March 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Volunteer Vacancy, Research and Outreach Assistant, Isle of Man
by jen adams 28 Mar '24

28 Mar '24

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (Isle of Man) are seeking one Volunteer Research and Outreach Assistant for the 2024 season. This position is being re-advertised so please only apply if you have genuine interest and availability to join us for the full season. Placement start date 6th May. End date 13th September. Closing date for applications: Friday 5th April. Online interviews to take place early the following week OR if you are attending the ECS Conference, we can meet in person. For more information and to apply please visit https://mwdw.net/vacancies/ This is a unique opportunity to join our small but active team, becoming involved in all areas of research and outreach work whilst running our busy Visitor Centre.Your time will be split between five core activities: manning the Visitor Centre, land-based surveys, boat-based surveys, office work, and outreach/education events. - General: All office work takes place at the Manx Whale and Dolphin Visitor Centre which you will assist in managing. We provide information about local species, recent sightings, spotting tips, and sell merchandise. The centre is busy during the summer months with tourists as well as locals. Regular craft and educational workshops for children take place in school holidays. - Daily admin: Consists of maintaining our busy public sightings network; logging sighting reports of cetaceans and basking sharks and responding to social media messages and emails. You will create public interpretation materials and social media content using design software and video editing tools. You will enter and analyse data collected on land and boat-based surveys, keeping spreadsheets up to date. A major task this year will be updating our photo-identification catalogues, reaching out to cetacean groups across the UK to collect images from other regions to compare with the Manx catalogue. - Land-based surveys: You will conduct land-based surveys from dedicated coastal sites whenever the weather is calm enough. This is a fantastic way of observing cetaceans and basking sharks behaving naturally in their environment without causing them any disturbance. All data contributes to our long-term dataset and understanding of how local species are using Manx waters. - Boat-based surveys: These will take place as the weather and other factors permit. These surveys allow us to collect photo-identification images and offshore data. You may also have opportunities to join local tourist boat operators, guiding passengers whilst collecting data and photographs. Volunteers must be aware that all boat trips are extremely weather dependent and can be infrequent. We will not guarantee you a certain number of trips during your stay. - Public outreach and awareness: Raising awareness is a key element of our work. We run frequent public watch events where you will communicate with the public about local species and help them spot cetaceans, basking sharks, and seals. We also attend events such as carnivals and fun-days with our travelling information stall.

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New publication: Evaluating the performance of semiautomated photographic identification programs for leopard seals.
by Alex Grabham 28 Mar '24

28 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I’m happy to announce our recent publication: Grabham, A. A., K. van der Linde, and X. J. Nelson. 2024. Evaluating the performance of semiautomated photographic identification programs for leopard seals. Wildlife Society Bulletin e1520. https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.1520 Abstract: The photographic identification (photo-ID) of individual animals can be time-consuming and erroneous. Recent efforts to collect photographs of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) from across their range have necessitated the technological streamlining of photo-ID. We constructed a dataset containing 595 photographs of the head and body of individuals recorded in New Zealand between 2008 and 2022 to test the performance of semiautomated 3 photo-ID programs: HotSpotter, Interactive Individual Identification System's Pattern+ (I3S), and Wild-ID. We classified attributes of photographs (e.g., quality) and individuals (i.e., pelage patterns) to assess their effect on performance. We compared performance using Top20 and Top1 Accuracy, defined as the proportion of test photographs where the highest ranked correct identity was in the top 20 and top 1, respectively, matched reference photographs. HotSpotter outperformed I3S and Wild-ID in both Top20 and Top1 Accuracy of most assessed attributes. Maximizing HotSpotter's performance may be achieved through several methods, including increasing the number and variety of photographs of individuals in the dataset. HotSpotter will likely perform better with photographs without obstructions (e.g., debris from beaches), such as on the pack ice of their primary Antarctic range. We highlight the viability of HotSpotter in assisting the photo-ID of leopard seals, and more broadly, other species with similar markings. The paper is open access, available here: https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wsb.1520 All the best, Alex

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Job posting- Program Coordinator, Alaska Dept of Fish & Game
by Larsen Tempel, Jenell T (DFG) 27 Mar '24

