[MARMAM] FWC Manatee Internship Availability

[Beard, Shelby]

The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one 
Fall/Winter 2018 and one Winter/Spring 2019 internship!  Application deadline 
is Sunday, July 8th

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

The Southeast Field lab is offering two internships: one 6 month term for the 
fall/winter 2018 session and one 4-6 month term for the Winter/Spring 2019 
session. The expected start date for the Fall/Winter 2018 internship will be 
around October 1st and January 2nd for the Winter/Spring 2019 internship. Start 
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] New publication: Comparative cetacean distribution models

[solene derville]

Dear MARMAM community,

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in 
Diversity and Distributions:


*Derville S, Torres LG, Iovan C, Garrigue C. Finding the right fit: 
Comparative cetacean distribution models using multiple data sources and 
statistical approaches. Divers Distrib. 2018;00:1–17. 
https://doi.org/10./ddi.12782*


***Abstract***
*Aim. *Accurate predictions of cetacean distributions are essential to 
their conservation but are limited by statistical challenges and a 
paucity of data. This study aimed at comparing the capacity of various 
statistical algorithms to deal with biases commonly found in 
nonsystematic cetacean surveys and to evaluate the potential for citizen 
science data to improve habitat modelling and predictions. An endangered 
population of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in their breeding 
ground was used as a case study.

*Location.* New Caledonia, Oceania.
*Methods. *Five statistical algorithms were used to model the habitat 
preferences of humpback whales from 1,360 sightings collected over 14 
years of nonsystematic research surveys. Three different background 
sampling approaches were tested when developing models from 625 
crowdsourced sightings to assess methods accounting for citizen science 
spatial sampling bias. Model evaluation was conducted through 
cross‐validation and prediction to an independent satellite tracking 
dataset.
*Results.* Algorithms differed in complexity of the environmental 
relationships modelled, ecological interpretability and transferability. 
While parameter tuning had a great effect on model performances, GLMs 
generally had low predictive performance, SVMs were particularly hard to 
interpret, and BRTs had high descriptive power but showed signs of 
overfitting. MAXENT and especially GAMs provided a valuable complexity 
trade‐off, accurate predictions and were ecologically intelligible. 
Models showed that humpback whales favoured cool (22–23°C) and shallow 
waters (0–100 m deep) in coastal as well as offshore areas. Citizen 
science models converged with research survey models, specifically when 
accounting for spatial sampling bias.
*Main conclusions.* Marine megafauna distribution models present 
specific challenges that may be addressed through integrative 
evaluation, independent testing and appropriately tuned statistical 
algorithms. Specifically, controlling overfitting is a priority when 
predicting cetacean distributions for large‐scale conservation 
perspectives. Citizen science data appear to be a powerful tool to 
describe cetacean habitat.


The paper may be downloaded on 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10./ddi.12782
Feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy: solene.dervi...@ird.fr 



Best,

--
Solène Derville
PhD student - Spatial Ecology
UMR Entropie - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
Université Pierre et Marie Curie
Association Opération Cétacés
--
101 Promenade Roger Laroque, BPA5
98848 Noumea cedex, New Caledonia
Phone: +687 912299
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Solene_Derville

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[MARMAM] New publication on the selective reactions to killer whale calls by two delphinid species

[Bowers,Matthew]

Hi All,

My co-authors and I are please to announce our new publication in the Journal 
of Experimental Biology:

Selective reactions to different killer whale call categories in two delphinid 
species
Matthew T. Bowers, Ari S. Friedlaender, Vincent M. Janik, Douglas P. Nowacek, 
Nicola J. Quick, Brandon L. Southall, Andrew J. Read
Journal of Experimental Biology  2018  221: jeb162479 doi: 10.1242/jeb.162479  
Published 12 June 2018

Abstract: The risk of predation is often invoked as an important factor 
influencing the evolution of social organization in cetaceans, but little 
direct information is available about how these aquatic mammals respond to 
predators or other perceived threats. We used controlled playback experiments 
to examine the behavioral responses of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala 
macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC, USA, and Risso's dolphins (Grampus 
griseus) off the coast of Southern California, USA, to the calls of a potential 
predator, mammal-eating killer whales. We transmitted calls of mammal-eating 
killer whales, conspecifics and baleen whales to 10 pilot whales and four 
Risso's dolphins equipped with multi-sensor archival acoustic recording tags 
(DTAGs). Only playbacks of killer whale calls resulted in significant changes 
in tagged animal heading. The strong responses observed in both species 
occurred only following exposure to a subset of killer whale calls, all of 
which contained multiple non-linear properties. This finding suggests that 
these structural features of killer whale calls convey information about 
predatory risk to pilot whales and Risso's dolphins. The observed responses 
differed between the two species; pilot whales approached the sound source 
while Risso's dolphins fled following playbacks. These divergent responses 
likely reflect differences in anti-predator response mediated by the social 
structure of the two species.

