December 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication - Antarctic blue whale estimates of abundance and growth rate
by Paula Olson - NOAA Affiliate 12 Dec '24

12 Dec '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our early view publication on Antarctic blue whales in Marine Mammal Science. Olson, P. A., Kinzey, D., Double, M. C., Matsuoka, K., & Findlay, K. (2024). Capture-recapture estimates of Antarctic blue whale abundance and population growth rate. Marine Mammal Science, e13215. http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13215 Abstract: Photo-identifications of Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) collected from 2003/2004 to 2018/ 2019 were used in a capture–recapture analysis to estimate abundance and population growth rate for the circumpolar Antarctic. Two capture–recapture models, POPAN and Pradel, were applied to these data. Estimates of annual abundance and their variances from the left and right side photo data were inferred using multimodel averaging, weighted by corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc), of 26 model configurations with prespecified survival rates from .75 to 1.0. These estimates based on the left and right side databases were then combined using inverse-variance averaging into single estimates for each year. The POPAN superpopulation estimate (total number of individuals present during the sampling period) was 3,506 whales, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2,107, 5,832]. The estimated abundance from the final year of the study in 2018/2019 was 1,817 whales, 95% CI [714, 4,624]. The abundance estimates in this study may be biased downwards due to capture heterogeneity as a result of unequal spatial sampling. Population growth rate estimates were 11% from Pradel and 10% from POPAN. These rates were within the confidence interval estimated by a previous study for Antarctic blue whale population growth rate. The paper is open access and available at: http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13215 Best wishes, Paula Olson Visiting Scientist/Marine Mammal Biologist Marine Mammal and Turtle Division Southwest Fisheries Science Center/NOAA Fisheries 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 Paula.Olson(a)noaa.gov

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Position Title: Executive Director
by Cameron Eller 12 Dec '24

12 Dec '24

Position Title: Executive Director The Executive Director (ED) of the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (NMMC) is responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial oversight of the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED ensures the successful implementation of NMMC’s mission to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured, and stranded marine mammals while fostering community engagement and education. Key Responsibilities: 1. Administration & Organizational Management: · Oversee daily operations, ensuring compliance with organizational goals and policies. · Lead and support staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and productive work environment. · Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic plans. · Ensure compliance with NOAA Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program Standards and Best Practices. 2. Fundraising and Financial Management: · Develop and implement fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation, grants, and corporate sponsorships. · Ensure financial sustainability through budgeting, financial reporting, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. · Research and identify grant opportunities and submit proposals. 3. Membership and Donations: · Expand the donor base and membership program to increase recurring support. · Foster strong relationships with existing donors to sustain long-term contributions. 4. Event Planning and Execution: · Continue managing successful annual events and develop new initiatives to engage the community. · Oversee all aspects of event planning, from logistics to promotion and execution. 5. Public Relations and Community Engagement: · Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, government entities, and the community in both Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. · Develop relationships within the NOAA West Coast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network. · Act as the public face of NMMC through media interviews, press releases, and community outreach. 6. Education and Outreach: · Develop and deliver educational programs for the public, both onsite and in the community, to promote marine mammal conservation. · Collaborate with schools, community groups, and other organizations to expand NMMC’s educational impact. Qualifications: · Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, administration, or a related field. · Strong skills in fundraising, grant writing, event planning, community relations. · Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and ensure financial sustainability. · Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. · Passion for marine mammal conservation and education. · Bachelors required, Marine Biology or a related field a plus Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references to cameron(a)northcoastmmc.org<mailto:cameron@northcoastmmc.org> by January 12th, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST.

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New publication: Pharmaceuticals in the blubber of live free-swimming common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Dara Orbach 12 Dec '24

12 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new article "Pharmaceuticals in the blubber of live free-swimming common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*)." Ocampos, A.I., Guinn, M.A., Elliott, J., Wittmaack, C., Sinclair, C., Abdullah, H., Orbach, D.N. 2024. Pharmaceuticals in the blubber of live free-swimming common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). *iScience *27(12): 111507. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2024.111507 Highlights: - Bottlenose dolphins are bioindicator species of ecosystem health - Pharmaceuticals found in the blubber of 30 dolphins (24 live) in the Gulf of Mexico - Detected pharmaceuticals included opioids, muscle relaxants, and sedatives - Pharmaceuticals in the marine ecosystem appear to be a long-standing issue Summary: Pharmaceuticals prevent and treat diseases, yet inappropriate intake can result in harmful effects including mortality. Contaminants have become recurrent public and wildlife health concerns. Bioaccumulation of contaminants can occur throughout trophic levels of the food web. Dolphins are apex predators often used as sentinel species to assess the health of marine ecosystems because their lipid-rich blubber stores contaminants.We used blubber samples collected from live free-swimming and postmortem common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Gulf of Mexico to explore the presence of pharmaceutical contaminants in the marine ecosystem.Targeted analysis of blubber using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of fentanyl, carisoprodol, or meprobamate in 30 of the 89 dolphins assessed. We provide the first detection of human pharmaceuticals stored in live free-swimming marine mammals, with important implications for understanding ecosystem health. The article is available open access through iScience: https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)02734-2 Thank you, Dara Orbach, PhD Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

