February 2025 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Ethological and procedural assessment of ballistics euthanasia for stranded cetaceans
by Rebecca Boys 12 Feb '25

12 Feb '25

Dear MARMAMers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication 'Ethological and procedural assessment of ballistics euthanasia for stranded cetaceans' in Applied Animal Behaviour Science. The paper is fully open access and can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106537 Abstract Euthanasia may be necessary at cetacean stranding events to end suffering. To ensure a humane death, verification of unconsciousness must be undertaken following application of the killing method. However, only limited information is reported on individual euthanasia events, including how unconsciousness and/or death is assessed. Here, we describe current practices for euthanising stranded cetaceans in New Zealand by analysing video footage of fourteen ballistics events involving various species. Specifically, we detail the ballistics procedures applied and the behavioural responses of the animals. Additionally, we sought to understand how animal unconsciousness was evaluated following each event by surveying the personnel involved. Video recordings ranged in length from 25 to 480 s after the initial shot and involved 14 cetaceans: one Cuvier’s beaked whale, one pygmy sperm whale, one bottlenose dolphin, four pilot whales and seven false killer whales. Unconsciousness criteria were typically not observed being verified in the videos analysed, despite markspersons stating that death occurred in < 1 minute for most animals. Number of shots applied to an animal ranged from 1–3. Key behaviours indicative of unconsciousness included a continuously slack lower jaw and epaxial muscle relaxation. Based on behavioural observations, 66.7 % of animals for which an estimate could be made (n = 12) were likely unconscious within 30 s of the initial shot; half of these were likely unconscious within 10 s. The remaining animals appeared conscious for 30 s after the initial shot, and half of these were likely still conscious after one minute. Ten animals displayed post-shot behaviours suggestive of voluntary control, including tail lifting, beyond the point of presumed death reported by markspersons. The lack of verification of unconsciousness in most animals (12/14) hinders our ability to understand how these behaviours may correlate with awareness and thus welfare impacts of shooting. While the application of ballistics appeared to follow current national recommendations, mandated procedures for verifying death were rarely observed. We recommend exploring the reasons for this finding, to ensure that such procedures are appropriately undertaken, and welfare compromise minimised. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or difficulties accessing the paper. Thank you, Rebecca ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys, Ph.D. Marine Biologist Research Associate Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand [cid:ed87d191-727b-47c9-a09b-50ccfd578e3a]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:d8b00938-2e1a-4228-8f34-f419a7c4b834] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:b6661ef0-9f1e-42c4-886b-04f472955b31] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:8b82b01b-c5b9-4240-8ff2-cff44690261e] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:f26798e9-898a-4472-ad33-95d531e9ffc3] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:be7eb92b-8287-4e64-a1f8-4c7738b8a8e3] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand [cid:24140e4d-3d81-40ca-97a7-a8a7219fe57b] [https://attachment.outlook.live.net/owa/rebeccaboys@hotmail.com/service.svc/s/GetAttachmentThumbnail?id=AQMkADAwATYwMAItODc0NS1kZTg3LTAwAi0wMAoARgAAAwxTEtwuaBlNvx4eALoAwV%2FxBwDv%2BRKZ3mtbRadcA626daXfAAACAQwAAADv%2BRKZ3mtbRadcA626daXfAAeot5bAAAAAARIAEABlcEUqxwLfQJn%2B%2Bc3bQS01&thumbnailType=2&owa=outlook.live.com&isc=1&X-OWA-CANARY=wTQ4TWULp9UAAAAAAAAAAKBSxs-tS90YKeo7eGpG98DVTxENbTAEx3uzDFlmt0qJZHWcVRe_lRc.&token=eyJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCIsImtpZCI6Ikt3LzJValYrSHNBdDZqVXNLVDNlNU8yWTcrWT0iLCJ4NXQiOiJLdy8yVWpWK0hzQXQ2alVzS1QzZTVPMlk3K1k9Iiwibm9uY2UiOiJLS2NkcVRwRlBhN0c2MDNjM2xaS184UHFsenpMeE5JSXlXRWNpUHQ3TjFLYVliQWFYVHJCME13c2pqZDkxZkR5VkdHdWV2S2ZnZWVnQ2R4RFl6WWZhZkxRTWNDbG9DdUJQUEJCLVh0TnlqYkp4ejhhcnhleDZRdkNLdDlaMWdCaWt5ZWxubmJTUUVwVTZGYThJdy1ScFpZVVFBUlNtZmIyeUZqS3BVaFZ5REkiLCJpc3Nsb2MiOiJEQjlQMTkyTUIxOTYyIiwic3JzbiI6NjM4NzQ5MzU1NzAyMzc2NDg0fQ.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.wlfR6qeu5NqDiLcut1moNUvVWUXrL61IQqDKXNGihAy06_xY2IXMcNmvXHuho_r9-y1HBLZx6G0Xj9a05QTW0T0bIo2FUgaCHDdquoSx2ZI2rqCmg8nQXRgfoxVmZjGIU-YIGbRHXPgKH-hOcJNfXMCSFgoPaVYOhPontg-QGdvyX22qO2xc5bqMGhNBbMrblVQa59p-Q3K0juV3yU-50vNE_haYHE63IsFUlfhiwS7tHFoLr0H3ltOBwaiFSSWLR9zgyXGBIZZRUXWRdBT_uyLPIb8vxhlAYyvl1f3gQH12MZkcP74-ArYePm_8Lw7DSZwDxyvchbkXJC5VtTC6bA&animation=true] Rebecca Boys (she/her) Senior Scientific Officer | Marine NCEA Marine & Fisheries: Our vision - clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse ocean and seas Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs E: rebecca.boys(a)defra.gov.uk Office location: Horizon House, Bristol Learn more about the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA)<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/natural-capital-and-ecosystem-as…> programme. If I am sending this email outside of regular working hours, it may be because I’m working flexibly. There is no expectation for you to respond outside of your usual working hours.

