June 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

U.S. Marine Mammal Commission Fiscal Year 2023 Funding Opportunity
by Dee Allen 10 Oct '24

10 Oct '24

The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission will be accepting proposals until Wednesday, April 12, 2023 for projects focused on understanding marine mammal population health in a changing climate. Funding requests are limited to $60,000 USD. Marine Mammal Health in a Changing Climate The Marine Mammal Commission's mission, as defined by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), is to ensure that marine mammal populations are restored and maintained as significant functioning elements of healthy marine ecosystems. However, numerous stressors, including pollution, habitat loss, overfishing and fisheries bycatch, noise, and vessel traffic, threaten both the health of marine mammals and the health of marine ecosystems of which they are a part. In addition, climate change is leading to warming seas, extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and shifts in range and abundance of many marine species and infectious agents, all of which can disrupt ecosystem processes and function, including impacts on the health of marine mammals. For example, some viruses and bacteria that cause disease in marine mammals and other marine wildlife have increased in prevalence or been detected outside of their previously documented range; harmful algal blooms (HABs) that produce dangerous toxins have become more frequent and extensive; increased freshwater discharge from terrestrial sources has dropped salinity in coastal waters and led to marine mammal unusual mortality events; and changes in prey distribution, nutritional quality, or availability are impacting body condition, growth, reproduction, and survival of some marine mammal species. Monitoring the health of populations may provide an early warning of emerging issues prior to observable changes in vital rates or abundance, and may also provide insight into the underlying causes of a population decline. Increased capacity to detect changes in marine mammal population health and understand the underlying factors and processes contributing to those changes is critically needed to be prepared to respond to and mitigate impacts related to changing marine ecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change. We are seeking proposals for projects that: Further our understanding of how environmental factors affect marine mammal population health. In this context, we define "population health" as the distribution of health indicators or outcomes in a population or subset of a population. Health indicators could include a single measure or aggregate measure of body condition or energy stores, organ status, immune status, sublethal injury from trauma or human interaction, or infectious disease. Projects that use long-term data or archived time-series samples are welcome, as are prospective studies, or projects that provide innovative tools for assessing health indicators to support long-term surveillance into the future. We are particularly interested in learning about changes in population health driven by climate change, and encourage proposals that investigate how environmental factors that will be affected by a changing climate, such as prey availability or nutritional quality, HAB toxins, pathogens, temperature, or salinity, influence health of marine mammals. Proposals that increase the inclusion or representation of people from underserved groups in marine mammal research, management, or conservation are strongly encouraged. Eligibility: Applicants from both within the U.S. as well as outside the U.S. are eligible to apply, including both non-U.S. citizens and those affiliated with non-U.S. institutions. Proposal deadline: Wednesday, April 12th 2023 11:59pm EDT Applicant notification: by Monday, July 31st 2023 Proposals should be submitted electronically to the Marine Mammal Commission e-mail address: rpo(a)mmc.gov<mailto:rpo@mmc.gov>. Please be sure to reference both the Current Funding Opportunities as well as the Proposal Requirements web pages prior to submitting proposals. More details can be found on the Commission's webpages below: Current funding opportunities: https://www.mmc.gov/grants-and-research-survey/current-funding-opportunitie… Proposal requirements: https://www.mmc.gov/grants-and-research-survey/current-funding-opportunitie… Dee Allen Scientific Program Officer Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814-4498 301-504-0087 dallen(a)mmc.gov<mailto:dallen@mmc.gov> Follow us on Twitter: @MarineMammalCom Visit us online: www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov/> The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government. [cid:image001.jpg@01D8EFB8.F3F96B60]

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Job opportunities in Maine, USA
by Summers, Erin L. 27 Sep '24

