[MARMAM] Seasonal Field Positions with the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program

[Lizabeth Kashinsky - NOAA Affiliate]

The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works with
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries
Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of
Hawaii to conduct research and recovery activities on Hawaiian monk seals.
JIMAR hires program staff through the Research Corporation of the
University of Hawaii (RCUH) and is currently seeking applicants for two
separate recruitments (*Biological Research Technician and Biological
Research Assistant) *for the 2018 field research season. Selected
individuals will study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual
Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NMFS
and includes: conducting trend counts, tagging seals, identifying
individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach
marks, monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements,
migration, performing necropsies, collecting scat & spew samples for food
habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis, collecting tissue samples
for DNA analysis, and collecting and removing debris capable of entangling
seals and other wildlife.  Behavior data are also collected at some
sites. Researchers at some sites may participate in shark mitigation
activities.

General information about the program can be found at:

http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/hawaiian_monk_seal/



The number of positions and/or continuation of the program are subject to
funding.  These positions will be for all or a subset of the 6 major monk
seal sub-populations in the NWHI. Fieldwork is accomplished by 2-4 member
teams in remote camps.  Researchers live in either wall tents or buildings
at the various sites.  All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel;
830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and one is accessible by plane.  Few (if any)
supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited.


The employment period will include approximately one month of training and
packing in Honolulu. Once the field season is over, an additional ~1-2
weeks of employment will take place in Honolulu to clean up gear and
summarize data.  Dates are subject to change, but the positions are
tentatively scheduled to begin in early March with a field deployment date
in mid April. Field staff will be deployed for approximately 4.5 months
with a tentative return date in late August or early September. The
position end date is tentatively scheduled for some time in early to
mid-September. Travel to and from Honolulu and food, lodging, and
transportation in Honolulu before deployment are not provided.
Transportation between Honolulu and field sites and food and lodging in the
field are provided. Due to unforeseen circumstances, departure delays could
result in longer periods in Honolulu that may result in additional
uncompensated living expenses.


Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, and must be
able to meet both the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access the work
location, and also the health requirements to board a NOAA vessel.


Instructions to apply for both positions are in the job postings below. *Please
clearly** address all qualifications in your cover letter. *



Bulletin Board Posting: 11/09/17 RCUH Website: 11/09/17 Hire Net Hawai‘i:
11/09/17

*JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN – ID# 17510*. Joint Institute
for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (5) Regular, Full-Time, Approximately
six to eight (6-8) months in duration, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with
the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint
Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office
(PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon
program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of
funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. MINIMUM MONTHLY
SALARY: $2,314/Mon. DUTIES: Performs daily maintenance and operation of
field camp in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands or on remote shorelines in
the main Hawaiian Islands. Collects census and life history data on
Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls.
Required to lead other field personnel. Responsible for returning and
storing all field equipment and supplies at the end of field season.
Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field
studies on the Hawaiian monk seal. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION/TRAINING: Associate's Degree from an accredited community college
in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography, or other related field.
EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including
experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience
conducting research on Hawaiian monk seals. 

[MARMAM] Seeking Research Assistants for winter/spring Gray Whales Count 2018, Santa Barbara, CA, USA

[Michael H Smith]

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (RA) POSITIONS AVAILABLE - seeking volunteer Research 
Assistants in winter/spring to participate in Gray Whales Count (GWC) 2018 
survey of the northbound migration of Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) 
migrating through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel. 

GWC is seeking Research Assistants (RA) to work with Project Coordinator and 
team of observers to assist in our annual survey, conducted from shore at 
Counter Point, in the Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta, California, USA, adjacent 
to the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).  

This position is open to citizens of the United States of America and those 
authorized to work in the United States with an appropriate visa in hand.

The 2018 survey begins Wednesday, February 14, 2018 and continues every day 
through May 27, from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Sunday. If Gray whale calves 
are continuing, we may need to extend the survey through May 31. 

We are looking for passionate, caring individuals who are willing to commit for 
the entire survey, ~100 survey days, and be available to begin Saturday, 
February 10 to train and assist with preparations.

GWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for research and education. The 
primary goal of research is to estimate the number of Gray whales and Gray 
whale calves migrating northbound through our corridor and to share our data to 
complement similar sampling-studies along the California coast. 

A secondary goal is to document the variety and quantity of other marine 
mammals in the ocean area around our site, which is now a Marine Protected 
Area. We are able to monitor human activity, including interactions with marine 
mammals, including Gray whales. 

Goals of education are to teach the process of scientific research to Counters 
and to give them the opportunity to conduct a meaningful study, to experience 
marine mammals in their natural environment, and to share this process and our 
enthusiasm with publics through direct interchange, outreach, and various 
media. 

RAs will be trained by the Project Coordinator and, in-turn, share the 
responsibility for training new volunteers and conducting research and 
education.

Applicable skills learned and achieved include:

  > Process, concepts, and protocols of the survey, including use of equipment 
and data-entry.

  > Ability to identify a multitude of marine mammal species from a distance, 
including but not limited to: Gray whales, Humpback whales, Bottlenose 
dolphins, Common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Harbor seals, 
California Sea lions, Sea otters, etc. 

  > Identify behaviors of these marine mammals

  > Distinguish calves from juveniles and adults  

  > Identify vessels and vessel operations

  > Gather detailed, consistent data, with ability to teach and check others’ 
work

  > Learn about marine mammals in their natural environment and the forces that 
affect them, both natural and anthropogenic

  > Developing responsibility and a working relationship within a team

Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit 
full-time to the project for the time period involved, approximately 100 days, 
which can be extended if the applicant desires to be involved with data entry 
and analysis). 

This will entail up to 9 hours of work a day for at least 5 days a week. (With 
training, RA’s are required to work everyday the first two weeks.) The Count is 
7 days per week and the RA may commit additional hours to the Count as desired. 
The more time you can put in, the more you will get out of your experience. 

Priority will be given to those candidates with associative career goals. 
Previous experience is a plus but not a condition.

This is an invaluable opportunity to gain extensive experience in real-time, 
scientific fieldwork in an environment rich with diverse populations of marine 
mammals. You will work with equally diverse individuals who are caring, 
attentive, and curious. Gray whales are a sentinel species traveling from 
temperate lagoons in Mexico, along the dynamic California Current at the 
eastern edge of the North Pacific Ocean to the Arctic waters of northern Alaska 
in one of the longest marine mammal migrations. 

Requirements: 

  > Even though we are situated in Southern California, you must be able to 
withstand harsh weather conditions.  Fieldwork can be, at times, physically and 
mentally demanding.

  > Willingness to work long hours.

  > Commit for a minimum of 100 days, full time (minimum five days per week).

  > Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, zoology, 
environmental science, animal behavior or a related field.

  > Previous field experience with marine wildlife and observation is a plus 
but not required.

  > Ability to work in a team environment to produce consistent, high quality 
results. We cannot stress this enough. You will be trained to be a leader of an 
operation with people of 

[MARMAM] Irish Mitigation course

[Patrick Lyne]

Irish Marine Mammal Mitigation Course

An online course is now available for those interested in the Irish guidelines. 
 The aim of this is to clarify some of the misconceptions which seem to occur 
regarding the guidelines.  Including where environmental information and 
requirements for works may be found from the various regulators, which can 
include additional mitigation requirements.

Reporting requirements are discussed and where the forms required by Irish 
guidelines as well as the guidelines can be found.  We discuss common mistakes 
made when using the Irish guidelines which include but are not confined to:

1.   Inappropriate use of mitigation gun

2.   Failure to complete required reports or data forms

3.   Lack of, or confusion over licence reference

4.   Failure to adhere to delay requirements

5.   Lack of awareness of licensing conditions

Additionally we pay particular attention to determining distance mammals and 
using this to determine distance to the source, which is critical for 
determining mitigation requirements in any jurisdiction.   This course does not 
cover the use of PAM (Passive acoustic Monitoring). The use of PAM does not 
currently require any qualification or experience in Ireland and mitigation is 
restricted to daylight usage and only in good weather.

The course will be of interest to those wishing to be involved in marine mammal 
mitigation in Ireland but also those interested in mitigation approaches 
generally.