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New Okinawa humpback whale song paper
by Ellen Garland 12 Feb '25

12 Feb '25

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in RSOS: Marwood EM, Eichenberger F, Kobayashi N, Okabe H, Ozawa S, Rendell L, Garland EC. 2025 Humpback whale song complexity and evolution on a northwestern Pacific breeding ground: Okinawa, Japan. R. Soc. Open Sci. 12: 241388. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241388 ABSTRACT Male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) sing a slowly evolving, sexually selected song display socially learned from conspecifics. Within an ocean basin, song similarity between breeding populations can reveal the degree of connectivity among them. In the northwestern Pacific Ocean, there is a paucity of information on song dynamics and linkages across the ocean basin. Here, we quantified fine-scale song evolution in whales near Okinawa, Japan, using similarity indices (Levenshtein distance and Dice’s similarity) and song complexity measures to investigate three consecutive years (2011–2013) of song dynamics on this breeding ground. Matched song themes revealed minimal evolution between 2011 and 2012, while the 2013 song was more distinct, as singers sang both new and evolved versions of themes. This was mirrored by the song complexity scores, which decreased and then increased over time. Qualitative comparisons of Okinawa song themes to other published North Pacific breeding ground songs revealed many themes were shared across the North Pacific, contributing to the growing body of evidence of a single panmictic song lineage across the North Pacific Ocean basin, in contrast to the South Pacific. Understanding geographically differing song dynamics is essential to revealing the underlying drivers of this ocean basin-wide non-human culture. The paper is open access and available here: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241388 You can also email me (ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.uk>) for a PDF copy. Kind regards, Ellen ----------------------------------------------------- Dr Ellen C. Garland (she/her) Royal Society University Research Fellow Email: ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.uk> Ph: +44 (0)7478-649964 WWW: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/people/ecg5 Bluesky: @ellengarland.bsky.social Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews ----------------------------------------------------- The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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New humpback whale song paper
by Ellen Garland 11 Feb '25

