[MARMAM] New publication

2022-08-10 Thread Todd Speakman
Hello colleagues,

My coauthors and I are pleased to share our new publication, "Fine-scale
social and genetic structure of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops
truncatu*s) in the Barataria Basin, Louisiana, USA" published in *Aquatic
Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems*.

Speakman, T.R., Wilcox, L.A., Balmer, B.C., Barry, K.P., Paterson, C.,
Quigley, B.M., Schwacke, L.H., Sinclair, C., Takeshita, R., Vollmer, N.L.,
Zolman, E.S, and Rosel, P.E. 2022. Fine‐scale social and genetic structure
of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Barataria
Basin, Louisiana, USA. *Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater
Ecosystems*, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3866

ABSTRACT:

1. The Barataria Bay Estuarine System (BBES) Stock of common bottlenose
dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the northern Gulf of Mexico has been a
focus of extensive research as a result of the Barataria Basin, Louisiana
being one of the most heavily oiled estuaries following the *Deepwater
Horizon* oil spill. The goal of this study was to build upon previous
research to better understand social and genetic structure of BBES dolphins.

2. Photo-identification data from 2010-2019 were analysed with SOCPROG to
identify dolphin social clusters. Genetic analyses were conducted on
samples obtained during remote biopsy surveys and health assessments
(2010-2018) to assess if identified social clusters were congruent with
genetic clustering results, and to evaluate relatedness and gene flow
within and between social and genetic clusters. Spatial analyses of the
cumulative photo-identification sighting histories from each cluster were
also used to determine their geographic range and degree of overlap within
the Barataria Basin.

3. Social analyses identified four distinct clusters with some degree of
geographic overlap and similar utilization distributions as the three
identified genetic clusters. Dolphins in the Barataria Basin were confirmed
to be genetically differentiated from those in adjacent coastal waters.

4. In general, genetic analyses differentiate distinct dolphin communities
established through long-term (generational) preferential breeding
behaviour. In contrast, social associations can be more fluid over the
short-term, may change in response to habitat or predator/prey changes, and
strong associations can be formed between a mix of related and unrelated
individuals. The combination of genetic and social methodologies is
valuable for developing a better understanding of complex dolphin social
interactions and provides unique insights into dolphin behaviour that can
be important for developing effective management strategies.

Please contact me at todd.speak...@nmmf.org for a pdf copy of the paper.

Best regards,
Todd

-- 
Todd Speakman
Biologist, Conservation Medicine
National Marine Mammal Foundation
3419 Maybank Highway, Ste B
Charleston, SC 29455
Ph/ 843.822.3287
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[MARMAM] Project Grypus - grey seal behaviour

2022-08-10 Thread Ben Burville
"Project Grypus" is the world's largest collection of  grey seal  (Halichoerus 
grypus) underwater video recordings.
Filmed mainly off the North East coast of England, Project Grypus has already 
recorded behaviour never previously seen and has led to some innovative 
collaborations (e.g. 
https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/archive/2020/02/sealclapping/)
This Autumn, underwater cameraman and Visiting Researcher at the University of 
Newcastle, Dr Ben Burville, will be utilising new camera techniques and 
equipment, along with recently discovered sites to expand Project Grypus 
further.
Seal researchers and animal behaviourists at academic institutions are welcome 
to contact Dr Ben Burville directly if they would like to explore possibilities 
for collaborative working.
Ben Burville
bburvi...@hotmail.com
+44 (0) 7932577608
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[MARMAM] Fwd: ESA/MMPA Support Services Contract Position with National Marine Fisheries Service