The cost of the course, including accreditation, is €100 to non-IWDG (Irish 
Whale and Dolphin Group) members and €50 to IWDG members. If interested please 
email patrick.l...@iwdg.ie or m...@manadaenv.com and payment details will be 
forwarded.  While dates are flexible if you have problems it is preferred if 
the course can be finished before the year end (Dec, 2017). The entire 
commitment for the course should not exceed two days and is expected to take 
less time, but will depend on relevant experience. 

 

Patrick Lyne

Email: patrick.l...@iwdg.ie / m...@manadaenv.com 

Website: www.manadaenv.com 

 

 

 

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[MARMAM] Course on Spatial Prioritization with Marxan

[Oliver Hooker]

Spatial Prioritization with Marxan (MRXN01)

https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-marxan-mrxn01/

5th March 2018 - 9th March 2018

The protection of marine mammals can often underpin the decision making 
related to marine protected areas and 'spatial prioritization'. Marxan 
(Ian Ball and Hugh Possingham, 2000) is a software program used to 
support the design of marine and terrestrial reserves.  Marxan is now 
used by over 6000 people in 150 countries, making it the most the most 
widely used conservation planning tool in the world. In simple terms, 
Marxan analyzes scientific and geographic data to help users allocate 
space in ways that maximize values such as biodiversity, land value, 
cultural significance, and economic productivity whilst minimizing cost. 
This hands-on course will provide participants with the basic knowledge 
and skills necessary to use Marxan in a conservation planning 
exercise. The following topics will be covered in the course:

1) Key concepts in systematic conservation planning
2) Problem definition
3) Creation of planning units and using geospatial data
4) Creating the essential Marxan input files
5) Parameter setting in Marxan
6) Understanding and interpreting Marxan results
7) Post-hoc evaluation and performance metrics
8) Advanced topics: Introduction to Marxan with Zones, Marxan with 
Connectivity, and Marxan with Probability


Monday 5th
Participant Introductions
Introduction to systematic conservation planning and decision support 
tools

Activity: Planning a reserve system by hand
Introduction to Marxan and the case study Activity: Input file creation 
using GIS


Tuesday 6th
Case study application (finish creating input files)
Introduction to Zonae Cogito
Activity: Parameter calibration and generating outputs
Data chat: common issues
Real world examples

Wednesday 7th
Finalise case study and Discussion
Introduction to Advanced Marxan Topics
Activity: Post Hoc Evaluation; Protection Equality and Percentage Gap
Data chat: Costs

Thursday 8th
Activity: Marxan with Zones and Marxan with Connectivity toy problems 
(pending)
Beyond Marxan- other tools used in Decision Science for Conservation 
Participant’s present their projects or ideas for a Marxan problem

Discussion

Friday 9th
Continue with participant presentations (if needed)
Final discussions
The future of Marxan and its relatives


Other up-coming courses



1.  November 6th – 10th 2017
LANDSCAPE GENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R #LNDG
Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Prof. Rodney Dyer
http://www.prstatistics.com/course/landscape-genetic-data-analysis-using-r-lndg02/

2.  November 20th - 25th 2017
APPLIED BAYESIAN MODELLING FOR ECOLOGISTS AND EPIDEMIOLOGISTS #ABME
SCENE, Scotland, Dr. Matt Denwood
http://www.prstatistics.com/course/applied-bayesian-modelling-ecologists-epidemiologists-abme03/

3.  November 27th – December 1st 2017
INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON FOR BIOLOGISTS #IPYB
Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Dr. Martin Jones
http://www.prinformatics.com/course/introduction-to-python-for-biologists-ipyb04/
--
4.  December 4th - 8th 2017
ADVANCING IN STATISTICAL MODELLING USING R #ADVR
Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Dr. Luc Bussiere, Dr. Tom Houslay, Dr. 
Ane Timenes Laugen,

http://www.prstatistics.com/course/advancing-statistical-modelling-using-r-advr07/
--
5.  January 29t – February 2nd 2018
INTRODUCTION TO BAYESIAN HIERARCHICAL MODELLING #IBHM
SCENE, Scotland, Dr. Andrew Parnell
http://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-bayesian-hierarchical-modelling-using-r-ibhm02/

