[MARMAM] VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT FOR THE MONTENEGRO DOLPHIN PROJECT

[Jessica Rayner]

*VOLUNTEER AND INTERN RECRUITMENT FOR THE MONTENEGRO DOLPHIN PROJECT (SOUTH
ADRIATIC SEA)*

*OUR PROJECT*

The Montenegro Dolphin Project is a scientific project born from the
partnership between the Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) and the
Natural History Association of Montenegro. Our project is the first long
term research study of marine mammals in Montenegrin coastal waters. We aim to
address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and
behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major
threats. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of
awareness initiatives targeted at the local community, particularly youth.

*WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR*

We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is an
extremely valuable opportunity for graduates, that wish to gain experience
in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to
obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a
scientific project for *BSc *and* MSc thesis. *However, we are also open to
accept applications from anyone with a passion for cetaceans, that is eager
to learn and contribute to research.

Opportunities are available immediately, between *OCTOBER 2017 – JUNE 2018*
. The minimum duration of the placements is *2 MONTHS*, with possible
exceptions for skilled candidates.

*REQUIREMENTS*

-True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and
ability to work responsibly

-Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment;

-Respect for the organization's rules and willingness to follow standards
and procedures;

-Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team;

-Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills;

-High computer literacy and willingness to learn new software applications.

Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an
advantage.

*FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES*

-Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including
sunrise and sunset hours;

-Performing boat-based surveys at least once a week: boat surveys can be
long and often tiring, so you are expected to feel comfortable on board and
prepared to handle motion sickness.

-Collecting dolphin sighting and behaviour data, as well as environmental
and anthropogenic data;

-Operating theodolite and managing its software, Pythagoras;

-Data entry and analysis;

-Cataloging and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies
via Discovery software;

-Raising stakeholder awareness.

*TRAINING*

The Montenegro Dolphin Project team will provide lectures and field work
training as well as constant mentoring.

You will be given the chance to learn some of the most widely used
methodologies in marine mammal research such as:

-Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software;

-Photo-ID and Discovery software;

-Data entry and analysis;

-ArcGIS

-R for statistical analysis

*PROJECT PARTICIPATION FEE*

The positions are unpaid and require a contribution fee of* 600 euros /
month *which includes:

-Accommodation and expenses

-Internet access

-Training and lectures

-Scientific support

-Field work

-Use of the equipment

Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro,
meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel
insurance) and personal expenses.

Where possible, we will do our best to help future volunteers explore their
options for funding or fundraising to help cover the program fee.

*HOW TO APPLY*

Email your CV and cover letter to ad...@dmad.org.tr (Jessica Rayner)
explaining why you are the perfect asset for our team and which goals you
hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION
OF AVAILABILITY!

If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better
follow our websites:

*www.montenegrodolphinproject.org
*

*www.dmad.org.tr *

*www.naturalhistoryassociationofmontenegro.weebly.com
*

Facebook page:

*www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ *
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[MARMAM] Northwest Training and Testing Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

[Murray, Sheila A CIV Navy Region NW, N00P]

Good afternoon.  I am re-sending the attached (and pasted below) press release 
for consideration in your news format, as a reminder for the public that all 
comments  on this supplemental environmental impact statement must be 
postmarked or received online by Oct. 6, 2017, for consideration in the 
development of the Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Comments may also be submitted online 
at www.NWTTEIS.com, or by mail to:

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest
Attention: NWTT Supplemental EIS/OEIS Project Manager
3730 North Charles Porter Ave., Building 385
Oak Harbor, WA 98278-3500

For your convenience, see full press release pasted release below.

Very Respectfully, 
Sheila Murray



U.S. NAVY SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON THE NORTHWEST TRAINING AND TESTING SUPPLEMENTAL 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 

SILVERDALE, Wash - The U.S. Navy is preparing a supplement to the 2015 
Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Final Environmental Impact 
Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) to assess the 
potential environmental effects associated with ongoing and future at-sea 
military readiness activities conducted within the NWTT EIS/OEIS Study Area 
(hereafter referred to as the "Study Area"). Military readiness activities 
include training and research, development, testing, and evaluation (hereafter 
referred to as "training and testing"). The Navy is requesting public comments 
on the scope of the analysis, including potential environmental issues and 
viable alternatives to be considered during the development of the Draft 
Supplemental EIS/OEIS.

The Navy previously completed an EIS/OEIS in 2015, for which a Record of 
Decision was signed in October 2016, for at-sea training and testing activities 
occurring within the Study Area. The supplement to the 2015 Final EIS/OEIS is 
being prepared to support ongoing and future activities conducted at sea within 
the Study Area beyond 2020. Proposed training and testing activities are 
generally consistent with those analyzed in the 2015 Final EIS/OEIS and are 
representative of activities the Navy has been conducting in the Study Area for 
decades. 

