April 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: polar bear diet and space-use strategies using fatty acid analysis
by Jenny Stern 26 Apr '24

26 Apr '24

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our new publication: Stern, Jennifer H., Kristin L. Laidre, Erik W. Born, Øystein Wiig, and Melissa A. McKinney. 2024. “Space-Use Strategies Drive Diet Composition of Baffin Bay Polar Bears.” Ecosphere 15(4): e4826. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4826 https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.4826 ABSTRACT: Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) depend on sea ice to hunt their ice-associated prey. However, climate-induced sea ice loss is leading to changes in space-use strategies of polar bears, with bears in some subpopulations spending more time on land or selecting alternative habitats. One such documented alternative habitat is glacier ice, which provides year-round access to prey, although the feeding habits of polar bears using glacier ice relative to those following the retreating ice and/or seasonally moving onshore are not known. Here, we use adipose tissue from polar bears (n = 104) from the Baffin Bay subpopulation live-captured in Northwest Greenland during the springs of 2009–2013 to investigate dietary patterns between space-use strategies inferred from satellite telemetry data, while considering demographic and interannual variation. Using quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) to generate diet estimates, ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) were estimated as the primary and secondary prey of Baffin Bay polar bears for all sex/age classes and sampling years, apart from a single anomalous year (2009) with a relatively high proportion of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhal (Monodon monoceros). While demographic and short-term temporal variation was minimal, fatty acid signatures and QFASA-generated diet estimates clearly differed between polar bears using coastal and offshore space-use strategies. “Offshore” adult females (n = 31), which make long-distance movements across the Baffin Bay pack ice, had high proportions of C22-chain length monosaturated fatty acids and diet estimates that included beluga, narwhal, harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and hooded seal (Cystophora cristata). “Coastal” adult females (n = 6), which remain resident at glacier fronts in Northwest Greenland year-round including during the sea ice-free season, consumed proportionally more ringed seals (+13%) and similar proportions of bearded seal, but essentially no beluga and narwhal or harp and hooded seal. Thus, space-use strategy is a driver of intrapopulation diet variability. As space-use strategies change with ongoing loss of sea ice habitat, our results suggest important ramifications for polar bear feeding patterns. Please feel free to contact me at jenny.stern1(a)gmail.com <mailto:jenny.stern1@gmail.com> if you have any questions. Best, Jennifer Stern — Jennifer H. Stern, PhD Candidate School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences University of Washington

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Intern Coordinator Position at Khmer Ocean Life, Cambodia
by Rose Ellis 26 Apr '24

26 Apr '24

Position: Intern Coordinator at Khmer Ocean Life The organisation: Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a non-profit organisation, registered in the UK (registration number 14857387), partnered with local NGO Samaky Organization in Kampot, Cambodia. KOL’s mission is to promote the conservation of Cambodia’s marine ecosystems and marine megafauna through encouraging and highlighting research, capacity building, outreach, and community collaboration. The project: KOL’s main focal species are the Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), and the dugong (Dugong dugon). The team consists of a small, tight-knit mix of international and local Khmer staff. Where: Kampot, Cambodia When: ASAP Preference will be given to Khmer candidates and those who can join for over six months. The intern coordinator is responsible for: - Recruiting and coordinating the interns and volunteers participating in the project - advertising, emails, interview calls, and onboarding - Assisting during all research activities - marine mammal land, boat, and aerial surveys - Assist with the training of the interns both during office work and fieldwork - using training presentations provided - Coordinate data entry and data proofing - Personal research project, based on feasibility - Assisting with marketing e.g. website updates and social media content creation - Building positive relationships and work effectively with international and Khmer team members and colleagues - Upholding organisation values to support biodiversity and conservation goals: Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Diversity, Transparency, Accountability, Animal Welfare - Work alongside the Khmer team in conducting outreach in schools - give marine lessons to children - Be responsible for the tidying schedule of the shared volunteer apartment Essential requirements: - Minimum age of 18 - Strong motivation to work in marine mammal research and conservation - Speak, read, and write in fluent English - Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent - Prior experience in marine mammal or boat-based surveys - Be prepared to spend many hours on a small boat and under the sun, able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore and offshore waters - Be prepared to spend many hours in the office (generally 6 hours per day) - Be sociable with a positive attitude - Good teamwork skills, and ability to work independently Desired requirements: - Degree or equivalent experience in marine science, or similar - Motivation to learn the local Khmer language - Previous experience managing volunteers or interns - Previous experience managing data - Previous experience living abroad, especially in a South East Asian country Other information: This position is unpaid but accommodation and a motorbike for personal use is provided. The intern coordinator will share an apartment with the interns. Successful applicants will be responsible for organising and paying for their travel arrangements to and from Kampot. How to apply: Send your CV and a cover letter (please indicate the preferred period, date of arrival and departure, previous experience and skills, and at least one reference contact) to rose.ellis(a)khmeroceanlife.com addressed to Rose Ellis, no later than 19th April 2024. Successful applicants will be contacted for a Zoom interview. For any further inquiry, please send an email to info(a)khmeroceanlife.com Rose Ellis and Sarah Tubbs Co-founders and Directors or Khmer Ocean Life @KhmerOceanLife <https://www.facebook.com/KhmerOceanLife/> https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/

