[MARMAM] Humpback whale photo-identified along the NW coast of Spain

[Bruno Díaz López]

Humpback whale photo-identified along the NW coast of Spain 

We would like to announce that the BDRI have photo-identified one humpback 
whale feeding along the NW coast of Spain between 11 and 31 October 2017. We 
have good pictures of the fluke and colouration patterns. 

For those colleagues working with this species along the NE Atlantic please 
contact me and we will send you the pictures in order to match with your 
catalogue. 

Kind regards,

Bruno Díaz López
Chief biologist and Director
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI
Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Spain
www.thebdri.com
0034 684 248552

This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be 
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received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your 
system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research 
Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it 
is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank 
you for your cooperation.

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[MARMAM] Research project participant request

[amber]

Dear MARMAM subscribers,


I am a PhD student currently conducting research on pinniped emotions. I am
reaching out to the marine mammal community to ask if anyone with relevant
experience would be willing to participate in this project.


The project aims to assess rater perceptions of California sea lion and
harbor seal emotional experiences. I am therefore looking for anyone who
has experience working with these species (such as conducting research
with, or working as a volunteer, intern, trainer, or keeper) who would be
willing to spend 30-45 minutes completing an online questionnaire.


If you would be interested in participating in this project, the link below
will take you to the online survey. If you have any questions about
participation in the project, or the project itself, please contact Amber
de Vere at amber.dev...@usm.edu.


https://usmep.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOuiRZ0WPaglO3X


Please also feel free to forward this information on to anyone of relevance
who you think would be suitable and interested in participating in this
research.


Thank you in advance for your help!


Regards,


Amber de Vere


-- 
Amber de Vere, M.A.
Oxford University, B.A. (Biological Sciences)
Ph.D. Candidate in Brain and Behavior
Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Laboratory
University of Southern Mississippi
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[MARMAM] Marine Mammal Observer Association - Setting the Standards for Marine Mammal Monitoring & Mitigation Worldwide

[Marine Mammal Observer Association]

Dear Marine Mammal Observers & Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operators,



The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) is a membership based
association with the aim of bringing together and representing individuals
who work commercially and professionally as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs),
Protected Species Observers (PSOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)
Operators who implement mitigation measures to protect marine life during
industry operations.


The MMOA also provides a platform for professional conversation and
education. Research has shown that there are many valid reasons to be a
part of a professional organisation, these include:




   - Demonstrating that you have the experience, qualifications and skills
   in your field[1] 
   - Enhancing individual credibility and dedication
   to continuous professional development[1]
   
   - Providing networking opportunities[1]
   
   - Providing access to career development opportunities[1]
   
   - Setting a code of conduct and demonstrating individual levels of
   commitment to maintaining these standards[2]
   
   - They also foster the development of professional attitudes,
   which include[3] :
   - The professional role we carry out to ensure the protection of
   endangered/ at risk species
   - Dedication to the field through acquisition of current knowledge
   - Using the professional organization as a major reference for
   professional standards
   - Self-regulation (through following the code of conduct set by the
   association)


The MMOA strives to stay up to date with the latest research in the field
and offer a unified position on mitigation measures. We then represent
these views in feedback to regulatory authorities, academics and industry.
This is designed to improve the communication between these bodies and to
improve the standards of marine mammal mitigation. Most recently, we
responded to the JNCC’s call for comments on their suggested updates.



We provide a platform for experienced MMOs and PAMs to exchange
information, ask questions and discuss relevant issues through
the member forum and our information directory. We also encourage newcomers
to the field to use the members' information directory to educate
themselves on their new role and reach out for support from senior members
when necessary.



Whether the industry is in a downturn or upturn, you can maintain your
connection to the field and your passion for the role you play in
mitigation measures by joining our association.


Please take a moment to review our website and see how we can provide a
service to you and your colleagues by joining. www.mmo-association.org



We have an election for our committee once a year and if you are interested
in more than just membership, we encourage you to follow-up membership with
a more involved role by running for a committee position, which is also a
great way to demonstrate your CPD.



Sincerely,



The Marine Mammal Observer Association Executive Committee


--

[1] 
*https://www.ctp.org.uk/resettlement-guide-article/benefits-of-joining-a-399704
*

[2] 
*http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumni/careers/graduatecareers/finding/professional-associations.aspx
*

[3]  Yeager, S. J. 1981. *Fostering
the development of professionalism: An exchange theory perspective of the
decision to join a professional association*. Southern Review of Public
Administration (5) 3:314-338

-- 

The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA)
Communications House
26 York Street
London
W1U 6PZ

*i...@mmo-association.org  *
*www.mmo-association.org *


*

  [image:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/3028634?trk=tyah=clickedVertical%3Acompany%2CclickedEntityId%3A3028634%2Cidx%3A3-1-10%2CtarId%3A1453856139917%2Ctas%3Amarine%20mamm]
*
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[MARMAM] Seeking Research Assistants for winter/spring Gray Whales Count 2018, Santa Barbara, CA USA

[Michael H Smith]

Please post to listserv. Thank you.



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 

[MARMAM] Deadline Reminder Dec 15: Study Abroad Course Bahamas

[Deirdre Yeater]

Hello!



Enjoy a hands-on learning course, examining the behavioral and social
ecology of Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will also learn
about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment.  Receive 3
credits; visiting students welcome!



Sacred Heart University and Dolphin Communication Project are offering a
study abroad course for Biology or Psychology course credits this summer
2018.  The course will be in offered in The Bahamas on 18 May – 24 May,
with an online learning component before and after the travel abroad.


Check out the website and apply for Bahamas Program here:http://studyabroad.
sacredheart.edu/

Applications and deposits are due by 15 December 2017!



Cheers!

Deirdre Yeater
yeat...@sacredheart.edu

-- 
Deirdre Yeater, PhD
Associate Professor
Sacred Heart University
Department of Psychology
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[MARMAM] Alzheimer's disease in dolphins

[William Rossiter]

Alzheimer's disease in humans and other animals: A consequence of 
postreproductive life span and longevity rather than aging.


    Gunn-Moore, Danièlle et al.
    Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association 
, Volume 0 , Issue 0 ,

    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2017.08.014

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus are linked by epidemiology, 
genetics, and molecular pathogenesis. They may also be linked by the 
remarkable observation that insulin signaling sets the limits on 
longevity. In worms, flies, and mice, disrupting insulin signaling 
increases life span leading to speculation that caloric restriction 
might extend life span in man. It is our contention that man is already 
a long-lived organism, specifically with a remarkably high postfertility 
life span, and that it is this that results in the prevalence of 
Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

Methods

We review evidence for this hypothesis that carries specific predictions 
including that other animals with exceptionally long postreproductive 
life span will have increased risk of both diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Results and Conclusions

We present novel evidence that Dolphin, like man, an animal with 
exceptional longevity, might be one of the very few natural models of 
Alzheimer's disease.


Keywords:
Longevity, Insulin signaling, Alzheimer's pathology, Animal models, Tau, 
Amyloid, GSK-3




William Rossiter
Cetacean Society International
rossi...@csiwhalesalive.org
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