February 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Summer Research and Outreach Internship- Isle of Man
by Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch 16 Feb '24

16 Feb '24

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (MWDW) is recruiting 2 full-time volunteer Research and Outreach Assistants for the 2024 season. This internship is based on the Isle of Man (British Isles). The placement runs for ~5 months from 6th May to mid or end of September and we are looking for candidates who are available for the entire duration. This is a unique opportunity to join our small but active team, becoming involved in all areas of research and outreach work. - Managing our Visitor centre and talking to tourists. - Daily admin work; maintaining our busy public sightings network by logging sighting reports and responding to social media messages and emails. - Entering and analysing data collected on land and boat-based surveys. Opportunity to learn QGIS software. - Updating our photo-identification catalogues, primarily Risso's dolphin. Reaching out to cetacean groups across the UK to collect images from other regions - Conducting land-based surveys from dedicated coastal sites. - Boat-based surveys as and when the weather and other factors permit. - Opportunities to guide on local tourist boats. (Assistants must be aware that all boat surveys are extremely weather dependent and can be infrequent. We will not guarantee you a certain number of boat-surveys during your stay.) - Public outreach and education. Regular public sea watch events, information stalls and workshops, activities for children at our Visitor Centre, assisting with school visits and other events. Work pattern We do not have a typical working pattern, but you will be expected to work 5 days a week including most weekends. Survey work can only take place in calm weather, so flexibility is key, and fieldwork must take priority where possible. There may be long consecutive days when we are working out in the field with early starts or late finishes. Likewise, there will be days or weeks that we are office based. The season is extremely busy, but if you love what you do, the work is very rewarding. Who are we looking for? We are seeking 2 assistants who are looking to gain hands-on experience with a small but busy cetacean research group. Experience is not essential, but you should be able to demonstrate a strong desire to pursue a career in marine mammal science or environmental education. As this role combines elements of research and outreach, you must be happy working in both of these areas. If you are looking for a solely research based project, this may not be for you. You must have a strong work ethic and be able to think proactively, learning from the role and using your own initiative to develop new projects over the course of the summer. You will be happy working within a small, closely knit team. This is a busy placement and we need assistants who are passionate about the work and willing to get stuck into all of the tasks. This internship can provide you with a wide variety of transferable skills. Location The Isle of Man is located in the middle of the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. This is a residential placement and accommodation is £125 a week. You will have your own room in a large, shared town house in the centre of Peel. Local pub work in the evenings is easy to come by and has been a popular option for previous volunteers to help with living costs. For more information about our work, visit www.mwdw.net <http://www.mwdw.net> To apply, please email Jen Adams on info(a)mwdw.net with a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining why you want this role. Deadline for applications is Friday 8th March at 11pm. -- *Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch* Charity number 1188 *phone:* +441624 610 131 *address:* 31 Michael Street, Peel, IM5 1HD *web:* mwdw.net <http://www.mwdw.net/> *email:* info(a)mwdw.net

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ACS-LA Is Announcing a RFP for $3000 Research Grant to Support Cetacean Research on the West Coast of the U.S.
by ACS-LA.Grants 15 Feb '24

15 Feb '24

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of the request for applications (RFP) for the 2024 Research Grant The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS-LA funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans today. The Los Angeles Chapter of ACS is pleased to announce the availability of one research grant, in the amount of $3,000.00, to be awarded to a qualified researcher whose study focuses on cetaceans along the west coast of the US or to a researcher or student attending or affiliated with an accredited west coast university while studying cetaceans anywhere in the world. · The John E. Heyning Research Award will be awarded in 2024. This award is in the amount of $3,000. Eligibility: The John E. Heyning and the William F. Samaras Awards will be awarded in alternating years. The Applicant should be a researcher or a student living or attending school along the west coast of the United States OR if Applicant does not reside along the west coast, the Applicant’s research focus should be on cetaceans along the west coast of the United States. For information on how to apply, please go to the Grants & Awards tab on our website: acs-la.org/grants-and-awards <https://acs-la.org/grants-and-awards/>. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 15th March 2024, midnight PST (GMT -8). Awards will be announced by 15th April 2024. Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Follow instructions on the website for submissions. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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New publication: cetacean acoustic and visual survey off Saudi Arabia, Red Sea
by Sofía Ten 15 Feb '24

15 Feb '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are happy to share our recent publication: "Passive acoustic monitoring and visual sighting survey of cetacean occurrence patterns in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia", published in Marine Mammal Science as OpenAccess. You can view the article at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13113 Abstract: The available data on occurrence patterns of cetaceans in the Red Sea area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very limited. The dearth of information is of pressing conservation concern as the coastline is undergoing rapid development as part of the Kingdom's effort to diversify its national economy. To understand how these developments will impact cetaceans in the region, the first large-scale acoustic and visual survey in the Kingdom's part of the Gulf of Aqaba and the northeastern Red Sea was undertaken in 2020. The results of the acoustic surveys reveal 3.6 encounters per 100 km of track line of odontocete species with variable distribution across the study area. No baleen whale vocalizations were detected. Through visual surveys, five odontocete species were identified within the study area: Tursiops truncatus, T. aduncus, Stenella attenuata, S. longirostris, and two opportunistic sighting of single Grampus griseus. Best, Sofía Ten Predoctoral candidate Unidad de Zoología Marina / Marine Zoology Unit Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva / Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology Universitat de València / University of Valencia, Spain

