[MARMAM] ANNOUNCEMENT: 2019 Responsible Whale Watching Guide Courses

[Dylan Walker]

Dear Marmamers,

This year the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is holding a number of
intensive 5-day training programmes to become a certified WCA Responsible
Whale Watching Guide.

This course
 will
provide participants with the skills to be an engaging, fun and informative
guide promoting responsible whale watching. Through assessed activities and
interactive workshops our 5-day intensive course is designed to equip
participants with a wide variety to skills to educate the public, conduct
onboard research, and promote whale and dolphin conservation.


Our WCA Qualified Responsible Whale Watching Guides will enjoy FREE access
to our exclusive WCA community of whale watching businesses for a year,
through a newsletter containing volunteer opportunities with our amazing
Partners all over the world.


Modules include:

· Whale Champions module

· Be a responsible guide

· Citizen science

· Guide training

· Communication and presentation skills

· Creating an effective talk

· Creating an educational activity

· Practical activities, including boat work

· Final presentation/assessment

Course benefits:

· Lectures and training from seasoned professionals

· Individual WCA partner membership alongside some of the world’s experts
on whales and dolphins

· Option to get involved with Partner working groups

· Exclusive access to our whale watching community for a year, including
opportunities to apply for volunteer opportunities overseas with our
amazing Partners

· Certificate and t shirt


*Dates*

Monday 3rd - Friday 7th June (NZ)

Monday 1st to Friday 5th July (NZ)

Monday 15th July to Friday 19th July (UK)

Monday 5th August to Friday 9th August (NZ)

Monday 2nd to Friday 6th September (NZ)

Monday 7th to Friday 11th October (NZ)

Over 18's only.


*For more information go to: *


http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/capacity-building/training-courses/


or contact: proje...@worldcetaceanalliance.org







*Dylan Walker *Chief Executive Officer


*World Cetacean Alliance*
Studio 3, Lower Promenade
Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK.
t: +44 (0) 1273 355011
c: +44 (0) 7900 471490
e: dy...@worldcetaceanalliance.org 


World Whale Conference 2019 





The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 100
organisations and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working
collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean
Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity
no. 1160484.



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[MARMAM] Cetacean Research Assistant – Portugal

[AIMM Internships]

*BACKGROUND: *

The Marine Environment Research Association – AIMM, is a non-profit,
non-governmental organisation founded in Portugal in 2010, focused on the
research and conservation of marine species and running an ongoing study of
cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain
baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure
of the local cetacean populations.


Each year, from the 1st of May until the 31st of October, AIMM
operates a Dolphin
Research Internship Programme

during
our summer field season. We receive interns of all ages from across the
globe to participate in this programme and are currently looking for
applicants to fill two Volunteer Research Assistant positions for the
forthcoming field season in 2019. You will be joining a small and dedicated
team of scientists and researchers to provide vital support to the ongoing
success of our data collection and internship programme. All team members
and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience
in an environmentally friendly and multicultural environment.


Check out the video: Dolphin Marine Research Internship




*WHAT WE REQUIRE:*

Ideal candidates for this *volunteer position* will:

·be at least 21 years of age;

·be fluent in English (*mandatory*) and Portuguese (*highly
desirable*);

·have previous experience with cetaceans and/or marine sciences (
*mandatory*);

·hold a full, manual Driving License, valid in the EU (*mandatory*);

·have a valid skippers powerboat license and boating
experience (*highly
desirable*);

·be able to commit to until the end of the season (October);

·have proven experience in team leadership and group supervision;

·be highly motivated, responsible and organised with genuine
attention to details;

·have a friendly, patient and tolerant personality, and be capable
of dealing with people from different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.




*WHAT WE OFFER: *

The Research Assistants will participate directly in our fieldwork and will
receive training and supervision in species identification, research & data
collection methods, photo-identification and the use of GPS and camera
equipment. In turn, you will be responsible for supervising the interns
while conducting surveys in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, and on the
commercial dolphin watching boats. You will also have to ensure that data
is collected and entered accurately and according to AIMM's established
methodologies. Field days can be long and intense, especially in the peak
of summer, but are always fulfilling and good fun!


