[MARMAM] New article: Stable isotope analysis of fecal material provides insight into the diet of fin whales.

[marina arregui]

Dear MARMAMers,

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine 
Mammal Science:


Stable isotope analysis of fecal material provides insight into the diet of fin 
whales

Marina Arregui, Asunción Borrell, Gisli Víkingsson, Droplaug Ólafsdóttir and 
Alex Aguilar

Article DOI: 10./mms.12504


Abstract:

In cetaceans, stable isotope analysis of tissues overcomes some of the 
potential biases encountered in studies of diet based on stomach content or 
fecal analysis. However, stable isotope ratios of tissues are only indicative 
of long-term feeding and may be misleading when recent shifts in prey 
consumption have occurred. Stable isotope ratios of feces stand as a potential 
alternative source for resolving short-term diet, but may be biased by 
digestive enzymes and bacteria. We investigate whether fecal stable isotope 
ratios of freshly dead fin whales are consistent with those of the main food 
found in their stomachs (krill) and with those of other potential prey. Results 
show that stable isotope ratios of krill remain unaltered after their transit 
along the digestive tract and, therefore, values in feces are reliable 
indicators of this prey consumption. In addition, the low isotope ratios of 
feces that visually appeared to contain only fish remains revealed a 
substantial contribution of krill in the digested food. This demonstrates that 
macroscopic gross fecal analysis may be misleading because less digestible 
components, like fish bones, may be overrepresented. We conclude that stable 
isotope ratios of feces contribute significant information to other techniques 
for short-term diet reconstruction.


The paper is available online at 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10./mms.12504 or you can contact me 
for a pdf version or for any questions at  marina.arre...@ulpgc.es

Best,

Marina Arregui


Enviado desde Outlook
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[MARMAM] Cetacean course at SOLAMAC, Peru: Methods of acoustic and visual studies for the conservation of cetaceans

[Sonia Español Jimenez]

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the next course in the 2018 SOLAMAC, Lima, Peru: " 
Métodos de estudios acústicos y visuales para la conservación de cetáceos. "
This course will be imparted in Spanish. Here there are more details:

Taller: Métodos de estudios acústicos y visuales para la conservación de 
cetáceos

Si eres estudiante, egresado y te gustaría investigar sobre la ecología 
comportamental y poblacional de cetáceos aplicando métodos visuales y acústicos.

Te invitamos a participar en el presente taller que se impartirá en 
colaboración con las siguientes instituciones:

- Laboratorio de Ecología Acústica e Comportamiento Anima, Universidade Federal 
do Reconcavo da Bahia, Brasil

- Fundación MERI, Santiago de Chile.

- Madre Agua Ecoturismo e Investigación, Colombia.

- Proyecto CETACEA Ecuador, USFQ.

 ¡Te esperamos el sábado 03 de Noviembre en Lima, Solamac 2018!

Inscripciones en:  
http://solamac2018.com/xii-congreso-y-xviii-reunion-de-trabajo-de-la-sociedad-latinoamericana-de-especialistas-en-mamiferos-acuaticos-solamac/

Thanks,

Dra. Sonia Español-Jiménez
Investigadora Asociada Fundación MERI
sespa...@fundacionmeri.cl

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[MARMAM] MMO vacancies for USA citizens, and permanent positions for MMOs and PAMOs

[Recruitment]

Dear MMOs,

OSC seeks MMOs for a project in the USA. The survey vessel is Jones Act 
Compliant, so anyone who boards must be a US citizen; consequently, we are only 
looking for US-citizen applicants on this particular project. To minimise 
mobilisation and demobilisation costs, we are ideally looking for applicants 
who are based in Louisiana or Texas, but US citizens from all locations will be 
considered. Rates are negotiable and on a door-to-door policy plus logistical 
(travel) expenses.

