[MARMAM] Post doc opportunity: humpback whale song

[Ellen Garland]

Applications are sought for a committed Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work 
with Dr Ellen Garland conducting research for a Royal Society funded project on 
humpback whale song.
The primary duties will be to develop and conduct quantitative song analyses to 
advance our understanding of song development, and how age may affect the 
cultural transmission of song.

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in 
ecology, evolution or behavioural biology with expertise in bioacoustics.

The post is available on a fixed term contract until 30 September 2025, 
starting 3 June 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

For more information and to apply: 
https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/2599/0/418440/889/research-fellow-ar2946nb

Kind regards,
Ellen
-
Ellen C. Garland, Ph.D.
Royal Society University Research Fellow
Member RSE Young Academy of Scotland

Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU)
Scottish Oceans Institute
School of Biology
University of St Andrews
Fife, KY16 8LB, UK

Ph: +44 (0)1334-46-3620
Ph: +44 (0)7478-649964
Email: e...@st-andrews.ac.uk
WWW: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/biology/people/ecg5
Twitter: @EllenGarland4
-
The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532


___
MARMAM mailing list
MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

[MARMAM] New publication: Erysipelas with preferential brain and skin involvement in a Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Laura Martino)

[Laura]

Dear all,
Me and coauthors are pleased to announce the publication of our
paper Erysipelas with preferential brain and skin involvement in a
Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus, in the journal
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. The publication is open access, and is
available at


https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v157/p31-43/

See below the abstract of the publication:

Erysipelas with preferential brain and skin involvement in a Mediterranean
bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus

Laura Martino, Bárbara Serrano, Jaume Alomar, Lola Pérez, Virginia Aragon,
Àlex Cobos, Maria Lourdes Abarca, Zeinab Yazdi, Esteban Soto, Mariano
Domingo

ABSTRACT: Infections by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae occur in domestic
animals and cause the disease known as ‘erysipelas’. The ubiquity of
Erysipelothrix spp. makes infection possible in a wide range of vertebrates
and invertebrates. Cetaceans are highly susceptible to erysipelas,
especially those under human care. The number of cases documented in wild
cetaceans is low, the pathogenesis is incompletely understood, and the full
spectrum of lesions is not well defined. The possible serotypes and species
of the genus that can cause disease are unknown. In October 2022, a common
bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus stranded in Vilassar de Mar
(Catalonia) showing skin lesions consistent with ‘diamond skin disease’, a
characteristic lesion of erysipelas shared by swine and cetaceans. Necropsy
was performed following standardized procedures, and multiple samples were
taken for histopathology and bacteriology. Erysipelothrix sp. grew in pure
culture in many tissue samples. Genetic characterization by multi-locus
sequence analysis identified the species as E. rhusiopathiae.
Histologically, the main lesions were an intense suppurative vasculitis of
leptomeningeal arteries and veins with abundant intramural Gram-positive
bacilli and meningeal hemorrhages. Meningeal lesions were considered the
cause of death. The affected skin showed moderate suppurative dermatitis.
Herein we document a case of erysipelas in a Mediterranean common
bottlenose dolphin with unusual lesions in the leptomeningeal vessels and
marked skin tropism. To our knowledge, this is the first case of severe
brain involvement in erysipelas in a cetacean. We also provide a review of
available cases in wild cetaceans, to highlight the characteristics of the
disease and improve future diagnosis.
___
MARMAM mailing list
MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

[MARMAM] JNCC-recognised MMO course and PSO course

[Carolyn Barton]

Spaces are available on a JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters on 19th
and 20th February 2024, remote delivery by Zoom.  Also available is an
online self-navigated PSO course for the US Gulf of Mexico and US Atlantic.

The JNCC-recognised MMO course will cover all the information needed for
work as a Marine Mammal Observer in UK waters.  Taught by an instructor
with over 25 years experience, the course content includes:

1) Impacts of noise on marine mammals
2) Introduction to activities that require mitigation
3) Legislation protecting marine mammals and marine licensing
4) Detailed examination of the JNCC guidelines for geophysical surveys,
pile driving and explosives
5) Data recording and reporting requirements
6) Visual monitoring and distance estimation
7) Overview of passive acoustic monitoring
8) Working as an MMO/ PAM operator
9) Identification of marine mammals

Zoom sessions will be a mixture of lectures and exercises, over 1.5 days.
Any exercises not completed during the sessions can be completed in your
own time.  There is also an online multiple choice exam to be done at your
convenience after the Zoom sessions (re-sits are possible if you don't pass
first time).  Each delegate gets individual feedback on their exercises and
the exam.

