[MARMAM] New publications: "Population ecology and the management of whalewatching operations on a data-deficient dolphin population" and "Wildlife tourism through the co-creation lens"

[Maddalena Fumagalli]

Dear MARMAM friends and colleagues,

my coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following 
papers. They both offer reflections on the phenomenon of swim-with wild 
dolphins and its management, but approach the topic from two, quite different, 
perspectives.

Fumagalli M., Cesario A., Costa M., Notarbartolo di Sciara G., Harraway J. and 
Slooten E. (2019). Population ecology and the management of whalewatching 
operations on a data-deficient dolphin population. 
Ecology and Evolution. 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ece3.5565 


Abstract: 1) Whale watching is a popular commercial activity, producing 
socio‐ecological benefits but also potential long‐term effects on the targeted 
cetacean population. This industry is currently developing in data‐deficient 
contexts in a largely unregulated fashion. Management schemes should adopt 
precaution and be informed by the relevant literature, but would be more 
effective if the assessment of the target population vulnerability, biological 
impacts, and management implications was drawn from site‐specific data. 2) This 
paper focuses on a reef‐associated, data‐deficient population of spinner 
dolphins in the Egyptian Red Sea. In Satayah Reef, new information on 
population size and dynamic parameters were documented using visual observation 
and photo‐identification‐based capture–recapture methods (Cormack–Jolly–Seber 
time‐since‐marking model). 3) Dolphins occurred on 98% of the survey days. 
Average school size was 66 individuals (±42.1 SE), with most groups including 
calves. The population was equally divided into recurrent and transient 
individuals. An “emigration + mortality” model best described residence at the 
site. Five recurrent males (5% of the Satayah population) provided connectivity 
between this and the geographically close population of Samadai Reef. 4) 
Average annual survival probability was 0.83 (±0.06 SE) in the year following 
first capture and 0.99 (±0.06 SE) for recurrent individuals. Mean yearly 
population sizes ranged 143–207 individuals. 5) The study had the power to 
detect a 30% decline in the population, but not the rate of change in abundance 
estimated from the data (r = 0.018 ± 0.04), which would have required a 3‐ to 
5‐times longer study. Synthesis and application: These findings advance the 
assessment of the Satayah population's intrinsic vulnerability and have three 
major management applications: (a) the delineation of management units; (b) the 
identification of key indicators for future impact monitoring and assessment; 
and (c) realistic estimates of the statistical power for trend detection. Based 
on our results, we recommend supporting future research, devising site‐specific 
time–area closure plans, and integrating them in a regional scheme. Approaches 
employed in this case study can inform the management of whale watching 
industries targeting other data‐deficient populations


Bertella G., Fumagalli M. and Williams-Grey V. (2019). Wildlife tourism through 
the co-creation lens. 
Tourism Recreation Research, 44(3): 300-310. 
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02508281.2019.1606977 


Abstract: This study reflects on the conceptualisation of wild animals as 
co-creators. Its purpose is to encourage reflection about the role of animals 
in wildlife tourism. Therefore, to this end – and in the belief that diversity 
and creativity are important elements in critical thinking – the study was 
developed by a research team with diverse professional backgrounds. It adopts a 
fictional methodological approach, employing a fictive dialogue between a 
tourist joining a swim-with-dolphins tour and a dolphin and draws upon recent 
scholarly contributions on animals from the perspective of various disciplines, 
including philosophy, biology and tourism, The study’s most important 
contribution comes in the form of a discussion of the co-creation concept from 
a critical perspective, based on innovative and explicitly-described 
ontological, epistemological and methodological considerations


Please feel free to contact us should you have any comments or would like to 
request a copy of the works.