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Reminder: Cedar Key Dolphin Project internship applications due Feb 23!
by CKDolphin Project 15 Feb '24

15 Feb '24

Dear Marmam subscribers, A reminder that completed applications for the Cedar Key Dolphin Project are due by February 23rd: 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 <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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MMO, PSO & PAM Training Course 2023
by Tabbi McGhee 15 Feb '24

15 Feb '24

Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is offering its next Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)-approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEst)-approved Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses. JNCC-certified MMOs comply with UK regulations, and PSOs comply with USA regulations, to minimise the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from various offshore operations. OSC's MMO course comprises theory and practice, including binocular and range estimation, and role-play sessions. The PAM course comprises theory and practice using PAM equipment in OSC's workshop facilities and/or onboard OSC's survey vessel (subject to weather). The intention is to run the following course in-person near Edinburgh at OSC's Dunbar headquarters: 5th to 8th September 2023 Prices are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate. A discounted package price of £700 is offered for participants who wish to attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Course participants will also receive a discount for purchases of marine binoculars or tripod mounts from Opticron - these should be ordered in advance of the course to ensure availability. For further details: https://www.osc.co.uk/training For course registration: https://www.osc.co.uk/jncc-registration Best wishes, OSC training team Tabbi McGhee PA to Directors & Office Manager Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK D: +44 (0)3330 235 764 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the Book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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Spring Internship - Marine Mammal Rescue/Rehabilitation
by Karen Helms 14 Feb '24

14 Feb '24

Spring Internship - Marine Mammal Rescue/Rehabilitation The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, California, is accepting applications for Spring internships in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and public education. Internships are 12-14 weeks and the spring term begins on March 1st 2024. The internships include a $1,000 stipend. Applicants will live and work in Crescent City. Intern duties include: * marine mammal rescue and health assessment * diet preparation and feeding * wound care and medication administration * blood draw and subcutaneous fluid * cleaning enclosures, pools, and kennels daily * facility/equipment maintenance and cleaning tasks * fundraising events and special projects * engaging with the public in our gift shop * observing surgical procedures and necropsy * additional tasks as needed Requirements: * Must be a minimum of 21 years of age * a recent graduate or actively pursuing a degree in marine biology, zoology, or veterinary * physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and hike long distances in adverse conditions * available to work 5 days a week including evenings, weekends, and holidays * self-motivated, articulate, reliable, and responsible * works well independently and in a team * must possess a valid driver's license * must have experience with Microsoft Office, Word and Excel Preferred Qualifications, but not required: * previous experience in a marine mammal field * previous experience working with the public Additional Information: * interns are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution for university credit. * this is an unpaid position with no housing provided, however, we do offer a $1,000 housing stipend (in 3 payments) * all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation * a vehicle is preferred as public transportation is very limited and will restrict participation in some areas * internship requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks * spring term begins on March 1, 2024 To Apply: please include the following and submit via email to volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org<mailto:volunteer@northcoastmmc.org>. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone calls or faxes please. * a cover letter that includes term start date * a current curriculum vitae or resume * three references familiar with the applicant's academic/professional performance The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, California, is accepting applications for Spring 2024 internships in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and public education. Internships are 12-14 weeks. The internships include a $1,000 stipend. Applicants will live and work in Crescent City. Intern duties include: * marine mammal rescue and health assessment * diet preparation and feeding * wound care and medication administration * blood draw and subcutaneous fluid * cleaning enclosures, pools, and kennels daily * facility/equipment maintenance and cleaning tasks * fundraising events and special projects * engaging with the public in our gift shop * observing surgical procedures and necropsy * additional tasks as needed Requirements: * Must be a minimum of 21 years of age * a recent graduate or actively pursuing a degree in marine biology, zoology, or veterinary * physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and hike long distances in adverse conditions * available to work 5 days a week including evenings, weekends, and holidays * self-motivated, articulate, reliable, and responsible * works well independently and in a team * must possess a valid driver's license * must have experience with Microsoft Office, Word and Excel Preferred Qualifications, but not required: * previous experience in a marine mammal field * previous experience working with the public Additional Information: * interns are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution for university credit. * this is an unpaid position with no housing provided, however, we do offer a $1,000 housing stipend (in 3 payments) * all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation * a vehicle is preferred as public transportation is very limited and will restrict participation in some areas * internship requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks * spring term begins on March 1, 2024 To Apply: please include the following and submit via email to volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org<mailto:volunteer@northcoastmmc.org>. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone calls or faxes please. * a cover letter that includes term start date * a current curriculum vitae or resume * three references familiar with the applicant's academic/professional performance

