August 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

REMINDER: Abstract Deadline for the Tenth International Sirenian Symposium- Aug 15th
by nicole adimey 05 Aug '24

05 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM Community, This is a reminder that abstracts for talks and posters at the Tenth International Sirenian Symposium are due August 15, 2024. The Symposium is full-day event being held on Sunday, November 10, 2024 in conjunction with the Biennial Conference this November in Perth, Australia. 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 904-655-0730

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Seeking Right Whale Habitat Intern
by Valerie Daniels 05 Aug '24

05 Aug '24

*Right Whale Ecology Program* *Habitat Internship Announcement* The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal Right Whale Ecology Program intern from *January 06 - May 30, 2025*. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will assist the habitat research associate in the collection and processing of zooplankton in the field and lab. Fieldwork responsibilities include zooplankton collection through tow and pump techniques, marine observer, and environmental data collector. Lab responsibilities include zooplankton species identification and counts, plastics analysis, archiving samples, data entry and maintenance, and maintaining field equipment. Minimum Requirements: · A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences; · Good memorization skills and strong attention to details; · Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is preferred; · Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be prone to serious seasickness; · Must be able to live and work well in a team; · Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods; · Ability to work well under pressure. Preferred Qualifications: · Plankton identification; · Microscopy experience; · Vessel observer experience; · Not prone to seasickness; · A valid US driver’s license. The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of five full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions. The intern will often process zooplankton samples independently in the lab, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full five months and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a $15 hourly rate of pay to cover expenses. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques and zooplankton analysis; and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in boat-based research, zooplankton and environmental collections, plankton identification, plastic analysis, and data entry and analysis. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/. *How to Apply:* The application package should include *one pdf* that includes the following: 1) A cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals; 2) CV/Resume; 3) The names and contact information of three professional references. Application materials must be e-mailed to: *Employment(a)coastalstudies.org <Employment(a)coastalstudies.org>* with the following text in the subject line: *2025 RW habitat internship*. *Deadline for submissions: September 3rd, 2024.* *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.* www.coastalstudies.org Valerie Daniels Human Resources Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657

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Avian influenza outbreak among pinnipeds in southern Brazil
by Renan Lima 02 Aug '24

02 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce the publication of our new short note in Marine Mammal Science: Impacts and Lessons Learned from the First Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) Outbreak in South American Pinnipeds along the Southern Brazilian Coast Authors: Renan C. de Lima, Sérgio C. Estima, Maurício Tavares, Paula L. Canabarro, Silvina Botta, Liane A. Dias, Andrine P. da Silva, Derek B. de Amorim, Larissa R. de Oliveira Abstract: Last year, a significant outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza impacted the Atlantic coast following mass mortalities recorded in the Pacific. Our study details the first outbreak of this virus in South American pinnipeds along the southern coast of Brazil. We also discuss the lessons learned from managing this crisis and suggest standard practices, and areas of priority in advance of potential future outbreaks For those interested, the full text is available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.13163 Please feel free to email me at renancdl(a)gmail.com if you would like a copy. Kind regards, Renan -- *Renan C. de Lima, PhD* Postdoctoral fellow Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - EcoMega Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) Association of Polar Early Career Scientists - Brazilian Committee (APECS Brazil) - National Representative *Phone*: +55(53)99718994 | *e-mail*: renancdl(a)gmail.com *RG:* www.researchgate.net/profile/Renan-Lima-2 *ORCID*: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9311-7085

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Marine Mammal Veterinary Externship at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center; Laguna Beach, CA
by Dr. Kaylee Brown 02 Aug '24

