April 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Bryde's whale swimming and acoustic behavior in Hawaiian waters
by Regina Guazzo 03 Apr '24

03 Apr '24

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the following open-access publication: Helble, T.A., Alongi, G. C., Guazzo, R. A., Allhusen, D. R., Martin, C. R., Martin, S. W., Durbach, I.N., & Henderson, E. E. (2024). Swimming and acoustic calling behavior attributed to Bryde’s whales in the central North Pacific. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, 1305505. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1305505 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1305505 Abstract: A unique acoustic call type was identified and attributed to Bryde’s whales in the central North Pacific in 2015, but little is known about the distribution, calling behavior, or swimming behavior of Bryde’s whales in the region. Acoustic detections attributed to Bryde’s whales were used to localize and track individual whales on the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. This study included 150 acoustically derived tracks from recordings spanning the years 2011–2022 with recording effort in nearly every month. Bryde’s whale movement was examined relative to calendar year, day of year, hour of day, wind speed, and acoustic calling rate. Hidden Markov models were used to identify two kinematic states (slower, less directional movement and faster, more directional movement). The findings indicate that Bryde’s whales were more likely to travel in a faster and more directional state during the daytime than at night and between May and August when compared to other times of year. The along-track acoustic cue rate was examined for 118 tracks, and the findings indicate a possible lengthening of the median inter-call interval over the duration of the study period. These results are an important first step in understanding more about behavior in Bryde’s whales, a relatively under-studied species. Please email Tyler Helble (tyler.a.helble.civ(a)us.navy.mil) if you have any questions about this work. All my best, Regina -- Regina A. Guazzo, PhD (she/her) Oceanographer and University Engagement Lead Whale Acoustic Reconnaissance Project (WARP) Environmental Readiness Branch, Code 56720 Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific Work Cell: 757-472-0957

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Announcement - 4th African Bioacoustics Community conference 1 - 6 September 2024
by African Bioacoustics Community 03 Apr '24

03 Apr '24

*Announcement:4th African Bioacoustics Community conference!* 1 to 6 September 2024 Breakwater Lodge, Cape Town, South Africa We are very excited to announce that the 4th African Bioacoustics Community conference is being held at the *Breakwater Lodge, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa* from the *1st to the 6th of September*. As in previous years, we anticipate that the conference will be of interest to marine mammal scientists. We will showcase bioacoustics research conducted on marine mammals in Africa and share how advancements in acoustic methodologies, including machine learning methods, are enhancing our capabilities in marine mammal research. We will also have a full day’s workshop on MANTA: Making Ambient Noise Trends Accessible, hosted by Prof Jennifer Miksis-Olds. For information on the conference please see our website: https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity We are seeking *plenary speakers focusing on marine mammal acoustics* for the conference, who are preferably *living and working* in *Africa*. Get in touch with us via our email address if you want to be considered for a plenary talk or you wish to nominate a plenary speaker: africanbioacoustics(a)gmail.com *Click* the* link* *below *to *submit your abstract* today to present a talk or poster at the 4th African Bioacoustics Community Conference! https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity/abstractsubmission *Abstract submission deadline is the 30th of April 2024.* Please get in *contact* with us via the email address below if you’d like to host a *workshop*: africanbioacoustics(a)gmail.com *Our website is live and registration is open!Click here to register: * https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity/registration You can still join us even if you’re not presenting! We greatly appreciate you joining us and look forward to your participation. --