11 Feb '25

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in Science: Arnon I, Kirby S, Allen JA, Garrigue C, Carroll EL, Garland EC (2025) Whale song shows language-like statistical structure. Science 387 (6734), 649-653. ABSTRACT Humpback whale song is a culturally transmitted behavior. Human language, which is also culturally transmitted, has statistically coherent parts whose frequency distribution follows a power law. These properties facilitate learning and may therefore arise because of their contribution to the faithful transmission of language over multiple cultural generations. If so, we would expect to find them in other culturally transmitted systems. In this study, we applied methods based on infant speech segmentation to 8 years of humpback recordings, uncovering in whale song the same statistical structure that is a hallmark of human language. This commonality, in two evolutionarily distant species, points to the role of learning and cultural transmission in the emergence of properties thought to be unique to human language. The paper is available here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq7055 You can also email me (ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.uk>) for a PDF copy. Kind regards, Ellen ----------------------------------------------------- Dr Ellen C. Garland (she/her) Royal Society University Research Fellow Email: ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.uk> Ph: +44 (0)7478-649964 WWW: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/people/ecg5 Bluesky: @ellengarland.bsky.social Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews ----------------------------------------------------- The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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Spots still left: Global Policy and Conservation of Marine Mammals (held in New Zealand)
by Jennifer Lewis 10 Feb '25

10 Feb '25

FINAL CALL (3 SPOTS LEFT) WANT TO PROTECT MARINE MAMMALS FROM EXTINCTION? THEN TAKE THIS CLASS! GLOBAL POLICY AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE MAMMALS (New Zealand Summer 2025) Watch video: New Zealand Marine Mammals https://vimeo.com/1050297282 Hosted through George Mason University (Virginia, USA), this 6-credit course will take place in summer 2025 (July 5-Aug 2) on the South Island of New Zealand. It can be taken as undergraduate or graduate course (from any institution), and at any stage of your career (students or professionals). WHAT WILL YOU GET? 1. Significant practice in critical thinking for brainstorming solutions. The class is structured to teach about all marine mammals listed as endangered by the IUCN. Students become familiar with each case in detail, including the laws that are available to protect each, the historical and current situations, the stakeholders involved in each case, and what has been done to date. Students are led in discussion-based problem solving for each species case, and brainstorm about what worked, what did not, and what more could be done. Leave with practice on many very different situations, with a tool kit of ideas. Prepared for solution development in species or resource management. 1. Gain field experience learning how to fully investigate conservation issues. Conservation solutions require a detailed understanding about the species, the issues facing them, and the people involved. And the only way to gain that knowledge is by examining firsthand. As a part of this class, students will be trained to research and to collect data relevant for conservation questions focusing on the species off the coast of New Zealand (including sperm whales, Hector’s dolphins and the NZ fur seal). This will be at sea (for cetaceans) and on land (for pinnipeds). Field exercises will also involve learning about stakeholders for these species and the social, cultural and economic aspects that are important to consider in conservation (e.g., learning from the indigenous Māori about their ecotourism business on sperm whales). 1. Networking with world renown managers, lawyers, researchers, and other experts (e.g., journalists who cover conservation stories). Joining us in person or over zoom, students will learn from the people working right now to save marine mammals from disappearing forever. 1. Practice developing action plans. As a final project we work as a team to research one specific conservation problem in New Zealand, collecting information on the issue firsthand. Students then develop a detailed action plan to give to resource managers. BONUS 1: IT’S IN NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!!! One of the most gorgeous spots on the globe, perfect for people who love exploring the outdoors from the sea to the land. Picked as the location to film LOTR for a good reason. It is off the charts in natural beauty. BONUS 2: Dr. Lewis will work with all students enrolled to locate a suitable internship pre or post trip. Might as well get the most bang for your buck! Think NZ, Australia or even SE Asia. This is not part of the class (and is optional). But something very cool to consider. BONUS 3: July is THE migration season month. Meaning we will get the most species sightings, on TOP of what we will be going to target for the class projects. This can include humpbacks, southern right whales, pilot whales and more. AND….its the end of pupping season so all age classes of the pinnipeds will be present on the haul outs. Who doesn’t love a baby animal? Locations visited will be on the South Island NZ, in Christchurch, Kaikoura and Akaroa. The course is structured to give 3-day weekends at each location so exploring during the trip is easy and HIGHLY recommended. Students can also arrive early or stay late to explore more. Cost (4500USD). This includes tuition for six credits (at in-state rate for everyone 2600USD), lodging for the entire trip (one month), all ground transportation (taxis and buses to locations), and our trips to sea (4 trips) (the lodging, transport on ground and on water plus cost of some meals and lecture hall is then just 1900USD of the total price). Payments not due until summer semester begins for George Mason University (and these can be divided into multiple payments). Airfare not included in this. Dr. Lewis will work with all students to get the best flight deals possible (sharing all her travel hacks) and prices may be lower than usual because it is the off season for NZ. Financial aid can be applied to this, including GI benefits. If you are a student, if you consider that you likely spend 1900 a month for rent and bills and transport and fun anyway (if in USA), then why not pay a cheaper tuition amount (in state rate) and spend that cash in a MUCH more amazing space on the adventure of a lifetime. Cap at 16, (3 spots left as of Feb 11) so grab your spot now and reserve with a deposit that is applied to final balance (200USD). Application deadline March 1. To apply go to the following link and click APPLY NOW: https://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngula… To learn more, contact Dr. Jennifer Lewis through email (jlewis33(a)gmu.edu<mailto:jlewis33@gmu.edu>) or WhatsApp: +17039752661 You can also join an upcoming information session: Sunday Feb 16 at 7:30 PM EST https://gmu.zoom.us/j/91570521537

