[MARMAM] Registration Now Open: An Introduction to Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) In The Marine Environment online course, 19 - 22 September 2022

[cdmacleod]

Registration Now Open: An Introduction to Species Distribution Modelling 
(SDM) In The Marine Environment online course, 19 - 22 September 2022


Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) can be used to predict a species 
distribution across a wide area from more limited set of survey data. As 
a result, it has become an integral part of many marine mammal 
conservation and management strategies. However, implementing an SDM 
project in a biological meaningful way is not always as easy as it at 
first seems.


_GIS In Ecology_ will be holding a new online training course on Species 
Distribution Modelling in the Marine Environment between the 19th and 
22nd of September 2022. It will be held using the Zoom 
video-conferencing platform, and will consist of four three-hour 
sessions. One session will need to be completed each day. However, you 
will have a choice of completing it between 10:00 and 13:00 UK Time 
(primarily for those living in Europe, Asia and Africa) or 19:00 to 
22:00 UK Time (primarily for those living in North and South America). 
This choice of time slots for each session allows participants from as 
wide a range of time zones to participate in the course.


Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 24 people in each session. 
The fees for this course are GBP 295 per person (with a discounted rate 
of GBP 245 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered 
charities). To book a place on it, or for more information, visit  the 
course's dedicated webpage at 
http://gisinecology.com/online-course-an-introduction-to-species-distribution-modelling-in-the-marine-environment/, 
 Alternatively, you can email i...@gisinecology.com with the subject 
line Introductory Online SDM Course September 2022.


This course will be taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, the author of _An 
Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) Using QGIS and R_ 
[1] and a renowned expert in using species distribution modelling in the 
marine environment. It is aimed at those who want to learn how to 
integrate GIS into their species distribution modelling projects. The 
course assumes that you have at least a basic knowledge of GIS.


Each three-hour session will consist of a background talk covering a 
specific topic, followed by practical exercises based on instructions 
from one of our workbooks. While you are encouraged to remain online 
during the practical sessions, you can choose to go off-line as you work 
though the exercises (or if you need to take a break). However, if you 
have any questions, the course instructor will be available for you to 
ask any questions you wish at any point.


Species distribution modelling (also known as habitat modelling, 
predictive habitat modelling, ecological niche modelling, habitat 
suitability modelling and essential habitat modelling) is becoming 
increasingly widely used in marine biology. This course aims to provide 
an introduction to the concept and practical application of species 
distribution modelling (SDM) in the marine environment, and how to 
integrate species distribution modelling with GIS. This includes 
selection of environmental variables, the creation of raster data layers 
of environmental variables in a GIS-based environment, processing survey 
data in GIS, creating spatial visualisations and predictions from SDMs, 
and validating the predictive ability of SDMs. The practical sessions 
will involve working through a complete SDM project using an existing 
data set from start to finish, including creating an SDM using 
Generalised Additive Modelling (GAM). This means you do not need have 
your own data to attend. The practical sessions will be conducted in 
QGIS (our recommended option) or ArcGIS, and R (but no prior experience 
with R is required).


When you attend this course you will receive a free copy of _An 
Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) Using QGIS And R 
(GIS For Biologists Workbooks) _ [1]as the practical exercises in that 
course are based on the ones contained in that book.


At the end of the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of 
attendance and completion. Each certificate is embossed with the GIS In 
Ecology official stamp to prevent its fraudulent reproduction. In 
addition, each certificate has its own unique identification number that 
we will record, along with your name, meaning that we can verify the 
authenticity of the certificates we issue (and the course you have 
completed) on request.


To attend this course, you must have your own laptop computer with an 
appropriate GIS software package installed on it. Our recommended GIS 
software for this course is the freely available QGIS software. For 
those wishing to use QGIS, you will need to download and install QGIS 
2.8.3 (for those using Windows computers) or 2.8.4 (for those using 
Macs) rather than the latest version. The best way to download the 
correct version of QGIS for this course is to use the links on our GIS 
For Biologists

[MARMAM] Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response - Winter Internship

[Sydney P. Lundquist]

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting 
Stranding Response Intern applications for Winter 2022-2023.


Intern Application Deadline: 10/1/2022

For more information, including duties, position requirements and how to apply, 
visit: 
https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/support/work-with-us
 or email vaqstrand...@gmail.com with any questions.


Position Overview
Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the 
conservation of marine animal species through research, response, 
rehabilitation, and education. VAQS covers all live and dead marine mammal and 
sea turtle strandings for the state of Virginia. Interns will be trained in all 
aspects of stranding response, but may be assigned a rehabilitation or necropsy 
focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary 
by internship session. VAQS will provide as many learning opportunities as 
possible during each session.


Internship

  *   Internships will be approximately three months long, starting around 
November 1. We recognize that this is a tight turnaround time and can be 
flexible with start and end dates.
  *   Internship positions are non-compensatory, and housing is not provided by 
the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all 
requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.
  *   The intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8:00am-4:30pm. 
Some weekend and holiday coverage is expected.


Sydney Lundquist, MPhil

Stranding & Research Scientist: Field Response & Volunteer Manager

Phone: (757) 385-6484

slund...@virginiaaquarium.com

Stranding Response Hotline: (757) 385-7575

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Blvd.

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

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