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 02 Apr '24

02 Apr '24

*Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia * Khmer Ocean Life is a UK non-profit in partnership with local NGO Samaky Organisation in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of coastal cetacean species (Irrawaddy dolphin, Indo-pacific humpback dolphin), dugongs, and their habitats, through research, capacity building and outreach. Khmer Ocean Life was founded by two experienced marine mammal researchers and conservationists, with support from the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration. We are currently looking for marine mammal research interns to join the team from April 2024 onwards. * Project activities: * · observational land surveys · observational boat surveys with community fishers · photo-identification · social science · data entry, processing, and analysis · potential for aerial surveying using drones · turning findings into reports and articles for peer-review · responding to marine mammal strandings · social media and content creation · education and outreach *Basic internship training schedule* Session 1: Introduction to Khmer Ocean Life Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training Session 4: Marine vessel identification training Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training Session 6: Drone footage analysis training Session 7: Theory test Session 8: Photo ID training Session 9: Drone flight training You are also welcome to conduct your own research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay. *Internship requirements:* We are looking for dedicated, motivated, and hard-working interns that would love to join our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome, from University students, recent graduates, experienced conservationists and individuals who want to gain experience in marine mammal conservation. We are looking for those who can join us for a minimum period of one month and are happy to commit to early mornings for surveys. *Project site & fee description:* The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation is included in the fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume to Rose, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to *info(a)khmeroceanlife.com <info(a)khmeroceanlife.com>*

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NMFS/MMTD/SEFSC North Atlantic Right Whale Program Lead - ZP3/4 Research Fish Biologist FTE Vacancy Announcement
by Mridula Srinivasan - NOAA Federal 02 Apr '24

02 Apr '24

Dear Marine Mammal Colleagues: The *NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center's Marine Mammal and Turtle Division is looking for interested and highly qualified candidates (US Citizens Only) to serve as a Program Lead for coordinating North Atlantic Right Whale projects in the Southeast region. * Diverse candidates with extensive marine mammal research experience, including advanced analytical skills, project management, and leadership skills are highly desired. Candidates with advanced degrees (MS/M.Sc, Ph.D.) are encouraged to apply. This is a permanent federal position. The selected individual will oversee the SEFSC right whale research operations, including budget management, project tracking, and research plan development and execution. Job Announcement#(DHA): NMFS-SEFSC-24-12355841-DHA Apply here https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/784577800 *Important Reminders* The DHA announcement for the Research Fish Biologist, ZP-0482-3/4 position has been posted. The announcement will open on 4/4/2024 and close on 4/18/2024. Duty Stations: Miami, FL; Beaufort, NC; Pascagoula, MS. Telework eligible. - Please get a professional evaluation to obtain a U.S. equivalency GPA if you have a foreign degree. - Follow USA Jobs application requirements and provide a detailed CV instead of using the USA Jobs resume builder. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you, Mridula -- *_________________* *Mridula Srinivasan (Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Director, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/marine-mammal-and-turtle-division-sout…>)* *Atlantic IACUC Chair* *Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida* *NOAA Fisheries, Department of Commerce* *+1305.814.4526 (Google Voice)* *_______________________* *Special Advisor* *Office of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction (ASEOP)* *National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce* *+1202.308.3440 (Work Cell)* Executive Board Member NOAA AAPI ERG <https://sites.google.com/noaa.gov/oicr-erg-asian/home?pli=1&authuser=1> ****** I support flexible working arrangements and I am sending this email now because it suits the hours I am working today. Please do not feel obliged to reply right away as I understand and expect you to respond during your work hours. Thank you.

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Seeking Humpback Whale Scientist
by Valerie Daniels 02 Apr '24

02 Apr '24

*Position: Scientist, Humpback Whale Studies Program* *Full-time, year-round* The Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown, MA) is seeking a scientist for its Humpback Whale Studies Program. Since the 1970s, the Center for Coastal Studies has conducted population research in three oceans with a particular focus on the Gulf of Maine. The successful candidate will assist the Program Director in a wide range of research activities and program management. This position focuses on long-term studies of individuals by photo-identification and other techniques and requires extended time at sea and travel for fieldwork. We are particularly interested in candidates who hold a USCG Captain’s license and those with expertise in mark-recapture, population modeling, assessment of health and human impacts (especially related to large whale entanglement) or laboratory techniques relevant to program research. A Master’s degree or recent PhD and no less than five years of practical experience is required. Candidates must have strong technical and communication skills and be able to work well in a team setting. Anticipated salary range is $65k-$75k per year, commensurate with experience, plus benefits. Interested candidates should submit cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for two references to Employment(a)coastalstudies.org. Please include “Humpback Research” in the subject line of your submission. *Applications* *will be considered as received.* *Deadline for applications is Friday May 3. **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.* Valerie Daniels Human Resources Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657

