July 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 eDNA Workshop and Call For Abstracts
by Julia Clem 31 Jul '24

31 Jul '24

Dear MARMAM Community, We are excited to host the 3rd Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop at SMM2024 in Perth, Australia! A description of the workshop can be found here: https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/#1647455659326-59b2adc5-38db. If you are interested in attending, please register for the workshop at https://www.smmconference.org/workshops/. Unfortunately, we will not have the capacity to support virtual attendance. We are gathering information on participant interests and seeking abstract submissions for research presentations during the workshop. We invite those interested in participation and/or presentation to fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/rqyYAb3U1LeX9ZCJ8. Abstracts will be accepted until August 30th, 2024. Best wishes, Workshop organizers (Amy M Van Cise, Kim Parsons, and Julia Clem) -- Julia Clem PhD Candidate, Marine Biology University of Maine julia.sunnarborg(a)maine.edu | 952-657-6284

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Job Announcement - Director of Photo-Identification Research
by Rosie Seton 31 Jul '24

31 Jul '24

Dear MARMAM. We are seeking to fulfill the position of Director of Photo-Identification Research at Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. See details below. Please direct all applications or inquiries to their respective emails in the description. Thank you. Cheers, Rosie Seton. *Job Ad: Director of Photo-Identification Research* College of the Atlantic seeks a full-time Director of Photo-Identification Research (DPR) to join Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic’s longstanding marine mammal research program. The successful candidate will serve as the scientific lead for the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog, including authoring and co-authoring papers, reports, research projects, and proposals, and will work with the Allied Whale team to make decisions about how the catalog data should evolve and develop. The DPR represents the catalog and acts as the interface between the catalog and various national and international institutions within the conservation management community. They oversee database management, photo submission, and analysis while maintaining a strong, constructive, and collaborative relationship with all catalog contributors. Master’s or Ph.D. in marine mammalogy, marine biology, or related field with three-five or more years of experience required. At least three years experience in population/photo-identification research required. Expertise in SQL database and image management systems, and strong analytical, statistical, and coding skills, preferably in R is essential. A competitive salary, commensurate with experience, will include benefits, health, dental, and life insurances, retirement, vacation, and tuition relief for employee and dependents. A full job description is available at https://www.coa.edu/human-resources/job-openings/. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references electronically to Sean Todd, Director of Allied Whale, at lholzke(a)coa.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately with the goal of filling the position as soon as possible. General enquiries regarding the position can be directed to nahwc(a)coa.edu. -- Rosemary E. Seton, M.Sc. Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator Allied Whale Marine Mammal Research Program, College of the Atlantic 105 Eden St., Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA (207)-288-5644 (Office) or (207)-288-5015, Ext. 5682 (207)-266-1326 (Stranding Cell Phone) rseton(a)coa.edu http://www.coa.edu/alliedwhale

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Call to Alaska Marine Mammal Students
by SMM Student Alaska 30 Jul '24

30 Jul '24

Aloha kākou! The Alaska Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (AKSMM), 501(c)3, is looking for more students to join our chapter! We are a non-profit, and registered as a Student Chapter with SMM, that focuses on academic and professional development of students, both undergraduates and grad students, who study marine mammals. Historically, we have only had participants from the main three Alaska State universities, but we are hoping to broaden our scope and be more inclusive of all students who study marine mammals within Alaska. We meet monthly during the academic year for a variety of activities: professional speaker series, engagement/social activities, professional development seminars, and both domestic and international conferences. We also do fundraising to provide financial support to attend the Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conferences and for student research/travel grants. If you are a student within Alaska who studies marine mammals, if you don’t live in Alaska but research Alaskan marine mammals, or if you just want to get involved and learn more about marine mammalogy within Alaska, please reach out to us using the contact information below. We would love to see you at our back-to-school hybrid event next month! Jessie Hoffman AK Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy smmalaskastudent.wixsite.com/home <http://smmalaskastudent.wixsite.com/home> President - Jessie Hoffman, M.Sc. <mailto:jhoffman11@alaska.edu> Secretary - Chloe Kotik, M.Sc. <mailto:ckotik@alaska.edu> Treasurer - Juneau Chambley <mailto:jlchambley@alaska.edu> Donate to send AKSMM students to Perth <https://ascsm.betterworld.org/campaigns/send-aksmm-students-perth> for the Biennial SMM Conference!

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Job Opportunity: Marine Resource Protection Program Associate
by Jessica Morten - NOAA Affiliate 30 Jul '24