The Supplemental EIS/OEIS will include an analysis of training and testing 
activities using new information available after the release of the 2015 Final 
EIS/OEIS. New information includes an updated acoustic effects model, updated 
marine mammal density data, and evolving and emergent best available science. 
As part of this process, the Navy will seek the issuance of federal regulatory 
permits and authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the 
Endangered Species Act to support ongoing and future at-sea military readiness 
activities within the Study Area beyond 2020.

Proposed Action:

The Proposed Action is to conduct at-sea training and testing activities within 
the Study Area. Activities include the use of active sound navigation and 
ranging (sonar) and explosives while employing marine species protective 
mitigation measures. 

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to maintain a ready force, which is 
needed to ensure the Navy can accomplish its mission to maintain, train, and 
equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, 
and maintaining freedom of the seas, consistent with Congressional direction in 
section 5062 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code. 

To achieve and maintain military readiness, the Navy proposes to: 

.Conduct at-sea training and testing activities at levels required to support 
military readiness requirements beyond 2020; and

.Accommodate evolving mission requirements, including those resulting from the 
development, testing, and introduction of new vessels, aircraft, and weapons 
systems into the fleet.

The Study Area remains unchanged since the 2015 Final EIS/OEIS. The Study Area 
is comprised of established maritime operating areas and warning areas in the 
northeastern Pacific Ocean, including areas within the Strait of Juan de Fuca, 
Puget Sound, and the Western Behm Canal in southeastern Alaska. The Study Area 
includes air and water space within and outside Washington state waters, air 
and water space outside state waters of Oregon and Northern California, and 
Navy pierside locations where sonar maintenance and testing occur. In the 
supplement to the 2015 Final EIS/OEIS, the Navy will only analyze those 
training and testing activities conducted at sea within the Study Area. 

Scoping Comment Period for the Supplemental EIS/OEIS:

The 30-day scoping comment period begins Aug. 22, 2017 through Sept. 21, 2017. 
Comments must be postmarked or received online by Sept. 21, 2017 for 
consideration in the development of the Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Comments 
may be submitted online at www.NWTTEIS.com, or by mail to:

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest
Attention: 

[MARMAM] Training course: SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS

[Bruno Diaz Lopez]

Lastest vacancies: ADVANCED FIELD RESEARCH-ORIENTED COURSE IN SOCIAL 
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS

The BDRI team is aware of the importance of behavioural research concepts and 
methodology in field research projects, and therefore has created this advanced 
course to provide in-depth, hands on immersion into the field and laboratory 
methods for behavioural ecology and communication of bottlenose dolphins. This 
training course aims to provide specialization in behavioural methods, focusing 
in particular on bottlenose dolphin social behaviour and communication, 
achieving an integrated approach to the understanding of the behavioural 
complexity of this species.

This course will include hands on collection of field data studying a resident 
population of common bottlenose dolphins in NW Spain. This means that trainees 
will not only learn analytical methods concerning social relationships and 
communication of wild bottlenose dolphins, but also how to collect behavioural 
and acoustical field data. In addition, the course will include PowerPoint 
lectures with computer based practical sessions where participants work through 
real field data illustrating the use of software for social structure, 
abundance, and bioacoustical analysis. 

This course is a great chance for students and professionals to boost their 
career skills using learning materials usually only available to students and 
staff at the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI). The exclusive 
learning model helps students to connect the conceptual material presented in 
each course to case studies. Participants will only need to bring their own 
laptop. A total of 72 hours will be spent in lectures, field work, tutorials 
and other class teaching.

After completing this course, trainees will be able to:
- Design a project to assess the social organization of a bottlenose dolphin 
population
- Describe and quantify the vocal repertoire of a bottlenose dolphin population 
via computer practical sessions
- Explain the importance of the photo-identification and abundance estimation 
methods, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these methods
- Extract manually and automatically dolphin dorsal fin outlines from digital 
photographs, identify individuals and create a catalogue
- Describe the patterns of association of a coastal bottlenose dolphin 
population and test if bottlenose dolphins have preferred or avoided associates
- Outline the whistle acoustic features of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins and 
determine the contour of whistles by visual analyses of spectrograms
- Discriminate the different types of sounds produced by bottlenose dolphins by 
visual and aural analysis of the sonograms
- Apply appropriate statistical techniques on behavioural data sets and give an 
interpretation of the results
 
Dates and Lenght: From October 23rd (arrival day 22nd September) to 1st 
November 2017; 10 days (72 hours).

Location: Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute, Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove, 
Pontevedra, Galicia (Spain). O Grove has very good transport links and is 
withing two hours travel by car from the two main airports in Galicia (Santiago 
de Compostela and Vigo). These airports can be reached by direct flights from 
most European cities.

Course Costs: The total cost for this course is 1500 Euros including free 
housing at the BDRI facilities (shared room) from the night before the start of 
the course until the day after the end of the course (11 nights). The course 
fee includes training, boat based surveys, accommodation in the BDRI apartment, 
certificate of attendance, printed material and all associated costs during the 
duration of the course. The apartment sited 150 metres from the Institute has a 
full kitchen (gas and electricity are included) and a full set of cooking 
utensils. Foods of all kinds are available at the local supermarkets within 
walking distance at your own expense. Participants will be responsible for 
their transportation to and from the research centre in O Grove, Galicia, 
Spain. 