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Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project - August-December 2024 Research Assistant Opportunity for Post-baccalaureates
by Meredith MacQueeney 01 Apr '24

01 Apr '24

*Background:* The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project (SBDRP) is seeking several dedicated research assistants for the upcoming field season (August 1st to mid-December 2023, roughly December 10th to allow for travel home before the holidays). The SBDRP is a long-term research project run in collaboration between Georgetown University, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and the University of Queensland. The SBDRP has been collecting behavioral, life-history, ecological, and genetic data on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia since the mid-1980s. This field season will focus on continuing our research on maternal investment and social learning, in addition to our routine long-term population monitoring efforts. For more information, please look through our website and publications (monkeymiadolphins.org) Field work is demanding and requires long hours both on and off the water, but the dolphin research is both fun and rewarding. Field assistants will gain valuable research experience and may have the opportunity to contribute to co-authored publications. Those interested in a STEM career, especially in behavioral ecology, marine mammalogy, marine science or evolutionary biology are encouraged to apply. It may be helpful to review our recent publications <https://www.monkeymiadolphins.org/publications-2/> to get a feel for our lab's work. *Timeframe:* ~5 months *Field site:* Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Monkey Mia is approximately 850 km north of Perth and is part of the largest World Heritage site in Western Australia. Our field site is beautiful, and is home to diverse wildlife such as sharks, rays, turtles, dugongs, whales, and of course, resident bottlenose dolphins. Monkey Mia is remote, but we do have amenities including electricity and running water, reliable cell phone service, and limited internet. Housing will be provided, and the research team will share cooking responsibilities in a communal kitchen and other domestic chores. *Job responsibilities:* Research assistants will help collect extensive behavioral data from the boat, including surveys and focal follows on individual dolphins. Boat work is dependent on weather, but even on windy days we need to be ready to pack up and quickly get out on the water if the wind drops. Days on the water can be consecutive, long, and tiring in variable environmental conditions. Days on land require extensive, and tedious, data entry and processing. *Most of your time will be spent:* · Searching for and spotting dolphins · Driving the boat · Scribing data during surveys and focal follows · Entering dolphin sightings and environmental data into the computer · Doing basic maintenance, equipment prep and cleaning *Qualifications:* The ideal candidate will be a graduating senior with a science background and a genuine interest in marine mammal science and behavior. This position is well suited for students of marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, ecology, genetics, or similar fields looking to gain additional analytical and field experience. Applicants must be able to work closely with a small team (3-6 people). We not only work together, but also live, cook, and eat together, so maturity, sense of humor, a positive attitude and a collaborative nature are critical. *The candidate must:* · Possess basic computer skills · Be detail oriented, flexible, level headed, and patient · Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills · Work well both independently and in a team · Be comfortable on a boat and working in a remote location · Be prepared to work long, consecutive days, including weekends · Field experience or experience working on boats is desirable, but not required The most essential qualifications are that you are flexible, conscientious, and hard-working, and are excited about the research. *Salary:* This is a paid position; research assistants will receive a modest stipend. All travel and living expenses (flights, visas, housing and food) will also be covered. We particularly want to encourage candidates from groups that are underrepresented in STEM fields to apply. *Eligibility:* - This position is not restricted to U.S. citizens, but travel support is limited for non-U.S. citizens/residents. - This position is open to applicants completing their bachelor’s degree in 2024. - Applicants who are currently enrolled or will have begun a graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) by August 1st are not eligible. - Applicants must be fluent in English. - Due to the nature of the work, all participants must be in excellent physical health and able to lift 20 kg (50 lbs). *Application: *https://forms.gle/L9e681jyf2FaCZij9 The form will be open from April 1th-April 16th 2024. The application will close at 11:59pm EST on April 16th; no late submissions will be considered. All applicants will receive notification of our decision no later than May 15th. Any questions can be directed to field season lead, Meredith MacQueeney, mem505(a)georgetown.edu. -- Meredith MacQueeney (She/Her) PhD Candidate, Department of Biology Georgetown University 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057 *** Please know that I honor and respect boundaries around personal time, well-being, caretaking, and rest. If this email finds you at a time when you are engaging in any of the above, please protect your time and wait to respond until you are next working.***