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New Publication: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hervey Bay, Australia: a stopover for females early in their southern migration
by Wally Franklin 10 Feb '25

10 Feb '25

Dear MARMAM Community, On behalf of all authors we are pleased to share our recent publication: Brooks, L., Franklin, T., Franklin, W., Harrison, P., Corkeron, P., and Pollock, K.H. (2024). Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hervey Bay, Australia: a stopover for females early in their southern migration. Frontiers in Marine Science 11. In the Southern Hemisphere, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate along the extended continental coastlines of Australia, South America, and South Africa. This study reports on photo-identi cation capture–recapture data from a long-term survey conducted in Hervey Bay, Queensland, where a substantial proportion of the population stop over early in the southern migration. Photo-identi cation data were collected over 10 weeks per year from 1997 to 2009. The migration through Hervey Bay is dominated and led by females with high delity to the site. Mature females, yearlings, and immature whales use the Bay during August, while mature lactating females with calves dominate during September and October. Complex social behaviours occur throughout the season and differ between the early and late cohorts. We argue that the composition of the two cohorts and their distinctively different behaviours indicate that Hervey Bay is not simply a resting site but an area of aggregation that serves important social and biological bene ts. A multistate open robust design model was tted to capture–recapture data to estimate the annual number of whales visiting the Bay, the permanent emigration rate, proportions of the visiting population that do not enter the Bay each year, the number present during each week, and their residency times. The number of annual visitors to the Bay increased approximately linearly from 857 in 1997 to 2175 at the end of sampling in 2009 with two-thirds migrating through during the rst half of each season. The population rate of growth may have been slowing by 2009, but there was considerable uncertainty in the trajectory and little basis for projection into the future. While it is desirable to know the current status of the Hervey Bay population and what has occurred since 2009, the cost and effort required make further manual collection and matching of images unlikely. The development of AI algorithmic matching software may enable further research in future. The paper is open access and availble to download here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.… Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hervey Bay, Australia: a stopover for females early in their southern migration frontiersin.org Also PDFs available from Dr Wally Franklin: wally(a)oceania.org.au <mailto:wally@oceania.org.au> On Behalf of All Authors, Regards, Dr Wally Franklin Ajunct Fellow, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of Sunshine Coast ...................................................................... Wally Franklin PhD The Oceania Project PO Box 2003 Hervey Bay Qld 4655 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: 0418 797 326 Email: wally(a)oceania.org.au <mailto:wally@oceania.org.au> Linkedin:The Oceania Project | LinkedIn <https://linkedin.com/in/wallyfranklin> Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrWallyFranklin I acknowledge the Butchulla peoples, Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which I reside and work, and pay my deep respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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Senior Marine Mammal Environmental Consultant position at Natural Power
by Carmen Prentice 10 Feb '25