27 Mar '24

Title: Program Coordinator Agency: Alaska Department of Fish and Game Job location: Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks Remote work: Flexible/hybrid Salary: $3,366.40-$3,534.40 Biweekly Application deadline: 4/23/2023 Job description: The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is hiring a Program Coordinator to lead the Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity (TED) Program! The incumbent will oversee 10 staff biologists. The position helps guide the program's research and conservation efforts on species of concern and coordinates the State of Alaska's work on issues involving the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). A key goal of this position is to direct science and conservation needs for species of concern and address conservation challenges before species become highly imperiled. The position simultaneously juggles the relatively quick pace of ESA issues with the longer-term needs of research and conservation projects. The TED Program works proactively with state, federal, NGO, and private partners to conserve wildlife species (especially nongame species) before they become threatened or endangered and to recover species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The TED Program leads the implementation of Alaska's State Wildlife Action Plan (in coordination with ADF&G's Division of Sportfish) and represents Alaska's nongame interests at the Pacific Flyway Council's Nongame Technical Committee. TED Program staff are working to address a diverse range of projects, including research and conservation of olive-sided flycatchers, lesser yellowlegs, golden eagles, bank swallows, red knots, collared pikas, Alaska hares, bats, and gray-headed chickadees. While this is not a marine mammal position, the incumbent will work on ESA issues involving multiple marine mammal species. Job posting: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/newprint/4446033 Jenell Larsen Tempel, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Endangered Species Biologist Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program Alaska Department of Fish & Game PO Box 115526 Juneau, AK 99811 jenell.larsentempel(a)alaska.gov<mailto:jenell.larsentempel@alaska.gov> Office phone: 907-465-6318

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Whale Conservation Volunteers Needed for Summer Position in BC
by Astrid Waite 27 Mar '24

27 Mar '24

Cetus Research & Conservation Society is a non-profit marine conservation organization. Cetus is dedicated to protecting the lives of whales in the wild through research, education and direct intervention. Cetus was founded in 2005 to address the increasing endangerment of BC's killer whales due to human activities. We focus directly on one of the three key contributors to killer whale endangerment: vessel traffic disturbance. We work in the field to protect whales and other marine mammals from harassment and harm. As vessel traffic in the region increases, Cetus's work becomes more and more crucial to their survival. For more information please visit our website: www.cetussociety.org The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program operates in Johnstone Strait, in the waters around the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, on the traditional territories of the Namgis, Tlowitsis, and Mamalilikulla peoples. Cetus is grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from these groups each season. The ecological reserve is designated for the protection of critical habitat of the northern resident killer whales. This is a unique area where the whales often come to rub their bodies on specific smooth pebbled beaches. Our marine wardens monitor vessels and marine mammal populations and educate boaters and kayakers about the reserve and the impacts around it. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program is comprised of two parts; a water-based monitoring and educational component, and a land-based monitoring station called Eagle Eye, situated on a cliff opposite the ecological reserve. *Cetus is looking for enthusiastic, hard-working, and motivated individuals to fill the Robson Bight Marine Warden Program Summer Volunteer positions:* Volunteer positions will be based out of a rustic field camp in Boat Bay on West Cracroft Island, located near Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Positions will be offered between *June 24th and September 5th 2024*. Preference will be given to those who can stay for the full 10 weeks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with a variety of possible tasks ranging from education and interpretive talks to marine mammal monitoring and data collection. Our programs focus on protecting British Columbia’s northern resident killer whales, and other marine mammal populations from vessel traffic, while encouraging others to do the same. Volunteers will have the opportunity to spend time on our monitoring vessels, participating in data collection, data entry, and on-the-water boater education, as well as spending time at Eagle Eye, participating in giving interpretive talks to visitors, data collection, photo identification of cetaceans and data entry. *Responsibilities include:* - Educating boaters, kayakers, park visitors, and members of the public about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, Be Whale Wise Guidelines (BWWG), marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face, and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve - Collecting and entering accurate data on marine mammals and vessel activity, both on the water and from the land-based monitoring station - Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network - Assisting with general administrative duties - Camp duties, which include cooking, cleaning, general maintenance, and heavy lifting *What skills and experience will volunteers gain?:* - Educating the public on important conservation issues - Field data collection and entry - Interpretive skills and techniques - Photo identification of cetaceans - Helping on a marine monitoring vessel - Working with Microsoft Access - Living in and tending to a rustic camp *Essential Requirements:* - Fluent spoken English - Interest in marine wildlife and conservation - Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing schedules and duties - Ability to work long hours, outdoors, in all weather conditions - The ability to live & work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with staff & volunteers - The physical ability to carry 40lbs of gear to and from the vessel to base camps (this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline). In addition to this, volunteers are required to hike, 3km (each way), from the base camp to the observation site on alternate days, which takes approximately 1 hour (one way) - Positive attitude geared towards teamwork *Additional Information: *These positions are unpaid and carry a cost of $150/ week ($1500 for the season) for volunteers to cover accommodation, extra fuel, and group dinners. Volunteers will be responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches. Warden volunteers will need to bring their own tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag. Tent pads and tarps will be provided as will camp cooking equipment etc. *How to apply: *Please forward your cover letter, resume, and two references via *email* by *April 1st, 2024*. Please indicate your availability. While we thank everyone for their interest, only successful applicants will be contacted. *Contact:* Astrid Waite, Cetus Research & Conservation Society, Email: robsonbight(a)cetussociety.org