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Job Listing: Asst/Assoc Professor MMI OSU
by Stiles, Minda 12 Dec '24

12 Dec '24

The Marine Mammal Institute of Oregon State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Marine Mammal Science. For full consideration, apply by 3 January 2025. The major focus of this position is to discover and disseminate new information through development of an innovative research program to better understand marine mammals and related ecosystem, conservation, and management issues. The professor will annually teach one 3 (or more)-credit undergraduate, graduate, or slash course and advise, direct, and support graduate students. Areas of expertise can include but are not limited to physiology, population biology, life history, conservation biology, ecology, human dimensions, and development of science-based solutions to mitigate anthropogenic impacts. Taxonomic focus can include all species of marine mammals including pinnipeds, sea otters, cetaceans, sirenians, and polar bears; geographic focus can be local, regional, or global, including polar regions. Development and application of novel equipment, field and laboratory techniques, experimental designs, and/or analytical methods is desired. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of collaboration, expertise that complements and diversifies existing strengths within the Marine Mammal Institute, and a demonstrative commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. OSU seeks diversity as a source of enrichment for our university community. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For additional information about the position, contact Lisa.Ballance(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:Lisa.Ballance@oregonstate.edu> and Scott.Heppell(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:Scott.Heppell@oregonstate.edu>. To review position description and apply, please visit https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/161905 (posting #P08655UF).

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New publication: Energetic cost of gestation and prenatal growth in humpback whales
by Martin Van Aswegen 12 Dec '24

12 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to share our recent publication published in The Journal of Physiology: van Aswegen, M, Szabo, A., Currie, J.J., Stack, S.H., West, K.L., Hofmann, N., Christiansen, F., & Bejder, L. (2024). Energetic cost of gestation and prenatal growth in humpback whales. *The Journal of Physiology*. doi: 10.1113/JP287304 <https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP287304>. Abstract: Improving our understanding of energy allocation in reproduction is key for accurately parameterizing bioenergetic models to assess population responses to environmental perturbations and anthropogenic disturbance. We quantified the energetic cost of gestation in humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) using historical whaling records, non-invasive unoccupied aerial system (UAS) photogrammetry, and post-mortem tissue samples. First, we estimated relative birth size using body length measurements of 678 mother-fetus pairs from historical whaling records and 987 mother-calf pairs measured *in-situ* using UAS-photogrammetry. The total energetic cost of gestation includes fetal growth, heat increment of gestation, and placental tissue development. Fetal growth was modeled from conception to birth, with fetal volume and mass estimated using the volume-to-length relationship of perinatal calves and published humpback whale tissue composition estimates. Tissue-specific energy content was quantified using bone, muscle, viscera, and blubber samples from a post-mortem neonatal humpback whale. Placental tissue development was estimated using humpback whale placental tissue and published equations. Relative birth length was found to be 33.75% (95% CI: 32.10-34.61) of maternal length. Fetal growth rates and absolute birth size increased with maternal length, with exponential growth in fetal length, volume, and mass resulting in minimal energetic costs over the first two quadmesters (0.01-1.08%) before increasing significantly in the final quadmester (98.92%). Gestational heat constituted the greatest energetic cost (90.42-94.95%), followed by fetal (4.58-7.76%) and placental tissue growth (0.37-1.83%). Our findings highlight the energetic costs endured by capital breeding females preceding parturition, with the most substantial energetic costs of gestation coinciding with migration and fasting. 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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Applications Open: Response Apprentice - The Marine Mammal Center
by Sarah Tatum 12 Dec '24

