[MARMAM] Closing date extended to November 15 - Recruitment: Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program 2020 Seasonal Field Camp Positions

[Lizabeth Kashinsky]

The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works with
the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a
cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii to conduct research and
recovery activities on Hawaiian monk seals. JIMAR hires program staff
through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) and is
currently seeking applicants for *two separate recruitments *for the 2020
field research season:



*HMSRP Field Camp Research Technician-serves as field camp leader*

*HMSRP Field Camp Research Assistant*



Selected individuals will study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National
Monument. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal
population monitoring and conservation program by NOAA Fisheries and
includes: conducting trend counts, tagging seals, identifying individual
seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks,
monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration,
vaccinating against morbillivirus, performing necropsies, collecting scat &
spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis,
collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis, and removing debris capable of
entangling seals and other wildlife.  Behavior data are also collected
at some sites. Researchers at some sites may participate in shark
mitigation activities.



General information about the program can be found at:



https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian-monk-seal#science

The number of positions and/or continuation of the program are subject to
funding.  These positions will be for all or a subset of the 6 major monk
seal sub-populations in the NWHI. Fieldwork is accomplished by 2-4 member
teams in remote camps.  Each team will include a paid leader and either
paid assistants and volunteers or up to two volunteers assisting a paid
leader. Volunteer positions will be recruited for in a separate
announcement. Researchers live in either wall tents or buildings at the
various sites.  All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300
km from Honolulu), and one is also accessible by plane.  Few (if any)
resupply opportunities exist and communication with others outside of field
sites is limited throughout deployment due to the remoteness and lack of
infrastructure.


The employment period will include approximately one month of training and
packing in Honolulu. Once the field season is over, an additional ~1-2
weeks of employment will take place in Honolulu to clean up gear and
summarize data.  Dates are subject to change, but the positions are
tentatively scheduled to begin in late February/early March with a field
deployment date in early to mid-April. Field staff will be deployed for
approximately 4.5-5 months with a tentative return date in early September.
The position end date is tentatively scheduled for some time in
mid-September. Applicants must be flexible in their availability as dates
could change, including unforeseen delays due to inclement weather and ship
delays.

 Travel to and from Honolulu and food, lodging, and transportation in
Honolulu before deployment are not provided.  Transportation between
Honolulu and field sites and food and lodging in the field are
provided. Due to unforeseen circumstances, departure delays could result in
longer periods in Honolulu that may result in additional uncompensated
living expenses.

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, and must be
able to meet both the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access the work
location, and also the health requirements to board a NOAA vessel.


Instructions to apply for both positions are in the job postings below. *Please
clearly address all qualifications in your cover letter. If you do not
clearly address all qualifications in your cover letter, we may not be able
to consider you as an applicant. *For example, to address the experience
qualification, you must indicate in your cover letter how many years of
field experience you have and be sure that is reflected in your resume.



Interested individuals will need to apply directly to RCUH Human Resources
via one of the methods stated in the job posting. Applications for both
position must be submitted/received by the* closing date on 11/15/2019
(11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time receipt time). * If you do not have access
to the RCUH system and the closing date is imminent, you may send
additional documents to rcuh_employm...@rcuh.com. If you have questions on
the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344
or (808)956-0872.  Follow the link below to access both recruitments. If
applying for both positions, you must do so separately.





JIMAR/PIFSC HMSRP Field Camp Research Technician (leader) – search job ID #
19550



JIMAR/PIFSC HMSRP Field Camp Research Assi

[MARMAM] INTERN COORDINATOR POSITION, IMPERIA,ITALY

[Davide Ascheri]

 INTERN COORDINATOR 2019



DELFINI DEL PONENTE RESEARCH PROJECT, IMPERIA, ITALY

Cetacean and Marine Fauna research



The project

The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente” is the first project
focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due
to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for
this species and historically, sightings have a been more rare and sporadic
than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in
fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to
the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for
bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with depth not
exceeding 200 m.

Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change
has been noted in recent years in the area, where sightings of bottlenose
dolphins have almost tripled, from fisherman, whale watching boats and
other research institute. For this reason, Costa Balenae started in 2018
the project Delfini del Ponente in order to monitor bottlenose dolphins in
the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. The
project is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only
on the distribution during the summer, but also changes during the
different seasons. The project is already providing very interesting
information about bottlenose dolphins  and their distribution in the study
area, and also about the seasonal presence of other marine fauna such as
Mediterranean shearwaters (Puffinus yelkouan), Scopoli’s shearwaters
(Calonectris
diomedea), Northern gannets ( Morus bassanus), Sandwich terns( Thalasseus
sandvicensis), sunfish (Mola mola) among others.