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New publication reviewing gray whale biology and threats
by Jonathan Scordino 27 Mar '24

27 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to share our recent publication in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management with you. The manuscript reviews the biology and threats to gray whales since the last Implementation Review by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) that occurred in 2020. For those not familiar with the workings of the IWC, the IWC conducts Implementation Reviews roughly every six years for all whale populations that are hunted to ensure that the management plans result in sustainable harvest. The Scientific Committee of the IWC can call for a 'Special Implementation Review' if there is concern that the biology of the whale population or the threats to that population are outside of the parameters that were tested in the previous Implementation Review. The objective of our paper was to thoroughly review the biology and threats to gray whales, including the recent unusual mortality event for gray whales that started in 2019. The paper is published open-access and is available at Update on the status of gray whales since the 2020 Implementation Review | J. Cetacean Res. Manage. (iwc.int) <https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/942>. Scordino JJ, Bickham JW, Brandon JR, Brownell Jr RL, Burdin A, Doniol-Valcroze T, Eguchi T, Givens GH, Lang AR, Litovka DI, Nakamura G, Punt AE, Stewart JD, Urbán R. J, Weller DW. 2024. Update on the status of gray whales since the 2020 Implementation Review. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management:1–18. https://doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.v25i1.942 -- Respectfully, Jonathan Scordino Marine Mammal Biologist Makah Fisheries Management (360) 645-3176

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New publication: the impact of rerouting a major shipping lane through important harbour porpoise habitat
by Kylie Owen 27 Mar '24

27 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our recent publication published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. Kylie Owen, Julia Carlström, Pia Eriksson, Mathias Andersson, Robin Nordström, Emilia Lalander, Signe Sveegaard, Line A. Kyhn, Emily T. Griffiths, Mel Cosentino, Jakob Tougaard (2024) Rerouting of a major shipping lane through important harbour porpoise habitat caused no detectable change in annual occurrence or foraging patterns. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 202: 116294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116294. Abstract Shipping is one of the largest industries globally, with well-known negative impacts on the marine environment. Despite the known negative short-term (minutes to hours) impact of shipping on individual animal behavioural responses, very little is understood about the long-term (months to years) impact on marine species presence and area use. This study took advantage of a planned rerouting of a major shipping lane leading into the Baltic Sea, to investigate the impact on the presence and foraging behaviour of a marine species known to be sensitive to underwater noise, the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Passive acoustic monitoring data were collected from 15 stations over two years. Against predictions, no clear change occurred in monthly presence or foraging behaviour of the porpoises, despite the observed changes in noise and vessel traffic. However, long-term heightened noise levels may still impact communication, echolocation, or stress levels of individuals, and needs further investigation. The publication is open access, but please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. Kind Regards Dr Kylie Owen Intendent Populationanalys och -övervakning Naturhistoriska riksmuseet Box 50007 | 104 05 Stockholm +46 (0) 761 701 594 [Logotyp för Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet] [Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Forskar, Bevarar och Förklarar, NRM.SE]

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New publication: Vulnerability to fluctuations in prey and predation landscape in a central place foraging marine predator
by Cassie Speakman 26 Mar '24

26 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM, My coauthors and I are excited to share our latest paper in Frontiers in Marine Science: Speakman CN, McHuron EA, Arnould JPY (2024) Vulnerability to fluctuations in prey and predation landscape in a central place foraging marine predator. Abstract Introduction: Human-induced environmental change is driving a global redistribution of biodiversity, resulting in shifting prey and predation landscapes. These shifting landscapes can lead to changes in behavior, health, and vital rates, with potential implications for population dynamics. Methods: In the present study, a state-dependent life-history theory model was developed to investigate the individual- and population-level responses of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) to changes in prey availability and at-sea mortality risk. Results: Rates of pregnancy, pup nursing, and abortion were unaffected by prey availability in the simulated population. Likewise, on-land and at-sea durations were largely unaffected by prey availability, with more pronounced affects for non reproductive and pregnant females than for lactating females. There was a strong influence of prey availability on the proportion of females that were concurrently pregnant and lactating, largely due to an increase in pup abandonments under low prey availability scenarios. This effect on pup abandonments also had flow on effects for pup recruitment. Increasing at-sea mortality risk resulted in greater offspring losses due to maternal death. The combined impact of prey availability and at-sea mortality risk on the number of simulated female offspring reaching sexual maturity was substantial. Discussion: Consequently, our results suggest high vulnerability of the Australian fur seal population to shifting prey and predation landscapes. These results indicate a need for continued monitoring of Australian fur seal pup production and population dynamics in the face of rapid environmental change. The open access paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1367655 Kind regards, Cassie Speakman

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The Marine Mammal Center | Laboratory Scientist Job Opportunity
by Lynda Schaefer 26 Mar '24