12 Dec '24

Greetings all, The Marine Mammal Center is hiring a Response Apprentice! The Response Apprentice will contribute meaningful support to the response & animal care of marine mammals at our San Luis Obispo Operations and the sea otter conservation program at The Marine Mammal Center.  The 6-month apprenticeship provides a high-level view of community powered conservation while supporting the advancement of an inclusive environment within one of the world’s largest marine mammal stranding response programs. To see the full Job Posting and Description, and to Apply, please visit this link<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2913494/Marine-Mam…>. To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume and provide a brief description about how your experience aligns with the role. Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered. In your cover letter, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc). We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. Compensation Details: Location of Position: Morro Bay, CA Reports to: San Luis Obispo Operations Manager Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: This is a temporary full-time, hourly position. This is a 6-month position, with estimated dates of January - June 2025. * Days and hours of work are generally Thursday through Monday. * Evening and weekend work are required. * Some travel within California is expected for this position. Compensation Range: $20.00-$22.00/hr. Full Benefits: * Holidays * Sick Time * Vacation * Medical, Dental, and Vision * Life Insurance * Long Term Disability Insurance * 401k Retirement Plan * Employee Assistance Program * * About The Marine Mammal Center: OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint. OUR MISSION The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. 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<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org> Thank you! Sarah [Icon Description automatically generated with low confidence] Sarah Tatum (she-her) Human Resources Operations Coordinator TatumS(a)tmmc.org<mailto:tatums@tmmc.org> | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965 Upcoming out-of-office: I will be away December 24 to January 1, and returning January 2.

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New Publication: False Killer Whales and Fisheries in Hawaiian Waters: Evidence from Mouthline and Dorsal Fin Injuries Reveal Ongoing and Repeated Interactions
by Annette Harnish 12 Dec '24

12 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, We are excited to share our new publication in Endangered Species Research: False Killer Whales and Fisheries in Hawaiian Waters: Evidence from Mouthline and Dorsal Fin Injuries Reveal Ongoing and Repeated Interactions. Abstracts are included below in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. The paper is open access, and available at https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v55/p273-293/ Citation: Harnish, A.E., R.W. Baird, S.D. Mahaffy, A.B. Douglas, M.A. Kratofil, J.F. Shaff, T. Cullins, S.H. Stack, J.J. Currie, and A.L. Bradford. 