Best regards,
Madda

Maddalena Fumagalli, PhD
Marine Biologist & Conservation Scientist
www.linkedin.com/in/maddalena-fumagalli






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[MARMAM] New Publication: Gray whale call and blow rates

[Regina Guazzo]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the
following open-access publication:

Guazzo RA, Weller DW, Europe HM, Durban JW, D'Spain GL, Hildebrand JA
(2019) Migrating eastern North Pacific gray whale call and blow rates
estimated from acoustic recordings, infrared camera video, and visual
sightings. Scientific Reports 9:12617.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-49115-y

Abstract:  During the eastern North Pacific gray whale 2014–2015 southbound
migration, acoustic call recordings, infrared blow detections, and visual
sightings were combined to estimate cue rates, needed to convert detections
into abundance. The gray whale acoustic call rate ranged from 2.3–24
calls/whale/day during the peak of the southbound migration with an average
of 7.5 calls/whale/day over both the southbound and northbound migrations.
The average daily calling rate increased between 30 December–13 February.
With a call rate model, we estimated that 4,340 gray whales migrated south
before visual observations began on 30 December, which is 2,829 more gray
whales than used in the visual estimate, and would add approximately 10% to
the abundance estimate. We suggest that visual observers increase their
survey effort to all of December to document gray whale presence. The
infrared camera blow rate averaged 49 blows/whale/hour over 5–8 January.
Probability of detection of a whale blow by the infrared camera was the
same at night as during the day. However, probability of detection
decreased beyond 2.1 km offshore, whereas visual sightings revealed
consistent whale densities up to 3 km offshore. We suggest that future
infrared camera surveys use multiple cameras optimised for different ranges
offshore.

I am happy to respond to any questions about this work at rgua...@ucsd.edu

Thank you,

Regina

Regina A. Guazzo, PhD
Environmental Readiness Branch
Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific
(c) 908.507.1421
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[MARMAM] Extended deadline! Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships

[Katie McHugh]

*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships*

The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), a partnership led by the 
Chicago Zoological Society and based at Mote Marine Laboratory in 
Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world’s longest-running study of a wild 
dolphin population. The program’s primary goal is to contribute to a 
better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of 
small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that 
impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative 
approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota 
Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Naples/Marco Island, and the Gulf of 
Mexico coastal waters.  For more information about the SDRP, please 
visit:www.sarasotadolphin.org 
.


The SDRP selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year:

 * Winter/Spring (positions January to April, applications due to Mote
   by September 1st);
 * Summer (positions mid-May to August, applications due to Mote by
   March 1st);
 * Fall (positions September to December, applications due to Mote by
   June 1st).

**WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING INTERNS TO BEGIN IN JANUARY 2020, APPLICATION 
DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 10th. All applications received by 
this date will be fully reviewed.**


Internships must be a minimum of 10 weeks of participation, but ideally 
will run for 12-16 weeks. Please note that we typically only seek 2-4 
interns for each session and that we receive many more applications than 
we have openings – the selection process is very competitive.Successful 
candidates will participate in the following research projects:


1)*Dolphin population monitoring project**:*(/YEAR ROUND/) This study 
continues to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in 
Sarasota Bay and vicinity.  Duties in the field will include assisting 
with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups 
during one to two weeks per month. Behavioral, location, individual, and 
environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group, and 
additional data related to human-dolphin interactions will also be 
collected in conjunction with this project. While in the lab (at least 2 
weeks per month), work will generally involve photo-identification of 
dolphins, computer data entry and double-checking, logging of videos 
into database and archives, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog 
updates, boat and field equipment maintenance, and other duties.


2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT ONLY/) 
This study uses the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to 
study relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and 
factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide.  While in 
the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse 
seining techniques and collection of other environmental data. Interns 
typically participate in this project 2-3 days per month.


3)*Other projects* (/TBD/)Interns may participate in other research 
projects, depending on availability and timing of grant funding for 
specific projects.Interns may also be asked to assist with dolphin rescues.


Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field, and 
about 80% of their time in the lab working with data, or performing 
equipment maintenance. There is no financial compensation for these 
internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for 
their own living and transportation expenses. Shared housing 
opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available. A few 
scholarships may be available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a 
competitive application process (US citizens only).


Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications:

 * Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed
   undergraduate or graduate studies;
 * A background or degree in marine biology, biology, ecology, zoology,
   wildlife, fisheries, or a related field;
 * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially
   Excel and Access);
 * Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English;
 * Must be physically fit and able to swim;
 * Must be able to work effectively as part of a team;
 * Some prior field research experience preferred but not required;
 * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based
   research methods;
 * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full time as
   a volunteer with our program.