The mobilisation date is anticipated around 28-29 October, initially involving 
about 1-2 weeks offshore Freeport Texas, then either direct transfer onto 
another vessel, or 1-2 weeks at home and then onto another vessel, operating in 
the same location for approximately 3 weeks.

If you are interested and available, and not already on OSC's database, please 
provide copies of your CV, passport, offshore survival and medical 
certificates, MMO and/or PAM and any degree certificates.

Please apply by email only to 
recruitm...@osc.co.uk - recruitment enquiries to 
other OSC email addresses will not be considered.

Also, OSC is currently interviewing for permanent MMO and PAMO positions for UK 
and EU citizens only, and successful candidates will need to relocate to Dunbar 
or nearby. OSC also has contract positions on a regular basis.

Please feel free to circulate this email amongst colleagues seeking contract 
(temporary) and permanent employment.

Thanks and kind regards,
--
Recruitment
Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC)
Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK
T: +44 (0)1368 865 722
W: www.osc.co.uk

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[MARMAM] New publication on humpback whale acoustic ecology

[Michelle Elizabeth Fournet]

Hello All,


We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published
online in Marine Mammal Science:

Incorporating tides into the acoustic ecology of humpback whales
Dawn R. Barlow*, Michelle EH Fournet*, Fred Sharpe
https://doi.org/10./mms.12534

Abstract:
North Pacific humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate annually to 
foraging grounds in Southeast Alaska that are characterized by semidiurnal 
tidal cycles. Tidal activity is an important driver of marine mammal behavior 
on foraging grounds, but is often omitted in studies of acoustic ecology. To 
better understand the role of sound in this vocal species we investigated the 
influence of tidal height and direction on humpback whale nonsong calling 
behavior in Frederick Sound and described new call types for this population. 
The likelihood of detecting a call from the low�\frequency�\harmonic, pulsed, 
or noisy�\complex call classes was independent of tidal activity. The 
likelihood of detecting a call from the tonal call class, and a feeding call in 
particular, was 2.1 times higher during flood tides than during ebb tides (95% 
CI 1.1�C4.4). This likely reflects an indirect relationship between humpback 
whale foraging and tides.

Please don't hesitate to contact myself (michelle.four...@cornell.edu) or Dawn 
Barlow (dawn.bar...@oregonstate.edu) with any questions.



--

Michelle E.H. Fournet, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Bioacoustics Research Program
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, NY, 14850-1999

michelle.four...@cornell.edu
(907) 723-2752
mfournet.wordpress.com

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[MARMAM] National Aquarium Position Announcement: Rehabilitation Biologist

[Shaffer, Kate]

The National Aquarium is seeking a Rehabilitation Biologist to provide 
excellent day-to-day husbandry and medical care of marine turtles and marine 
mammals undergoing rehabilitation for the purpose of release back to the 
natural environment. The Rehabilitation Biologist will keep rehabilitation 
pools, equipment, and workspaces well maintained to National Aquarium and NOAA 
Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service standards. The person in 
this role is fully accountable for the patients and systems under their care. 
They will participate in planning and implementation of special projects 
(renovations, enrichment, animal transports & releases) as assigned. They will 
also train and mentor volunteers and interns. This position is grant funded for 
1-year with possibility of extension dependent on available funding.

Rehabilitation Biologist

Essential Functions:

