[MARMAM] Volunteer Position - Research and Outreach Assistant

[Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch]

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch is a charity based on the Isle of Man
dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans in Manx waters through research
and education. We are recruiting four full-time volunteer Research and
Outreach Assistants for the 2019 season. The placement runs from 20th May
to 6th September and you need to be available for the entire duration. You
will be joining our small but active team and become involved in all areas
of our research and outreach work, alongside running our Visitor's Centre.

The majority of your time here will be split between five activities:
land-based surveys, boat-based surveys, manning the visitor's centre,
office tasks, and public outreach. You will be working alongside MWDW's
three operational staff and local volunteers on a rota of indoor and
outdoor tasks.

Land-based surveys are a fantastic way of observing cetaceans and basking
sharks behaving naturally in their environment, without causing them any
disturbance. These surveys take place regularly, when the weather is calm,
sometimes occurring from first to last light for several consecutive days.

Boat based surveys are often a summer highlight and will take place as
weather and other factors permit, and allow us to collect
photo-identification images and offshore data. You will get opportunities
to go out with local tourist boat operators, going aboard to guide
passengers and collect data and photographs. Volunteers must be aware that
these trips are extremely weather dependent and can be very infrequent, we
will not guarantee you a certain number of trips during your stay.

The principal office activities you will participate in are data entry and
photo-identification analysis. You will be taught how we enter and process
the data we record on our surveys. Photo-identification allows us to keep a
record of re-sightings of individuals and to give us another derivative of
abundance.

Public outreach and awareness-raising is a key element of our work. We run
monthly public watch events at a beauty spot in the south of the island
where you will talk to people about local species and help them to spot
animals. We attend numerous small events such as carnivals and fun-days
with our travelling information stall.

The newly opened Manx Whale and Dolphin Visitor's Centre is in the heart of
Peel, attracting many locals and tourists. We offer information about local
species, recent sightings, how and where to spot them, general cetacean
facts and a small merchandise area. The Young Scientist's Area features a
collection of locally found bones and activity area. Workshops for children
will be organised for the summer months.

As a volunteer for Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, you will be spending the
summer in the beautiful ‘city’ of Peel on the Isle of Man. Peel is a
fantastic place to live with two beaches, an impressive castle,
entertaining pubs and the chance of seeing basking sharks from the
breakwater.

We do not have a typical working week as we must take advantage of good
weather when it is available. We work most weekends, but you will get two
days off per week. Previous volunteers have taken up part-time evening work
to help with living costs.

Experience is not essential but a strong desire to further a career in
conservation, marine biology or environmental education is important. You
must have a strong work ethic and be able to think pro-actively, learning
from the role and using your own initiative to develop new projects over
the course of the summer. If you can bring a car, this would open much more
flexibility in terms of exploring the island and conducting surveys without
a member of staff.

You will be living in shared accommodation within a beautiful big town
house in the centre of Old Peel. There are two single rooms and one twin,
so you may have to share (same sex). The bathrooms, kitchen, dining/living
area and the garden are shared. Rent is £75 per week.

You can get to the Isle of Man easily from the UK or Ireland via the ferry
(Steam-Packet) or a flight to our airport (Ronaldsway).

To apply, please email i...@mwdw.net with a copy of your CV and a covering
letter explaining why you would like to come and volunteer with us.
Applications deadline is Sunday 7th April after which we will contact
successful applicants offering an interview.

-- 

*Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch* Charity number 1188

*phone:* +441624 610 131

*address:* Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, 31 Michael Street, Peel, IM5 1HD

*web:* mwdw.net 

*email:* i...@mwdw.net
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[MARMAM] New paper on abundance estimates of Guiana dolphins in the Cananeia estuary, Brazil

[Marcos Santos]

Dear Marmamers, just sharing that a new paper on abundance estimates of
Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*) in the Cananeia estuary,
southeastern Brazil, is now available.

Cheers,

Prof. Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos
Laboratorio de Biologia da Conservacao de Mamiferos Aquaticos (LABCMA)
Instituto Oceanografico, Universidade de Sao Paulo

Mello, AB; Molina, JMB; Kajin, M & Santos, MCO 2019. Abundance estimates of
Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*; Van Bénéden, 1864) inhabiting an
estuarine system in southeastern Brazil. *Aquatic Mammals* 45(1): 56-65.

ABSTRACT: Baseline demographic information is essential for effective
conservation and management strategies for most living species. The
abundance of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) is poorly known, yet
species conservation is considered a high priority in areas where human
activities may induce population declines. This study estimated abundance
for Guiana dolphins in the Cananeia estuary (25o03' S, 47o55' W) in
southeastern Brazil using mark-recapture data and Pollock’s Robust Design
Model. Systematic boat-based photo-identification surveys were based on
data collected in the summer and winter of 2015 and in the summer of 2016.
A total of 55 capture events allowed identification of 133 different
individuals. The best model indicated a popula- tion with random temporary
emigration, a time-constant survival rate, and heterogeneous time-varying
capture probabilities among primary periods. The temporary emigration rate
(γ’’= γ’) was 0.05 (± 0.03). Estimated population sizes were 430 (95% CI:
410 to 451) individuals in the summer of 2015, 384 (95% CI: 366 to 403)
individuals in the winter of 2015, and 414 (95% CI: 392 to 438) individuals
in the summer of 2016, indicating that environmental variables among
seasons may have a mild effect on the estimated size of this surveyed
population. These estimates should stand as an important baseline for
future comparisons. Systematic, long-term monitoring of this population is
recommended, and is required to accurately assess population trends.
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[MARMAM] New publication on cetacean movements

[Marcos Santos]

Dear Marmamers; just sharing a recent contibution to the knowledge on
cetaceans at the southwestern Atlantic coastal waters with available
download from an open access journal.