Additionally, you will also receive 3 meals a day and accommodation in
AIMM's shared research house with all the other members of the team. Each
assistant will be entitled to 1 day off per week when you may explore the
local area or simply rest with a good book by the pool!



To apply please send CV and motivation letter to i...@aimm-portugal.org  with
the subject "*RA Albufeira 2019*".

Thank you!





-- 

*AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment
Research Association

*Website*: www.aimmportugal.org

[image: AIMM Portugal | facebook]  [image:
AIMM Portugal | twitter]  [image: AIMM
Portugal | instagram]  [image:
AIMM Portugal | youtube] 
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[MARMAM] Job Posting for Data Specialist/Stranding Network Coordinator

[Jenny Atkinson]

Position: Data Specialist and Stranding Network Coordinator 

Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA

 

The Whale Museum is seeking a person to fulfill the role of Data
Specialist/Stranding Network Coordinator.  Year-round, Full-Time salaried
employment with benefits.

 

Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in
the wild, The Whale Museum's mission is to promote stewardship of whales and
the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.  Our facility is
located on San Juan Island, northwest of Seattle, Washington.  This remote
island is accessible only by ferry, boat or plane.  

 

This position manages the long-term scientific data that supports the
research and provides the substance for education programs and exhibits.
Current projects focus on: maintaining longitudinal data sets that track
Southern Resident orcas' movement patterns through a 40+ year sighting
database; 38 years of marine mammal stranding data; over 25 years of vessel
monitoring & trends data; acoustics monitoring data; and a museum
collections database of artifacts and recording media. Partnerships with
other organizations and researchers are critical to our work.  Current
partnerships include, but are not limited to, NOAA-Northwest Region, The
SeaDoc Society, and John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant
Program.

 

This position works closely with the Executive Director as the Data
Specialist to manage several databases, including marine mammal sightings;
and as the Stranding Network Coordinator to coordinate the efforts of the
San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network. This includes coordinating
responses for live and dead stranded mammals, managing the necropsy program
including maintenance of equipment and supplies, archiving tissue samples
and shipping for testing. The successful candidate will also be the primary
vessel operator for our stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard.  The main field
season for stranding network duties occurs between May and October, but
responses can occur anytime throughout the year.  This position also trains
and supervises a volunteer network of approximately 50 people, mentors 2-4
seasonal interns, oversees grant management and routinely moves marine
mammals or other items in excess of 50 pounds.  A large portion of this job
is computer-based, primarily data entry and analysis, database management,
and writing.  The successful candidate will be highly flexible as response
work can occur any time, day or night. 

 

Qualifications: a Master's Degree or 5 years' experience in a relevant
field, excellent communication skills (oral and written), excellent
attention to detail, excellent computer/technological skills (i.e.,
Microsoft Office particularly Access & Excel, ARC-GIS mapping), grant
writing, experience with field work (specifically Stranding Network field
response), experience with conflict resolution & public communication, and
project management experience. Boating experience with Washington State
Boater Education Card are required; diving experience is a plus. A varied
skill set and flexibility are major assets. 

 

The position will start in mid-July with the opportunity for a brief
training period with the outgoing employee.  Active review of submitted
applications will begin immediately, but applications will continue to be
accepted until the position is filled. Electronic submissions are
encouraged.  It is suggested that a PDF compiled with the requested
information be submitted.  Send cover letter, resume and up to five
references (either reference letter or contact information for each
reference) to:  

 

Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director

The Whale Museum

P. O. Box 945

Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Email: je...@whalemuseum.org  

Website: www.whalemuseum.org  

 

 

Jenny L. Atkinson

Executive Director

The Whale Museum

P. O. Box 945 (62 1st St., N.)

Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Phone: (360) 378-4710 ext. 26

Website:   www.whalemuseum.org

Mission: to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem
through education and research.

 

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[MARMAM] Summer-Fall training placement - Marine mammal research

[Bruno Diaz Lopez]

On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) , I am pleased to 
announce that we have few available vacancies to apply for our Summer-Fall 
Training Placements. 

