[MARMAM] WDC Marine Mammal Conservation Internships (temporary, full-time, paid)

[Sarah McCormack]

Internship description
Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s North American office is offering a 12-week, 
entry-level Marine Mammal Conservation Internship to candidates with little to 
no prior experience. This opportunity will help to build skills relevant to the 
field of marine conservation while providing interns with insight into the 
inner workings of a non-profit as well as job skills transferable to any field.

This position is designed for those who do not yet have experience in marine 
mammal conservation and outreach. We will prioritize candidates who do not have 
practical experience (internship, significant volunteering, employment) in this 
field outside of a classroom setting. Applicants should be eager to dive into 
new experiences and enjoy having a variety of tasks to work on. This position 
will help to assist staff in three key program areas: Marine Animal Rescue and 
Response, Education, and Boater Outreach. Occasional opportunities to see 
whales at sea may also be possible, though no part of this position requires 
being in the water.

Successful candidates will gain transferable skills in effective communication 
and public speaking, project management, developing and delivering 
presentations and other interpretive resources, working on a close-knit team, 
and record keeping.

We have three open positions in 2023 for this temporary, full-time, paid 
internship. We are seeking to fill one position each for the spring, summer, 
and fall – as early as March and as late as November. Each of the three 
successful candidates will be assigned to a priority program (Marine Animal 
Rescue and Response, Education, or Boater Outreach) on which they will focus; 
they will support other programs as needed. We will do our best to take into 
consideration each candidate’s primary interests, however priority programs 
will be determined by the review committee.

Candidates in this internship will:

  *   Have effective verbal and/or written communications skills
  *   Work well with diverse audiences and teams
  *   Have an interest in education/outreach initiatives
  *   Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team
  *   Be able to problem solve in unanticipated situations
  *   Have an attention to detail and follow policies and procedures
  *   Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a large pick-up 
truck
  *   Be able to pass a background check
  *   Be able to lift or move heavy objects and work outside in adverse weather 
conditions
  *   Be comfortable working with deceased/decomposing animals
  *   Have health insurance coverage and be free of (or able to manage) medical 
issues aggravated by exposure to animals including their fur and bodily fluids, 
which could contain transmissible diseases
  *   Be legally able to work in the United States
  *   Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of the internship

Internship responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  *   Researching and exploring potential outreach and education partnership 
opportunities
  *   Writing blogs, creating social media content, and managing program 
websites
  *   Relationship building with boating industry members
  *   Developing outreach materials and grade school lesson plans connected to 
science standards
  *   Delivering educational programs to K-12 students as well as 
adults/families at community events
  *   Responding to stranded live and dead marine mammals in the field, 
including assisting with health assessments and examinations to determine cause 
of death
  *   Answering WDC’s rescue hotline and handling reports from callers
  *   Ensuring marine animal response preparedness by inventorying and 
restocking equipment, cleaning gear, fueling vehicles, etc.

For additional details about this internship opportunity, visit our 
website: 
https://us.whales.org/science-and-outreach-internship/


Sarah McCormack​​
Stranding Coordinator
WDC North America
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Hotline:
+1 617‑688‑6872
WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation
7 Nelson Street
Plymouth, MA
02360‑4044
United States
whales.org
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[cid:image003.png@01D8F432.C93E38F0]
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[cid:image007.png@01D8F432.C93E38F0]
[cid:image008.png@01D8F432.C93E38F0]
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (“WDC”), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 
non‑profit organization.  Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest 
extent of the law.
WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360‑4044  Tel: 

[MARMAM] New paper on sperm whale body mass estimation using aerial photogrammetry

[Maria Glarou]

Dear colleagues,

My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following 
paper in Marine Mammal Science:

Glarou, M., Gero, S., Frantzis, A., Brotons, J. M., Vivier, F., Alexiadou, P., 
Cerdà, M., Pirotta, E., & Christiansen, F. (2022). Estimating body mass of 
sperm whales from aerial photographs. Marine Mammal Science, 1–23.