Cheers,

Prof. Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos
Laboratorio de Biologia da Conservacao de Mamiferos Aquaticos (LABCMA)
Insituto Oceanografico, Universidade de Sao Paulo
http://www.sotalia.com.br

Santos, MCO; Laílson-Brito, J.; Flach, L.; Oshima, JEF; Figueiredo, GC;
Carvalho, RR; Ventura, ES; Molina, JMB; Azevedo, A.F. 2019. Cetacean
movements in coastal waters of the southwestern Atlantic ocean. *Biota
Neotropica, *19(2): e20180670.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1676-0611- BN-2018-0670

ABSTRACT: Cetaceans were monitored along ca. 700 km of the southeast coast
of Brazil (22S to 25S) from 1995 to 2014 using photo-identification. The
objective of this study was to identify any presence of long-distance
movements for monitored cetacean species and discuss implications. Data on
long-range movements of four of the monitored species are presented after
the analysis of 321,765 photographs taken for individual identification.
Seven individuals from four populations of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia
guianensis) considered resident to particular estuaries or bays were
reported in dispersal involving movement between pairs of protected areas
over long-range distances varying between 86 and 135 km. Three cataloged
rough-toothed dolphins (Stenobredanensis), first seen in Guanabara Bay, Rio
de Janeiro state (22o46’S) in November 2011, were sighted 240 km southwards
as members of the same group in coastal waters of Sao Paulo state (23o46’S)
in July 2014. Water depth for those sightings ranged from 16 to 52.7 m;
local sightings of rough-toothed dolphins in Brazil have frequently been in
shallow waters, but the species global distribution is usually associated
with deeper waters. In a 27-day interval in the spring of 2012, a group of
16 orcas (Orcinus orca) travelled ca. 277 km in shallow coastal waters
ranging from 20 to 30 m deep. Orcas are commonly observed between November
and February in southeast Brazil, probably in search for prey. In summer
months between 2012 and 2014, three Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni)
sighted in waters ranging from 14 to 49 m deep, moved between 218 and 327
km. Bryde’s whales are usually found in local coastal waters where they
spend summer months feeding on sardines. To date, these are the longest
estimated movements reported to S. guianensis, S. bredanensis, O. orca and B.
edeni in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean.
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[MARMAM] New publication: First underwater sighting of Shepherd’s beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi)

[Phil Bouchet]

Dear colleagues, 

 

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce publication of the 
following paper in Marine Biodiversity Records:

 

Thompson CDH, Bouchet PJ, Meeuwig JJ. 2019. First underwater sighting of 
Shepherd’s beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi). Marine Biodiversity Records, 
12: 6. DOI: 10.1186/s41200-019-0165-6.

 

Abstract: Here we describe the first underwater sighting of Shepherd’s beaked 
whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi). Two individuals were observed together on video 
footage obtained via mid-water stereo-Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems 
(BRUVS) deployed off the coast of Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha, in the 
South Atlantic. This observation constitutes the first recorded live sighting 
of this species in the waters of Tristan da Cunha since 2002 and provides 
further evidence for the persistence of a population of this species in the 
region. The observed individuals lacked the dark flipper stripe observed in 
previous descriptions, indicating that the species may exhibit greater 
variation in pigmentation than previous records indicate. The planned 
implementation of a marine reserve in the region along with the current low 
level of fishing pressure and remote location of this archipelago provide a 
good context to ensure the appropriate management and protection of this rare 
species. The recent establishment of an ongoing mid-water stereo-BRUVS 
monitoring programme, in concert with other methods targeted at marine mammals, 
may yield further information about this little known species and aid in 
informing management decisions in the future.


The paper is freely available online at 
https://mbr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41200-019-0165-6


Kind regards



Dr. Phil Bouchet

Research Associate
School of Mathematics and Statistics

Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM)

---

The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens
University of St Andrews, St Andrews Fife
KY16 9LZ, Scotland (UK)

---

pjbouc...@gmail.com | pb...@st-andrews.ac.uk

Twitter @pjbouchet  •  Web pjbouchet.github.io • ResearcherID K-5365-2012

 

www.st-andrews.ac.uk

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

 

 

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[MARMAM] DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL

[AIMM Internships]

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL*



*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, 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). This project aims to obtain baseline
information on species occurrence, behavior, 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 Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus
delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises
(Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can
also be sighted.

AIMM Interns are young, 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.

Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by
beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor.



*WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal



*WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 2019. The
minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday.



*FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel,
Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats).
Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the
dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak
of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns 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.;

·Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and
underwater videos while on-board;

·Secchi disk methodology;

·Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals.



*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.



*INTERNSHIP 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 in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution
which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a
non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2019 season,
please contact: inte...@aimm-portugal.org



*Included* in the fee is:

·Accommodation in the research house;

·Transportation to/from the marina;

·Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner);

·Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching
vessels.



*Not included* in the fee is:

·Transportation to/from Albufeira;

·Meals in restaurants and snacks;

·Free time activities;

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

·Personal expenses.



*INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:*

·Be above the age of 16;

·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 7 days.



*Preference will be given* to those who have:

·Relevant marine mammal field experience

·Working experience on research vessels

·Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms

·Experience in photo-identification

·Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID

·Availability to stay for longer periods of time



*INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: *

Applicants should fill up the online application at:

http://www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship

AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the
internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small
statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with
AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program.

OR

Applicants should send an e-mail to: inte...@aimm-portugal.org, with the
subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with
the availability and all the others details.

Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application
is