2024. False Killer Whales and Fisheries in Hawaiian Waters: Evidence from Mouthline and Dorsal Fin Injuries Reveal Ongoing and Repeated Interactions. Endangered Species Research 55: 273-293. doi: 10.3354/esr01374 Abstract: Monitoring bycatch in fisheries is essential for effective conservation and fisheries sustainability. False killer whales Pseudorca crassidens in Hawaiian waters are known to interact with both commercial and recreational fisheries, but limited observer coverage across Hawaiian fisheries obscures the ability to assess bycatch. We build upon previous work and assess occurrence of fisheries interactions through photographic evidence of dorsal fin and mouthline injuries for 3 false killer whale populations in Hawai‘i. Photographs of injuries on dorsal fins and mouthlines collected between 1999–2021 were scored for consistency with fishery interactions (“not consistent”, “possibly consistent”, “consistent”). For individuals with both dorsal fin and mouthline photos available, the endangered main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) population had the highest rates of injuries consistent with fisheries interactions (28.7% of individuals), followed by the pelagic stock (11.7%), while no individuals from the northwestern Hawaiian Islands population with both types of photos had fisheries-related injuries. Some individuals from the MHI population were documented with multiple fisheries-related injuries acquired on different occasions, indicating repeated interactions with fisheries. Individuals first began acquiring injuries consistent with fishery interactions at an estimated age of 2 yr. Females were more likely to have fisheries-related dorsal fin injuries than males, but rates of fisheries-related mouthline injuries were similar between the sexes. Injuries consistent with fisheries interactions were acquired throughout the study period, indicating that this is an ongoing issue, not a legacy of past fishery interactions. Our results suggest that efforts to reduce bycatch and begin monitoring of fisheries that overlap the range of the endangered MHI population are needed. ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: He kūpono nō ka maka‘ala ‘ana aku i nā i‘a hopu ‘ia ma ka ulia i mea e kūle‘a ai ka maluō a me ka paepae ‘ane aku i nā kai lawai‘a. ‘Ike ‘ia ka Pseudorca crassidens ma ke kai o Hawai‘i ma ko lākou launa ‘ana ma nā kai lawai‘a kālepa me nā kai lawai‘a le‘ale‘a pū kekahi. ‘O ka noi‘i i hana mua ‘ia ke kahua no mākou a kālailai mākou i ka nui o nā hanana kai lawai‘a ma o nā ki‘i o nā ‘eha ma ke kualā a me ka waha no nā pū‘uo ‘ekolu o ka P. crassidens ma Hawai‘i. Ana a ho‘ohālikelike ‘ia nā ki‘i o nā ‘eha kualā me nā ‘eha waha i ‘ohi ‘ia ma nā makahiki 1999–2021 no ka like me ka nui o nā hanana kai lawai‘a (‘‘a‘ole like’, ‘like paha’, ‘like nō’). No nā mea me nā ki‘i o nā ‘eha ‘elua ma ke kualā a me ka waha, ‘o ka pū‘uo o ka Pae‘āina Hawai‘i Nui (MHI) ka mea i nui kona pākēneka o nā ‘eha i kū i nā hanana kai lawai‘a (28.7% o nā mea), a ma hope maila ka pū‘uo kūwaho (11.7%), a ‘a‘ohe mea o ka pū‘uo Pae‘āina Hawai‘i Noweke, me nā ‘ano ki‘i ‘elua, i loa‘a i nā ‘eha hanana kai lawai‘a. Pa‘i ki‘i ‘ia kekahi mau mea o ka pū‘uo MHI me kekahi mau ‘eha hanana kai lawai‘a i loa‘a ma nā wā ‘oko‘a, he hō‘ailona ia o nā hanana kai lawai‘a he nui. Loa‘a mua paha ia mau ‘eha hanana kai lawai‘a ma ka piha ‘ana a‘e o nā makahiki he ‘elua iā lākou. ‘Oi aku ka nui o ka papaha e loa‘a nā ‘eha kualā o ka hanana kai lawai‘a i nā wāhine ma mua o nā kāne, like na‘e ka papaha o nā ‘eha waha o ka hanana kai lawai‘a i nā keka ‘elua. Ma ka wā o ke kālailai, ua ‘ano ma‘a mau nā ‘eha hanana kai lawai‘a i loa‘a a he hō‘ailona nui ia i ke kūmau o kēia pilikia, ‘a‘ole ia he ho‘oilina o nā hanana kai lawai‘a o ke au i hala. Hō‘ike mai kā mākou mau hua kālailai i ka pono e ho‘ēmi i nā hopua ulia a e ho‘omaka i ka maka‘ala i nā kai lawai‘a e kaulapa i ke anapuni o ka pū‘uo ‘ane halapohe MHI. Best, Annette Harnish aharnish(a)cascadiaresearch.org Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective www.cascadiaresearch.org