Abstract:

Body mass is a fundamental feature of animal physiology. Although sperm whales 
(Physeter macrocephalus) are the largest toothed predators on earth, body mass 
is seldom included in studies of their ecophysiology and bioenergetics due to 
the inherent difficulties of obtaining direct measurements. We used 
UAV-photogrammetry to estimate the weight of free-ranging sperm whales. Aerial 
photographs (23 calves, 11 juveniles, 55 nonmother adults, 13 mothers) were 
collected in the Eastern Caribbean and Mediterranean Sea during 2017–2020. Body 
length, widths, and heights (dorso-ventral distance at 5% increments) were 
measured from dorsal and lateral photographs, while body volume was calculated 
using an elliptical model. Volume varied noticeably (12.01 ± 4.79 m3) in larger 
animals (>8 m), indicating fluctuations in body condition of adults and 
mothers. Volume was converted to mass, using tissue-density estimates from 
catch data, animal-borne tags, and body-tissue composition. Average total body 
density ranged from 834 to 1,003 kg/m3, while the weight predictions matched 
with existing measurements and weight-length relationships. Our body-mass 
models can be used to study sperm whale bioenergetics, including inter- and 
intraseasonal variations in body condition, somatic growth, metabolic rates, 
and cost of reproduction.

The paper is open-access and can be accessed from the following link:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10./mms.12982

Best regards,

Maria Glarou

PhD Fellow
Húsavík Research Centre
University of Iceland
Hafnarstétt 3, 640 Húsavík

Email: mag...@hi.is / 
maria_gla...@outlook.com
Skype: mariag.23
Mobile: +30 698 5689823 / +45 50174014
Twitter: @mglarou

ResearchGate / Google 
Scholar

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[MARMAM] New publication: Indo-Pacific finless porpoises in Hainan Island (China)

[Francesco Caruso]

Dear MARMAM recipients,

my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our 
article in Frontiers in Remote Sensing:


Caruso F, Giorli G, Dong L, Zhao L, Liu M, Lin M and Li S (2022), 
Large-scale monitoring of Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (/Neophocaena 
phocaenoides/) using multiple static acoustic sensors. Front. Remote 
Sens. 3:987105. doi: 10.3389/frsen.2022.987105


ABSTRACT

The distribution of Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (IPFP, /Neophocaena 
phocaenoides/) around the Hainan Island (China) is unknown, but 
evidences for a resident population have recently emerged. Passive 
acoustic data were collected from 10 locations along the south-west area 
of the island using static sensors (about 200 km of coastline), over a 
total period of 476 days from 25th February 2018 to 16th June 2019 
(154,884 5-min recordings). A supervised machine learning technique was 
used to classify IPFP clicks and acoustic features were measured for 
2,654 short-narrowband pulses detected within 47 days across the 10 
sites. Detections were verified by a trained operator using spectrogram 
analysis and the detection range of the clicks was estimated using a 
Transmission Loss (TL) model. The animals were not detected at all 
locations and the site with the highest number of detections was 
characterized by low levels of ambient noise, abundance of soniferous 
fishes and the presence of another marine mammal species, the Indo-Pacific 
humpback dolphin (/Sousa chinensis/). The northernmost region had no 
detections and only two recorded files containing IPFP clicks were found 
at the two nearby locations (one file each). In general, the low number 
of detections in the study area are most likely a result of the limited 
detection range (about 200 m) of IPFP echolocation signals. This is a 
nationally protected species and the Hainan population is increasingly 
subject to many threats. The large-scale and long-term monitoring 
approach provides information regarding the spatial acoustic occurrence 
of this vulnerable, nearshore and small-size cetacean.


https://doi.org/10.3389/frsen.2022.987105

Best,

Francesco

--
Francesco Caruso, PhD
Researcher, Marine Biologist and Ecologist
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francesco-Caruso

Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (http://www.szn.it/en/)
Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement
National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology
Villa Comunale, Naples, 80121, Italy
Phone:+390815833461
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[MARMAM] ECS 2023 - Submit Your Abstracts & Join Us in Galicia!