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New publication on guiana dolphin (S guianensis) brain
by Kamilla Souza 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

Dear MARMAM Community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in Brain, Structure and Function, as part of the Special Issue: "Towards multi-modal, multi-species brain atlases". Avelino-de-Souza, K., Mynssen, H., Chaim, K. *et al.* Anatomical and volumetric description of the guiana dolphin (*Sotalia guianensis*) brain from an ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging. *Brain Struct Funct* (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-024-02789-1 *Abstract* The Guiana dolphin (*Sotalia guianensis*) is a common species along Central and South American coastal waters. Although much effort has been made to understand its behavioral ecology and evolution, very little is known about its brain. The use of ultra-high field MRI in anatomical descriptions of cetacean brains is a very promising approach that is still uncommon. In this study, we present for the first time a full anatomical description of the Guiana dolphin’s brain based on high-resolution ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging, providing an exceptional level of brain anatomical details, and enriching our understanding of the species. Brain structures were labeled and volumetric measurements were delineated for many distinguishable structures, including the gray matter and white matter of the cerebral cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, superior and inferior colliculi, thalamus, corpus callosum, ventricles, brainstem and cerebellum. Additionally, we provide the surface anatomy of the Guiana dolphin brain, including the labeling of main sulci and gyri as well as the calculation of its gyrification index. These neuroanatomical data, absent from the literature to date, will help disentangle the history behind cetacean brain evolution and consequently, mammalian evolution, representing a significant new source for future comparative studies. The full article is open access and available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00429-024-02789-1 Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have at kamilla_bio(a)ufrj.br Kind regards, -- *| Kamilla A. de Souza* Director of the Brazilian Neurobiodiversity Network Ph.D. in Morphological Sciences Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. *https://lattes.cnpq.br/0983547349106771* <https://wwws.cnpq.br/cvlattesweb/PKG_MENU.menu?f_cod=EBC24F10BBACA52C804813…>

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Alaska Dept Fish and Game seeking Wildlife Biologist 4
by Polasek, Lori K (DFG) 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game seeking an experienced high level wildlife biologist with an interest in marine mammal research and conservation with vision to lead a skilled team of scientists. The individual would ideally have experience in cetacean biology. The position will design, plan, coordinate and complete scientific publications for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Gulf and Bering Marine Mammal Program. The position will be posted for a month and closes on May 27, 2027. The full posting can be found here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/4484565/wildlife-biologi…