The paper can be accessed here: 
http://jeb.biologists.org/content/221/11/jeb162479

Cheers,

Matthew


Matthew Bowers, PhD
Research Scientist
Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Colorado State University
136 Wagar Building
Fort Collins CO 80523
mtbow...@colostate.edu



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[MARMAM] paper on cetaceans and marine debris

[Cristina Panti]

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

I would like to share with you our last publication as a mini-review on the
interaction of cetaceans and marine debris: 

 

"A Review of Plastic-Associated Pressures: Cetaceans of the Mediterranean
Sea and Eastern Australian Shearwaters as Case Studies" by Fossi MC, Panti
C, Baini M and Lavers JL. Front. Mar. Sci., 23 May 2018 |

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00173 

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2018.00173/full 

 

Abstract:

 

Impacts of debris on marine fauna occur throughout the marine ecosystems,
with adverse impacts documented on over 1,400 species; impacts can be
divided into those arising from entanglement, and those from ingestion.
Ingestion of, and entanglement in, debris has been documented in over 60% of
all cetacean species. Seabirds are also impacted by debris predominately
through entanglement and ingestion, with the number of species negatively
impacted increasing from 138 to 174 over the past two decades. In the marine
environment, cetaceans and seabirds are widely regarded as reliable
sentinels due to their position near the top of the marine food web,
conspicuous nature, and reliance on marine resources; for this reason, this
paper is focused on seabirds and cetaceans as sentinels of ocean change. In
particular, two case studies are considered in relation to different levels
of environmental anthropogenic impact: the cetaceans of the Mediterranean
Sea and seabirds of eastern Australia. Here we describe two recent studies
used to diagnose the toxicological stress related to debris-associated
pressures in cetaceans and seabirds. These studies highlight the diversity
and scale of impacts being felt by marine species and the role these
organisms can play in our society as charismatic sentinels of ocean health.
Seabirds and marine mammals are exposed, in these key areas, to a variety of
adversities that potentially decrease their survival or reproductive
success. These include weather, food shortages, predators, competitors,
parasites, disease, and human-induced effects and plastic pollution. Each
factor affects seabirds and marine mammals in a different way, but more
importantly, factors can also interact and create impacts far greater than
any one factor alone. The Australian and Mediterranean case studies
presented here emphasize the need to consider multiple sources of mortality
when developing management plans for the conservation of vulnerable species.

 

Best regards,

 

Cristina

 

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

Cristina Panti, PhD

Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences

University of Siena

Via P.A. Mattioli, 4

53100, Siena

Italy

 

Ph. +39 0577 232883

Fax. +39 0577 232930

 

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[MARMAM] Fwd: Part funded scholarships for Social Network Analysis for Behavioural Scientists using R (SNAR01)

[Oliver Hooker]

PS statistics are offering some part funded scholarships for their 
upcoming course on Social Network Analysis for Behavioural Scientists 
using R (SNAR01) which may interest people studying social behaviour in 
marine mammals.


https://www.psstatistics.com/course/social-network-analysis-for-behavioral-scientists-snar01/

SCHOLARSHIPS CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS COURSE AND ACCOMMODATION FEES WITH 5 ALL 
INCLUSIVE PLACES (accommodation and meals included) AVAILABLE AT £450.00 
(Fees have been subsidised from £750.00).



Applications should be sent to oliverhoo...@psstatistics.com and contain

the following.

1.  Full name

2.  Institute name

3.  Masters/PhD subject title or Post doc research questions

4.  Do you hold a funded position

5.  150 words why this course would be relevant to your 
research or how it would help.


Application deadline is 17 June 2018.

We have 'normal' places available as well.

--
Oliver Hooker PhD.
PR statistics

2018 publications -

Phenotypic and resource use partitioning amongst sympatric lacustrine 
brown trout, Salmo trutta. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 
DOI 10.1093/biolinnean/bly032


prstatistics.com
facebook.com/prstatistics/
twitter.com/PRstatistics
groups.google.com/d/forum/pr-statistics-post-course-forum
prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/

6 Hope Park Crescent
Edinburgh
EH8 9NA

+44 (0) 7966500340
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[MARMAM] Call for Marine Mammal Research Interns in Kep, Cambodia.

[Sarah Tubbs]

Call for Marine Mammal Research Interns in Kep, 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 *DMAD Marine Mammals Research
Association * and the Dolphin Division 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
Archipelago.



We are looking for marine mammal research interns to join the team between
August and December 2018.


* 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;

·  aerial surveys using a DJI drone;

·  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 7: Training feedback and debrief.

Session 8: Practice observational land and boat survey.

Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training.

Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training.



Depending on your skill set and interest, you may want to become involved
in other project related activities, however this will be dependent on the
length of your internship.





*Internship requirements:*



We are looking for dedicated, motived and hard-working interns, ready to
commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen interest in marine
mammals and their conservation. You must be:

· positive;

· adaptable;

· self-motivated;

· resourceful;

· a team player;

· eager to learn;

· good at time management;

· and comfortable living in shared accommodation within a
multicultural team.





*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 of $400 USD/week, which will cover:

· all food, water, accommodation;

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

· marine mammal 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.

Discounts are available for those committing to longer durations or for
individuals with significant relevant experience.  There are limited spaces
available, if interested, please send a CV/resume and covering letter
to *cambodiadolphinproj...@gmail.com
 * to apply.


*Sarah Tubbs*
Project Coordinator of 'The Cambodian Dolphin Project', Marine Conservation
Cambodia

+855 97 642 5886 | cambodiadolphinproj...@gmail.com

https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/
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