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New publication: Assessing the dynamics of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) mother-calf pairs along the south coast of Portugal using unmanned aerial vehicles
by Joana Castro 14 Feb '24

14 Feb '24

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce and share our recent paper titled "Assessing the dynamics of common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*) mother-calf pairs along the south coast of Portugal using unmanned aerial vehicles" in the journal Marine Mammal Science The full paper is available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/mms.13115 Abstract: Maternal grouping dynamics involve trade-offs between: (1) infant protection from predation (predation hypothesis), (2) infant protection from male harassment (infant safety hypothesis), and (3) reducing scramble competition for prey resources (foraging-type scramble competition hypothesis). Using unmanned aerial vehicles, we assessed grouping dynamics in common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*) groups containing mother-calf pairs to address these hypotheses. We analyzed social aspects and structural group elements using generalized additive mixed models and modeled group formation using multinomial generalized estimating equations. Calf proportion was higher in very compact groups and in groups of 10–20 individuals but decreased in larger groups. The frequency of socio-sexual behaviors increased in larger groups and decreased in groups with higher calf proportion. Calf distance to its nearest neighbor decreased with increasing group size and cohesion. With a higher proportion of calves, scatter (versus parallel) formation was less frequent. A calf's nearest neighbor was most often (55.4%) a nonmother. Calves showed a preference for being in the front center of the group. These results offer strong support for the predation and infant safety hypotheses and partial support for the foraging-type scramble competition hypothesis. This work provides insight into the adaptive function of maternal strategies in a small delphinid. Please contact jmadeiracastro(a)gmail.com if you have any questions. Best regards Joana Castro

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS (3 spots available) - SARDINIA ISLAND (ITALY)
by Fabio Ronchetti 14 Feb '24

14 Feb '24

MareTerra Onlus is offering internships ( https://www.mareterra-erc.org/en/internship) to join research projects on the conservation of the bottlenose dolphins and marine environment between May and October 2024 in Sardinia Island (Italy), a hotspot of biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. MareTerra is a totally self-financed organization, since its foundation in 2012. On board our boats, interns will learn research methods to monitor the habitat use, abundance, distribution and bioacoustic of the bottlenose dolphins (photo-ID, GIS and Species Distribution Modelling). Interns will collect georeferenced data on dolphins, fishing activities and boat traffic that impact their behaviour. They participate also in bioacoustic data collection. Our research projects aim to implement measures for marine ecosystem conservation and promote a sustainable and responsible management of fishing and tourism activities. Papers available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TegikzmahuAUeWMGS3AS-SlCS_s3I_hd?us… Working in an international and multicultural team, our interns will play an active role in environmental education to develop awareness and respect for the marine environment among tourists and locals on board of our boats. Required skills: - Ability to communicate fluently in English (English level > B2). - Self-confidence. - Flexibility, adaptability to an international work environment and punctuality. - Good public relations skills. - Confidence on board a motorboat and ability to swim properly. - Minimum age 20, maximum age 30. We look for people who are highly motivated, responsible and willing to work long hours in the field. For any questions and to receive the program and information for applying, please send email to: info(a)mareterra-erc.org Gabriella La Manna, Ph.D. --- Dr Fabio Ronchetti www.mareterragroup.net www.progettonaturasardegna.com www.instagram.com/progetto_natura_ecoturismo www.facebook.com/progettonaturasardegna progettonatura(a)mareterragroup.net.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069 Research associate *MareTerra ERC* www.mareterra-erc.org ronchettifabio(a)gmail.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069

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Registration closing in one week; introductory distance sampling workshop 04-15Mar 2024
by Eric Rexstad 14 Feb '24

14 Feb '24

Introductory distance sampling training workshop, describing methods of population assessment useful in estimating abundance of marine mammal populations, has a few places remaining for the March 2024 offering. Registration deadline is one week away (21 February). Complete details and registration information at https://workshops.distancesampling.org/intro-mar-2024.html Any questions, please send me an email. Eric Rexstad Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Registered Charity in Scotland SC013532

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Postdoc opportunity in Norway
by Brandt, Carla Freitas 13 Feb '24

13 Feb '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, I would like to share this postdoc opportunity at the Institute of Marine Research, Norway. The research area is marine mammal and fish spatial ecology in the Skagerrak: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/258137/postdoc-position-spat… Please, do not hesitate to inform relevant candidates. All the best Carla ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carla Freitas Institute of Marine Research Research Station Flødevigen Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817 His, Norway Mobile: (+47) 46 66 70 99 E-mail: carla.freitas.brandt(a)hi.no<mailto:carla.freitas.brandt@hi.no> Website: www.hi.no<http://www.hi.no/>

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