10 Feb '25

Good Morning, Please can we request that the below email is circulated to the email list: Dear Members, We are thrilled to announce an exceptional opportunity to join our dynamic and forward-thinking team at Natural Power. We are currently seeking an experienced Marine Mammal Specialist to step into the role of Senior Environmental Consultant within our growing offshore team based in Stirling, Scotland, UK. About Us The Natural Power Consenting & Environment team is dedicated to supporting renewable energy projects throughout their lifecycle. Our team comprises qualified planners, project managers, and technical specialists who collaborate to deliver comprehensive planning and environmental services. We assist our clients from site identification and feasibility studies to scoping, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), and post-consent support. For offshore projects, we also provide expertise in bidding for lease rounds and managing both onshore and offshore components. The Role As a Senior Environmental Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful coordination, management, and delivery of marine mammal ecology inputs into various projects. Your responsibilities will include: * Leading the coordination and delivery of offshore wind projects, focusing on marine mammal assessments relevant to EIA, HRA, marine licence applications, and feasibility studies. * Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, colleagues, consultee bodies, and industry contacts to ensure project success and support business growth. * Engaging and managing stakeholders, addressing queries, and organizing public exhibitions. * Mentoring and supporting the development of junior team members within the Planning & Environment team. What We Are Looking For: We are seeking a dynamic individual with relevant experience in ecological impact assessments for marine mammals and renewable energy infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and a passion for contributing to the transition to green energy. Why Join Us: At Natural Power, we pride ourselves on being a collaborative and open team that encourages individuals to maximize their potential. We are committed to making a difference in the renewable energy sector and helping the UK reduce carbon emissions. By joining us, you will be at the forefront of the industry, adding value to renewable projects and contributing to a sustainable future. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a team that is making a real impact, we would love to hear from you. Please follow the below link for further details on this vacancy and how to apply: Senior Environmental Consultant (Marine Mammals) | Natural Power<https://www.naturalpower.com/uk/careers/career?Category=Planning%2520%26%25…> Kind regards, Carmen Prentice Recruitment Co-Ordinator email: carmenp(a)naturalpower.com<mailto:carmenp@naturalpower.com> naturalpower.com<http://www.naturalpower.com> renewable energy consultants ________________________ [cid:image001.jpg@01DB2F9D.FED0A860] Natural Power Consultants Limited is a registered company (SC177881) in Scotland. Our Registered Office is The Greenhouse, Dalry, Castle Douglas, DG7 3XS, UK. Disclaimer <http://www.naturalpower.com/privacy-policy> Carmen Prentice tel: mobile: +44 7881 759 654 email: carmenp(a)naturalpower.com naturalpower.com renewable energy consultants ________________________ Natural Power Consultants Limited is a registered company (SC177881) in Scotland. Our Registered Office is The Greenhouse, Dalry, Castle Douglas, DG7 3XS, UK. Disclaimer

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New paper on harbor porpoise site fidelity and behavior
by Cindy Elliser 08 Feb '25

08 Feb '25

Dear Marmam community, My co-authors and I are proud to announce the publication of our work on harbor porpoise photo-identification and behavior. The paper is open access: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/6/1/9 Elliser, C.R.; White, K.H.; Hansen, M.C. Resident Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena vomerina) in the Salish Sea: Photo-Identification Shows Long-Term Site Fidelity, Natal Philopatry, and Provides Insights into Longevity and Behavior. Oceans 2025, 6, 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans6010009 Abstract: Harbor porpoises have been well studied in locations worldwide, but relatively little research has focused on site fidelity of individuals, which influences population structure and determines appropriate management and conservation measures. This study investigated the site fidelity and behavior of harbor porpoises through long-term, landbased photo-identification around Fidalgo Island, Washington, USA. Individuals were consistently re-sighted for up to 11 years, including natal philopatry. There was individual variation in seasonal site fidelity, with some individuals seen year-round, though general porpoise presence in the study area and individual re-sightings were greatly reduced during summer. Females had calves yearly for up to 3 consecutive years, with females as old as at least 14 successfully producing calves. There was some evidence for mother–calf associations post-weaning, but none long-term. Behavior was affected by tide, where porpoises traveled more and foraged and socialized less during ebb tide compared to other tidal states. Mating attempts with aerial behaviors were observed 84 times and seen year-round in every month and every season. This study provides documentation of a local, resident population of harbor porpoise, and emphasizes the need for more fine-scale studies like this to ensure the appropriate management and conservation of harbor porpoise populations and/or stocks worldwide. Feel free to reach out to cindy.elliser(a)pacmam.org with any questions! Best, Cindy Elliser Research Director Pacific Mammal Research www.pacmam,org Cindy Elliser, PhD Research Director Pacific Mammal Research www.pacmam.org 360-202-2860