The mission of the BDRI since 2005 has been to study marine biodiversity and to 
educate students, decision-makers, and the public on scientific research and 
how to contribute to marine conservation. BDRI scientists conduct research 
across a wide range of subject areas such as the link between marine predators 
(cetaceans, otters, and marine birds) and their environment, cetacean society 
and population dynamics, the interaction between marine megafauna and human 
activities, and cetacean behaviour and acoustic communication. BDRI’s 
reputation for success rests solidly on its ability to carry out studies 
published in prestigious scientific journals.  

The BDRI performs systematic surveys to monitor charismatic marine mega-fauna 
(marine mammals and marine birds) in one of the most productive oceanic regions 
in the world (Galician waters, NW Spain), as it is a place with a great array 
of research questions to be answered regarding these animals and their 
environment. The incredible diversity of cetaceans present in these waters (up 
to 22 different species recorded) allows the BDRI team to have several ongoing 
research projects focused on the study of the ecology and behaviour of 
bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, 
pilot whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue 
whales.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - A training period at the BDRI offers an excellent 
opportunity for interested and motivated people to obtain field and laboratory 
experience in marine megafauna (cetaceans, marine birds, and otters) field 
research methodology and data analysis under the mentorship of experienced 
scientists. There’s a variety of research projects that will prepare 
participants for a professional career in the research of marine mammals, and 
conservation of the marine environment. With state-of-the-art facilities and 
equipment, participants will be trained to get involved with multiple research 
projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research 
vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, 
bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, 
etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection). The 
BDRI office is located in a pleasant research centre located in O Grove, 
Galicia (Spain). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday 
working language is English. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, 
first serve basis. BDRI internships are not paid and this training experience 
requires a tuition fee which is used to off-set the cost of training, use of 
research equipment, facilities and research vessels, shared accommodation, and 
other expenses. The fee reflects the real world costs and expenses that go into 
making the research program possible and the training placement worthwhile. For 
more information and details, please visit the page 

Feel free to send us an e-mail to: i...@thebdri.com for any further information 
about the program. 

Scientific articles published by the BDRI team during this year (for a full 
list of publications please visit: ):

- Methion, S., Diaz Lopez, B. (2019). Natural and anthropogenic drivers of 
foraging behaviour in bottlenose dolphins: influence of shellfish aquaculture. 
Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3116.  
- Diaz Lopez, B., Methion, S. (2019). Habitat drivers of endangered rorqual 
whales in a highly impacted upwelling region. Ecological Indicators, 103: 610 – 
616.  
- Giralt Paradell O, Diaz Lopez B, Methion S, (2019) Modelling common dolphin 
(Delphinus delphis) coastal distribution and habitat use: insights for 
conservation. Ocean and Coastal Management. DOI:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.104836 
- Diaz Lopez, B., Methion, S., & Giralt Paradell, O. (2019). Living on the 
edge: Overlap between a marine predator’s habitat use and fisheries in the 
Northeast Atlantic waters (NW Spain). Progress in Oceanography, 175: 115 – 223. 
- Diaz Lopez, B. (2019) "Hot deals at sea": responses of a top predator 
(Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) to human-induced changes in the 
coastal ecosystem. Behavioural Ecology 2 (3), 291-300. DOI: 
10.1093/beheco/ary162

Bruno Diaz Lopez Ph.D
Chief biologist and Director
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI
Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain
www.thebdri.com
0034 684248552

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legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is 
intended solely for the 

[MARMAM] New paper on bowhead whales

[info]

NEW PAPER:Encouraging encounters: unusual aggregations of bowhead whales 
Balaena mysticetusin the western Fram Strait







Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the following paper recently 
published in Endangered Species Research





De Boer MN, Janinhoff N, Nijs G, Verdaat H (2019) Encouraging encounters: 
unusual aggregations of bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus in the western Fram 
Strait. Endang Species Res 39:51-62.



Abstract
The subpopulation of the bowhead whale Balaena mysticetusin the East 
Greenland-Svalbard-Barents Sea is endangered and until recently was believed to 
number in the tens. Recent studies have suggested that this subpopulation 
appears to be increasing. Here, we report on unusual aggregations of bowhead 
whales within the Fram Strait. We present opportunistic and effort-corrected 
observations of bowhead whales made from a small expedition vessel during 
cruises in June (2015−2018). Bowhead whales were sighted on 85 occasions 
(220−227 whales). An aggregation in 2015 (n = 84 whales) and high numbers in 
2018 (n = 104−110) exceeded all previous records. The index of whale abundance 
was significantly higher in open water-leads (1.08−1.14 whales km−1 of survey 
effort) compared to areas with drift-ice (0.51−0.53 whales km−1). The highest 
abundance index was measured in deep waters where the bottom slope was 
relatively steep.


