March 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Protected Species Observer Training Course April 27-28
by abostwick＠psocertifications.com 11 Mar '24

11 Mar '24

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on April 27-28, 2024. 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 surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and the certification is often accepted in many other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is required for reducing impacts to protected species. PSOs monitor for marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish and document impacts through impartial and unbiased reporting, thus serving a crucial role in the conservation of protected species during industry operations. Our live, interactive courses provide a personalized approach to learning as we discuss how to identify protected species and how to document impacts to the animals. 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 environment. The course also includes discussion on how to prepare and pack for life offshore. We'll also discuss the best practice methods for living and working with other PSOs and vessel crew within a collaborative team environment, and how to advise on the regulatory measures required to reduce impacts to protected species. 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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SMM2024 Conference: Abstract and workshop submissions closing March 26!
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 11 Mar '24

11 Mar '24

Dear Marine Mammal Community, You are invited to join the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals this November in Perth, Western Australia! Abstract and workshop proposal submissions for SMM2024 are due in two weeks time! **The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 12 PM (noon), Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) (GMT +8).** To submit/sign-up head to smmconference.org The 2024 conference theme 'Culture and Conservation: Fishing for Change' shines a light on one of the most significant threats to marine mammals worldwide - interactions with fishing gear. There are 11 broad topics open for abstract submission: Anatomy And Physiology, Behavior And Culture, Climate Breakdown, Conservation And Management, Ecology And Evolution, Fisheries Interaction, Health And Welfare, Out Of The Blue, Science On A Shoestring and Social And Citizen Science. We hope to see you in Perth this November! Kind Regards, The #PerthSMM2024 Organizing Committee conference(a)marinemammalscience.org

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Florida Manatee Management Job Opportunity
by Pasawicz, Michelle 11 Mar '24

11 Mar '24

Greetings everyone, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV to aid the Imperiled Species Management Section with implementation of the Manatee Warm-water Habitat Action Plan. This management position will serve in a leadership capacity on one or more regional warm-water habitat partnership teams, facilitate the long-term prioritization of warm-water habitat networks, and coordinate interagency habitat restoration and enhancement efforts. Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-FISHERIES-&-WILDLIFE-BIO-SCIENTI… Sincerely, Michelle R. Pasawicz Manatee Management Program Coordinator Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/> 620 South Meridian Street - 6A Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 922-4330 Michelle.Pasawicz(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Michelle.Pasawicz@MyFWC.com>

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PDF: (v 2024) Killer Whales of the Northern Indian Ocean Photo ID Catalogue
by Georgina L Gemmell 10 Mar '24

10 Mar '24

Dear Marmammers, We are pleased to announce that the updated (v 2024) Photo ID Catalogue for Killer Whales of the Northern Indian Ocean is now available in PDF format and can be downloaded from the following link. https://niokillerwhales.wixsite.com/niokwa/copy-of-download-pdf-version-1 DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10065.54889 The catalogue includes identification images and sightings records for the 80 identified killer whales, comprised of 23 pods and 5 suspected lone animals. A live on-screen version of the catalogue can also be found at the same website under the ‘ID catalogue’ tab, where you can click ID images to magnify detail. Terms of Use: Data and images are the copyright of the respective individual contributors, associated study and/or network, and are not to be used without prior written permission. For all requests relating to catalogue data use in publication or commercial applications, and requests for access to high-resolution images, please contact the NIOKWA administrators via georgina.wildoceans(a)gmail.com All the best Georgina -- *Georgina Gemmell* Lead Administrator, Orca Project Sri Lanka

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SMM Northeast Student Chapter Conference Registration Open
by SMM NESC 09 Mar '24

09 Mar '24

Hello, The Northeast Student Chapter <https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmarinemam…> (NESC) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) is excited to announce plans for our 2nd Annual Conference are underway! Our conference will be held on Saturday April 20th at the University of Vermont, with optional social activities on Friday April 19 and Sunday April 21. We encourage undergraduate, graduate, recently graduated students, and postdocs interested in marine mammal science from the Northeast United States (including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) to register and attend - please note that presenting is not required to attend. Registration is required and there is a small registration fee ($30) to support food and supply costs. Please fill out this registration form <https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.goog…> no later than March 20 if you are planning to attend and/or present. For any questions and concerns, please email smmnortheaststudentchapter(a)gmail.com ! Sincerely, The SMM Northeast Student Chapter Leadership Team

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JNCC MMO course and online PSO course
by Carolyn Barton 09 Mar '24

09 Mar '24

There are a few spaces left on a JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters on 18th and 19th March 2024, with remote delivery by Zoom. On successful completion of the course you will receive JNCC-recognised certification, which is required for work as an MMO in UK waters. The cost of the course is £180 (180 GBP). Also available is an online self-navigated PSO course for offshore waters of the US Gulf of Mexico and US Atlantic, that you can do at your own pace. On successful completion of the course you will receive PSO certification, which is required as part of the approval process for work as a PSO in US waters. The cost of the PSO course is £180 (180 GBP). For further details on course content and for a registration form for either course see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk .

