservation project - training opportunities
by Info DDP 15 Dec '24

15 Dec '24

DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project *Delfini del Ponente** is currently seeking applications for weekly and monthly training opportunities in Imperia, Italy, from March to October 2025.* 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, 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, data transcription, data entry, skin lesion analysis, QGIS work, etc...) Where: Imperia, Italy *When*: - *Weekly Program*: May 19–31, November 1–7 - *Monthly Program (minimum 30 days)*: March, July–October *Internship Activities* Interns will participate in a variety of activities, including: - *Boat-based surveys*: Monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins and other marine species. - *Boat maintenance*: Assisting with the upkeep of the research vessel. - *Data collection*: Recording data on cetaceans, fish, seabirds, turtles. - *Photo-ID matching and skin lesion analysis*. - *Land-based surveys and opportunistic surveys* - *Turtle tracks monitoring and potential nest monitoring (in summer).* - *Lectures and training*: Gaining skills in cetacean ecology, research techniques, seabird and sea turtle ID. 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. *Internship Details* - *Work Schedule*: 5 days a week, 6-8 hours per day (fieldwork or office work depending on weather conditions). - *Accommodation*: Interns will be provided accommodation in an apartment in Imperia. - *Other Activities*: Free time offers opportunities for swimming, diving, hiking, visiting historical sites, museums, and enjoying local beaches and watersports. *Skills/Qualifications* - Minimum age of 18. - Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required. - Degree or ongoing studies in biology, natural sciences, veterinary sciences, or a similar field (preferred). - Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and marine research. - Fluent in English (spoken and written). - Adaptable and 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. - Ability to work in an office setting for up to 6 hours a day. - Sociable and positive attitude, as interns will be part of an international team. *Training Program Fee* As a self-funded research project, participation requires a tuition fee. This fee includes: - Accommodation in an apartment in Imperia. - Tuition and training. - Use of the research vessel and equipment. - Field trips, insurance, and field costs. *Note*: Transportation expenses to and from Imperia and food costs are not included in the fee. *How to Apply* If you are passionate about marine research and would like to contribute to cetacean conservation, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to *info(a)delfinidelponente.it*. For more information, feel free to contact us. We look forward to receiving your application! *Delfini Del Ponente APS* *+39 3534687707* Via Regione Bussi, 18100 Imperia (Italy) C.F. 91048910086 pec: delfinidelponente(a)pec.it https://delfinidelponente.it/

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New publication: Maternal investment, body condition and calf growth in humpback whales
by Martin Van Aswegen 14 Dec '24

14 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, Co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication published in The Journal of Physiology: van Aswegen, M., Szabo, A., Currie, J. J., Stack, S. H., Evans, L., Straley, J. M., Neilson, J. L., Gabriele, C. M., Cates, K., Steel, D., & Bejder, L. (2024). Maternal investment, body condition and calf growth in humpback whales. *Journal of Physiology*. doi: 10.1113/JP287379. Abstract: Given recent declines in North Pacific humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) reproductive output and calf survival, there is additional urgency to better understand how mother–calf pairs allocate energy resources across their migratory cycle. Here, unoccupied aerial system (UAS; or drone) photogrammetry was used to quantify the body size and condition (BC) of humpback whales on their Hawaiʻi (HI) breeding and Southeast Alaska (SEAK) feeding grounds. Between 2018 and 2022, we collected 2410 measurements of 1659 individuals. Rates of change in body volume (BV) and length (BL) were quantified using 803 repeat measurements of 275 individuals. On average, HI mothers lost 0.106 m3 or 96.84 kg day−1 while fasting, equivalent to 2641 MJ day−1 or 830 kg of krill and 424 kg of Pacific herring daily. HI calf BV and BL increased by 0.035 m3 and 2.6 cm day−1, respectively. In SEAK, maternal BV increased by 0.015 m3 or 14.54 kg day−1 (367 MJ day−1), while calf BV and BL increased by 0.039 m3 and 0.93 cm day−1, respectively. Maternal investment in calf growth correlated with both female BL and BC, with larger females producing larger, faster‐growing calves. Finally, using 330 measurements from 156 females, we quantified differences in BC increase over four feeding seasons. Lactating females exhibited an average BC increase of 6.10%, half that of unclassified females (13.51%) and six times lower than pregnant females (37%). These findings represent novel insights into the life history of humpback whales across their migratory cycle, providing key baseline data for bioenergetic models elucidating the effects of anthropogenic disturbance and rapidly changing ocean ecosystems. Please feel free to email me for a pdf copy or if you have any questions. Best, Martin van Aswegen PhD Candidate | Marine Mammal Research Program Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology |University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa E: mvanas(a)hawaii.edu W: www.mmrphawaii.org