02 Aug '24

Dear Colleagues, The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. As part of our mission of education, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center offers a 4-week externship for veterinary students that provides experience in marine mammal medicine, rehabilitation, husbandry, necropsy and research. Position: Veterinary Student Externship Location: Laguna Beach, California Duration: 4-weeks Dates: January 1st, 2026 - August 1st, 2026 Due Date: November 1st, 2024, or sooner; applications will be reviewed as received Description: The extern will work under the direct supervision of the veterinarians, as well as assist animal care staff and volunteers with daily care and feeding of the patients. Externs will participate in pinniped (and occasional cetacean) triage, physical examinations, medical treatments, anesthesia, biological sample collection, radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy and surgery depending on the needs of the patients at the time of their externship. In addition, externs will participate in live animal stranding response and necropsy, including pinnipeds and cetaceans. Externs will be required to complete a small project. Results will be presented to Pacific Marine Mammal Center staff and volunteers, with the potential of completing a research project that can be presented at a conference and/or published in a peer-reviewed journal. This is an unpaid position. Preference will be given to students who will be in their final clinical year of veterinary school at the time of the externship. Travel, transportation, and housing will not be provided and is the responsibility of the extern. Please note that housing in this area can be expensive and plans should be made accordingly. Requirements and Preferences: * Preference will be given to students in their final clinical year of veterinary school at the time of the externship * Must be able to lift 50 pounds, be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and maintain a safe work environment * Unpaid position: Travel, transportation, and potentially housing will be the student's responsibility * Hours and availability: 40 hours per week; must be available for after-hours emergencies, weekends and holidays * Preference will be given to those with marine mammal and/or research experience * Excellent communication skills * Ability to accurately and effectively complete medical records To apply, please include the below materials with PDF saved with the applicant’s last name: 1. Cover letter, including 3 preferred blocks consisting of 4-weeks (if the student schedule is completely open for several months, please indicate that as well) 2 Curriculum vitae and three professional references 3. One letter of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or clinical performance (these can be submitted to Hospital(a)pacificmmc.org directly from the writer) All materials should be submitted no later than FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1st, 2024: To: Hospital(a)pacificmmc.org Subject: 2025 Veterinary Student Externship Program Attn: Dr. Kaylee Brown Veterinarian Training — Pacific Marine Mammal Center (pacificmmc.org)<https://www.pacificmmc.org/advancedtrainingopportunities> Sincerely, Kaylee Brown, DVM and Alissa C. Deming, DVM, MS, PhD [cid:bbcfa478-b5cd-454b-9f07-d836fb0f822e]<http://www.pacificmmc.org/> www.pacificmmc.org<http://www.pacificmmc.org/> Kaylee Brown, DVM Associate Veterinarian O: (949) 494-3050 20612 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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New publication demonstrating that dolphin serum is geroprotective for arterial function.
by Yara Bernaldo de Quirós Miranda 01 Aug '24

01 Aug '24

Dear Colleagues, We are glad to announce a new publication entitled "*The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): A novel **model for studying healthy arterial aging"* *ABSTRACT:* Endothelial function declines with aging and independently predicts future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Diving also impairs endothelial function in humans. Yet, dolphins, being long-lived mammals adapted to diving, undergo repetitive cycles of tissue hypoxia-reoxygenation and disturbed shear stress without manifesting any apparent detrimental effects, as CVD is essentially nonexistent in these animals. Thus, dolphins may be a unique model of healthy arterial aging and may provide insights into strategies for clinical medicine. Emerging evidence shows that the circulating milieu (bioactive factors in the blood) is at least partially responsible for transducing reductions in age-related endothelial function. To assess if dolphins have preserved endothelial function with aging due to a protected circulating milieu, we tested if the serum (pool of the circulating milieu) of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) induces the same arterial aging phenotype as the serum of age-equivalent humans. We incubated conduit arteries from young and old mice with dolphin and human serum and measured endothelial function *ex vivo *via endothelium-dependent dilation to acetylcholine. While young arteries incubated with serum from mid-life/older adult human serum had lower endothelial function, those incubated with dolphin serum consistently maintained high endothelial function regardless the age of the donor. Thus, studying the arterial health of dolphins could lead to potential novel therapeutic strategies to improve age-related endothelial dysfunction in humans. *Link* to the full manuscript: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpheart.00464.2024?journal… The full manuscript will be in gold open access in the upcoming weeks. Kind regards, Yara Bernaldo de Quirós Assistant Professor Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria yara.bernaldo(a)ulpgc.es

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Call for voluntires Guafo Science 2024-25
by Guafo Science 01 Aug '24