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New publication: Molecular detection of herpesvirus in a skin lesion of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the Western Mediterranean Sea
by Ignacio Vargas Castro 09 Mar '24

09 Mar '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our most recent publication entitled: *Molecular detection of herpesvirus in a skin lesion of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the Western Mediterranean Sea*. You will find the open access publication at the *link*: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10344-024-01782-7 *Abstract*:Herpesvirus has the potential to infect a wide variety of animal species. In cetaceans, *Alp*ha- and/or *Gammaherpesvirinae* have been identified in eight families of odontocetes, and one family of mysticetes. In May 2022, an adult humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) was found stranded in Valencia, Spain. The whale was emaciated, in poor body condition, with multiple lacerations on the dorsal fin and a high number of epibionts of the Cyamidae family, known as whale lice. The individual had been previously released from a ghost net entanglement 5 days before becoming stranded. In a closer examination, various skin lesions were observed, including chronic, proliferative, and erosive dermatitis and a large ulcer extending to the deep dermis. As part of the infectious disease surveillance programme, molecular testing was performed on skin samples for herpesvirus, cetacean morbillivirus, and poxvirus. A positive result for herpesvirus was obtained from one of the skin lesions. The sequence was found to belong to the *Alphaherpesvirinae *subfamily, and it was closely related to alphaherpesvirus sequences from a fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) and a humpback whale. Cetacean morbillivirus and poxvirus testing was negative. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of herpesvirus in a humpback whale from the Mediterranean Sea. Reports on herpesvirus detection or infection in humpback whales (only species within the genus *Megaptera*) are scarce. In consequence, future virological assessments of humpback whales should include testing for herpesvirus. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions you may have. Kind regards, Ignacio Vargas-Castro *Ignacio Vargas Castro* DVM, PhD Student Viral Immunology and Preventive Medicine Unit (SUAT) VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre & Animal Health Department Universidad Complutense Madrid Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n. 28040 Madrid. Spainignavarg(a)ucm.eswww.sanidadanimal.info <https://www.sanidadanimal.info/en/> This message is private and confidential and it is intended exclusively for the addressee. If you receive this message by mistake, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please inform the sender and delete the message and attachments from your system, as it is completely forbidden for you to use this information, according to the current legislation. No confidentiality nor any privilege regarding the information is waived or lost by any mistransmission or malfunction. The personal data herein will be collected in the file "Correoweb", under the ownership of the Vice-Rectorate for Information Technologies, in which those interested may exercise their right to access, rectify, erasure or right to object the contents (article 15-21 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, General Data Protection Regulation). Before printing this mail please consider whether it is really necessary: the environment is a concern for us all.

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Reminder - ACS-LA Grant Deadline is 15-March!
by ACS-LA.Grants 08 Mar '24