Surveys will be made in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m
inflatable boat) around 10 times per month.  Training will focus on
collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, marine traffic,
geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys will
be done In Imperia, in 2 different points around 10-12 times/month
collecting data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats in
activity and marine birds. Fieldwork is a great opportunity to get involved
and improve skills on cetaceans research and marine biodiversity. Surveys
are weather dependent and their number can change each month.

Office work (6 hours per day) includes training and lessons to the interns
and supervision of all the activities ( photo-id work, transcription of
data, data entry, QGIS work etc..)



WHERE: Imperia, Italy



WHEN: 1 March-30 June 2020;  1 September-30 October 2020



Preference will be given to candidates that can stay the whole duration (March
to June or September to October). The intern coordinator will be asked to
join the research team one week earlier than the actual start of the
programme, to gain all the necessary skills and information needed.



The intern coordinator is responsible for:

   -

   Assisting the researchers during all the research activities
   -

   Coordinating the interns and volunteers participating in the project
   with the help of the Project Coordinators
   -

   Be responsible for the cleaning schedule and maintenance of the shared
   apartment with the volunteers
   -

   Assist with the training of the interns both during office work and
   fieldwork
   -

   Carry on land-based surveys
   -

   Driving the zodiac and photo-id collection
   -

   Responsible for an own project for future conferences

Skills/qualification:

   -

   Minimum age of 18
   -

   Degree or on-going studies in Biology, Natural Sciences, Veterinary or
   similar (preferred) with strong motivation to work in marine mammals
   research
   -

   Speak, read and write in fluent English
   -

   Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent
   -

   Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys
   -

   Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the
   sun, able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore
   and offshore waters
   -

   Be prepared to spend many hours on the office (generally 6 hours per
   day)
   -

   Be sociable and with a positive attitude as he/she is expected to live
   and work in an international team
   -

   Boat driving licence or experience in handling small boats (preferred)
   -

   The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team
   player as the project will involve working closely with other participants
   but also must be able to supervise small groups of interns. He/she must
   also be self-motivated and eager to work independently and responsibly.



Other Information

This position is unpaid but accommodation is provided. The intern
coordinator will share an apartment with the interns but having an own
bedroom and toilet. Successful applicants will be responsible for
organising and paying for their own travel arrangements to and from Imperia.

Website: http://d

[MARMAM] Please take 3 minute survey--Marine mammalogists: Who are we?

[Cynde McInnis]

Hi Folks,

If you are involved with marine mammals in any capacity, please consider taking 
3 minutes to complete the following 
SURVEY.

The purpose is to understand how people are connected to the marine mammal 
world--as scientists, educators, artists, activists, etc. We are hoping to help 
create connections between disciplines so that we can work together to help 
save marine mammals!

It will be open until Nov. 28.

Thank you so much for you time!

Cynde McInnis and Diane Alps


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[MARMAM] Atlantic Marine Conservation Society Internship Opportunity

[Jennifer Lopez]

Good evening, MARMAM Community,

My name is Jennifer Lopez and I am the Volunteer Coordinator with the Atlantic 
Marine Conservation Society (AMCS). AMCS is a 501 © 3 not-for-profit 
organization dedicated to promoting conservation of our marine environment 
through action. Some of our action items include data research, surveys and 
health assessments, involvement in the Specially Trained Animal Response Team 
(START), response to entangled and out of habitat animals, necropsies, beach 
monitoring, public outreach, and education.

I wanted to reach out to let you know that our organization is now accepting 
applications for our Winter 2019-2020 and Spring 2020 internships. We offer 
internships in three different areas:

1) Conservation Research Program
Join our conservation efforts through a Conservation Research Internship. 
Conduct beach monitoring events including beach clean ups, cold stunned sea 
turtle monitoring, and seal surveys. Work with collected data to help bring a 
better understanding of Long Island’s marine habitat and the marine animals and 
marine debris and present within.

Specific projects include:

 1. Pinniped Population Documentation: Lead a seal watching cruise once per 
week throughout the length of the internship aboard the Peconic Star II. 
Educate the public on seals in our area, and photo document the population of 
grey seals that are observed during the cruise. Observations include weather 
recordings, animal numbers and behavior while at the site. Compare this data to 
other days of the week from fellow interns to determine if there is any 
predictability in residency or frequency of sightings. Interns will also review 
photographs taken during the winter seal cruises in Shinnecock Bay, identify 
any injured animals, and complete counts of the photographs taken. This will 
give a different perspective to seal observation work in comparison to the grey 
seals observed on the cruises they lead.

2. GIS/ Database Management: Develop database for storing stranding, survey and 
satellite tracking data. Map strandings real time for monthly stranding trend 
review, and keep the team up to date with real time stranding trends. Map 
satellite tagged animals and input data from tags into the database.