Please note that all profits generated from this course will be used to support 
ongoing field research at the BDRI. 

Application procedure

Places are limited to 6 participants to allow for individual support and 
feedback by the tutors. This course also addressed to groups (scientists, 
university students) hence it is possible to arrange with the BDRI special 
requirements regarding language and dates to suit the different groups.

To book a place, or for more information, email: i...@thebdri.com
 
Lastest scientific articles published by the BDRI team in 2017:

- Diaz Lopez B., 2017. Temporal variability of predator presence around a fin 
fish farm in the North-western Mediterranean Sea. Marine Ecology 38(1), e12378.
- Diaz Lopez B. and Methion S., 2017. The impact of shellfish farming on common 
bottlenose dolphins’ use of habitat. Marine Biology 164: 83.
- Díaz López, B., Grandcourt, 

[MARMAM] New article on foraging behaviour of sperm whales in a submarine canyon

[Marta Guerra]

Dear all

We are happy to announce our recent publication:


Diverse foraging strategies by a marine top predator: sperm whales exploit 
pelagic and demersal habitats in the Kaikoura submarine canyon. Marta Guerra, 
Leigh Hickmott, Julie van der Hoop, Will Rayment, Eva Leunissen, Elizabeth 
Slooten, Michael Moore. (2017). Deep-Sea Research Part I, 128: 98-108.


Abstract:

The submarine canyon off Kaikoura (New Zealand) is an extremely productive 
deep-sea habitat, and an important foraging ground for male sperm whales 
(Physeter macrocephalus). We used high-resolution archival tags to study the 
diving behaviour of sperm whales, and used the echoes from their echolocation 
sounds to estimate their distance from the seafloor. Diving depths and distance 
above the seafloor were obtained for 28 dives from six individuals. Whales 
foraged at depths between 284 and 1433 m, targeting mesopelagic and demersal 
prey layers. The majority of foraging buzzes occurred within one of three 
vertical strata: within 50 m of the seafloor, mid-water at depths of 700-900 m, 
and mid-water at depths of 400-600 m. Sperm whales sampled during this study 
performed more demersal foraging than that reported in any previous studies - 
including at Kaikoura in further inshore waters. This suggests that the extreme 
benthic productivity of the Kaikoura Canyon is reflected in the trophic 
preferences of these massive top predators. We found some evidence for 
circadian patterns in the foraging behaviour of sperm whales, which might be 
related to vertical movements of their prey following the deep scattering 
layer. We explored the ecological implications of the whales' foraging 
preferences on their habitat use, highlighting the need for further research on 
how submarine canyons facilitate top predator hotspots.


A pdf can be obtained through this link: 
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Vomf3RueHM4lY?

Or email marta.gue...@otago.ac.nz for a paper request.


Best wishes,

Marta

?

Marta Guerra
PhD candidate
Department of Marine Science
University of Otago, Dunedin
Aotearoa - New Zealand
ph: +64 226784245
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[MARMAM] SMM Workshop: Science communication, marketing & filmmaking

[i...@greenconcretefilms.com]

Reminder: Science Communication, Marketing & Filmmaking Workshop on Saturday 
the 28th of October from 8am-5pm (full day).

Workshop activities include: 1. Introduction to relevant science communication 
and social marketing 2. Development of science communication plans. 3. 
Filmmaking: Introduction to storytelling/filming/editing techniques. 4. 
Hands-on: Participants practice with own devices (phone/camera/tablet) to learn 
filmmaking techniques and develop individual marine mammal based science 
communication project strategies and content ideas aimed at for example blogs, 
e-books, websites and other social media. Ideally participants come to the 
workshop with a real-world marine mammal related outreach project idea, and the 
workshop will offer a practical step-by-step process, proposal and execution 
strategies (note: bring own tablet, phone or camera if available). Examples 
will be demonstrated using Apple devices such as iPad and iPhones.

Register through the conference website 
http://www.smmconference.org/WorkshopDescriptions 
>

Any questions please contact wiebke.fink...@otago.ac.nz 
 
 www.naturesvoices.com 
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[MARMAM] Study Abroad In Bimini, The Bahamas

[Deirdre Yeater]

Hello!



Enjoy a hands-on learning course, examining the behavioral and social
ecology of Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will also learn
about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment.  Receive 3
credits; visiting students welcome!



Sacred Heart University and Dolphin Communication Project are offering a
study abroad course for Biology or Psychology course credits this summer
2018.  The course will be in offered in The Bahamas on 18 May – 24 May,
with an online learning component before and after the travel abroad.


Check out the website and apply for Bahamas Program here:
http://studyabroad.sacredheart.edu/

Applications and deposits are due by 15 December 2017!



Cheers!

Deirdre Yeater
yeat...@sacredheart.edu

-- 
Deirdre Yeater, PhD
Associate Professor
Sacred Heart University
Department of Psychology
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