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Assistant Stranding Coordinator & Research Technician- Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network
by Mackenzie Russell 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN), located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated individual to assist with marine mammal stranding response and research in coastal Alabama waters. *Responsibilities* The Assistant Stranding Coordinator collaborates with the Stranding Coordinator, Veterinarian, staff, students, interns and volunteers to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings; collect consistent, high-quality data that are used to determine causes of strandings and death; support research projects; and engage in public education and outreach. Specifically, the position will help monitor a 24-hour stranding hotline; assist with and lead field stranding response; collect, archive and inventory samples; participate in necropsies; manage data and documentation, including writing reports; maintain equipment and ensure safe and clean lab conditions; assist with public outreach activities and volunteer coordination; contribute to research projects, conduct data mining, and data analyses. *Preferred qualifications* -Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program -Superior written and verbal communication skills in a professional setting, including ease of speaking to the public and responsible use of social media -Physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs and strong swimmer -Ability to endure long hours under harsh field conditions, including temperatures rangin 20°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects -Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships -Ability to work independently, think logically and apply problem-solving techniques -Knowledge and experience operating large vehicles, vessels up to 24’ and trailering (Applicant must obtain an Alabama vessel license and complete a DISL boating safety class within 6 months of beginning employment) -Experience with computer software such as MS Office, ArcGIS, and statistical programs -Prior experience with stranding response and necropsy (marine mammal or other relevant large-animal experience) -Familiarity with MMPA, NOAA/NMFS and USFWS stranding protocols The position is full-time for 1-year, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.This physically demanding position will include work on some nights, weekends, and holidays and on-call as necessary. Pay is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. Applicants must be eligible to legally work in the U.S. at the time of application. Interested applicants, please send a cover letter, CV, list of three references and date of availability to ALMMSN(a)disl.edu before May 20, 2024 to be considered. Application review will begin immediately and will continue until a successful applicant is chosen. DISL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from an inclusive pool of candidates without regard to identity information. Established in 2011, ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner that works in conjunction with NOAA’s NMFS and USFWS to respond to dolphin, whale and manatee strandings. ALMMSN responds to an average of 40 cetacean and 3 manatee strandings annually, including 1-3 live marine mammal strandings per year. More information about ALMMSN and the DISL Marine Mammal Research Program can be found at https://www.disl.edu/research/marine-mammal-research-program or by contacting ALMMSN at ALMMSN(a)disl.edu.

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New publication on Cuvier's beaked whale mass stranding in Northern Cyprus
by ARDA TONAY 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

> > Dear All, > > We would like to inform you that the new paper on preliminary findings on > Cuvier’s beaked whale mass stranding in Northern Cyprus has been published > in the J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment. > > The pdf copy is available online via the following link. > > Tonay, A.M., Aytemiz Danyer, I., Taşkaya, İ., Danyer, E., Öznur, N., Dede, > A., Gülçubuk, A., Yüzbaşıoğlu Öztürk, G., Hacıoğlu, S., Çanakcı, T., Amaha > Öztürk, A. 2024. Preliminary findings on Cuvier’s beaked whale mass > stranding in Northern Cyprus. Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean > Environment 30 (1): 1-19. > https://blackmeditjournal.org/vol-30-2024/vol-30-2024-no-1/preliminary-find… > > Abstract > > Cuvier’s beaked whales, Ziphius cavirostris, one of the regular cetacean > species of the Mediterranean Sea, are affected by underwater noise, mainly > shipping, naval exercise and seismic operations worldwide. Between 9 > February - 6 March 2023 but mostly in 9-10 February, at least 13 beaked > whales stranded in the northwest and west of the Cyprus Island in the > eastern Mediterranean Sea. This study presents the preliminary findings of > necropsy, histopathology and virology of six individuals and compiles > information on the present human threats in the region at the time of the > incident. Histopathological findings did not provide a clear result. > However, intense congestion was seen in both macroscopic and > histopathological examinations. The presence of undigested fresh squid in > the stomach is an indicator of sudden death. Besides, intravascular gas > bubbles in macroscopic examination were in line with the general findings > in previous studies on beaked whale strandings after they had died due to > military exercises. As a precautionary approach, activities generating > impulsive underwater noise need to follow the ACCOBAMS Mitigation Guideline > and if not they should halt particularly in areas where cetaceans presence > is known. In a further note, all the Parties of ACCOBAMS are expected to > refrain from conducting naval exercises involving sonar or underwater > bursts near "Areas of Particular Concern for Beaked Whales", taking into > account the ACCOBAMS resolution 5.13 of 2013 and urges the implementation > of underwater noise mitigation strategies in the fragile habitats of the > eastern Mediterranean Sea. > > > > Regards > > Arda > > > > *Arda M. TONAY Ph.D* > > *Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University* > > *Marine Biology Dep.* > > *Kalenderhane Mah. Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2* > > *Fatih 34134 İstanbul, Türkiye* > > *Tel: +90 212 440 0000/20159 Fax: +90 212 **440 0232* > > *atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr <atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr> > http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ <http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/>* > > > > *Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV)* > > *P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, 34820 İstanbul, Türkiye* > > *Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771* > -- *Yasal Uyarı:* Bu elektronik posta, **buradan* <https://bilgiislem.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/e-posta-yasal-uyari-e-mail-dis…> *ulaşabileceğiniz Koşul ve Şartlara tabidir. *Disclaimer: *This email is subject to the Terms and Conditions available *here.* <https://bilgiislem.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/e-posta-yasal-uyari-e-mail-dis…>