26 Mar '24

The Marine Mammal Center is Hiring! Position: Laboratory Scientist Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California For more information and to apply click here! <https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2332834/Marine-Mam…> Job Summary: The Laboratory Scientist is responsible for providing several functions and responsibilities including but not limited assisting with bloodwork processing, blood smear white cell differentials, microbiology cultures, serum and urine archive, parasitology, urinalysis, database entry, shipping out samples for diagnostics, and ordering laboratory reagents and materials. The Lab Scientist will assume a leading role in various research projects which may include field sampling as well as be cross trained to assist in the Necropsy Laboratory as needed. Compensation Range: $60,000 - $70,000 per year Full Benefits: * Generous time off policies, including Holidays, Sick, and Vacation. * Medical, Dental, and Vision * Life Insurance * Long Term Disability Insurance * 401k Retirement Plan * Employee Assistance Program OUR MISSION The Marine Mammal Center advances global conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, scientific 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<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> [cid:image001.png@01DA7F7B.273F8470] Lynda Schaefer, CDR, CPP, SPHR (she/her) Director of Compensation & Compliance schaeferl(a)tmmc.org<mailto:schaeferl@tmmc.org> | T: 415.754.4022| MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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Post-doctoral opportunity in genomics at Southwest Fisheries Science Center
by Karen Martien - NOAA Federal 26 Mar '24

26 Mar '24

The Marine Mammal Genetics Program (MMGP) at Southwest Fisheries Science Center seeks highly motivated candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. MMGP has several funded projects focused on developing and using genomic tools to investigate the ecology, evolution, and population dynamics of various marine mammal species and contribute to their conservation and management. The successful applicant will lead a project designed to generate the data sets and code needed to develop large SNP panels for multiple marine mammal species that are of high management concern. The data generated from a large number of species in the core project will provide exciting opportunities to pursue projects on comparative genomics, population structure, and demography. Candidates must have bioinformatics experience, including managing and analyzing large genetic datasets, producing workflows for genomic data analysis, and familiarity with using GitHub for version control and collaborative coding. In addition, the candidate should be proficient with programming in R and bash, and with working in the LINUX command line environment. Laboratory experience with next generation sequencing protocols, such as ddRAD or lcWGS, is beneficial but not required. This is a 3-year, full-time position offering a comprehensive benefits package, including moving expenses. The position is open to everyone, regardless of citizenship. For further details, please contact me at Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov Cheers, Karen -- Karen K. Martien, Ph.D. (she/her <https://www.mypronouns.org/what-and-why>) Marine Mammal Genetics Program Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA 858-546-7058 Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics *I sometimes work irregular hours, but I respect your work schedule and do not expect an action or reply outside of your working hours.*

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Management and research efforts are failing dolphins, porpoises and other toothed whales
by Andrew Temple 25 Mar '24

25 Mar '24

Dear All, Myself and my coauthors are pleased to announce the publication of our new Open Access paper: Temple, A.J., Langner, U. & Berumen, M.L. Management and research efforts are failing dolphins, porpoises, and other toothed whales. *Scientific Reports* *14*, 7077 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57811-7 *Abstract* Despite being subject to intensive research and public interest many populations of dolphins, porpoises, and other toothed whales (small cetaceans) continue to decline, and several species are on the verge of extinction. We examine small cetacean status, human activities driving extinction risk, and whether research efforts are addressing priority threats. We estimate that 22% of small cetaceans are threatened with extinction, with little signs of improvement in nearly thirty years. Fisheries and coastal habitat degradation are the main predictors of extinction risk. Contrary to popular belief, we show that the causal impact of small-scale fisheries on extinction risk is greater than from large-scale fisheries. Fisheries management strength had little influence on extinction risk, suggesting that the implementation of existing measures have been largely ineffective. Alarmingly, we find research efforts for priority threats to be vastly underrepresented and so a major shift in research focus is required. Small cetaceans are among the lower hanging fruits of marine conservation; continued failure to halt their decline bodes poorly for tackling marine biodiversity loss and avoiding an Anthropocene mass extinction. Best wishes, Andrew *---* *Dr Andrew J. Temple* Global Postdoctoral Fellow Reef Ecology Lab <https://reefecology.kaust.edu.sa/home> Red Sea Research Center <https://rsrc.kaust.edu.sa/> King Abdullah University of Science & Technology Saudi Arabia Tel: +966 (0)12 808 2817 [image: A logo with text overlay Description automatically generated] Staff Page <https://reefecology.kaust.edu.sa/people/details/andrew-temple> | ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew-Temple> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-temple-97440b75/> | Google Scholar <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jdN3kTUAAAAJ&hl=en&authuser=1&sor…> *Please note that the weekend in Saudi Arabia is on Friday and Saturday*

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