  *   Organizes the day to day husbandry and feeding of sea turtles and marine 
mammals in rehabilitation.
 *   Completes inspection rounds of patients, life support systems, and 
enclosures daily to check status and identify and report any potential 
problems. Resolves problems independently where possible.
 *   Prepares daily diets and feeds patients according to their medical 
plan and dietary needs. Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food 
preparation areas, equipment and utensils.
 *   Prepares diets, supplements, and medications according to established 
protocols to ensure nutrition and vitamin content are maintained to improve 
animal health.
 *   Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to 
reach and maintain a healthy weight. Develop strategies to get inappetent 
patients to eat. Monitor patient weights.
 *   Administers oral supplements and medications.
 *   Utilizes various feeding techniques and develop new strategies to 
overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet and medications to the 
appropriate patients when animals are housed together.
 *   Monitors health of patients, and works with manager and Animal Health 
staff to implement treatment plans as instructed.
 *   Observes and recognizes changes in patient behavior, medical 
condition, and appetite and reports observations. Discusses best course with 
the senior Animal Rescue staff and Animal Health & Welfare staff as appropriate.
 *   Administers medications and maintains quarantine protocols when 
working in and between animal rescue workspaces.
 *   Provide safe restraint and handling of animals during husbandry and 
clinical procedures.
 *   Maintains detailed, daily animal and medical records in accordance 
with federal and aquarium standards using computerized medical system and 
hardcopy files. Reviews records regularly to identify important trends and 
reports them to the Rehabilitation Manager.
 *   Develops basic understanding of behavioral models to accomplish 
conditioning, enrichment, and husbandry goals for animals in rehabilitation, 
with an emphasis on ensuring releasable animals maintain natural behaviors.
 *   Plans and conducts enrichment sessions and opportunities as assigned.
 *   Participates in the admission, rehabilitation, transport, and release 
of patients.
 *   Monitors patient food supply and ensures proper food rotation. Orders 
food, hardware, husbandry supplies, medical treatment supplies, and supplements 
as needed.
 *   Observes animal behavior such as intra- species aggression, feeding, 
habitat use, etc., and gathers data to advise on management decisions.
 *   Responds to animal emergencies, at times after hours.

  *   Provide daily cleaning and maintenance of rehabilitation facilities, life 
support, animal enclosures, & equipment.
 *   Services and cleans rehab enclosures and pools daily.
 *   Monitors and records temperature and water chemistry data, etc.
 *   Monitors, operates, and maintains life support equipment. Performs 
water changes, backwashing and other procedures necessary to care for pumps, 
filters, and maintains water quality standards.
 *   Maintains current knowledge of all pumps, valves, filters, and 
chillers dealing with the life support of rehabilitation areas
 *   Maintains cleanliness and organization of workspaces, rehab 
facilities, food prep, and support equipment.
 *   Assists with enclosure improvements and implementing new enrichment.
 *   Maintains safety, animal, and response equipment as directed.
 *   Gives input to rehabilitation protocols and procedures to help improve 
the program.
 *   Assists in pest control.

  *   Participates in outreach and continuing education.
 *   Supports collection of digital content (photos, videos, etc) as 
directed.
 *   Provides back-up tours, presentations, and guest engagement as directed
 *   Participates in and presents at workshops, lectures, seminars, 
trainings, and other continuing education oppor

[MARMAM] New Publication: Manatee behavioral response to boats

[Athena Rycyk]

Dear Colleagues,

We are happy to announce the following paper in Marine Mammal Science:

*Manatee behavioral response to boats*

Athena M. Rycyk, Charles J. Deutsch, Margaret E. Barlas, Stacie K. Hardy,
Katherine Frisch, Erin H. Leone, and Douglas P. Nowacek

*Abstract*
The long‐term viability of the Florida manatee is threatened in part by
mortality from boat collisions. This study investigated manatee behavior
during boat approaches to better understand factors that lead to
manatee–boat collisions. Digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) and
Argos‐linked GPS tags were deployed on 18 manatees in southwest Florida,
and boat traffic around them was mapped. Suites of manatee behavioral,
environmental, and boat‐related factors were recorded during opportunistic
boat passes. We built generalized linear mixed models to determine which
factors accounted for variation in occurrence, number, and timing of
manatee behavioral changes during boat passes. Manatees responded to boats,
changing their orientation, depth, and fluking behavior most often when a
boat approached closely (<10 m). Manatees were also more likely to change
their depth when not on a seagrass bed and when actively fluking before a
boat pass. Boat speed did not affect the occurrence or intensity of manatee
response. Compared to fast approaches, however, slower passes allowed the
manatee more time to respond, and behavioral change occurred earlier
relative to the time of the boat's closest point of approach. We conclude
that faster boats likely pose a greater risk of collision with manatees
than do slower boats.