Our findings highlight the temporal and spatial consistency of this species in 
areas with relatively loose ice cover (open water-leads) and steep slopes. It 
is unknown how global warming and resultant changes in ice-extent are going to 
affect bowhead whales within the Strait and whether they will find new feeding 
grounds due to an expanding open-ocean habitat. These slopes may become 
increasingly important to bowhead whales and Arctic top predators as a 
spring/early summer feeding ground. These relatively large numbers of bowhead 
whales are encouraging and can help direct future research monitoring programs 
to study the population ecology of these endangered whales.






The paper is Open Access and can be downloaded from Endangered Species Research:
















Kind Regards,



Marijke de Boer, Ph.D

Wageningen Marine Research, Den Helder, Netherlands


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[MARMAM] Job Announcement: Marine Mammal Biologist with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

[Panike, Anna]

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Working Title: OPS F BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II - 77907457
Position Number: 77907457
Salary:  17.00/hr
Posting Closing Date: 06/19/2019
Location: Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory - St. Petersburg, FL

This is OPS (Other Personal Service) position. It is considered a full-time 
position, working 40 hrs /week.  The position is grant funded through February 
2021 and employment is not guaranteed beyond this date. Occasional overtime 
hours may occur. Hours worked over 40 per week, Friday to Thursday, are 
considered overtime and are paid @ 1.5 times the regular wage.

DESCRIPTION
This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery of marine 
mammal carcasses for the Northwest field station (Northwest region: coastal and 
inland waterways of Manatee County to Escambia County) and assist with carcass 
and necropsy responses along Florida's Gulf Coast as needed.  This position 
will serve as member of FWC's marine mammal necropsy team conducting field and 
laboratory necropsies on marine mammals, record observations and complete 
associated necropsy reports.  The incumbent will be responsible for carcass 
disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments.  The position will assist 
in marine mammal rescue and transport operations in the Northwest region and 
assist with marine mammal rescue and capture operations along Florida's Gulf 
Coast as needed.   This position will be responsible for assisting with NFWF 
award administration including writing quarterly and annual grant reports, 
quarterly budget requests, reimbursement requests. and purchasing of grant 
funded equipment.  The incumbent will assist with managing cetacean stranding 
data for MMPL responses, assist with managing marine mammal section cetacean 
database, assist with managing NOAA stranding database and completes routine 
uploads to NOAA-NMFS data diplomat, complete and update level A cetacean 
information, assists with filling cetacean data requests, assist with managing 
samples collected from stranded cetaceans, assists with managing histological 
samples collected from marine mammals processed by the MMPL, and assist with 
editing manatee rescue and mortality reports.  The position will work holidays 
in rotation with other MMPL staff members for the purpose of responding to 
marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned and will respond to marine 
mammal stranding's outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or 
university with a major in one of the biological sciences.

**Preference may be given to individuals who have live and dead marine mammal 
stranding/necropsy experience and individuals who have grant report writing 
experience.  Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and 
data management, is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  *   Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal 
legislation protecting manatees
  *   Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of 
research and analysis
  *   Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques
  *   Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses
  *   Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques
  *   Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels
  *   Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and smaller
  *   Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp 
objects and working under unpleasant conditions
  *   Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs., and be 
able to swim sufficiently to save oneself
  *   Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions
  *   Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  *   Be comfortable speaking to the public
  *   Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver's license 
within a month of employment

Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida 
Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing 
date listed. Go to: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77907457 in the 
keyword search field). Additionally, applicants are required to complete the 
additional application questions and are encouraged to attach a cover letter, 
resume and three references with their People First application by the closing 
date. Further supporting documentation may be submitted in People First, but do 
not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida application form.

WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT?  Other Personal Services (OPS) temporary 
employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or 
intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not 
be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position.  OPS employees are 
at-will employees and are