08 Mar '24

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce we are accepting applications for our 2018 Research Grants **THE DEADLINE for GRANT SUBMISSIONS is 15-May-2018 (midnight, Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-7)).** The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. ACS-LA is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants, in the amount of $1,000.00 each, to established researchers or student researchers attending school in the greater Los Angeles area whose work focuses on marine mammals. 1) The John E. Heyning Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000. John Heyning was a brilliant and prolific scientist. He was Deputy Director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where he built a collection of marine mammal specimens second only to Smithsonian and where he curated the Masters of the Ocean Realm exhibit that traveled to 22 countries. He was an authority on beaked whales, published the work that separated common dolphins into two separate species, and described the countercurrent heat exchange in whale tongues, among many other accomplishments. John was a strong supporter of ACS and its mission; he served on the organization’s Board of Scientific Advisors and taught the Whalewatch naturalist class for many years. 2) The Bill Samaras Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000.00. Bill Samaras was a geologist by training but his first love was whales. He taught science at Carson High School for 30 years, helped shape the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium into the institution it is today and led the excavation of a gray whale skeleton during the construction of the Harbor Freeway in San Pedro. Bill was a lifelong supporter of ACS, an organization that he served in many capacities. Guidelines for Research Grants: The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society offers small research grants in support of operating research projects focusing on marine mammals. ACS-LA has a long-standing commitment supporting local research on cetaceans and other marine mammals. The two $1,000 research grants will be awarded to researchers or students exhibiting an outstanding commitment to furthering the understanding of marine mammals in California. Priority will be given to applicants working or attending school in Southern California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in Southern California. Eligibility: 1. Applicant should be a researcher or a student living and/or attending school in California. OR 2. Current research focus should be on Marine Mammals located in or around California with priority being given to work conducted in Southern California Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover sheet with: a) Title of Proposal and Research Area of interest including focal species b) Field Research Group Information (Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers and departmental contacts) or Current School, Major, and Name(s) of Supervisor and Department c) Names and contact information of Lead or Principal Investigator (PI), Second PI, and any student participants 2. A one-page CV or Resume for Principal Investigator and Secondary Investigators 3. A 1-2 page narrative (single spaced) describing your research organization or program, details, and justification for your specific research topic including objectives, details on geographical area being investigated, hypotheses, and total project timeline including temporal benchmarks for the work. How will your research contribute to our understanding and/or benefit the species being studied? Is this a species-based effort or a habitat and/or conservation based study? Please include your estimated 1-year budget and budget justifications. All applications will be reviewed for scientific value and overall conservation benefit. Requirement For Recipients: Recipients of the awards will be asked to present their research sometime in the next year at ACS-LA’s monthly speaker series. Please be prepared to present your work, with visuals, to the ACS-LA community. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 30th April 2018 — DEADLINE EXTENDED to 15-May-2018!! Awards will be announced by 15th May 2018 — Awards will be announced by 30-May-2018. Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. To join ACS-LA, please go to http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org <http://www.acsonline.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:acsla.grants@gmail.com> 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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Seeking Marine Animal Entanglement Response Specialist
by Valerie Daniels 08 Mar '24

08 Mar '24

*Marine Animal Entanglement Response Specialist II* *Job Type: Full Time (40 hours per week)* *Salary: $55,000 Annually* *Program Description:* The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking a response specialist for its Marine Animal Entanglement Response program (MAER). CCS is a non-profit institution located in Provincetown, Massachusetts and is internationally known for its marine mammal science and disentanglement work. The MAER program aids marine animals with life-threatening entanglements while simultaneously collecting data needed to better understand and solve the entanglement problem. *Job Description:* Response specialists are trained to disentangle whales and sea turtles following strict protocols that emphasize human and animal safety. The program maintains a hotline for reports and specialists are on call to respond to reported events. They are also responsible for program data processing/management, trainee supervision, communicating with the public and maritime community and administrative tasks. MAER also works closely with other CCS marine mammal research programs in the field and the lab, as well as collaborators locally and internationally. CCS is searching for level-headed candidates that can work calmly and problem solve under stressful conditions. All training will be provided. * Prerequisites:* · At least one year of at-sea work experience; · Excellent computer and communication skills; · Strong focus and attention to detail; · Ability to work and communicate well at sea and in a wide range of weather conditions; · Prior experience working with entangled animals, small boat handling and a background in science are preferred; · Applicants must be physically able to execute the work of the position. Weekends and scheduling flexibility required. This position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. It is open to citizens of the US and those authorized to work in the US. Interested candidates please submit cover letter, resume/CV, and two references to Employment(a)coastalstudies.org. *Deadline for applications is Friday April 12. * *No phone calls, please.* *The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.* *Diversity of opinions, experience, and backgrounds is a key asset.* Center for Coastal Studies <http://http;//coastalstudies.org> Valerie Daniels Human Resources Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657

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Seeking Expedition Assistants
by Sarah Tubbs (PGR) 08 Mar '24

08 Mar '24

Seeking Expedition Assistants Departure date: August 2024 Return date: November 2024 Duration: 10 weeks Expedition title: Conserving Cambodian Cetaceans Expedition description: This 10-week expedition will fill baseline knowledge gaps on population sizes and distribution of Cambodia's endangered and heavily threatened cetacean species. During this expedition, boat surveys will be conducted throughout the full Cambodian coastline. Findings will be used by resource managers to help shape effective management strategies. The expedition will be conducted by Newcastle University as part of PhD research led by Sarah Tubbs. The expedition is being conducted in collaboration with local NGO and government groups. Who we are looking for: We are looking to fill two positions for expedition assistants. The ideal candidates will be adventurous and hard-working, ideally with a keen interest in marine mammal conservation. Large amounts of time will be spent at sea during this expedition, therefore prior experience conducting at sea work is advantageous. Khmer applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are interested in these positions, please contact s.e.tubbs(a)newcastle.ac.uk<mailto:s.e.tubbs@newcastle.ac.uk> for full details of the expedition and details on how to apply. Please note, these are unpaid positions and there is a fee associated with the expedition to cover travel, accommodation and food costs. Scholarships are available for Khmer applicants.

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