The full text can be accessed using the link below (*Open Access*):
http://dx.doi.org/10./mms.12491

Please feel free to contact me with any questions!

Best regards,
Athena Rycyk
ary...@ncf.edu

-- 
*Athena Rycyk, Ph.D.*

New College of Florida
Assistant Professor of Biology & Marine Science
5800 Bay Shore Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34243-2109
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[MARMAM] Associate Scientist, Aerial Observer - New England Aquarium

[Ester Quintana]

Good morning,


We are looking to hire an experienced aerial observer to participate in aerial 
surveys for whales, dolphins and sea turtles in outer continental shelf federal 
waters off Massachusetts and Rhode Island, an area proposed for offshore 
alternative energy development. Duties will include serving as an observer on 
all aerial surveys; quality checking data; coordination with the chief 
scientist and flight crew; and analysis of vertical photographs for the 
detection and identification of marine mammal and turtle species.  The majority 
of fieldwork will be aerial, although there may be opportunities to get 
involved in shipboard surveys with collaborators depending on contract 
opportunities. This is a grant funded staff position with at least 10 months of 
staffing provided. Additional service may be afforded only if additional grant 
funding is secured.

SCHEDULE
Office schedule will be Monday -- Friday, 9:00 AM -- 5:00 PM. Flight days will 
require irregular hours and some long days. Occasional weekends and holidays 
will be required. This is a temporary position with a 10 month time frame.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  1.  Participates in all aerial survey activities, including observer 
logistics, scientific data collection, monthly reporting, photographic and data 
analysis.
  2.  Assists with monthly reports and final annual report writing.
  3.  Survey safety equipment and camera maintenance, preparation and in-flight 
troubleshooting.
  4.  Follow safe operational requirements for every survey area, maintains 
flight and data logs, assists data quality checking and assurance, assists 
summarizing data and reports.
  5.  Photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and 
identifications, data processing and analysis.
  6.  Conducts data quality checking and assurance.
  7.  Helps to oversee budgeting and spending for the program.
  8.  Performs other position-related duties, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Training and Experience

  *   B.A or B.S in Biology or related science, M.S with comparable experience 
preferred.
  *   A minimum of one year of marine mammal aerial survey flight time
  *   Ditch training certified
  *   CPR/First Aid certification
  *   Field and lab safety and safety awareness training
  *   Good communication and coordination skills
  *   Meeting deadlines for data and report deliverables
  *   Specialized photographic skills and photo-identification experience
  *   Attention to detail for proofing and quality checking data
  *   Ability to spend long hours performing photo analysis in the office
  *   Comfortable flying in a small aircraft (Can’t get motion sickness)
  *   Valid driver’s license
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  *   Participation in right whale, other large whale, and turtle aerial 
research programs
  *   Maintaining and purchasing aerial survey equipment
  *   Familiarity with digital photography equipment and field use
  *   Computer skills, especially excel, access, word
Physical Demands
The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the 
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. While 
performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to lift and 
operate photographic equipment weighing approximately 8 lbs during circling. 
Occasionally the employee is required to lift up to 50 lbs.  Employee is 
required to apply advanced manual dexterity that requires extreme accuracy such 
as those used to repair complex equipment or electronic instruments. The 
employee must be comfortable sitting in a confined space during survey flights, 
for up to five hours at a time without a break. The employee must have 
excellent vision to sight marine species in-flight and confirm detections in 
photo analysis. Acute attention to detail is imperative for proofing documents, 
and quality checking data. It is necessary for the employee to differentiate 
between colors.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those 
that the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this 
job. Aerial surveys will be conducted approximately one to four times per 
month. Survey work is performed in a small twin-engine aircraft, which is a 
noisy, confined environment and may include some vessel-based time so it is 
imperative that the employee does not suffer from motion sickness. Field work 
is performed outside, exposed to variations in the weather or in confined, 
cramped quarters for extended periods.