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Job Announcement: Seeking a seal and sea turtle rehabilitation biologist
by Connie Merigo 25 Apr '24

25 Apr '24

The National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay, MA, is hiring a Biologist II to rehabilitate sick and injured seals and sea turtles. Please see below for the position description and details. Job Description Title: Biologist II Supervisors: Animal Care Director Status: Full-time, 1.0 FTE Including alternating weekends FLSA Exempt: Yes SUMMARY: Working with the Animal Care Director, Veterinarian(s), and other Animal Care staff, this position is responsible for all aspects of animal care and husbandry for seals and sea turtles, including maintaining the facility and life support systems and helping to train and supervise animal care volunteers and interns. RESPONSIBILITIES Animal Care (~0.8 FTE): * Under the direction of the Animal Care Director, implement all aspects of animal husbandry at the National Marine Life Center. * Handle and restrain seals, sea turtles, and native turtles. * Prepare animal diets and feed, including tube feeding seals. * Assist with medical care of patients, including administering oral, SQ, IM, and IV treatments; treating wounds; performing routine medical exams, blood work, and radiographs. * All husbandry duties, including hospital cleanliness. * Perform all related laboratory work, including water quality testing, in-house blood and sample testing, and sending samples out for analysis to outside laboratories per established protocols. * Ensure proper record-keeping, including animal medical charts, water quality records, facility logs, drug logs, and other necessary documentation. * Assist or perform necropsy examinations as assigned including scheduling, assisting, taking and managing samples, and photo and data management according to accepted protocols. * Train, supervise, manage, and maintain good relations with and communication with animal care volunteers and interns. * Assist with maintaining NMLC’s native turtle program, including volunteer scheduling and training, volunteer supervision, animal husbandry, and reporting. * Assist with maintaining the supply inventory; order animal care, medical, husbandry, and facilities supplies as needed or directed. * Assist with data collection for reports to appropriate agencies as assigned, including NOAA, USFWS, and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. * Data management for internal databases and external databases including the National Database (for marine mammal stranding information) and the STSSN Database (for sea turtle stranding information). Marine Life Support Systems (~0.2 FTE): * Manage the facilities and life support systems, including tank maintenance, hospital equipment maintenance, daily cleaning and upkeep of filtration systems, and general cleaning and restocking. * Troubleshoot and resolve issues. * Schedule and coordinate contractors for installation, repair, and servicing of systems. * Operate pump house equipment including drawing in sea water, discharging sea water and general upkeep. Other Responsibilities (as needed) * Manage and assist with facilities and maintenance projects such as painting, enclosure repair, and building new enclosures. * Support obtaining photos and videos for social media or other organizational needs. * Deliver on- and off-site educational programs to the public and to community groups. * Represent NMLC at fairs, festivals, and other public events. * Assist with general office and building duties, including cleaning. * Additional duties as required. REQUIREMENTS: * Minimum 3 years full time staff level experience rehabilitating seals required. * Minimum 3 years clinical experience triaging and rehabilitating sea turtles required. Mass casualty sea turtle experience preferred. * Experience maintaining life support systems required. * Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or veterinary technician experience required. High school diploma or GED required. * Must be able to calculate drug doses, perform medical treatments, follow established medical protocols, and collect diagnostic samples and data. * Must demonstrate ability to work well with others, including staff, board, volunteers, and interns. * Must be available and willing to work weekends and holidays. * Must demonstrate good written and oral communication skills. * Must possess a valid driver’s license. * Experience with stranding response and/or necropsies a plus. * Experience with education and fundraising a plus. * Must be comfortable using standard office computer software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail, databases, and internet). * Must be able to endure some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as medical equipment and boxes of medical supplies. The work may require specific but common physical characteristics and abilities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, above-average agility, and dexterity. To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to careers(a)nmlc.org<mailto:jobs@nmlc.org>. Position opened until filled, only qualified candidates will be contacted. Connie Merigo President & Executive Director National Marine Life Center P.O Box 269 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 Phone:(508)-743-9888

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Call for Marine Carnivore Aquatic Maneuvering Footage
by Leahy, Ariel 24 Apr '24