30 Jul '24

Greetings MARMAM community, The California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (https://www.californiamsf.org/) is hiring a full-time program associate to support the Marine Resource Protection Program, with a focus on whale conservation projects. See below for a summary and see this link for the full job posting <https://www.californiamsf.org/_files/ugd/2a8d79_0cd2fffd31c6415cb8738bd9955…> . Job title: Marine Resource Protection Program Associate Location of position: Fully remote, with preference to candidates in the San Francisco, Santa Cruz, or Santa Barbara regions in California Reports to: Marine Resource Protection Program Director Position classification: Full-time position Annual salary range: $60,000-70,000 + benefits Job summary: Through collaborative partnerships with groups like NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Resources Legacy Fund, the Volgenau Foundation, and California county air district agencies, California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF) has identified and implemented innovative programs focused on protecting marine species and ecosystems. CMSF provides project management, data analysis, and technical expertise in the development of monitoring, relationship-building, and policy required to conserve California’s precious marine resources. As part of this work, CMSF collaborates with county, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners to protect endangered whale species from human impacts, including ship strikes and entanglements. CMSF coordinates ongoing regional efforts to reduce the risk of vessel strikes and entanglements by providing support to NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries on whale conservation efforts in the west coast region. CMSF also promotes sustainable shipping practices through the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, which works to incentivize container and car carrier companies to reduce vessel speeds in key whale habitats to reduce the risk of ship strikes, prevent harmful air emissions, and decrease underwater noise. In addition, to inform Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) and whale conservation policy efforts implemented by NOAA, CMSF administers a large whale aerial survey program that monitors the distribution and density of large whales in the Santa Barbara Channel region. -- *Jessica Morten |* Marine Resource Protection Program Director California Marine Sanctuary Foundation <https://www.californiamsf.org/> Affiliate with NOAA Channel Islands <https://channelislands.noaa.gov/>, Cordell Bank <https://cordellbank.noaa.gov/>, Greater Farallones <https://farallones.noaa.gov/>, and Monterey Bay <https://montereybay.noaa.gov/> National Marine Sanctuaries 805-203-3186 *|* *jessica.morten(a)noaa.gov <jessica.morten(a)noaa.gov>*

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IMMS Animal Training Internship (Winter)
by Carrigen Manns 29 Jul '24

29 Jul '24

Hello! Listed below I have the information necessary for future applicants interested in the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies internship for this winter term. The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also complete a project during their internship, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Interested applicants must follow the directions listed on the website to apply. Interns must be: • 18 years or older. • A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. • Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. • Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. • Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. • Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. • Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. • Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. • Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. Please let me know if you have any quesitons, Carrigen Manns Animal Care Intern Coordinator IMMS-Gulport, MS

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Job Opening | Seattle Aquarium
by Jobs 29 Jul '24

29 Jul '24

Job Title: Bird and Mammal Supervisor The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Bird & Mammal Supervisor to join the Animal Care team. This position is responsible for all assigned husbandry duties of the Seattle Aquarium's bird and mammal population and the staff supervision of assigned Animal Care Specialists, Animal Care Technicians, Animal Care Evening Biologist, and temporary Animal Care Technician Assistants. This position will be caring for: sea otters, harbor seals, northern fur seals, North American river otters, various alcids and shorebirds, and fish and invertebrates which inhabit the bird habitats. May assist the Curator with the acquisition and disposition of new animals including internal approval, permitting, coordinating, and executing safe transport, quarantine, acclimation, and introduction to habitats. Ability to be organized, self-motivated, independent, and show a strong desire to complete projects. Preference given to candidates with a clear understanding of bird and marine mammal biology, water quality parameters/analysis, aquatic life-support systems, and marine and aquatic animal health. Interested candidates should upload a résumé to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm…

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New publication on passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals in Hudson Bay
by Veronica Coppolaro 29 Jul '24

29 Jul '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our recent publication on passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals in a proposed marine protected area of Hudson Bay. Veronica L.M. Coppolaro, Kaushik Gupta, Lisa Loseto, C.J. Mundy, and Marianne Marcoux. Seasonal and diurnal marine mammal presence in the proposed marine protected area of Southampton Island, Hudson Bay, Nunavut as revealed by passive acoustic monitoring. Arctic Science. e-First https://doi.org/10.1139/as-2023-0076 ABSTRACT Marine protected areas contribute to mitigating the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems. The waters of Southampton Island, Nunavut, Canada are under consideration to become a marine protected area, but baseline information of marine mammal presence and habitat use is lacking. This study represents the first passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals in this area, with data collected in 2018 and 2019. Bioacoustics analyses and generalized linear models were used to investigate species seasonal and temporal vocalization trends; infer behavior and habitat use from vocal cues; and explore vocal activity correlation with sea ice. Over a diel period, bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus (Erxleben, 1777)) and walruses (Odobenus rosmarus (Linnaeus, 1758)) were found to increase their vocal activity at night, whereas belugas (Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776)) mainly vocalized during daytime. Seasonally, bearded seals were recorded only during their breeding season at sea ice break-up, while walruses vocalized consistently throughout the open-water period outside their breeding season. Beluga vocal trends suggest their use of the area as a migratory corridor during sea ice break-up and freeze-up. Finally, bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus Linnaeus, 1758) were recorded later than expected, concurrently with the onset of their mating vocal displays during the fall migration at sea ice freeze-up. Best wishes, Veronica L.M. Coppolaro ___________________________________________ Veronica Coppolaro Station Leader at "Dirigibile Italia" Arctic Research Station Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP - CNR) PhD Candidate Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS) Arctic Science Partnership (ASP) 463 Wallace Building 125 Dysart Road University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 [cid:5b4890c4-d46d-4364-b01a-16a53e6fa491] ___________________________________________ Our working hours may not be the same. Please don’t feel the need to respond outside of your working schedule. | Nos horaires de travail ne sont pas forcément les mêmes. Ne vous sentez pas obligé de répondre en dehors de vos heures de travail. | I nostri orari lavorativi potrebbero essere diversi. Non sentitevi obbligati a rispondere fuori dal vostro orario di lavoro.

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