Applicants can apply online at: https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/875349.html



Ester Quintana, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist, Marine Mammal Surveys
Anderson-Cabot Center for Ocean Life
New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
Office number 617-226-2195
[cid:a3b003f6-d2fa-467d-b2b0-d789c4755cb9]



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[MARMAM] ANZSCSMM Abstract Deadline

[ANZSCSMM ANZSCSMM]

Dear ANZSCSMM members,



This is a friendly reminder that the fourth Australia/New Zealand Student
Chapter Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will take place on
November 29th and 30th, 2018, starting at 9 AM at Griffith University
(Queensland). There will be an optional half-day R workshop on Wednesday
afternoon, November 28th, which will be run by our colleagues at Griffth.
This opportunity will be free, suitable for all levels of R users, and open
to all interested conference participants.



The Chapter has funding to provide meals during the two days of the
conference, as well as the opportunity to cover most, if not all,
accommodation costs for those travelling from outside of Brisbane (3
nights; depending upon need). We would, therefore, like to reiterate that
all university students (undergraduates to postdocs) from Australia, New
Zealand, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia are welcome to attend.



We encourage attendees to give an oral presentation (15 minutes) or to
present a poster about their current (or planned) work on marine mammals. The
deadline to submit an abstract (max. 300 words) has been extended to
Friday, November 9th.  Please send an email as soon as possible to
anzsc...@gmail.com
mailto:anzsc...@gmail.com%3cmailto:anzsc...@gmail.com%3cmailto:anzsc...@gmail.com>
with
the subject 'ANZSCSMM Abstract', along with your name, affiliation,
presentation preference, abstract, the state/country you'll be travelling
from, any dietary requirements, and a request for accommodation (if
applicable). We will make decisions about travel grants based on the final
number of participants. Those chosen to receive a travel grant will be
notified the week after the deadline and will be reimbursed at the
conference.



If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us! We will be
sending out a schedule and an abstract book two weeks prior to the
conference.



We look forward to meeting you all,

ANZ Student Chapter Heads


Kate Indeck, Dana Cusano, and Jasmin Gross
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[MARMAM] New Publication: High-throughput sequencing data provides insight into killer whale skin microbiome

[Andy Foote]

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce our study of variation in the killer whale
skin microbiome published in a forthcoming special issue of Molecular
Ecology on Species Interactions, Ecological Networks and Community
Dynamics is now available online and can be freely viewed via this
link: rdcu.be/91W7.

Abstract
Recent exploration into the interactions and relationship between
hosts and their microbiota has revealed a connection between many
aspects of the host's biology, health and associated micro‐organisms.
Whereas amplicon sequencing has traditionally been used to
characterize the microbiome, the increasing number of published
population genomics data sets offers an underexploited opportunity to
study microbial profiles from the host shotgun sequencing data. Here,
we use sequence data originally generated from killer whale (Orcinus
orca) skin biopsies for population genomics, to characterize the skin
microbiome and investigate how host social and geographical factors
influence the microbial community composition. Having identified 845
microbial taxa from 2.4 million reads that did not map to the killer
whale reference genome, we found that both ecotypic and geographical
factors influence community composition of killer whale skin
microbiomes. Furthermore, we uncovered key taxa that drive the
microbiome community composition and showed that they are embedded in
unique networks, one of which is tentatively linked to diatom presence
and poor skin condition. Community composition differed between
Antarctic killer whales with and without diatom coverage, suggesting
that the previously reported episodic migrations of Antarctic killer
whales to warmer waters associated with skin turnover may control the
effects of potentially pathogenic bacteriasuch as Tenacibaculum
dicentrarchi. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of microbiome
studies from host shotgun sequencing data and highlights the
importance of metagenomics in understanding the relationship between
host and microbial ecology.