**

**

*To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested 
persons should:*


1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory’s website 
(http://mote.org/research/internships) and be sure to select “Sarasota 
Dolphin Research Program” as your first choice;


2) Complete and provide to Mote’s intern office all other application 
materials including: a 

[MARMAM] Mote Marine Laboratory, Manatee Research Program Internships

[Christina Nau]

*Program Description*

The Manatee Research Program studiesseveral aspects of the biology of 
manatees inhabiting the waters of southwestern Florida, including 
population dynamics, population genetics, habitat use, distributional 
patterns and social behavior. Field data and samples are collected using 
photo-identification, aerial surveys, and non-invasive genetic sampling. 
From spring through early fall, photo-identification, genetic, and 
behavioral sampling are conducted primarily in Sarasota and Manatee 
counties.During the winter, field work is conducted primarily in 
Charlotte Harbor and the Ft. Myers area.Aerial surveys are conducted 
twice per month (during the non-winter) in Sarasota County to assess 
relative abundance and distribution of manatees in those waters.The 
long-term database of the program contributes to management and 
conservation measurements for Florida manatees. Additionally, the 
program collaborates with manatee researchers throughout the state of 
Florida and the Caribbean.For more information about, please visit: 
https://mote.org/research/program/manatee-research.


*WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING INTERNS TO BEGIN IN**January 2020**, WITH 
APPLICATIONS DUE BY **September 1st 2019**.*


*Internship Description*

Internships are available during all four seasons and must be a MINIMUM 
of 12 weeks.Hours are typically Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, although some 
longer days may be required for field work (especially during the winter 
season).


Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field and 
about 80% of their time in the office/lab.Field work duties include 
assisting with data collection, boat handling, and equipment use and 
maintenance.Field work requires spending long hours in the field, 
sometimes in uncomfortable weather conditions.Office/Lab duties include 
data entry, processing, matching images to known animals, equipment 
maintenance, and miscellaneous tasks and errands.


There is no financial compensation for these internship positions, and 
successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and 
transportation expenses. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine 
Laboratory may be available. A few scholarships may be available from 
Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US 
citizens only).


*Required Qualifications*

·Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed 
undergraduate studies


·A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or 
a related field is preferred


·Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and 
Access); previous experience using ArcMap GIS is a plus but not required


·Excellent communication skills; fluent in English

·Must be physically able to stand for long periods of time and lift 
heavy objects


·Knowledge of photography/SLR camera use and/or drawing skills are a plus

·Desire and willingness to acquire knowledge and skills related to 
marine mammal field work and capable of working well as a team


**

*To apply for a Manatee Research Program internship:*

·Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory’s website 
(https://mote.org/research/internships/college-internship-program-overview) 
and be sure to select “Manatee Research Program” as your first choice


·Complete and provide to Mote’s intern office all other application 
materials including: a statement of interest, current college 
transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae /(incomplete 
applications will not be considered)


Applicants may contact the Manatee Research Program’s intern 
coordinator, Christina Nau, (c...@mote.org ) with 
questions regarding the internship.



--
Christina Nau
Manatee Research Program
Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota FL 34236
Phone: (941) 388-4441 ext. 471
c...@mote.org
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[MARMAM] DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL

[AIMM Internships]

*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

We have a special deal for you book the internship for October 2019.



*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, 

[MARMAM] Reminder: Necropsy workshop for students at WMMC

[Rebecca Boys]

Dear Marmamers,

This is a reminder about the upcoming Student Necropsy workshop being hosted at 
the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona
As early registration is fast approaching, please do remember to have a look at 
our necropsy workshop and sign up if you are a student!

 Details of the workshop, venue and costs are below.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.


Workshop Summary:

The student necropsy workshop will be split into two parts, a morning session 
for up to 100 students, where we aim to explain the basis of some of the main 
pathological problems dealt with during necropsies and the sampling procedures. 
Talks will be short and cover a range of topics, including: How to recognize 
Peracute underwater entrapment (PUE), Common parasitic infections in small 
cetaceans at necropsy, Sampling for toxicological investigations, Criteria for 
diagnosis of main infectious disease of cetaceans. The second session in the 
afternoon will be a practical necropsy for a maximum of 25 students. These 
students will need to show that performing a necropsy is an essential part of 
their current/ near future studies and so would be beneficial (please fill in 
the required information as mentioned below). The main aims of this session 
will be how to perform a necropsy, and how to evaluate ear sense.