2022-08-10 Thread BRUCE Morehead
> 
> > > ESA/MMPA Support  Services
> > Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the 
> > NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources 
> > (OPR) Permits and Conservation Division in Silver Spring, MD. OAI conducts 
> > research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to 
> > government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. 
> >  
> > If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, 
> > contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an 
> > alternative application process.
> > 
> > DUTIES:
> > * Process and/or support the processing of Incidental Take 
> > Authorization requests pursuant to Section 101(a)(5) (A&D) of the Marine 
> > Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in conformance with the statute, regulations, 
> > and NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with 
> > applicants; conducting impact analyses; responding to public comments; and 
> > drafting all necessary supporting documents.
> > * Evaluate, conduct, and draft (or assist with those actions) 
> > National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.
> > * Critically analyze and/or support the critical analysis of 
> > scientific literature, agency documents, and other applicable information 
> > to assess impacts of human activities (including underwater noise) on 
> > marine mammals and develop and/or evaluate mitigation and monitoring to 
> > support agency findings under the MMPA, and ensure compliance with Section 
> > 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), NEPA, the National Marine 
> > Sanctuaries Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and other applicable 
> > statutes.
> > * Communicate and/or assist with communicating program 
> > policies, requirements, and issues to the public and other Federal 
> > Agencies, as well as to other NOAA programs and leadership.
> > * Support program planning, monitoring, technical analyses, 
> > improvement, and policy development across Division, and assist with other 
> > Division actions as needed. 
> > * As needed, process and/or support the processing of Directed 
> > Take Permit requests for protected species pursuant to Sections 104 of the 
> > MMPA and 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA and in conformance with NMFS' policies, 
> > including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting 
> > analyses; responding to public a
> > 
> > 
> > Start Date: September 26 2022
> > 
> > Location: Work may be performed offsite 
> > 
> > Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. 
> > Salary commensurate with experience
> > 
> > REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
> > * Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant 
> > experience. 
> > * Subject matter expertise and knowledge of the ESA and MMPA 
> > for operational or research programs and activities in the coastal and 
> > marine environment is required.
> > * Ability to work independently, reliable, self-starter, 
> > self-motivated and strong attention to detail
> > * Ability to isolate and define critical conditions and 
> > problems within a program or part of a project in order to determine the 
> > environmental impact of various activities.
> > * Skill in oral and written communication in order to develop 
> > and present scientific assessments and analyses. 
> > * Knowledge of NMFS regulatory, research and management 
> > activities
> > * Knowledge of NOAA operational and research activities 
> > * Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
> > * Ability to work effectively both individually and 
> > collaboratively in a team/group setting.
> > * Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement 
> > appropriate action.
> > 
> > 
> > If you are interested in being considered for this position, please 
> > APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL: 
> > 
> > > 
> > https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9a93435d-91d4-4a65-8a21-2de9187df1dd&ccId=19000101_01&jobId=457452&source=CC2&lang=en_US
> 
> > >   
> > Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or 
> > background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this 
> > position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online 
> > application.
> > 
> > Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:
> > 
> > * Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required 
> > and preferred qualifications listed.
> > * Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time 
> > education.
> > * Education.
> > * Previous experience or 

[MARMAM] Last-minute opportunity for paid marine mammal observer position in Olympia, WA, USA

2022-08-10 Thread la...@oceansinitiative.org

Flexibility is key to marine mammal science! We are reposting this ad because 
our project has moved to Olympia WA. We are seeking an additional field 
technician to help us monitor seal behavior 15 August to early October. This is 
an ideal opportunity for a local, early career person looking for paid field 
experience in marine mammal research. This is a temporary, seasonal, contract 
position. Technicians can expect to work 4 or 5 days a week for 6-7 hour 
shifts. The successful applicant must be flexible to the project scheduling 
needs and available to work on weekends. 

Project Objective: Oceans Initiative  (OI) is a 
non-profit research organization based out of Seattle that focuses on the 
conservation of marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. 
OI is entering our third year of research 

 into the effectiveness of the GenusWave Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology 
(TAST) developed by our colleagues at University of St Andrews as a non-lethal 
deterrent for pinnipeds preying on endangered salmon at human-built 
bottlenecks, such as dams and fish ladders. The goal of the TAST is to reduce 
pinniped predation pressure on endangered salmon populations. 

Observer duties:
Conduct platform-based observations of harbor seals/sea lions
Record data using Google forms
Photograph seals opportunistically for individual ID
Perform outreach to general public about the TAST project and Oceans 
Initiative’s mission
Communicate with the project lead at the beginning/end of every shift
Keep detailed record of surveys and other information in field notes
Backup and upload data promptly at the office. 
Keep track of and maintain gear including DSLR camera, GoPro, SD cards, 
binoculars, range-finder.

Preferences:
Prior experience conducting field work, specifically experience with harbor 
seal or marine mammal behavioral observations
Prior experience with photo ID/photography welcome
Requirements:
Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with members of the 
public and representing Oceans Initiative 
Willing to work weekends/holidays, outside rain or shine. 
Project takes place at Tumwater Falls fish ladder. The successful applicant 
should be local to Olympia area, and able to transport themselves to and from 
the study location daily. Housing and transport will not be provided

To apply: Please send your CV, cover letter, and list of two references to:
Laura Bogaard, fi...@oceansinitiative.org 
Applications due by: ASAP, with a decision made by 15 August. 
Positions available: 1 (to join an existing team)
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[MARMAM] Recent papers on estimating sustainable bycatch limits and animal welfare implications of bycatch mitigation in Conservation Biology and Marine Policy

2022-08-10 Thread Simon Allen
G’day Marmamers,

The recent paper “A stochastic model for estimating sustainable limits to 
wildlife mortality in a changing world” 
(https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./cobi.13897) introduced a 
new method for assessing if we are “taking too many” in, amongst other things, 
our seemingly insatiable hunger for marine wildlife. This paper has attained 
the #1 Attention Score of over 3,600 outputs from Conservation Biology tracked 
by Altmetric (https://wiley.altmetric.com/details/19482#score), and we hope 
the method might prove broadly useful to scientists, managers, consultants and 
decision-makers going forward. Please reach out to the corresponding author if 
you’d like to discuss it further (Oliver Manlik: 
o.man...@unsw.edu.au).