6.  January 29th – February 2nd 2018
PHYLOGENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R #PHYL
SCENE, Scotland, Dr. Emmanuel Paradis
https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-phylogenetic-analysis-with-r-phyg-phyl02/
--
7.  February 19th – 23rd 2018
MOVEMENT ECOLOGY #MOVE
Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Dr Luca Borger, Dr Ronny Wilson, Dr 
Jonathan Potts

https://www.prstatistics.com/course/movement-ecology-move01/

8.  February 19th – 23rd 2018
GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS USING R #GMMR
Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Prof. Dean Adams, Prof. Michael Collyer, 
Dr. Antigoni Kaliontzopoulou

http://www.prstatistics.com/course/geometric-morphometrics-using-r-gmmr01/
--
9.  March 5th - 9th 2018
SPATIAL PRIORITIZATION USING MARXAN #MRXN
Margam 

[MARMAM] UF Spring online course - Aquatic Wildlife Health

[Larkin,Iskande (Iske)]

Hi All,

Registration is currently open for Spring 2018.  The University of Florida, 
Aquatic Animal Health Program, is offering the following course for those that 
may be interested.  Class begins Jan 8th.

Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to 
introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals 
(with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, 
behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, 
seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and 
invertebrates. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. 
Iskande Larkin (ivlar...@ufl.edu).

Sincerely,
Dr Iske Larkin


[Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig]
Iske V. Larkin, PhD
Lecturer & Education Coordinator
Aquatic Animal Health Program
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Florida
PO Box 100136
2015 SW 16th Ave
Gainesville, Florida 32610

Office phone - 352-294-4095
Work cell - 352-494-1742
Fax - 352-392-8289
Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu

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[MARMAM] HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH AND LEARNING PROGRAMME IN CAPE VERDE, AFRICA

[AIMM Internships]

*HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH AND LEARNING PROGRAMME IN CAPE VERDE, AFRICA*



*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association is a non-profit,
non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of
marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal
(Algarve) and Boa Vista, Cape Verde. This project aims to obtain baseline
information on species occurrence, behaviour, and social structure of the
local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support
conservation measures and inform marine management policies.

The main species observed are Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*)
and the rough-toothed (*Steno bredanensis*) although more than 14 species
of cetacean were describe to the Cape Verde region. Sea turtle could be
also find in the ocean, mostly the Green turtle (*Chelonia mydas*),
Loggerhead turtle and Leatherback turtle (*Dermochelys coriacea*).

AIMM participants are hard-working individuals who are willing to
contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while
experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing
methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine
biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share
accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental
friendly and multicultural environment.



*WHERE:* Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, África



*WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of March to 31st of May, 2017. The
minimum attendance is 14 days, preferably starting on a Monday.



*FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in an opportunistic platforms
(commercial whale-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather
conditions and seat availability in the whale-watching boats. Field days
can be intense, especially in the peak of season, but are fulfilling and
good fun. The participants will be trained to:

·  Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence

·  Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS

·  COllect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.

·  Collection of photos to photo-identification and underwater videos while
on-board



*DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail
entering data into established databases and spreadsheets,
photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation.



*FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our
volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we
may continue our important research and education programs. This Learning
Programme requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the
cost of accommodation and running a non-profit.

For more information on the fees for the 2018 season, please contact:
inte...@aimm-portugal.org with the title “CAPE VERDE LEARNING PROGRAMME”

*Included* in the fee is:

· Accommodation in the research house;

· Transportation to/from the marina

· Fieldwork on a commercial whale-watching vessels



*Not included* in the fee is:

· Transportation to/from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde

·  Meals / food

· Visa

· Free time activities

· Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel
insurance)

· Personal expenses



*PARTICIPANTS** ARE EXPECTED TO:*

· Be above the age of 18

· Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment

· Be autonomous and flexible

· Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors
at sea

· Speak English

· Participate for minimum 2 weeks



*Preference will be given* to those who have:

· Relevant marine mammal field experience

· Availability to stay for longer periods of time

· Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms

· Experience in photo-identification



*LEARNING PROGRAMME APPLICATION: *

Applicants should send an e-mail to inte...@aimm-portugal.org, subject “*CAPE
VERDE LEARNING PROGRAMME*” with your Resume/CV, personal statement on which
are your expectations and the period of time that you want do the
programme.