01 Aug '24

*Announcement:* *Guafo Science research team is calling for volunteers for our project this Austral summer of 2024-25. We are* *seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist with fieldwork and data collection activities of wild South American fur seals at Guafo Island, Northern Chilean Patagonia. The field working season this year is between December 5th, 2024, and March 15th, 2025 with the possibility of starting on January 5th, 2025. The project responsibilities include capturing and restraining South American fur seal adults and pups and depending on volunteer skills and experience collection of blood, swabs, and feces, also daily monitoring and behavior analysis. Volunteers will also assist veterinary staff during Necropsies of fur seal pups following a standard protocol of sample collection. The work also includes helping with domestic tasks, keeping the campsite, and assisting with the work of the field laboratory (mainly helping with CBCs, blood smears, and osteological sample processing). Guafo Island is a pristine and large oceanic island with no permanent human inhabitants. During the prolonged fieldwork (2 to 3 months) communication is very limited and our campsite does not have electricity or running fresh water. The weather is cold, rainy, and windy with an average thermal sensation in the summer of 9 Celsius degrees. Qualifications and requirements for selection:* **Over 20 years of age.* **Health compatible with field activities.* **Tolerance to: long working hours (10 to 16 hours per day), extreme isolation (no communications, electricity, or basic services), navigation, and adverse weather conditions. * **Be able to integrate a multidisciplinary and international work group and maintain a healthy coexistence with the group. * **Intermediate (speaking and reading) level of Spanish & English. Work to be carried out in the field: * **Daily census and/or monitoring. * **Collection of environmental samples (e.g., feces, carcasses). * **Necropsies. * **Capture (re-capture), handling, and release of pups and adult females of southern fur seals. * **Laboratory analysis of samples. * **Creation of physical and digital databases. * **Interaction with the Guafo Island community (fishermen and Chilean Navy). * *Maintenance of the scientific station (cleaning, repairs, etc.). * **Habitation tasks (cooking, cutting firewood, collecting rainwater, etc.).* * Benefits for those selected: * **To get to know and live in a pristine place with unique biodiversity in the world. * **Training in fieldwork techniques (capture, monitoring, and laboratory) with fur seals. * **Opportunity to develop a professional internship and/or research proposal (undergraduate or graduate thesis).* **Meet, live, and interact with a multidisciplinary group of experienced professionals. * **Coverage of living expenses, transportation within Chile, and food during the duration of the fieldwork. To apply you must send a letter of interest (1 page max.) and your CV to:* *Dr. Diego Perez-Venegas: **guafoscience(a)gmail.com* <guafoscience(a)gmail.com> *Closing date: September 1, 2024* * Additional information about research projects at Guafo Island can be found at **http://www.guafoislandscience.com/* <http://www.guafoislandscience.com/> * or Instagram: @guafoscience Best Regards.* *Mauricio Seguel DVM, PhD, DACVP Assistant Professor Department of Pathobiology Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph, Canada**. * *Saludos. / Regards.* *Equipo / Team Guafo Science.* *Webpage: www.giafoislandscience.com <http://www.giafoislandscience.com>* *Intagram: @guafoscience *

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Job Opportunities (PhD/Postdoc fellow/Research assistant): Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab, City University of Hong Kong
by Prof. KOT Brian Chin Wing 01 Aug '24