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New publication: The Acoustic Ecology of Coastal Dolphins by Assessing the Structural Variability of Sounds and the Influence of Contextual Factors
by Daniela Silvia Pace 14 Dec '24

14 Dec '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent study, published in Integrative Zoology: Pace DS, Pedrazzi G, D’Amario I, Troccoli A, Giacomini G, Labriola MS, Pavan G, Ventura D, Casoli E, Ardizzone GD, Papale E (2024). The Acoustic Ecology of Coastal Dolphins by Assessing the Structural Variability of Sounds and the Influence of Contextual Factors. Integrative Zoology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1749-4877.12934 Abstract The acoustic ecology of a previously unexamined bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean was assessed by investigating how sound emissions and acoustic features are influenced by concurrent conditions. Whistles and click-trains emission rates were compared among different environmental, social and behavioural conditions. Structural variability of 3,928 good/high-quality vocalizations was analysed in relation to contexts through a two-stage approach. Firstly, two multivariate MANOVA-models were fitted considering the entire set of acoustic parameters extracted from whistles and click trains, to investigate the effect of concomitant factors on the overall acoustic structure of each vocalization. Subsequently, GLMM-models were applied to each acoustic feature individually, to explore its response to different contextual factors. Emission rates increased significantly with calves and in larger groups, with also a positive effect of socialization on whistles, and of muddy/sandy seabed and depth on impulsive sounds. The multivariate approach showed that all contextual factors influenced sounds’ structure, with whistles being strongly affected by behaviour and calves’ presence. The GLMM-models highlighted that each acoustic parameter varied differently in response to specific factors, with (1) increasing trends in whistles’ duration and inflection points during interaction with fishery, and decreasing ones during socializing, and (2) decreasing inter-click-intervals and increasing click-repetition-rates in larger groups and during interactions with fishery. These results provide new findings on the acoustic plasticity of bottlenose dolphin, and a more comprehensive view of the magnitude of the social, environmental and behavioural influence, highlighting how the complexity of the species’ acoustic repertoire has yet to be unravelled at the local level. With very best wishes, Daniela -- Daniela Silvia Pace, PhD Lecturer in Ecology and Acoustics of Marine Mammals Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Viale dell’Università 32 00185 Rome, Italy mail: danielasilvia.pace(a)uniroma1.it mobile: +39 346 1039652 office: +39 06 4991 4763 skype: lagenorinco Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5121-7080 Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=it&user=RsYqB5QAAAAJ [image: Risultati immagini per logo sapienza] "*Ecology is a contingent science under the broad control of climate and evolutionary change. It is an essential science if we are to achieve conservation success. There is much left to do*" (Charles J. Krebs) [image: BMC Ecology and Evolution]

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Searching for an unpublished paper on Dall's porpoise
by Thomas Jefferson 13 Dec '24

13 Dec '24

Dear MARMAM, I have been searching for years for a copy of the paper listed below, which I have seen cited with two slightly-different titles: Leatherwood, S. and Fielding. M. R. 1974. A Summary of Distribution and Movements of Dall Porpoises Phocoenoides dalli off Southern California and Baja California. Working paper #42. FAO. United Nations. ACMRR meeting Dec. 16-19. 1974. La Jolla. Calif. Leatherwood, J. S., and M. R. Fielding. 1974. A survey of distribution and movements of Dall’s porpoise, Phocoenoides dalli, off southern California and Baja California. Working paper No. 42, FAO, United Nations, ACMRR Meeting, La Jolla, CA. If anyone has a copy of this paper, I would be much appreciate a PDF of it.Thanks in advance,Tom Jefferson

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NOAA recruitment - marine mammal genetics - Position opening 12/17 - Fisheries Biologist
by Jenny Litz - NOAA Federal 13 Dec '24