Sticking with the bycatch theme, I am also pleased to bring to your attention 
(on behalf of a different suite of co-authors) a recent publication in Marine 
Policy:

Dolman S, Breen C, Brakes P, Butterworth A, Allen SJ 2022. The individual 
welfare concerns for small cetaceans from two bycatch mitigation techniques. 
Marine Policy 143: 105126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105126

Abstract: The prevalence of small cetacean (including dolphins, porpoises and 
small odontocete whales) bycatch in fisheries worldwide remains an ongoing 
conservation and welfare challenge. Various mitigation methods have been 
implemented in attempts to reduce bycatch. Two such methods involve gear 
modification: placement of Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) within trawl 
nets,
 usually involving a physical barrier and an escape hatch; and, deployment of 
Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs, ‘pingers’), typically placed on static nets 
and some trawl nets, to alert cetaceans to their presence and deter them from 
interacting with the gear. Despite their efficacy in reducing bycatch under 
certain circumstances, negative welfare impacts remain for individuals 
interacting with both BRDs and ADDs. Post-mortem analyses of small cetaceans 
caught in trawl gear, for example, illustrate the potential long-term effects 
of capture myopathies and cardiac damage sustained during the acute stress of 
entanglement, 
prior to and during escape through the BRD. Further, animals may become 
entangled in the bars, ropes or mesh of the BRD or escape hatch itself, and 
little is known of their post-release survival. ADD efficacy is typically 
fishery- and cetacean species-specific and, even where deemed a success at 
reducing bycatch, displacing animals from their optimal foraging habitat could 
negatively impact individual survival. Some species display equivocal responses 
to ADDs, while others may habituate to or be attracted to the sounds produced 
as they learn to associate it with food rewards, as they do in trawl fisheries, 
thereby reducing ADD efficacy and increasing the likelihood of entanglement. 
Here, we provide a synthesis of existing studies of these mitigation methods 
and discuss the associated welfare issues, where poor welfare negatively 
impacts an individual’s physical or mental state. We conclude that cetacean 
welfare considerations should become an integral part of decision-making in 
relation to bycatch globally.

Please contact the corresponding authors if you have any queries or would like 
a PDF of the manuscript (Sarah Dolman 
sarahdol...@eia-international.org or 
Charlotte Breen charlotte.br...@icloud.com).

All the best, Simon


~
Dr Simon J Allen
Senior Lecturer
School of Biological Sciences
University of Bristol

Mob: +44 (0) 77047 53101 [UK] / +61 (0) 416 083 653 [AU]
Email: simon.al...@bristol.ac.uk / 
simon.al...@uwa.edu.au
Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org
Twitter: @SimonJAllen1

 [Chart, scatter chart  Description automatically generated]

Recent papers: Estimating sustainable limits to human-caused wildlife mortality 
https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10./cobi.13897
Cooperation-based concept formation in bottlenose dolphins 
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22668-1
Non-vertical transmission of a dolphin foraging innovation 
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(20)30756-9
Declines in dolphin survival and reproduction following a heatwave 
https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0960-9822%2819%2930217-9

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much 
worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” (Kenneth Grahame)
“I must say here, in passing, that those captains who have scientists… aboard 
their ships, must take with them a good supply of patience. I admit that 
although I have no lack of it, the scientists have frequently driven me to the 
end of my 

[MARMAM] JNCC MMO and PAM eLearning Training Courses

2022-08-10 Thread Alison Gill
Intelligent Ocean Ltd is pleased to offer two eLearning courses which can be
started at any time.

JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per
person)

Passive Acoustic Monitoring and PAMGUARD Software eLearning Training Course
(GBP 150 per person)

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) MMO registered course is
required for you to work as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in UK Continental
Shelf waters during offshore projects such as seismic surveys, pile-driving
and projects involving the use of explosives. This course was created in
response to the coronavirus crisis and has been approved by the JNCC as a
valid alternative to the usual classroom taught course. Alternatively,
project managers or interested parties may wish to complete this course for
awareness of how MMOs work or for Continuous Professional Development (CPD).


The Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course is designed to introduce this
technique of monitoring for marine mammals to MMOs, researchers, project
managers or any other interested parties. It covers basic acoustic theory,
the use of a spectrogram to view example marine mammal vocalisation types
and other ocean noise, PAM equipment components, assembly and deployment and
finally an exercise in configuring the industry standard PAM software -
PAMGUARD.  This course has received recognition as an accredited Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) course by the Institute of Marine
Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

To complete the eLearning courses you simply log in, read, learn and then
pass assessments based on the course content. You set the pace of your
learning. You will have access to the course for 12 months with the option
to renew each year for a small fee if you would like continuous access to
the course material and any updates that may occur. Courses usually take
between 1 to 2 full days to complete. Full details of how to purchase these
courses are available on our website at the following link where you can
also find details of the course content.
 https://www.intelligentocean.com/

Companies wishing to sign up members of their staff please email
 i...@intelligentocean.com for
registration and invoicing. 

Intelligent Ocean's staff have extensive experience of working offshore as
MMOs and PAM operators in addition to marine mammal survey work and nature
guiding. We have been offering training courses since 2009 and have trained
over 2000 persons working in marine mammal mitigation. 

 

Alison Gill

Director and Trainer

Intelligent Ocean Ltd

 



 

  www.intelligentocean.com

 

Registered in England Company Registration Number: 07590688

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[MARMAM] The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project

2022-08-10 Thread The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project
*Irrawaddy Dolphin Research Internship – Coastal Cambodia *


Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach
Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets,
including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social
science research and collecting data to use in the implementation of
conservation legislation.



In September 2017, MCC introduced The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation
Project, in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries
Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance,
distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for
the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep and Kampot provinces.



We are currently looking for dolphin research interns to join the team
between March – September 2022!


Project activities:



   -

   a minimum of 3 observational land surveys per week using a Theodolite
   and Pythagoras software
   -

   a minimum of 1 observational boat survey per week
   -

   photo-identification techniques using Discovery software
   -

   passive acoustic monitoring using a C-POD and CPOD.exe software
   -

   social science techniques
   -

   data entry, processing and analysis


   -

   education and outreach
   -

   running a marine mammal stranding network
   -

   scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals and government reports
   -

   designing marine mammal legislation





Basic internship training schedule



Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation
Project

Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat
surveying techniques

Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training

Session 4: Marine vessel identification training

Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training

Session 6: Drone footage analysis training

Session 8: Theory test

Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training

Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training



You will also become involved in other project related activities,
depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay.





Internship requirements:



We are looking for dedicated, motivated and hard-working interns, able to
commit for a minimum internship period of one month. Please note, priority
will be given to those who can commit to 2 or more months. We are looking
for those who will commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen
interest in marine mammals and their conservation. Ideally, we are looking
for university students or recent graduates.





Project site description:



The project is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, a 40-minute boat trip
from Kep Town, Cambodia. The island is inhabited only by MCC, a team made
up of a mixture of interdisciplinary international and local staff. The
accommodation and facilities on the island are basic but well-maintained.
You will be in shared and catered accommodation with fellow interns and
staff members. All project related resources are provided.





Application process and fees:



There is an internship fee associated with this internship, covering:

   -

   all food, water, accommodation;
   -

   transport to and from the mainland to the project island;
   -

   dolphin research training;
   -

   scuba diving (if qualified);
   -

   and the opportunity to get involved in activities and training at MCC,
   such as seahorse research or artificial reef management.

There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume
and covering letter to Rose, stating your available dates and desired
length of stay, to cambodiadolphinproj...@gmail.com


-- 
Rose Ellis
Coordinator of The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project
*Marine Conservation Cambodia*
@thecmmcp
https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/
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[MARMAM] Graduate Student Positions

2022-08-10 Thread Jenn Burns
The Burns’ lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech
University (https://tinyurl.com/BurnsLab) is searching for three graduate
students to participate in two separate, NSF-funded, multi-PI field
projects on pinniped ecophysiology and behavior. The first project is
focused on individual variation in the diving behavior of lactating female
Weddell seals and their pups, requires field work in McMurdo Sound,
Antarctica, and is collaborative with Dr. Michelle Shero at WHOI, Dr.
Allyson Hindle at University of Nevada Los Vegas, and Dr. Briggs at
University of Alaska Anchorage.

The second project focuses on the role of iron in the physiological
development of grey seal pups and their resulting post-weaning movements
and diving behavior. One student will focus on pups, and the second on how
maternal diet and condition may influence the amount of milk and iron that
moms can provide to their pups. The project field work will take place on
Sable Island, Canada, and will be conducted in collaboration with partners
from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, Dr.
Michelle Shero, and Dr. Greg Breed from University of Alaska Fairbanks.

For all projects, we prefer students who have experience with field work,
and who have already completed a MSc, although applicants desiring a PhD
who do not yet have a MSc will be considered if they can demonstrate strong
analytical or laboratory skills. Students will be provided with stipend
support, as well as tuition and fees; some student teaching is expected.
More information on the Department of Biological Sciences can be found at
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/biology/ . If interested, please send a statement
of interest, your CV, and unofficial transcripts (if available) to
jenn.bu...@ttu.edu
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