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Multiple Opportunities (Paid) - ORCA Ocean Conservationists (UK, Ireland, France & the Netherlands)
by Kate Weston 07 Feb '25

07 Feb '25

Would you like to join ORCA’s team of Ocean Conservationists? We have exciting opportunities to join our team this year! *Who is ORCA?* ORCA is a charity dedicated to studying and protecting whales, dolphins, and porpoises worldwide. We identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats. What makes ORCA unique is our commitment to combining accessible marine education with our conservation activities, allowing people from all walks of life to participate in marine science and conservation. *About the Role(s)* The Ocean Conservationist Network is a vital part of ORCA’s education and outreach work, inspiring thousands of passengers every year about the wonders in our waters. ORCA partners with the cruise and ferry industry around the world, giving us a wealth of data and inspiring countless guests with the wonders of cetaceans. We are seeking a team of Ocean Conservationists to work on board ferry routes sailing the *Bay of Biscay, North Sea and English Channel. * The work on board is divided into two key areas: 1. *Inspiring the Public **- *Deliver lectures and workshops to people of all ages and backgrounds. - Connect with passengers through onboard activities, inspiring a personal connection to marine conservation. 2. *Data Collection **- *Conduct daily wildlife watches and collect data on cetaceans using our ORCA OceanWatchers app. - Guide wildlife watches, helping guests have memorable wildlife experiences at sea. *Note:* These are remote roles, and you will be the sole ORCA representative onboard. *Who We’re Looking For* We are seeking passionate and enthusiastic science communicators who can ignite excitement in people of all ages and backgrounds. As the face of ORCA’s work, Ocean Conservationists bring dedication and commitment to inspiring everyone to take an active role in safeguarding the future of whales and dolphins. *1. Brittany Ferries - Bay of Biscay (x8 positions)* - You’ll work onboard one of four ships from one of three departure ports: - Plymouth - UK - Portsmouth- UK - Rosslare - Ireland - The role follows an approximate *4-weeks-on, 4-weeks-off rotation*, sailing across the* Bay of Biscay* - April 2025 - October 2025 - See the key dates document on the vacancy page <www.orca.org.uk/vacancies> for exact rotations - *Deadline to apply: **Sunday 16th February at 23:59 (GMT).* *2. **DFDS - North Sea (x4 positions)* - You’ll work onboard one of two ships from either: - Newcastle - UK - IJmuiden - Netherlands - All work will be conducted in English, however, the ability to speak Dutch or German is beneficial, but not essential - The role follows an approximate *4-weeks-on, 4-weeks-off rotation*, sailing across the* North Sea* - April 2025 - October 2025 - See the key dates document on the vacancy page <https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/www.orca.org.uk/vacancies> for exact rotations - *Deadline to apply: **Sunday 23rd February at 23:59 (GMT).* *3. **DFDS - English Channel (x1 position)* - Sailing from either from either: - Newhaven - UK - Dieppe- France - All work will be conducted in English *and* French so the ability to speak both languages is essential - Onboard 5 days a week for the full season (April - September 2025), sailing the *English Channel* - See the key dates document on the vacancy page <https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/www.orca.org.uk/vacancies> for exact rotations - *Deadline to apply: **Sunday 23rd February at 23:59 (GMT).* *How to Apply* - *Further Details:* Further information including the person specification, key dates document and FAQ documents can be found at www.orca.org.uk/vacancies - *Submission: *Submit an up-to-date CV and a 2-minute video outlining why you would make a great Ocean Conservationist via the application link at www.orca.org.uk/vacancies - *Contact*: If you have any questions, please email Kate (Ocean Conservation Manager) at oc(a)orca.org.uk