The cost of the MMO course is £180 (180GBP).  On successful completion of
the course (including the exercises and exam) you will receive
JNCC-recognised certification, which is required for work as an MMO in UK
waters.

Online, self-navigated PSO course: this course is for Protected Species
Observers who will be working in offshore waters of the US Gulf of Mexico
and US Atlantic on activities such as geophysical surveys and offshore wind
energy developments.  Topics include:

1) Marine mammals and sea turtles, their biology and threats to populations
2) Sound in the seas and the impact of noise on marine mammals
3) US legislation protecting marine mammals and sea turtles
4) Activities requiring mitigation
5) Geophysical survey mitigation
6) Vessel strike avoidance
7) Explosive removal of structures
8) Offshore wind energy developments and mitigation
9) Visual monitoring and distance estimation
10) Introduction to passive acoustic monitoring
11) Working as a PSO
12) Life at sea
13) Identification of marine mammals and sea turtles
14) Final assessment

The cost of the PSO course is £180 (180GBP).  On successful completion of
the course (including the exam) you will receive PSO certification, which
is required as part of the approval process for work as a PSO in US waters.

For further details and for a registration form for either course see
www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail i...@carolynbarton.co.uk .
___
MARMAM mailing list
MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

[MARMAM] New paper: Morphology of nares associated with stereo-olfaction in baleen whales

[Conor Ryan]

Dear marmam subscribers,

On behalf all the coauthors, I would like to inform you of a new paper in
Biology Letters:

Ryan Conor, Martins Maria C. I., Healy Kevin, Bejder Lars, Cerchio
Salvatore, Christiansen Fredrik, Durban John, Fearnbach Holly, Fortune
Sarah, Friedlaender Ari, Koski William R., Miller Carolyn,
Rodríguez-González Fabian M., Segre Paolo S., Urbán R Jorge, Vivier Fabien,
Weir Caroline R. and Moore Michael J. (2024) Morphology of nares associated
with stereo-olfaction in baleen whales. Biology Letters, 20: 20230479.
http://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0479

Abstract
The sensory mechanisms used by baleen whales (Mysticeti) for locating
ephemeral, dense prey patches in vast marine habitats are poorly
understood. Baleen whales have a functional olfactory system with paired
rather than single blowholes (nares), potentially enabling
stereo-olfaction. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is an odorous gas emitted by
phytoplankton in response to grazing by zooplankton. Some seabirds use DMS
to locate prey, but this ability has not been demonstrated in whales. For
14 extant species of baleen whale, nares morphometrics (imagery from
unoccupied aerial systems, UAS) was related to published trophic level
indices using Bayesian phylogenetic mixed modelling. A significant negative
relationship was found between nares width and whale trophic level (β =
−0.08, lower 95% CI = −0.13, upper 95% CI = −0.03), corresponding with a
39% increase in nares width from highest to lowest trophic level. Thus,
species with nasal morphology best suited to stereo-olfaction are more
zooplanktivorous. These findings provide evidence that some baleen whale
species may be able to localize odorants e.g. DMS. Our results help direct
future behavioural trials of olfaction in baleen whales, by highlighting
the most appropriate species to study. This is a research priority, given
the potential for DMS-mediated plastic ingestion by whales.

Best wishes,
Conor Ryan
___
MARMAM mailing list
MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

[MARMAM] paid summer positions - Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program

[Vanessa Mintzer]

The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program in Texas, USA, is recruiting for two 
summer 2024 paid opportunities:

Research Assistant - The Galveston Bay Foundation is seeking a temporary summer 
research assistant (14 weeks; June-September 2024) for the Galveston Bay 
Dolphin Research Program. The Research Assistant will help with the collection, 
entry and analysis of bottlenose dolphin population data in Galveston Bay, 
Texas. The position will entail a combination of field and office work (both 
in-person and remote). They will also supervise and train citizen scientists. 
Previous marine mammal field research and photo-identification experience are 
required.

Research Intern - The Environmental Institute of Houston is seeking a dedicated 
summer research intern (14 weeks; June-September 2024) for the Galveston Bay 
Dolphin Research Program. The intern will help with the collection and 
management of bottlenose dolphin population data in Galveston Bay, Texas. The 
position consists of a combination of field and office work. Previous wildlife 
management and/or marine mammal coursework, field and photo-identification, and 
boat handling experience are highly desirable.

Details for both positions are available here: 
https://galvestonbaydolphin.org/summer-2024-opportunities/. Applications are 
due March 8, 2024. Applicants must be a United States citizen or have permanent 
resident alien status. The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program is a 
collaboration between the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Environmental 
Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Visit 
galvestonbaydolphin.org to learn more.