27 Sep '24

Hello Marmam Community! I wanted to let you know about new job opportunities at the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) within the Division of Marine Mammal Research. All positions are open until May 1, 2024. They are listed as “Limited Period” but funding for them is expected through at least 2028. For more information on the positions and how to apply, please visit https://www.maine.gov/dmr/about-us/jobs or contact Erin Summers at erin.l.summers(a)maine.gov<mailto:erin.l.summers@maine.gov>. Marine Resource Scientist II – Survey Program Project Lead This position will be leading visual survey projects in the Gulf of Maine using boat-based and aerial survey methodologies. Surveys will be focused on documenting the distribution of North Atlantic right whales but will record other wildlife encountered by the surveys. Marine Resource Specialist II – Survey Program Research Assistant This position will be participating on visual survey projects in the Gulf of Maine using boat-based and aerial survey methodologies. Surveys will be focused on documenting the distribution of North Atlantic right whales but will record other wildlife encountered by the surveys. Marine Resource Scientist II – Habitat and Zooplankton Lead This position will be leading habitat and zooplankton sampling programs in the Gulf of Maine with the primary goal of understanding the dynamics of Calanus finmarchicus, the primary prey item for North Atlantic right whales in this region. Marine Resource Scientist I – Gear Team Research Project Lead This position will lead research projects on the DMR Gear Team focused on collecting data on alternative fishing gears, including on-demand or ropeless gear, and subsea gear location technologies on both agency and commercial fishing vessels. Marine Resource Specialist II (3 positions available) – Gear Team Field Technicians There are three positions available in this job classification on the DMR Gear Team. These positions will work directly in the field with commercial fishermen testing alternative, including on-demand or ropeless gear, collecting associated data, and providing training and demonstrations. Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows

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Reminder - UF Fall online aquatics courses - Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues and Marine Mammal Biology
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 09 Aug '24

09 Aug '24

Hi All, Registration is still open for Fall 2023. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues and Marine Mammal Biology courses, fully online. Classes start Wednesday August 23rd and run through Wednesday, December 6th. * Registration will remain open through Aug 29th. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues Class (VME-4012, VME-6010) is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled at any College or University can take this course. Marine Mammal Biology (VME-6014) is an online graduate course that will provide graduate students with a detailed overview of marine mammal species including cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds, mustelids, and ursids. Each module will broadly explore a particular ecological, biological, or physiological theme related to the study of marine mammals, including taxonomy and biodiversity, diving physiology, thermoregulation, foraging ecology, and reproduction as well as the many conservation and management issues faced by different marine mammal species. *These classes are also available at the graduate level within our Care & Conservation of Aquatic Animals graduate certificate* For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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SMM2024 Workshop Announcement - Nicole Adimey
by nicole adimey 11 Jul '24

11 Jul '24

Dear MARMAM Community, Please join us for the Tenth International Sirenian Symposium! This full-day event will be hosted in association with the Biennial Conference this November in Perth Australia on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. If you are interested in attending please register at the pre-conference workshop webpage at: *https://www.smmconference.org/workshops <https://www.smmconference.org/workshops>*. This Symposium will be an entire day dedicated to international collaboration, networking and mentorship among those interested in Sirenian research and conservation. Objectives for the Symposium include: supporting collaboration and building Sirenian networks among scientists across Sirenian Range States (the >80), especially in the 70+ developing countries, disseminating new Sirenian science, addressing current and emerging threats and promoting mentoring for students interested in marine mammal science and conservation. Presentations may include human interactions, physiology, monitoring applications, modeling, genetics, captive care and rehabilitation, management, general biology, stranding response and education/outreach. The agenda will include full length presentations, speed talks, a poster session, an update from the Sirenian Specialist Group and time allotted for networking. Those interested in presenting research (either poster or talk) should submit an abstract by August 15, 2024. For further information email to Nicole Adimey at: *adimey22(a)gmail.com <adimey22(a)gmail.com>.* Preference will be given to speakers from developing countries and those talks addressing the conference theme 'Culture and Conservation: Fishing for Change'. Researchers are encouraged to present novel work and how it contributes to Sirenian conservation and supports regional initiatives or current management challenges. ----------------------------------- Nicole Adimey adimey22(a)gmail.com 904.655.0730 -- Nicole Adimey 904-655-0730