01 Aug '24

Dear MARMAM group readers, The Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab (AAVL), at the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, is currently looking for multiple new research staff positions/PhD/Postdoc fellow candidate to join our growing aquatic animal health assessment team. The aquatic animal health assessment programme conducts research in Hong Kong and adjacent waters, as well as East Asian waters in collaboration with >10 partnered institutes, applying cutting-edge technologies such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, 3D surface scanning and unmanned aerial vehicle routinely, to assess the health of stranded and free-ranging aquatic animals like cetaceans and sea turtles. Using virtopsy techniques alongside conventional stranding investigation, our research focus is to investigate the biological profiles and diseases in aquatic animals, as well as to assess anthropogenic impacts on the survival and wellbeing of animals. Ultimately, we aim to enhance our understanding of aquatic animal health, providing sound scientific basis for effective conservation measures, and to guide policy and management decisions for the protection of the precious aquatic animals in Hong Kong and worldwide. Duties Assist in laboratory research works and handling research samples; assist in developing the tissue bank with the samples collected from stranded aquatic animals for postmortem examinations such as molecular and histopathological analyses; assist in the overall project logistics arrangements, virtopsy and conventional necropsy; support the logistic and record-keeping for the sea turtle stranding response programme; liaise and coordinate with other team members, departments and collaborators; collect, review and analyse data; support for science and management needs; assist in writing scientific manuscript and organising research activities; prepare and deliver presentations for stakeholder meetings, outreach activities, and biological opinions, and perform any other duties as assigned. Requirements A Master's/Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology/Veterinary/Biomedical Science or a related disciplines. Prior experience in marine conservation, aquatic animal stranding works and laboratory works (especially molecular phylogenetics) are advantages. Applicants should have the ability to do presentations for a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public; experience in publishing scientific research; ability to work in a diversified environment; ability to work independently in a mature manner and maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions; experience in handling animal carcasses comfortably; good record keeping, good time management and organisational skills; attention to details; willingness to learn and acquire new skills; ability to face the camera or in front of live audience(s) comfortably; ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and strict timelines are required. Good written and spoken English and Chinese (including Putonghua) would be an advantage. Occasional night duties or work on weekends/holidays may be required. Salary and Conditions of Service * Salary (for research staff and postdoc fellow) offered will be highly competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience, with fringe benefits include leave, medical and dental consultations at the campus clinic. * Studentship (for PhD candidate) offered will be highly attractive - annual stipend of HK$228,000 (approximately US$29,230) for a period up to three years, and a conference and research-related travel allowance of HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,280) for each candidate. Information and Application Further information on AAVL and the University is available at https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/staff/prof-brian-kot-chin-wing and http://www.cityu.edu.hk respectively. To apply, please submit application to Dr. Brian Kot directly for review, with cover letter and updated CV. Applications will receive full consideration until the position(s) is filled and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Please share this info with any potential applicants and feel free to contact me at briankot(a)cityu.edu.hk<mailto:briankot@cityu.edu.hk> with any questions. Warm regards, Brian Kot Ph.D. in Diagnostic Imaging, B.Sc. (Hons) in Radiography, Cert. (RPC), CAS (Forensic Imaging & Virtopsy) Assistant Professor Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences City University of Hong Kong T: (852) 3442 7681 E: briankot(a)cityu.edu.hk<mailto:briankot@cityu.edu.hk> W: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/staff/dr-brian-kot-chin-wing Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab Website: https://aavlab2014.wixsite.com/aavlab2014 Follow us at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAVLab2014 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aavlab2014 X: https://twitter.com/aavlab2014 Disclaimer: This email (including any attachments) is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential information and/or copyright material. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email and all copies from your system. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, reproduction, copying, distribution, or other form of unauthorized dissemination of the contents is expressly prohibited.

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New publication on epimeletic behaviour of a bottlenose dolphin in the Marmara Sea, Türkiye
by Arda M. Tonay 01 Aug '24

01 Aug '24

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new paper on Epimeletic behaviour of a bottlenose dolphin in the Marmara Sea, Türkiye has been published in the J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment as open access. Tonay, A.M., Güler, A., Dede, A., Öztürk Amaha, A., Bilgin, R. 2024. Epimeletic behaviour of a bottlenose dolphin in the Marmara Sea, Türkiye. J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 30(2): 160-167. You can view the article at: https://blackmeditjournal.org/vol-30-2024/vol-30-2024-no-2/epimeletic-behavi our-of-a-bottlenose-dolphin-in-the-marmara-sea-turkiye/ Abstract The first observation of epimeletic behaviour of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) was reported from the Marmara Sea, Türkiye. This behaviour was observed between an adult 'caregiver' of undetermined sex and a dead individual identified as an adult male based on images captured during the observation. The former individual did not leave the dead one's side for at least six days between 26 and 31 March 2024 over the distance of 7 km between Zeytinburnu and Yeşilköy, close to the south entrance of the İstanbul Strait in the Marmara Sea. When approached by a boat, the dolphin was seen to push the dead one away from the boat by attaching its dorsal fin to the dead one's fins or pushing with its head. Only 7 of the 96 recorded cases were among subadults or adults cetaceans in world oceans, and only two of these did not show sexual behaviour as in this case. This first and rare observation is a significant addition to our understanding of the behaviour of cetaceans in this region. 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 <mailto:atonay@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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