Confirmed speakers for the workshop include: Dr Thierry Jauniaux, Prof Antonio 
Fernandez, Dr Manuel Arbelo, Prof Antonio Raga, Prof Xon Borrell and Steffen De 
Vreese.

The second session in the afternoon will be a practical necropsy for a maximum 
of 25 students. Participants wishing to attend the practical session must write 
a brief explanation when filling out the registration form, about how attending 
the practical will be particularly beneficial to them, because performing a 
necropsy is an essential part of their current/near future studies; required 
information on the form includes (1) Details of how you are currently using 
necropsy sampling techniques in your work (or how you aim to apply necropsy 
sampling to work that you are planning), and (2) Details of any previous 
necropsy experience (e.g. workshops attended, classes, internships etc..). The 
main aims of this session will be how to perform a necropsy, and how to 
evaluate ear sense.


Venue for both sessions:

Veterinary School of University Autònoma of Barcelona (UAB). Train travel 
necessary. We will meet at 7.15 am at Plaça Catalunya, near to the Apple Store 
entry. A map with the exact meeting point will be provided via email. We will 
travel together via S2 train to the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). 
Travel from Plaça Catalunya train station to the University Autònoma is 
expected to take 35 – 40 minutes, plus 10 minutes by walking to the 
Veterinarian school. To get to Plaça Catalunya from the CCIB – take the L4 
Subway Line from El Maresme | Fòrum station to Urquinaona station, then 7 
minute walk to Plaça Catalunya .

Click 
HERE
 for transit map.


Cost:

Participants will be required to pay 5 euros on the day to the organizers to 
cover costs of the workshop, including tea/ coffee and light snacks. Students 
are responsible for buying their own tickets to go to the UAB campus. These are 
the same tickets that you can use on the metro throughout Barcelona (Ticket of 
1 ZONE). There are different types of tickets, depending on the number of 
journeys that you want to buy. We recommend you to buy a “T-10 from 1 ZONE”, a 
multi-person travel card with 10 journeys (total price = 10.20€, each travel 
costs about 1€).

You can find more information about tickets in the following link: 
https://www.tmb.cat/en/barcelona-fares-metro-bus

Format:
The morning session will involve a series of speakers, with a maximum of 100 
participants. The afternoon session will be a focused practical exercise for 
students that currently use necropsies/ pathology as part of their work, 
limited to a maximum of 25 currently enrolled students.

Thank you,

Rebecca Boys on behalf of the Organisers



-

Rebecca M Boys

Marine Biologist

PhD Candidate

Coastal Marine Research Group

Massey University New Zealand

https://www.coastalmarineresearchgroup.com/

https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/marine/marine_home.cfm

@RebeccaMBoys

European Cetacean Society Student Representative- World Marine Mammal Conference

Society of Marine Mammalogy Education Committee Member

European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand






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[MARMAM] Chesapeake DolphinWatch seeks part-time volunteer in Maryland, USA

[Testa, Jamie]

We are currently searching for a Volunteer Research Assistant to assist
with a citizen scientist project called Chesapeake DolphinWatch (
www.umces.edu/dolphinwatch) at the University of Maryland Center for
Environmental Science (UMCES), Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) in
Solomons, Maryland, U.S.A. This position is for approximately 20 hours per
week for 3 months with the possibility of extension. Duties will include
dolphin data verification, data analysis, managing app software, hydrophone
retrievals and deployments, and interacting with citizen scientists via
email and social media. The project involves the use of C-POD click
detectors therefore experience with these devices, or similar types, will
be preferable. Applicants should be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience with working with citizen scientists, marine mammals, and sound
analysis is desirable. The ability to format and analyze data in Excel or
the R software package and perform GIS mapping is also preferable. For more
details, please contact the project coordinator, Jamie Testa (
jcte...@umces.edu). Minimum requirement is a B.S. degree with at least 3
months research experience. This volunteer position is unpaid. Anticipated
start date is 20 September 2019. Applications should include a cover
letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three references
(including email and phone) to be received by 7 September 2019 by email to
dolphinwatc...@umces.edu with CDW-VOL in the subject line.
-- 

*Jamie C. Testa*

Chesapeake DolphinWatch Project Coordinator
 & Research Assistant

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

jcte...@umces.edu

www.umces.edu/dolphinwatch
Pronouns: she, her, hers
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[MARMAM] Section 7 Information Consultation Services

[Andrew Bill]

Saltwater Inc is seeking a Section 7 Information Consultant to support the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Regional Office (SERO), Protected Resources 
Division (PRD).   