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Update to SOCPROG
by Hal Whitehead 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

A new and updated version of SOCPROG, SOCPROG2.9 (both compiled and uncompiled downloads) is available at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/SOCPROG/social.htm SOCPROG is a MATLAB-based package of programs for the analysis of animal social structures, movements and populations. The compiled version does not need MATLAB itself. This version is compatible with MATLAB2018b (although it will likely work well on recent and soon-to-be-released versions of MATLAB). It fixes a few bugs and adds functionality compared to previous versions (especially association complexity). Thanks Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada

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New Publication: "Imitation of computer-generated sounds by wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis)"
by Adam Pack 28 Jun '24

28 Jun '24

Aloha Friends and Colleagues, My co-authors and I are delighted to share with you the publication of our article "*"Imitation of computer-generated sounds by wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis)"* in the journal *Animal Behavior and Cognition*. The paper is available online at https://www.animalbehaviorandcognition.org/article.php?id=1370 and the citation and abstract are pasted below. For correspondence about the paper, feel free to contact lead author Dr. Denise Herzing at dlherzing(a)gmail.com. Wishing everyone good health, happiness and peace, Adam Herzing, D. L., Pack, A. A., Delfour, F., Starner, T., Mason, C., Gilliland, S., Ramsey, C., & Kohlsdorf, D. (2024). Imitation of computer-generated sounds by wild Atlantic spotted dolphins (*Stenella frontalis*). *Animal Behavior and Cognition, 11*(2), 136-166. https://doi.org/10.26451/abc.11.02.02.2024 Since 1985 a community of wild Atlantic spotted dolphin (*Stenella frontalis*) have been observed underwater in the Bahamas. A human-worn, acoustic underwater two-way communication interface was developed and deployed from 2013-2016. Dolphins were exposed to an acoustic referentially based wearable underwater computer/interface. A model/rival system was used with dolphins and human participants during in-water sessions. Artificial and natural objects were labeled with computer generated sounds. Female juvenile spotted dolphins dominated the activity. Group size averaged seven dolphins for an average duration of 37 minute over 58 sessions. Of 243 video audio imitations and 56 Cetacean Hearing Augmentation Telemetry (CHAT) audio imitations, six potential response types were documented and measured. *Stand-alone* vocal contour mimics and Frequency *Modulated Contours* were the most common imitations. Within 5 sec of a computer-generated sound playing, of the 191 non-stand-alone vocal responses that were produced, 114 of them (59.7%) were judged as partial accurate matches, 3 of them (1.57%) were judged as non-matching partial imitations of a computer-generated sound, 67 of them (35.08%) were signature whistles, and seven of them (3.67%) were either non-signature whistle vocalizations or a mimic of the start or end tones. Thus, the majority of vocalizations produced by the dolphins within five seconds of a computer-generated sound were partial accurate imitations for the computer-generated sound played. Dolphins demonstrated both immediate and delayed vocal imitation and flexible attempts at imitation but did not show signs of a functional understanding of object labels. Atlantic spotted dolphins showed vocal flexibility in reaction to humans broadcasting computer generated sounds. -- Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Professor and Chair (Psychology) Departments of Psychology and Biology University of Hawai'i at Hilo 200 West Kawili Street Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 (Office Voice): 808-932-7082 (Email): pack(a)hawaii.edu (Faculty Webpage): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/faculty/adam-a-pack/ (UH Hilo Lab): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/faculty/adam-a-pack/marine-mammal-lab/ (Non-profit organization): https://thedolphininstitute.org/ Recent PBS Documentary Films: Humpback Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0_pvMeGVho Mystery of the Humpback Whale Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgEQ0TUjZh0 "Do or do not; there is no try." Yoda

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3rd Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop at SMM2024
by Amy Van Cise 28 Jun '24

