September 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: How low can you go? Exploring impact of drones on haul out behaviour of harbour - and grey seals
by Emilie Stepien 02 Sep '24

02 Sep '24

Dear colleagues, We are excited to announce our latest open access publication, “How low can you go? Exploring the impact of drones on haul-out behaviour of harbour and grey seals,” now available in Frontiers in Marine Science. Stepien EN, Khan J, Galatius A and Teilmann J (2024) How low can you go? Exploring impact of drones on haul out behaviour of harbour - and grey seals. Front. Mar. Sci. 11:1411292. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1411292 Abstract: Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have emerged as valuable tools for wildlife monitoring, offering potentially non-intrusive observations in challenging terrains like marine ecosystems. Despite their potential, widespread use is impeded by regulatory constraints, especially in protected areas. This study aims to assess the impact of varying flight altitudes and flight approaches of two commercial drones on the behaviour of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and compare to existing findings for marine mammals. We conducted a comparative analysis of the response to flight altitude from 70 m gradually descending to 10 m and two different flight approaches between the DJI Phantom 4Pro and the Autel EVO II RTK drones in the Danish part of the Wadden Sea. We found varying responses, where species-specific sensitivity and environmental conditions appeared to influence the behavioural reactions of the seals. Our results reveal that seal reactions to drones are complex and depend on several factors, such as flight altitude, drone model, received noise levels, approach, weather conditions, the animals’ annual cycle, and geographic location. The outcomes hold significance for refining regulatory policies governing drone flights in protected marine environments, balancing conservation efforts with technological advancements in wildlife monitoring and ensuring undisturbed observations of seals. Kind regards Emilie Nicoline Stepien Department of Ecoscience - Marine Mammal Research 2 Aarhus University, Denmark

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New Publication: Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics of Lobodon carcinophaga in Danco Coast, Antarcticat
by Laura Prosdocimi 02 Sep '24

02 Sep '24

Dear MARMAM, My co-authors and I are pleased to share ournew publication titled: Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics of Lobodon carcinophagain Danco Coast, Antarcticat. Prosdocimi, L.,Ibañez, E. A., Gariboldi, M. C., Negrete, J., Bobinac, M., Cappozzo, H. L.,& Túnez, J. I. (2024). Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics of Lobodon carcinophaga in DancoCoast, Antarctica. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 34(9), e4246. Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics of Lobodon carcinophaga in Danco Coast, Antarctica | | | | | | | | | | | Genetic Diversity and Population Dynamics of Lobodon carcinophaga in Dan... The crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophaga) is the most common Antarctic seal; however, it remains understudied re... | | | Abstract: The crabeaterseal (Lobodon carcinophaga) is the most common Antarctic seal; however, itremains understudied regarding genetic aspects. This research examined thegenetic diversity and population dynamics of the Danco Coast population in the AntarcticPeninsula and compared it with the Western Antarctica population. Twenty novelhaplotypes were identified, revealing a stable population phase and a briefexpansion. The high genetic diversity aligns with those found in similarspecies and environments. Historical population dynamics correlate withPleistocene climate shifts, shedding light on climate change's impact onAntarctic ecosystems. This study increases our understanding of Antarctic sealspecies, contributing to the region's guidelines to improve environmentalconservation policies in the Antarctic sector. Best, Dra. Laura ProsdocimiLaboratorio de Ecología, Conservación y Mamíferos Marinos (LECyMM)Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales (MACN-CONICET) Av. Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), CABA Buenos Aires, ArgentinaMarine Turtle Specialist – IUCN/SSC -MTSG www.researchgate.net/profile/Laura-Prosdocimi | | | | | | | | | | | Laura PROSDOCIMI | Research assistant | PhD | Research profile PhD in Biological Sciences with a specialization in population genetics of Sea Turtles. Since 2003, she has been... | | |

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MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP
by Gabbie Nicoletta 01 Sep '24

01 Sep '24

MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) is now accepting applications for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Internship for the Winter 2024-2025 session. The application deadline is October 1, 2024. The internship session will run from the first week of November 2024 through the first week of March 2025. Animal Care Responsibilities: Depending on need, case load, and time of year, interns may assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including seals, sea turtles, and a variety of native turtle species. Animal Care duties may include animal restraint; cleaning; disinfecting tanks, equipment, and environmental enrichment devices; diet preparation; administering feeds (including tube feeding); record keeping; facility maintenance; and water quality testing. Interns may also assist animal care staff with medical procedures, admission exams, animal necropsies, and release events. Education Responsibilities: There may be opportunities for interns to assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, fairs, and/or festivals. Programs would focus on marine animals, rehabilitation practices, conservation, and STEM activities. If such opportunities are presented, interns will learn how to effectively interpret and educate guests of NMLC on marine animals and conservation. Interns may also be asked to work in the gift shop. Other Responsibilities: Each intern is assigned to multiple projects in different areas of the organization. A weekly chore will be delegated to each intern to assist with the upkeep of the facility and equipment. Each intern is required to attend regularly scheduled meetings throughout their time at NMLC. At the end of the internship, the intern will deliver a presentation about their experience and projects to staff and volunteers. Qualifications: * Must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university; preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or other related fields. * Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. * Must be adaptable, responsible, hard-working, willing to learn, and have attention to detail. * Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. * Must be willing to engage in a positive and informative manner with members of the public on a regular basis. * Must be willing to participate in and receive constructive feedback. * Must expect to work 40 hours per week * Which can include early morning and/or late night seal feedings depending on the season * Interns may be required to work some holidays. * Interns may be required to participate in fundraisers held by NMLC, which may occur outside of normally scheduled hours * International applicants are responsible for their own VISA arrangements, etc. * If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted. Physical Requirements: * Must be able to endure some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as medical equipment and boxes of medical supplies. * The work may require specific but common physical characteristics and abilities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, above-average agility, and dexterity. Intern positions are unpaid; however, a room and board stipend of $1,200 to help offset the cost of housing, and a uniform stipend of $70 to cover the cost of required logo gear, are available to candidates accepted for the internship. Conditions apply and will be discussed in detail with successful candidates. Interns must have their own transportation. Housing is not provided, but NMLC can offer suggestions. To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to internship(a)nmlc.org<mailto:internship@nmlc.org> or P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532. Due to the high number of applications, only qualified candidates will be contacted. Gabriella Nicoletta Animal Care, Necropsy, & Operations Coordinator National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 Office: (508)-743-9888 Cell: (585)-775-5354 Email: gnicoletta(a)nmlc.org www.nmlc.org

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