Sent on behalf of Beki, Jaelle, Katja and all coauthors,

Andy


-- 
Dr Andrew Foote
Molecular Ecology Fisheries Genetics Lab,
School of Biological Sciences,
Bangor University,
Bangor, Wales

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[MARMAM] FWC manatee internship availability

[Beard, Shelby]

The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking a candidate for the 
Winter 2019 internship!  Application deadline is Sunday, November 11th.

Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South 
Florida.

The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship: a 6 month term for the 
winter 2019 session. The expected start date for the Winter 2019 internship 
will be around January 2nd, 2019. Start and end dates will be flexible. Working 
hours are typically five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some nights and 
weekends required. The position is located in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, 
just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee 
rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist 
with manatee and cetacean field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, 
and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality and rescue 
reports and assist with other office and public outreach work as needed. To 
perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and 
boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and 
present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship.
Qualifications:
Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants 
should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be 
computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in 
the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous 
animal-handling experience is desirable. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, 
as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must 
possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to 
swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be 
wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid and 
housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and 
from the field station.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife 
Research Institute, the following information is required:
*  A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours 
of availability
*  A résumé describing training and experience
*  A list of three references
*  An unofficial copy of your academic transcript
Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: 
inte...@myfwc.com
Or mail hard copies to:

Internship Coordinator
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020

http://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships-volunteers/se-fl-intern/


Shelby Beard
Biological Scientist
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Marine Mammal Section
19100 SE Federal Highway, Tequesta, FL 33469

Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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[MARMAM] Georgetown University Biology Graduate Student Applicants Wanted

[Caitlin Karniski]

Georgetown University Biology Graduate Student Applicants Wanted

Professor Janet Mann
https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/0033614RY0bAAG/janet-mann
(GU) and Dr. Céline Frère https://www.celinefrerelab.com/ (USC) are seeking
graduate student (PhD) applicants to Georgetown University to work on a
study of maternal effects in wild bottlenose dolphins, funded by the
National Science Foundation. Competitive applicants should have a strong
quantitative and theoretical background in genetics and behavioral ecology.
Refer to https://biology.georgetown.edu/graduate/applicants for details.
Email Janet Mann man...@georgetown.edu for additional information. *Deadline
is December 1*.

General Project Description: While several studies link sociality to
fitness in long-lived mammals, maternal influence on inter- and
intra-individual variation in sociality (e.g. dynamic social patterns) and
fitness outcomes is relatively unexplored. Recent computational advances
allow this project to incorporate multi-level, dynamic variation to advance
understanding of how sociality evolved, i.e., transmission pathways. This
study system, a 35-year longitudinal study of wild bottlenose dolphins,
provides a unique opportunity to address these questions because of species
characteristics, and the size, detail, and long-term nature of the dataset.
This project will use: (1) novel quantitative genetics methodologies to
unravel the importance of maternal effects on social behavior while
accounting for both additive genetic variation and the mothers’ social
environment; (2) next-generation sequencing combined with demographic data
to construct accurate pedigree information from high- density single
nucleotide polymorphisms; (3) dynamic social network modeling (social
association/interaction matrices) to account for changing social attributes
of individuals rather than just static traits. As such, this study will be
a comprehensive exploration of how maternal effects impact social traits
over the lifespan and across more than one generation within an
evolutionary framework. In addition, this is the first study to do so in
wild long-lived mammal with extensive maternal social transmission, while
accounting for additive genetic variation. The results will provide
significant advances by extending our study of the genetic and non-genetic
mechanisms of inheritance, which play critical roles in evolution and
responses to environmental change.
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[MARMAM] Aquarium of the Pacific Internship opportunity

[James Stewart]

The purpose of the photo ID intern position is to give candidates experience in 
the process of collecting sighting photos and data in the field and preparing 
that material for later research. Photo ID interns will be collecting data on 
various cetaceans (dolphins, blue whales, humpbacks, fin whales, gray whales, 
etc.) while on whale watches. Primary responsibilities of the position include 
but are not limited, to handling photography equipment, participating in whale 
watches in various weather conditions, uploading photos and data to our 
database, and processing photos and sighting data for further utilization.