28 Jun '24

Dear MARMAM, We are excited to announce the 3rd Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop <https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1647455659326-59b2adc5-38db> at the 2024 SMM Biennial conference, which will be held as a full-day workshop on Saturday, November 9. The 3rd Marine Mammal eDNA workshop will bring together early-career and established researchers interested in applying emerging techniques in environmental DNA (eDNA) to marine mammal species. Environmental DNA approaches to characterize organismal DNA from marine and freshwater have shown promise for accelerating marine conservation, especially for cryptic, rare, and logistically challenging species. Following the success of the first two eDNA workshops held at SMM, significant research effort has resulted in novel insight and growth of the field over the last two years. Researchers will share methods developments and lessons learned from recent eDNA work and explore priority areas for further development in the next two years. Participants will then engage in small-group discussion via breakout groups on relevant topics such as experimental design and best practices for eDNA sampling in the field, important considerations for eDNA sample processing, developing methods to move toward quantitative metabarcoding and data analysis, and developing methods for the use of eDNA beyond species detection – e.g. abundance estimation or stock identification, and others based on a pre-survey of participant interests. Throughout the workshop, we aim to broadly address both the challenges and opportunities that eDNA affords for marine mammal science. *Note that we are currently researching options for a virtual component, and will send a separate announcement if we are able to make this available.* We look forward to seeing you there! Warm Regards, Amy Van Cise, Kim Parsons, Julia Sunnarborg, Kristina Cammen, and Maggie Hunter <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: SAFS 216B 206-221-6118 Need to meet with me? Let's find a time <https://calendar.app.google/6S7FAok44L6n2TpF7>. Where is Amy? [Spring 2024 edition]** Monday: UW campus Tuesday: UW campus Wednesday: UW campus Thursday: hiding (focus day) Friday: UW campus **This is not exact. If you can't find me, shoot me an email and I will get back to you. "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin

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New publication: Best practices for sample collection, processing, and storage in the 'omics era
by Amy Van Cise 28 Jun '24

28 Jun '24

Dear MARMAM, My coauthors and I are happy to share a new review paper published in Marine Mammal Science that synthesizes current scientific literature to provide a set of guidelines for the field collection, processing, and long-term storage of biological samples for use in existing and emerging 'omics research techniques. Van Cise AM, AD Switzer, A Apprill, CD Champagne, PM Chittaro, NK Dudek, MR Gavery, BL Hancock-Hanser, AC Harmon, AL Jaffe, NM Kellar, CA Miller, PA Morin, SE Nelms, KM Robertson, IR Schultz, E Timmins-Schiffman, E Unal, KM Parsons. 2024. Best practices for preserving marine mammal biological samples in the ‘omics era. Marine Mammal Science 2024:e13148 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13148?af=R>. *Abstract:* The recent rise of ‘omics and other molecular research technologies alongside improved techniques for tissue preservation have broadened the scope of marine mammal research. Collecting biological samples from wild marine mammals is both logistically challenging and expensive. To enhance the power of marine mammal research, great effort has been made in both the field and the laboratory to ensure the scientific integrity of samples from collection through processing, supporting the long-term use of precious samples across a broad range of studies. However, identifying the best methods of sample preservation can be challenging, especially as this technological toolkit continues to evolve and expand. Standardizing best practices could maximize the scientific value of biological samples, foster multi-institutional collaborative efforts across fields, and improve the quality of individual studies by removing potential sources of error from the collection, handling, and preservation processes. With these aims in mind, we summarize relevant literature, share current expert knowledge, and suggest best practices for sample collection and preservation. This manuscript is intended as a reference resource for scientists interested in exploring collaborative studies and preserving samples in a suitable manner for a broad spectrum of analyses, emphasizing support for ‘omics technologies. A pdf copy of the paper can be found on ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381618745_Best_practices_for_colle…'omics_era>. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Warm Regards, Amy <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: SAFS 216B 206-221-6118 Need to meet with me? Let's find a time <https://calendar.app.google/6S7FAok44L6n2TpF7>. Where is Amy? [Spring 2024 edition]** Monday: UW campus Tuesday: UW campus Wednesday: UW campus Thursday: hiding (focus day) Friday: UW campus **This is not exact. If you can't find me, shoot me an email and I will get back to you. "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin

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Learning the “Right” way – sharing successes and lessons learned to aid in the conservation and recovery of the world’s right whale populations.
by Verena Gill 28 Jun '24

28 Jun '24

You can now register (https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/) for our SMM 2024 workshop "*Learning the “Right” way – sharing *successes and lessons learned to aid in the conservation and recovery of the world’s right whale populations." It will be an all-day workshop on Saturday 9th November at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. With this workshop, we aim to share the different tactics used for right whale recovery worldwide, discuss how to approach existing and emerging challenges, such as expansions in aquaculture and fisheries activities; changes in prey distribution; and how to successfully incorporate Indigenous Knowledge (IK) into conservation efforts. Sharing successes, failures, and future directions will be beneficial to scientists, managers, policymakers, and right whales themselves as threats to the species continue to evolve. This full day workshop will feature presentations on successful recovery and outreach efforts and integration of IK followed by discussions on challenges faced by all right whales (e.g., emerging aquaculture and renewable energy interactions) and proposed actions for addressing these challenges. The workshop will share successes, lessons learned, and future approaches to recovery of right whales, focusing on existing and emerging threats. The workshop will include a few presentations, a lot of discussion, and some planning of additional actions. Please let Verena Gill ( verena.gill(a)noaa.gov) or Alex Zerbini (alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov) know if you have questions, topics you would want to discuss, and if you are interested in presenting on your population of right whale. We look forward to seeing you all in November for the first ever global right whale gathering at SMM 2024!

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Employment Oppportunity Supporting NMFS of Protected Resources-Ocean Noise Reeduction
by BRUCE Morehead 28 Jun '24

28 Jun '24

Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support to the NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Office of Protected Resources (OPR) in Silver Spring MD. The employee will assist OPR on approaches to reduce ocean noise from vessels and other sound generating activities impacting marine mammals. This is a full-time position based on 40 hrs. /week with generous employee benefits. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts. Duties: * Support NOAA Program Offices to coordinate and build relationships with U.S. (Federal and non-Federal) and international partners to evaluate and support the development, incentivization, and use of quieter technologies for vessels (primarily shipping) and other sound generating activities (e.g., geological and geophysical surveys, offshore wind construction). * Work across NOAA programs, including NMFS OPR and National Ocean Service Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to ensure quieting efforts and actions are aligned and prioritized in consideration of the goals and objectives of applicable programs and mandates, including the Ocean Noise Strategy, NOAA regulatory authorities (e.g., Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act), international agreements, and the Advanced Sampling and Technology for Extinction Risk Reduction and Recovery initiative, among others). * Compile, organize, assess, synergize, and effectively communicate the best available science, as well as the policy and management actions of other agencies and governments, to inform the development of recommended actions for NOAA to better support quieting goals, both within its regulatory frameworks and more broadly, in assistance to Federal staff. * Review, evaluate, and compare, as assigned, acoustic models, research/monitoring plans, and quieting programs to support the quieting goals and duties indicated above. * Support the development and implementation of technical guidance, methods, and analytical tools for both internal and/or external use, to better forward the quieting goals of the agency Required Experience/Skills: A detailed understanding of the properties of underwater sound sources (biotic and abiotic), how their signals propagate in the environment (e.g., based on water depth, substrate, temperature), and the mathematical principles underlying how these sources and environmental properties inform transmission loss and sound propagation from specific activities (e.g., vessel operation, pile driving, geophysical sources). * Master’s Degree or higher in a physical science (e.g. acoustics, physics, engineering , oceanography and three years of relevant experience or PHD and one year of relevant experience * Experience handling and analyzing passive acoustic data, monitoring/analyzing acoustic data associated with underwater sound sources (e.g. vessels, air guns, pile driving). * Relevant research publications Start Date: To be Determined Location: Work may be performed offsite Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary: $34.00 to $38.00 per hour. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm…

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