13 Dec '24

The NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD) is excited to announce* we are recruiting for a **Fisheries Biologist (ZP3/4 permanent FTE) to lead, plan, and conduct research in the Marine Mammal Molecular Genomics program to support marine mammal conservation. *The job opportunity announcement(JOA) <https://www.usajobs.gov/job/823751900> for the permanent Fish Biologist positions has been posted and is for multiple Fish Biologist (ZP3/4- 0482) positions. Applicants must pay attention to which position they are applying for and pick appropriate location/duty stations. The position opens Dec 17, closes Dec 23, 2024 or when the applicant deadline of 250 applications has been reached ! Below is a description of the position and some helpful information. Position description Hiring Manager: Jenny Litz Title: Fish Biologist (ZP 3/4 permanent FTE, Research Geneticist) Location(s): Lafayette, Pascagoula, Miami - The incumbent will lead, plan, and conduct research in the Marine Mammal Molecular Genomics program to support marine mammal conservation. The candidate will also actively lead/support other MMTD (e.g., sea turtles genomics research), Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), and NOAA's omics initiatives (domestically and internationally) through active research and participation in working groups, and committees, and provide technical advice and support cross-functional research within and beyond NOAA. - They will develop and assist other Marine Mammal Branch program leads with research projects to understand marine mammal population structure, behavior, ecology, distribution, abundance, evolution, and health in the Gulf of Mexico, Western Atlantic, Caribbean (Southeast region), and internationally, using established and innovative molecular genetics/genomics tools and techniques. - The incumbent will develop the scientific research priorities for the Marine Mammal genomics program and prioritize actions in coordination with the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division leadership and staff. They will execute all phases of projects including: developing proposals, managing budgets and lab resources, planning and conducting experiments; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; assuring data integrity and quality control; preparing data for archival and public access; drawing conclusions and making recommendations for future work; and presenting and publishing technical reports of the findings. - This multi-disciplinary position involves coordination and cooperation with other research teams within and outside the Division. The incumbent will represent the Sea Turtle Branch and Marine Mammal and Turtle Division in communications and collaborations with NOAA management offices (Southeast Regional Office, Office of Protected Resources, and Office of Science and Technology), including participating in meetings and workshops, fulfilling data and analytical requests, consulting management during proposal development, and communicating research findings and products. The incumbent will be encouraged to collaborate with staff from other Science Centers, academic institutions, NGOs, and state and local governments, and participate in public outreach events and initiatives. - The incumbent will secure internal and external funding to support basic and advanced research activities; recruit and mentor interns, graduate students, and post-docs; and foster and strengthen interdisciplinary research collaborations with academia, environmental organizations, industry, and other federal agencies. Candidate qualification considerations - The core needs for the job are scientific research, project management including budget planning and execution, strategic and succession planning, knowledge transfer through mentorship of interns, graduate students, post-docs, and inexperienced research staff, compassionate leadership both in-person and virtually, and effective coordination and communication with other research investigators, management partners, and division leadership. - The candidate will require knowledge of molecular genetics and genomics tools and their application to inform NOAA’s management needs including scientific decisions for marine mammal and protected species conservation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA). - The incumbent will be expected to keep abreast of new and evolving genomics techniques and technologies, be familiar with the latest research, and complete regular leadership and technical training for professional development. - Some infrequent travel is required for meetings. *Other helpful information: * In your detailed CV, please ensure all of the below information is included, if not, you will be disqualified: - Job Title (including job series and grade, if federal) - Descriptions of duties/work performed (include duties that detail you meet the specialized experience listed in the announcement) - Starting and ending dates for each position (month AND year) - Hours worked per week and/or full-time or part-time. If identifying as part-time you must state the number of hours per week. (NOTE: A full-time work schedule requires most employees to work 33-40 hours during the work week. A part-time schedule requires an employee to work less than full-time, but for a specific number of hours (usually 16-32 hours per administrative work week) on a prearranged scheduled tour of duty.) Also, ensure you double-check that your application package contains all of the "Required Documents" as outlined in the vacancy announcement. If you have foreign degrees, please get a translation to the U.S. grading system through an accredited organization. If you believe you were erroneously disqualified for a position, you can request reconsideration of your status by emailing noaa.applicantinquiries(a)noaa.gov <noaa.applicantinquiriries(a)noaa.gov>. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, contact the USAJobs Help Desk as soon as possible by filling out their ‘Contact Us’ form - https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/#usajobs-contact-form. They will reach out within 24-48 hours to offer assistance. For additional tips on applying to USAJobs positions, please view this YouTube video from a Fisheries Hiring Manager - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCZMKMkAeqo. -- Jenny Litz, PhD <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact/jenny-litz-phd> Chief, Marine Mammal Branch <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-directory/marine-mammal-researchers-…> SEFSC, NMFS, NOAA 75 Virginia Beach Drive Miami, FL 33149 jenny.litz(a)noaa.gov <email(a)noaa.gov> 305.361.4224 www.nmfs.noaa.gov I support flexible working arrangements and I am sending this email now because it suits the hours I am working today. Please do not feel obliged to reply right away as I understand and expect that you will reply during the hours that you work. Thank you

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IMMS Animal Training Internship (Summer 2025)
by Carrigen Manns 13 Dec '24

13 Dec '24

Looking for an animal care internship? The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, MS is accepting applications for our Summer term. *The deadline for applications is March 1st. Please visit our website for details on how to apply or send questions to cmanns(a)imms.org https://imms.org/internship/ The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also complete a project during their internship, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Interested applicants must follow the directions listed on the website to apply. Interns must be: • 18 years or older. • A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. • Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. • Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. • Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. • Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. • Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. • Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. • Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. Thanks, Carrigen Manns IMMS Internship Coordinator-Animal Care Gulfport, MS

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