You will received an e-mail with the availability for the programme and all
the others details.

Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application
is recommended due to limited vacancies.




*Contacts*: inte...@aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org |

-- 

AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment
Research Association*

w ww.aimmportugal.org
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[MARMAM] LAST CALL: Volunteer Research assistant - Cetacean Conservation of Nicaragua (Joelle De Weerdt)

[ELI- Scientific]

*Volunteer - Cetacean Research Assistant *


*About ELI-Scientific*

ELI-S is a small nonprofit organization composed of a team of three
volunteers based in France that has been created in 2013. Our organization
aims at promoting, protecting and conserving cetaceans. We have set up the
research project ?Cetacean Conservation in Nicaragua? in 2015. This pioneer
project aims to generate knowledge on cetacean presence, population size,
distribution and habitat use patterns. The expected output is to generate:
1) scientific data on cetaceans in Nicaragua, 2) environmental awareness to
the local communities in order to create a socio-economic relevance in
conserving and protecting their natural environment and 3) responsible
eco-tourism.


ELI-Scientific is recruiting volunteer research assistants for field work,
photo-identification and data entry from January 22nd to April 22nd 2018 in
Padre Ramos and San Juan del Sur. All team members will have a training
beforehand on the field methodologies and protocols as well as on data
entry and management. Research assistants should expect to spend time on
the computer for data analysis but also to spend some days on the field to
gather data during the 12-week field study. The Research Assistant have a
unique opportunity to participate to a pioneer research project under the
supervision of experienced marine biologists, which gives the opportunity
for the assistant to develop both professionally but also personally thanks
to the unique experience to live within local communities. A commitment of
3 months is expected.


*Locations: *Padre Ramos North-West of Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur South-West of Nicaragua


*Period: *22 of January to 22 of April (3 months commitment)


*Type of agreement: *Full time.


*Duties:*

-  Assist in Boat based and land based surveys in collecting data
on cetaceans

-  Photo-identification of whale and dolphin species

-  Update photo-ID catalogue

-  Data entry of collected data

-  Participate to public outreach and events



*Skills and qualifications:*

-  *Bsc or Mc in biology / environmental sciences*

-  *Fluency in Spanish (!)*

-  *Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working (!)*

-  Experience of working in developing countries

-  Proactive with ability to work unsupervised

-  Interest in wildlife and conservation

-  Being comfortable on a small boat and spend long hours on a boat
in the sun

-  Excellent verbal and written communication skills

-  Being able to work in a small team


-  Being able to live in basic living conditions



*Desirable skills :*

-  Have background in cetacean ecology

-  An interest and knowledge of marine life

-  A background in marine biology

-  Be able to swim

*Successful candidate will:*

-  Gain valuable experience in cetacean survey techniques and
behavioral studies

-  Work in a very dynamic environment

-  Get insight in running a research project in developing countries



This position is an *unpaid position* and requires a contribution fee of
500 euros per month (converted in dollar according to the exchange rate).


*This fee includes:*

-  Accommodation

-  All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and cook

-  Water and electricity

-  Fieldwork expenses

-  Training to marine mammal survey material and methodologies

-  Membership to the organization for a year

-  2 t-shirts

*Fee does not include:*

-  Travel expenses to come to the study site

-  Personal expenses: restaurants, bars, telephone, internet,
cleaning clothes, etc.

*To apply:*

Please email a CV, 2 references and cover letter outlining your experience
and motivations. Send this to eliscienti...@gmail.com with "Research
assistant 2018" in the subject line. Interviews via Skype. Deadline: 15th
of November 2017.


*Contact:*
For further information and any queries, please contact *Joelle De Weerdt,
Project Director*

Email: eliscienti...@gmail.com
Website: www.nicacetacea.org
Find us on : Facebook , Instagram
, Twitter

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