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Final rule to remove the maximum duration of MMPA section 104 permits and Letters of Confirmation
by Sara Young - NOAA Federal 11 Dec '24

11 Dec '24

Today, NOAA Fisheries announced a final rule <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/final-rule-modify-duration-certain-pe…> to remove the restriction that limits the maximum duration for Marine Mammal Protection Act section 104 permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOC) to a term of five years. Individual permits and LOCs will still be limited in duration in accordance with the MMPA’s requirement that all permits specify the period during which the permit is valid. Individual permit terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, depending on the proposed activity and the facts of each particular application. Section 104 covers scientific research, enhancement, photography, and public display permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) under the General Authorization. The rule will become effective on January 13, 2025 (30 days after publication). We will provide additional information to our permit holders about implementing these changes on our website by the effective date. For questions, please contact Sara Young (sara.young(a)noaa.gov) or Carrie Hubard (carrie.w.hubard(a)noaa.gov) *Sara Young* *Fishery Biologist* *Office of Protected Resources* *NOAA Fisheries* *U.S. Department of Commerce* (301) 427-8484 Sara.Young(a)noaa.gov

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Marine Animal Wildlife Response Internship
by Savannah Costner 11 Dec '24

11 Dec '24

Hello MARMAMer's! I’m excited to share an opportunity for our Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Internship with the Alaska SeaLife Center's Wildlife Response Department! We are seeking qualified applicants to join us this summer to gain hands-on experience rehabilitating harbor seal pups. Participants may also have the chance to work with sea otters, marine birds, raptors, and Arctic marine mammals. Please see the job description below and apply here: https://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/job/924739?source=aslc&jobFeedCode=aslc&ret… Wildlife Response Internship *Summary:* The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, and public education. All internships are unpaid, and a minimum commitment of 12-16 weeks is required. Housing is provided. The position is scheduled for five days and 40 hours each week. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule, as hours may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Interns will be exposed to and gain experience in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of Alaska’s stranded wild marine mammals and birds. In addition to learning animal restraint and husbandry skills, interns are expected to work with the public in person and over the phone in a professional and courteous manner. Education/Training Requirements: The internship is intended for adults over 18 years of age. Applicants with a background in biology, animal husbandry, and wildlife rehabilitation preferred. Experience with Google Suite and Zims360 preferred. Essential Duties: Under the guidance of Wildlife Response staff, the Intern will be trained and expected to perform the following duties: 1. Prepare daily animal diets and perform routine cleaning of quarantine and work areas. 2. Assist in the care of the Center’s rehabilitating animals and maintenance of the facility. 3. Assist with pool cleanings and water quality testing. 4. Assist with the Stranded Animal Hotline and interact with the public professionally. 5. Assist with the rescue and release of stranded animals if opportunities present. Please note, due to the remote nature of Alaska, most animal recovery in the field happens with local authorities and the animal is then transferred to the Center. Rarely do staff pick up animals directly from their stranding location. 6. Participate in educational talks or tours, and assist in the creation of computerized learning modules. 7. Maintain and update computerized medical records. 8. Help ensure that the rehabilitation clinic and quarantine area are stocked and prepared to receive animals. 9. Comply with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs. 10. Perform other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required. Other Skills and Abilities: Skilled in written and verbal communication, experienced giving public presentations and/or working with various age groups in an educational setting. Ability to be organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and possess a strong desire to see to the completion of projects is highly desired. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and be able to get on hands and knees to restrain marine mammal patients. Applicants should be able to work outside in the sun, wind, rain, or a combination of all three. Ability to see and hear; stand and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Internship Dates: May 2025 - August 2025 Apply by January 31st, 2025 Unpaid Internship / Housing Included A background check will be conducted on all potential candidates. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation through this link https://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/job/924739?source=aslc&jobFeedCode=aslc&ret…

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Registration is now open for TWM's 2025 Hybrid Marine Naturalist Training Programs
by tracie merrill 11 Dec '24

11 Dec '24

You are invited to join The Whale Museum’s 2025 Hybrid Marine Naturalist Training Programs! Dear MARMAM Community: You are invited to join The Whale Museum’s 2025 Marine Naturalist Training Programs. The Whale Museum (TWM) in Friday Harbor, WA, has been training marine naturalists since 1994. Our marine naturalist training course is an intensive multi-day overview of the natural history of the San Juan Islands and the marine waters of Washington and Southern British Columbia (known as the Salish Sea). These will be mostly full days, usually running from around 9:00 am-4:00 pm Pacific Time. The 2025 sessions will be hybrid programs with a mixture of virtual lectures and optional in-person field trips here on San Juan Island. This course includes an in-depth treatment of the ecology and conservation of local marine species, including cetaceans (especially Southern Resident killer whales), pinnipeds, mustelids, and marine invertebrates and birds. Not only will participants learn identification and biology of species but also about TWM's marine mammal research (San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Marine Mammals Sighting Network/Database, Be Whale Wise laws and guidelines and Soundwatch Boater Education Program, and collaboration in shore based observation/acoustic research at Lime Kiln Point State Park). Presentations will be given by highly trained local naturalists, TWM staff, environmental educators, and scientists. The upcoming sessions will be dynamic, high-quality hybrid experiences that leave graduates qualified as regional professionals or volunteer naturalists after completing 10 practicum hours. Clock hours are available. Hands-on learning and field identification will be emphasized during the field trip portion. Dates of Spring Session: Virtual Portion: April 8-12, 2025 Optional in-person field trips: April 25-27, 2025 Dates of Summer Session: Virtual Portion: July 8-12, 2025 Optional in-person field trips: July 25-27, 2025 Price and What Is Included: Virtual Program Tuition Rates: • $450 Member Rate (for members of The Whale Museum/Orca Adopters) • $500 Non-Member Rate (includes membership/Orca Adoption) Tuition includes class sessions (lectures) and all class materials. In-Person Field Trip Participation Fee: • $350 Member Rate (for members of The Whale Museum/Orca Adopters/SSAMN) • $400 Non-Member Rate (includes membership/Orca Adoption/SSAMN) Field Trip Fee includes an opening reception; transportation during the field trips to/from The Whale Museum and field trip sites; light breakfast, lunches and snacks during field trip days; all class materials and field trips. Field trips will include activities such as a marine wildlife boat trip; birding; a geology hike; visits to San Juan County Land Bank/False Bay/West side areas and Lime Kiln Point State Park; intertidal life exploration; and tours of The Whale Museum and Lime Kiln Point State Park Lighthouse. Field trips are limited to 29 spots, so don't wait to reserve your spot! Please note: participants are responsible for their own accommodations and travel to SJI if needed as well as any meals not being provided. For the virtual portion, a limited number of Diversity & Inclusion scholarships are available for college/graduate students. More information as well as course registration can be found at https://whalemuseum.org/pages/marine-naturalist-training . You can email Tracie Merrill, TWM's Education Director, at tracie(a)whalemuseum.org with any questions. Sent from Outlook<http://aka.ms/weboutlook>

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