Vanessa J. Mintzer, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program
Galveston Bay Foundation
Direct: 352-359-5633
1725 Highway 146, Kemah, TX 77565
vmint...@galvbay.org
galvestonbaydolphin.org


___
MARMAM mailing list
MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

[MARMAM] Job Openings - 6 Passive Acoustic Analysts Positions with Maine Department of Marine Resources

[Murray, Anita]

Dear MARMAM community,

Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is hiring 6 Marine Resource 
Scientist I - Acoustic Analysts. These positions will play an integral role in 
DMR's Passive Acoustics Program by analyzing acoustic recordings for 
species-specific vocalizations and ambient noise levels, deploying/retrieving 
PAM moorings, and conducting various research projects. For more information, 
please see the job posting link below and the job description which is pasted 
below. These positions will be based at the DMR laboratory in West Boothbay 
Harbor, Maine.

Link to the job posting: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0vvrs/

Feel free to contact me (anita.mur...@maine.gov) 
with any questions about this position.

Cheers,
Anita

Anita Murray, PhD (she/her)
Lead, Passive Acoustics Program
Division of Marine Mammal Research
Maine Department of Marine Resources
194 McKown Point Road
West Boothbay Harbor, ME., 04575, USA
anita.mur...@maine.gov

[cid:image004.png@01DA5782.8FCA8470]
[Logo  Description automatically generated with medium confidence]
http://www.maine.gov/dmr

Public Service
Career Diversity
Retirement
Promotional Opportunities
Benefits
Over 10,000 Employees
Paid Holidays
Statewide Locations
Training
Seasonal Jobs
Full Time
Part Time


HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to complete and submit an online State 
of Maine Direct Hire Application along with a Cover Letter, and detailed Resume 
at:
https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#dmr


Direct Hire Application forms can be obtained by accessing the NRSC website at: 
https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml


If you are unable to apply online, please mail all application materials to:
Natural Resources Service Center
c/o Kristin McCamish
32 Blossom Lane
Marquardt Building
Augusta, ME 04333-0155


  APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY:
 February 16, 2024




Direct Hire Career Opportunity Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
State House Station #21, Augusta, ME 04333 - *Offices Located at 32 Blossom 
Lane, Augusta
MARINE RESOURCE SCIENTIST I
(Acoustics Analysts)

Opening Date:
February 02, 2024
Closing Date:
February 16, 2024
Location:
West Boothbay Harbor
Position #'s:
07200-2707
07200-2738
07200-2736
07200-2739
07200-2737
07200-2740
Position Type:
Full Time *(LIMITED PERIOD)
Class Code:
9362
Grade/Salary:
Grade 23 - $50,481.60 - $68,099.20/Annually**
**(This includes the 5.5% Salary Adjustment)

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is seeking applicants with strong 
scientific skills to fill six (6) *limited period Marine Resource Scientist I 
positions in the Division of Marine Mammal Research within the Bureau of Marine 
Science located at the West Boothbay Harbor Laboratory.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: These positions will be responsible for processing 
acoustic recordings for species-specific vocalizations using various software. 
The positions will also be responsible for statistical and ambient noise 
analyses. The positions will perform deployment/retrieval, servicing, and 
purchasing duties needed to maintain passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) 
projects. The positions will stay up to date on literature and relevant 
regional projects, and work with the Passive Acoustics Program Lead to present 
and publish results. Each position may conduct a research project using the 
species detection and/or vocal activity data generated by the team's analysis. 
With direction from the program lead, this could include identifying a research 
question, applying for external grant funding, implementing the necessary 
statistical analyses, and disseminating results.

As needed, the positions will work across DMR programmatic lines, including for 
other programs within the Division of Marine Mammal Research and the Division 
of Ecology and the Environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES PREFERRED:

  *   Previous experience with passive acoustic analysis and/or 
deploying/retrieving passive acoustics equipment.
  *   Knowledge of cetacean biology, ecology, and/or behavior, particularly 
vocal behavior.
  *   Knowledge of management issues with respect to fisheries and/or offshore 
wind energy development.
  *   Ability to demonstrate strong analytical, writing, and communication 
skills.
  *   An ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within a team.
  *   Ability to demonstrate strong organization skills and be detail oriented.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in PAM, bioacoustics, 
soundscape ecology, ambient noise, statistical modeling, and/or artificial 
neural networks. Experience with Raven Pro, PAMGUARD, LFDCS, R, Python, MATLAB 
and/or GIS software are preferred. Prior experience participating in multi-day 
offshore research cruises is preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree in a scientific, technical, or 
engineering discipline, or equivalent in