3. Wild Population Surveys: Work with biologists on data collected from aerial, 
land and boat based surveys. Maintain data entry for these trips, learn about 
conducting and leading each type of survey, and work with photographs collected 
from surveys to count animals and identify natural or human caused injuries.

4. Marine Debris Documentation: Lead two beach cleanup activities per week, one 
north shore beach one south shore beach. Educate the public on the harms of 
marine debris and data collection techniques. Record data from each site, 
compile at the end of internship to compare amount collected at each site and 
difference in items collected. Create marine debris content to be used on AMCS 
website and presented at educational opportunities.

Skills important to the internship are attention to detail, the ability to work 
individually or as a part of a team, and the ability to train and lead small 
groups for beach monitoring efforts.

Our objectives are to train students to successfully monitor the beaches of our 
local marine environment and collect data to help gain a better understanding 
of these individual landscapes and their properties. Students will also receive 
training in what to do in the case of marine mammal and sea turtle sightings 
and strandings. This internship will provide students with firsthand knowledge 
on the impacts of marine debris on our environment, will allow them to quantify 
and qualify the marine debris specific to individual beaches, and how to 
involve our communities in taking action to make a positive impact. Data 
collected will contribute to efforts in mitigation.

2) Education Program
Work with our Education Team to promote an informed community that is aware of 
our marine environment and its inhabitants, our human impact, and how to impact 
the environment in a positive way. Help us with our outreach efforts by 
conducting community beach clean ups, and education programs geared to a 
variety of ages through an Education Internship.

Skills required for this internship include the ability to communicate in 
writing and in public speaking, and a basic knowledge of environmental science.

Our objectives are to provide students with hands on education experience in a 
variety of outlets and audiences. Students will train to communicate with and 
teach local communities about our marine environment, the marine mammals and 
sea turtles inhabiting our waters, the anthropogenic threats that they face, 
and how we can work together to help create a healthier environment. Students 
will not only have the opportunity to grow in their ability to educate the 
public, but will also learn more about our ocean's need for conservation, and 
how to

[MARMAM] Guiana dolphin survey

[Yurasi Briceño]

Survey: Guiana dolphin  pre-assesment – IWC.SC

In a coalition involving researchers, the Aquatic Mammals Center / ICMBIO
and the International Whale Commission (CIB) sub-committee of small
cetaceans, we are organizing an assessment of the current status of
knowledge on population, ecological and conservation parameters of *Sotalia
guianensis *and your contribution will be essential in order to get a first
view into the existing information and efforts.

We appreciate if you can contribute by answering the attached Google form
and even disclosing it to colleagues, students and other researchers who
work or have worked with the species.

This information will be compiled and presented for a first joint
evaluation to be held at a workshop in Brazil this year. As there is no
budget for invitation to all experts, this questionnaire was the tool found
for the greater and better knowledge to be included in this step. New steps
will come and we are committed to sharing the results with those involved
in this information gathering. The evaluation, both as a result of this
stage and the ones that will follow, will compose a report to be presented
to the CIB.

We thank you in advance for your contribution and are available to answer
any questions.

*Please, use this link to access google form:*

*https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSLMSIjOaYwPH7rjRUoKk7cV5xt0JiwsTaRTGQbCdM5znnhA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

*
Contact: Camila Domit / cado...@gmail.com
-- 

*PhD. (C) Yurasi Briceño*

*@proyectosotalia*Universidad del Zulia.
Centro de Ecología.
Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC),
Carretera Panamericana, km 11 Altos de Pipe, Apartado postal 20632,
Caracas1020-A, Estado Miranda - VENEZUELA

Tlf: (58)(212)5041905
Mobile: (58)(412)5553962
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[MARMAM] New Publication - The influence of physiological status on the reproductive behaviour of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)

[Mr Fletcher Mingramm]

Dear MARMAM colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online:


F.M.J. Mingramm, T. Keeley, D.J. Whitworth, R.A. Dunlop (2020). The influence 
of physiological status on the reproductive behaviour of humpback whales 
(Megaptera novaeangliae), 117, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104606