24 Apr '24

Dear MARMAM Community Members, I am a PhD candidate working on a project comparing the aquatic maneuvering behaviors and biomechanics of five families of marine carnivorans: Ursidae, Mustelidae, Phocidae, Otariidae, and Odobenidae. I am looking to supplement my current dataset with opportunistically collected video footage of marine carnivores performing natural aquatic maneuvers, (e.g., turning, rolling, and leaping/porpoising) underwater or at the water’s surface. I am interested in videos of both captive and wild animals. If you have collected videos like this that you’ve taken as part of your research, education, and/or outreach activities, I would appreciate the opportunity to see if they can be included in my study. If you have footage you are willing to share, you can email me directly (ari_leahy1(a)baylor.edu<mailto:ari_leahy1@baylor.edu>) or share access via a cloud storage folder. I will always provide due credit in presentations/publications, so please include in all file names (1) species, and (2) specifications for how the footage should be credited. If you have any reservations about footage usage (i.e., okay for biomechanical analysis, but not okay for presentations/figures/etc.), please include that information with the files and/or we can schedule a time to discuss project goals and video usage. Thank you for your assistance! Take care, Ariel Leahy ari_leahy1(a)baylor.edu PhD candidate, CEAL Lab Baylor University, Waco, TX Ariel Leahy Ph.D. candidate | CEAL lab | Baylor University Graduate Assistant | Biology M.S., Biology 2020 | Liquid Life Laboratory | West Chester University she/her/hers

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Nrcropsy workshop
by Jauniaux Thierry 24 Apr '24

24 Apr '24

Dear colleague, Necropsies allow to identify cause of death and at the level of population highlight the main threats and then the necropsy is a tool for protection and conservation strategies. Few scientists are trained for marine mammals dissection and samplings. For that reason, every year a necropsy workshop is organized at the Department of Pathology (Liege University, Belgium. In 2024, the 17th annual marine mammal necropsy workshop is organized by the Department of Veterinary Pathology (University of Liege, Belgium), in collaboration with the Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics LAB (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain), the UMS Pelagis, Centre de Recherche sur les Mammifères Marins (University of La Rochelle, France), Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Germany) and the department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, (University of Padova, Italy). The main goal of this workshop is to train experts biologists and veterinarians on cetaceans postmortem investigations and tissue sampling in order to gain information on possible threats for marine mammals conservation. For these reasons, the objectives of the workshop are: (1) Provide training in marine mammal necropsy procedures, data collection, and tissue sampling techniques. (2) Acquire insights into potential threats facing marine mammals. (3) Promote harmonization to enable regional analysis and interpretation of findings. (4) Explore the integration of new technologies and to develop and implement telenecropsy and online consultations with marine mammal health specialists. The workshop is organized in two steps: - May 13: on-line webinar on dissection and sampling procedures: compulsory to participate at the on-site necropsy workshop. - July 9-11: on-site necropsy workshop. The number of attendees is limited to 20, in order to pair off participants under the supervision of experts in marine mammals post-mortem. Necropsy and sampling equipment will be available and personal protective equipment (rubber boots, latex gloves, mask and adequate laboratory coats) will be provided. Program (details at the 2nd announcement) Morning session: face-to-face and online lectures; Afternoon: necropsies Place: Dept of veterinary pathology, Sart-Tilman B43a, 4000 Liege, Belgium Language: English with possible translation in French Registration : Registration fees are 240 euro and deadline for registration is May 10, 2024 by email to Thierry Jauniaux t.jauniaux(a)uliege.be<mailto:t.jauniaux@uliege.be> JAUNIAUX Thierry DVM, PhD Associate Professor Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine (Wildlife Population Health) +32477252302 Si vous recevez un message via une liste de diffusion évitez, dans la mesure du possible, de répondre à toute la liste If you have received a message by a mailing list, please avoid, when possible, to answer to all the list

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 24 Apr '24

24 Apr '24

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May to end of November 2024. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, commercial dolphin watching boats and from the shore. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals; - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2024 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in AIMM field station; - Transportation to/from the marina; - All meals at home (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork; - Theoretical classes. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Thank you, <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/> [image: Logo AIMM] <https://www.aimmportugal.org/> Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* m: (00351) 915013285 e: interns(a)aimmportugal.org www.aimmportugal.org <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8jcTONJZsvaQ3tZiQtRFNQ> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aimm-portugal---marine-environment-researc…> <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/>

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