Commitment: 240 hours total, average 15-20 hours per week for 12-15 weeks
-Interns will receive training and experience in the following
-Learning the methods of wildlife observation and data collection in the field
-Using DSLR photography equipment
-Taking dorsal and caudal fin photos of animals encountered during daily whale 
watches
-Maintaining detailed data logs of sightings
-Create a project to display to Aquarium guests using whale data
-Photo processing with Adobe Lightroom and data entry with Microsoft Access

What the Aquarium of the Pacific expects from interns
-The drive and ability to learn tasks quickly and well
-To perform all of their assigned duties promptly and reliably
-To be prompt and on time
-To exercise care and judgment when working on a boat
-To abide by all Aquarium of the Pacific staff guidelines and policies
-The ability to meet the minimum time commitments of the position

Qualifications
-Must be 18 years of age or older
-Completed and pass a background check

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
-Basic knowledge of ecological and biological principles
-Some background knowledge of marine mammals
-Strong communication skills to transmit information to staff, visitors and 
whale watch participants in a clear and thorough manner
-Ability to manage multiple tasks
-Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs on stairs, boats, docks, etc.
-Prior experience with DSLR cameras or photo software is preferred but not 
required

Requirements
-Must complete general orientation session
-Research project completed during internship period (to be determined by 
student in collaboration with program coordinator)

Follow the link to apply:
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/volunteer/college_internships/marine_mammal_photo_id_internship


James Stewart
Education Coordinator
Aquarium of the Pacific
jstew...@lbaop.org
562-951-1651

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[MARMAM] New publication: Chronic exposure of Hawaii Island spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) to human activities

[Julian Tyne]

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the following publication in the Royal Society Open 
Science entitled:
Chronic exposure of Hawaii Island spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) to 
human activities. http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/10/171506

Authors: Julian A. Tyne, Fredrik Christiansen, Heather L. Heenehan, David W. 
Johnston and Lars Bejder
Abstract
Habitat selection is strongly influenced by spatial variations in habitat 
quality and predation risk. Repeated exposure of wildlife to anthropogenic 
activities in important habitats may affect habitat selection, leading to 
negative biological consequences. We quantified the cumulative human exposure 
of a small, genetically isolated and behaviourally constrained spinner dolphin 
(Stenella longirostris) population, off Hawaii Island, and exposure effects on 
their daytime cumulative activity budget. Dolphins were exposed to human 
activities within 100 m for 82.7% of the daytime, with a median duration of 10 
min between exposure events. Individual dolphins spent on average 61.7% (s.d. = 
6.5) of their daytime resting. Of their total rest time, greater than 90% 
occurred inside sheltered bays. Despite high levels of human exposure, we did 
not observe an effect on dolphin resting behaviour. The short intervals between 
exposure events probably prevent dolphins from returning to a natural resting 
state before the next exposure event. Consequently, 'control' observations may 
represent a resting behaviour of a more vigilant nature. Chronic levels of 
exposure to human activities could lead to rest deprivation, displacement from 
preferred resting habitats and ultimately negative population level effects. 
These results have implications for new proposed legislation aiming to reduce 
dolphin exposure to human activities.
Kind regards,
Julian
__

[GIC2018_Toolkit_eSignature]

Julian Tyne PhD,
Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit (AMRU)
School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150

http://amru.org.au/group-member/julian-tyne/
http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WQoZ0dUJ
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julian_Tyne?ev=hdr_xprf
http://orcid.org/-0002-0676-5659

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