 

Background

The NMFS SERO is responsible for the management, conservation, and protection 
of living marine, estuarine, and anadromous species and their habitats found in 
the eight coastal states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, 
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, as well as the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. SERO PRD administers the Region’s 
responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). There are 32 
ESA-listed species in the Southeast Region, including sea turtles, whales, 
fish, corals, and seagrass. Twelve of these species have designated critical 
habitat in the Southeast.

The single largest task carried out by SERO PRD is administering Section 7 of 
the ESA, consulting with federal agencies to conserve listed species and 
critical habitat during project development and implementation. Section 7 
consultation is required when an action authorized, funded, or carried out by a 
federal action agency may affect a listed species or designated critical 
habitat. Informal consultation can be completed if the action may affect, but 
is not likely to adversely affect, listed species and critical habitat. An 
action is not likely to adversely affect ESA resources when all effects to 
listed species or critical habitat are expected to be insignificant (not able 
to be meaningfully measured), discountable (extremely unlikely to occur), or 
wholly beneficial (strictly positive effects). Informal consultation is only 
initiated when NMFS has all of the information necessary to fully evaluate the 
action and its effects to ESA resources. Informal consultation is concluded 
when NMFS issues its Letter of Concurrence (LOC) to the action agency. If an 
action is likely to adversely affect listed species or critical habitat, formal 
consultation is required.

Location: Work will be conducted offsite (i.e. telework), and travel is 
expected.

Salary and Benefit: This is a full-time position. Salary commensurate with 
experience. Comprehensive benefits package.

Duties

·  Attend a kick-off meeting in St. Petersburg, FL

o   Meet the PRD Project Lead

o   Review available Section 7 resources (templates, checklists, guidance, 
examples, and information sources) provided by the PRD Project Lead

o   Discuss SERO’s informal Section 7 process with the PRD Project Lead and ask 
clarifying questions

·  When an informal Section 7 consultation request is received, the 
Contractor shall review the request package for completeness

o   The Contractor shall be assigned 27 consultation requests over the period 
of performance.

o   The contractor shall determine completeness of consultation request 
packages using the Section 7 resources provided by the PRD Project Lead and any 
other relevant information sources that may be relevant to the consultation

oIf the consultation request package is deemed complete, notify the PRD 
Project Lead that consultation is initiated

·  Draft a Request for Additional Information (RAI) if the consultation 
request is deemed incomplete, asking for only the information necessary to 
initiate consultation

o   The Contractor shall draft an RAI and submit it to the federal action 
agency via email informing them that the consultation request package is 
incomplete

o   The Contractor shall include standard language in their RAI that if the 
federal action agency has not responded within 45 days, the consultation 
request will be withdrawn by NMFS

o   The Contractor shall send a reminder to the federal action agency that 
their 45-day response deadline is approaching, if necessary

o   The Contractor shall alert the PRD Project Lead that the consultation 
request should be withdrawn, if necessary

o   The Contractor shall copy the PRD Project Lead on all correspondence with 
the federal action agency

o   The Contractor shall document all phone calls with a federal action agency 
by sending a follow-up email to the federal action agency, copying the PRD 
Project Lead. The Contractor shall provide the PRD Project Lead with a phone 
log that includes the project identifying number, the date of the phone call, 
who they talked to, and the general topic(s) discussed

·  Review the federal action agency’s RAI response

o   The Contractor shall determine whether the federal action agency’s response 
contains the remaining information needed to initiate consultation

o   The Contractor shall draft additional RAI's, if necessary, repeating Task 3 
above

o   Once all requested information is received from the federal action agency, 
alert the PRD Project Lead that consultation is initiated

·  Confirm the action agency’s effect determination

o   The