Abstract:
For most cetacean species, there is little known about how an individual's 
physiology influences its behaviour. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) 
are a good candidate to examine such links as they have a well-described 
distribution and behaviour, can be consistently sampled using remote biopsy 
systems, and have been the subject of several previous endocrine studies. The 
objective here was to examine whether a female humpback whale's social state 
(i.e. escorted by a male or not) is related to her endocrine condition, and 
whether male dominance ranking is related to testosterone levels. Skin and 
blubber biopsies were collected from the east and west Australian humpback 
whale populations in 2010–2016 (n=252) at multiple times throughout the 
winter-spring breeding season. Steroid hormones were extracted from blubber and 
concentrations of progesterone (a marker for pregnancy), testosterone (a marker 
of male testicular activity) and oestradiol (a potential marker of ovarian 
activity) measured using enzyme-immunoassays. Principal escorts—the dominant 
males in mixed sex groups—had significantly higher blubber testosterone levels 
(mean ± SE; 1.43 ± 0.20 ng/g wet weight) than subordinate, secondary escorts 
(0.69 ± 0.06 ng/g wet weight). Females that were escorted by males typically 
possessed elevated blubber oestradiol levels (1.96 ± 0.25 ng/g wet weight; 
p=0.014); few were considered to be pregnant (p=0.083). ‘Unescorted’ females 
displayed characteristically lower blubber oestradiol levels (0.56 ± 0.06 ng/g 
wet weight). Together, these results are consistent with ‘challenge hypothesis’ 
theory and suggest the existence of associated reproductive patterns in 
humpback whales.

An open access copy can currently be downloaded from:

https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1ZxEk_,2iMZFJw

Kind regards,

Fletcher

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[MARMAM] Research assistant - Intern coordinator: dolphin behaviour project

[BDRI information]

Dear all,

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) , a 
marine science centre dedicated to promote the conservation of marine mammal 
species and their habitat through research and education, is currently 
accepting applications for the following:

RESEARCH ASSISTANT - INTERN COORDINATOR

This position is responsible for assisting the BDRI biologists in the running 
of the research project focused on the study of the impact of marine vessels on 
bottlenose dolphin behaviour and coordinating the interns participating in the 
project. The intern coordinator will be responsible for the daily activities of 
the interns, and contributing to the daily functioning of the institute, 
participating both to field and lab work. In return the intern coordinator will 
receive accommodation, equipment and logistics support as well as constant 
supervision from Dr. Bruno Diaz Lopez, director, chief biologist; Ms. Severine 
Methion, MSc, PhD candidate, principal investigator, marine ecologist; and Mr. 
Oriol Giralt, MSc, PhD candidate, research staff, marine biologist.

The project is based in O Grove, North-western coast of Spain and offers the 
chance to work during many steps of the field research and data analysis. The 
main purpose of this program is to contribute towards a more detailed 
understanding of the ecology and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins with a focus 
on the behavioural changes induced by the presence of vessels.

Start Date: March 1st 2020 

End Date: August 31st 2020 (start and end dates could be flexible)

Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
*Assisting the BDRI's biologists in all phases of the research and 
organization.
*Coordinate between the BDRI's biologists and the interns - in charge of 
the intern shared house.
*Assisting the BDRI's biologists in intern basic training of land-based 
surveys and lab work (photo-identification analysis, database entry, GIS, and 
more).
* Responsible of land-based surveys of wild cetaceans.

REQUIREMENTS:
- An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled 
with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals’ 
research make the most qualified individuals. The successful applicant is 
expected to have a BSc degree (or higher) and able to demonstrate previous 
experience in marine mammal research.

- The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as 
the project will involve working closely with other participants but also must 
be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating up to 
10 interns. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination 
to work independently and responsibly.

- Must be of good physical fitness, be able to lift/carry 35lbs (16 kg), walk 
long distances in difficult terrain, be comfortable on boats in 
nearshore/offshore waters, able to swim, and work in harsh weather conditions 
at times.

- The intern coordinator must be able to follow written and oral staff 
directions and protocols effectively.

- The intern coordinator must be able to spend many hours on shore, and working 
in the lab. Laboratory work days typically last 6 hours and field days 
typically exceed 4 hours and occur approximately 2 or 3 times per week. There 
will be two days off per week. Please keep in mind that field work is weather 
dependent, unpredictable, and changes seasonally.

- Fluent in English.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position brings the opportunity to be trained and to undertake a personal 
research project supervised by the BDRI' Chief Biologist (Dr. Bruno Diaz Lopez) 
and BDRI' Marine Biologist (Severine Methion) as part of the land-based study 
carried out during this period about the impact of vessels on dolphins’ 
behaviour. If the candidate intends to receive academic credit, she/he will be 
responsible for making all arrangements with her/his educational institution.

This position is unpaid but accommodation in the intern shared house will be 
covered. Successful applicants will be responsible of their own expenses, 
including food and travelling to and from the research centre in O Grove 
(Galicia, Spain).

TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:
  - A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 
page only);
  - A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only);
  - Names and contact information of at least one reference (preferred).

Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to: 
i...@thebdri.com
Please specify BDRI INTERN COORDINATOR into your subject title.

If they are not European citizens, applicants must be authorized to legally 
remain in Europe for more than 3 months. International applicants will be 
considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary 
visas and documentation.

DEADLINE:
November 30th 2019. 

Inter