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New publication on evaluating tourism impacts to Florida manatees
by Eric Angel Ramos 01 Apr '24

01 Apr '24

Greetings MARMAM, I am pleased to share our newest publication on evaluating tourism exposure to manatees in Florida titled: “Evaluating wildlife tourism exposure to Florida manatees using citizen science, public interviews, and trail cameras” in the journal *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4140 *Abstract* 1. Wildlife tourism often focuses on marine mammals, and the growing frequency of human interactions raises concerns about the sustainability of these activities and their impact on aquatic species. Tourists have the opportunity to view the Florida manatee (*Trichechus manatus latirostris*) in various locations; however, the level of tourist activity in some areas and their effects on manatees are unknown. Preliminary studies are essential to assess whether these areas warrant additional regulatory and mitigation strategies based on tourism impact. 2. Here, we investigated tourism activity on a site often visited by small aggregations of Florida manatees. From 2022 to 2023, interviews, citizen science, and trail cameras were used to assess watercraft activity, tourist knowledge, and the educational practices offered by watercraft rental businesses at Portosueno Park, Florida, USA. 3. Both trail cameras and citizen science revealed that boats were the most common visitors to the park, averaging 23 watercraft visits per week. Interviews indicated that the majority of the public did not observe the posted signs addressing manatee harassment and were unaware of the prohibition against chasing manatees, the most frequently observed form of harassment at the park. 4. The methods used complemented each other to elucidate tourism activity and has the potential to inform outreach efforts and mitigation strategies. Please email the first author (Beth Brady biobbrady(a)gmail.com) to request the publication. Thanks! Best regards, *Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D.* Scientist at FINS (Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad) Member of the IUCN SSC Sirenian Specialist Group for Mesoamerica www.finsconservation.org <https://finsconservation.org/> E-mail: eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/ericangelramos> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/EricAngelRamos> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/eric.angel.ramos/> ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Ramos> | ORCiD <https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4803-3170> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-angel-ramos-aa9b4915/>

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JNCC MMO course (remote delivery) and online PSO course
by Carolyn Barton 01 Apr '24

01 Apr '24

There are spaces left on a JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters on 15th and 16th April 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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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 01 Apr '24

01 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, [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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Authors wanted for pinniped chapters of Handbook of Marine Mammals, 2nd ed.
by Thomas Jefferson 31 Mar '24

31 Mar '24

Dear MARMAMers, There is a clear need for an easily-accessible up-to-date, citable source that provides a comprehensive literature review of biological knowledge on all marine mammal species of the world. The first edition of the Handbook of Marine Mammals did an admirable job of solving these problems in the late twentieth century, but now, more than 22 years later, the need is again quite acute. This second edition of the Handbook of Marine Mammals is intended mainly to update the six volumes of the first edition, though we intend to extend it to seven volumes, to account for the increased number of species and knowledge on each. The general format of the books and of the chapters will be very similar to those of the first edition. I am leading this effort as the main editor, with Sam H. Ridgway included as my co-editor (posthumous contribution). The books will again be published by Academic Press/Elsevier. If you are interested in writing a chapter on any of the pinnipeds or sirenians for this series, please contact me. You will have several years to complete the chapter, so there is no rush. Thanks, Tom Jefferson Lead editor, Handbook of Marine Mammals, 2nd edition sclymene(a)aol.com

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