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OOIFB 2025 Summer School on Acoustics
by Holly Morin 06 Feb '25

06 Feb '25

The Ocean Observatories Initiative <https://oceanobservatories.org/> Facility Board (OOIFB <https://ooifb.org/>), funded by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF), is pleased to announce its *2025 Summer School on Acoustics* <https://ooifb.org/2025-ooifb-acoustics-summer-school/>. This 5-day, in-person event, will take place from *July 14-18, 2025, at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington*. This intensive program will feature a mix of targeted lectures, hands-on tutorials, and practical exercises working with real-world examples and NSF OOI data products, with focus on the *access, analysis, and interpretation of acoustics data as well as complementary oceanographic data available through the NSF OOI*. NSF OOI consists of various platforms including moored buoys, cabled arrays spanning the seafloor and water column, and autonomous underwater vehicles. Active and passive acoustic instruments including echosounders, current profilers, bioacoustic sonars, broadband hydrophones, and low frequency hydrophones, are part of the NSF OOI sensor network. These acoustic measurements can be applied in many ways, including the detection and characterization of sounds produced by fish, marine mammals, and humans. Researchers are also exploring the use of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) through the NSF OOI. DAS is an observational technique on submarine fiber optic cables, which can be used in the detection, identification, and/or localization of potential acoustic sources such as distant storms, earthquakes, ships, and marine mammals. Participants can expect to finish the 5-day program with: - A high level understanding of how sound propagates under water and the main factors influencing propagation. - An awareness of passive and active acoustic instruments deployed through NSF OOI (e.g. hydrophones and echosounders) and the data sets available. - The ability to navigate NSF OOI data portals to access and download acoustic and oceanographic data products. - Basic processing methods for acoustic data (including coding, and working with data in JupyterHub environments). - A comprehensive understanding about what scientific questions can be addressed using NSF OOI data. - Connections to a network of professionals who are using or planning to use NSF OOI data in their research and education activities. Please note: there are no registration fees associated with this program, and travel support is available for participants from U.S. institutions. *For more details on program requirements, eligibility, a draft agenda, and online application, please visit the* *OOIFB Summer School on Acoustics webpage: https://ooifb.org/2025-ooifb-acoustics-summer-school/ <https://ooifb.org/2025-ooifb-acoustics-summer-school/>. * Please share this opportunity widely across your networks! Questions? Please contact Holly Morin (holly(a)ooifb.org)

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Emerging Bioacousticians Days 2025 - Call for Abstracts
by JJBA BioAcoustique 06 Feb '25

06 Feb '25

Dear MARMAMers, Abstracts submissions for the Emerging Bioacousticians Days 2025 (Journées des Jeunes Bioacousticien.e.s, JJBA)is now open until April 6th 2025. This conference designed by and for early-career researchers (i.e. Students, both under- and post-graduated, and professionals having graduated in the last five years) will take place from June 23rd to June 26th in Vernon, France. Subjects covered will include, amongst others, biological production and perception of sound, passive acoustic monitoring, signal processing, modelling of acoustic propagation, applications of bioacoustic, acoustic sensor arrays for biological research and impact of anthropogenic noise, on a range of taxonomic groups including but not limited to marine mammals. Registration fees are fixed at €20 and cover food and accommodation. You can find the abstract submission form at:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaGBCTrKO2_4_ueBJ2iNyP2nCpV1di… <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaGBCTrKO2_4_ueBJ2iNyP2nCpV1diTRi…> And additional information on our website: https://jjbioacoustique.wixsite.com/jjba/en Thank you again for your interest, and we hope to see you soon in Vernon! The organizing committee of the JJBA 2025

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