[MARMAM] PSO Training Course Online - February 20-21, 2021
Hi, MPSC is holding a training course online which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on February 20-21, 2021. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in various other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation for protected species is needed. PSOs monitor mainly for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals. PSOs complete certain reports on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. As discussed in the course, working offshore as a PSO is fun, but involves long hours of standing watch for the animals; thus, the job requires patience and persistence. The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. After students have successfully completed the course, we'll also provide advice on applying to PSO positions. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at abostw...@psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New publication: Effects of intense storm events on dolphin occurrence and foraging behavior
My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our newest publication, which discusses the effects of storms on bottlenose dolphin occurrence and foraging. *Title*: Effects of intense storm events on dolphin occurrence and foraging behavior *Authors*: Amber D. Fandel, A. Garrod, A. L. Hoover, J. E. Wingfield, V. Lyubchich, D. H. Secor, K. B. Hodge, A. N. Rice & H. Bailey The paper is available with open access under the following link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-76077-3 *Abstract*: As storms become increasingly intense and frequent due to climate change, we must better understand how they alter environmental conditions and impact species. However, storms are ephemeral and provide logistical challenges that prevent visual surveys commonly used to understand marine mammal ecology. Thus, relatively little is known about top predators’ responses to such environmental disturbances. In this study, we utilized passive acoustic monitoring to characterize the response of bottlenose dolphins to intense storms offshore Maryland, USA between 2015 and 2017. During and following four autumnal storms, dolphins were detected less frequently and for shorter periods of time. However, dolphins spent a significantly higher percentage of their encounters feeding after the storm than they did before or during. This change in foraging may have resulted from altered distributions and behavior of their prey species, which are prone to responding to environmental changes, such as varied sea surface temperatures caused by storms. It is increasingly vital to determine how these intense storms alter oceanography, prey movements, and the behavior of top predators. Best, Amber Fandel Research Analyst, Project Manager adfan...@gmail.com (970) 640-3749 Pronouns: She, her, hers ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] SEFSC/NMFS Marine Mammal Branch Chief Vacancy Announcement
Hi, Here's a posting for MARMAM. Apologize for the short notice. I am pleased to announce a vacancy for the position of Marine Mammal Branch Chief (Supervisory Fisheries Research Biologist ZP-0482-4 ) within the newly established Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD) at NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center (Miami/Pascagoula). The Branch Chief will oversee a diverse and dynamic marine mammal team and will conduct, direct, and advance marine mammal research in support of legislative mandates and NMFS priorities. Please review additional details in the job description before applying. *The position will be open for 7 days, from 12/14/20 to 12/21/20. The application window may be extended depending on the number of applications received.* *NMFS-SEFSC-2021-0004*: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/586474900 Please share broadly with any interested/qualified candidates. Thanks, Mridula Mridula Srinivasan, Ph.D. Director, Protected Resources and Biodiversity Division (PRBD)/Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NMFS *Mridula Srinivasan* (*Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Director, Protected Resources and Biodiversity Division (PRBD)/Marine Mammal and Turtle Division* *Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NMFS* *404.993-0428 (Cell)* ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