[Bruno Diaz Lopez]

Just One Month Left! Submit Your Talk and Poster Abstracts & Join Us in Galicia!
34th European Cetacean Society Conference
April 18-20, 2023
O Grove, Galicia, Spain

Deadline: Friday, December 9 - 2022 (23:45 CET)

We invite you to submit abstracts for oral presentations and posters for the 
2023 ECS Conference, which will be held April 18th-20th in O Grove, Galicia, 
Spain. This will be a great opportunity to reconnect in person after the 
pandemic years and talk about marine mammals, science, conservation, discuss 
research, meet colleagues, have fun and make friends. 
Abstracts are encouraged to address the meeting theme “OUR OCEANS, OUR FUTURE:  
Marine Mammal Behavioural Ecology & the Sustainable Use of Marine Resources” if 
appropriate, but doing so is not necessary. We welcome submissions on any topic 
that reports on new discoveries in marine mammal science. This also includes 
proposals on interdisciplinary work, addressing communication with a wide 
audience, or exploring new ways of studying marine mammals through the use of 
new technologies. Abstracts will be reviewed by experts in each field.

Abstracts must be submitted through the online form 
 by 
December 9th, 2022 at 23:45 (CET). No late or emailed abstracts will be 
considered.

As part of the 34th Conference of the European Cetacean Society, we will 
organize a series of events that will allow participants to discover the beauty 
of the local surroundings, its nature, cultural traditions and the treasures of 
the local gastronomy. Congress participants will enjoy authentic and 
unforgettable environmentally–friendly activities, all while having fun and 
expanding their knowledge.
 
For more information, visit 


If you have any further questions, please contact us at: 
See you in Galicia,

Warm regards,

Bruno Díaz López Ph.D
Chair of the Local Organising Committee ECS 2023
34 ECS Conference - O Grove - Galicia, Spain
he/him/his


This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be 
legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is 
intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an 
intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If 
received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your 
system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research 
Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it 
is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank 
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[MARMAM] JOB OPENING: Marine Mammal Acoustician Position at Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

[Beatriz Tintore]

MARINE MAMMAL ACOUSTICIAN POSITION

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is recruiting for the
following position

*1 Marine Mammal Acoustician - Assistant Project Manager*

LOCATION - EASTERN AEGEAN SEA, GREECE

http://archipelago.gr/en/

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation has an open job position for
a “Marine Mammal Acoustician - Assistant Project Manager” to assist with
our expanding team and conservation efforts.

We are recruiting for both short - term and long term cooperation.

DUTIES

- Lead and supervise projects related to passive acoustic monitoring,
including survey design and data analysis.

- Analyze passive acoustic data and write up of relevant reports

- Supervise group of students/ interns

- Supervise field research including collection of passive acoustic data as
needed.

- Assist with outreach activities

- Assist in everyday running of our research bases/ boats, including
providing assistance to interns and contributing to general base management
tasks

ESSENTIAL REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

MSc Degree in marine sciences, with experience in marine mammal research

Good comprehension of data collection methods and research and analysis
principles and techniques

Previous experience in analyzing acoustic data

Experience with Raven Pro and PAMGuard is a bonus

Experience managing and training students and/or volunteers

Demonstrated leadership, supervision and team building skills

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Ability to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions

Ability to write scientific reports and papers

Fluency in English

Fluency in Greek (optional)

Excellent computer skills

Sincere interest in issues related to marine conservation

Willingness to occasionally work during weekends and holidays

Valid international driver’s license or driver’s license for the EU
(optional)



WE OFFER

For the trial period the travel expenses and full board accommodation are
covered.
For successful candidates the remuneration package offered depends on the
level of experience of the applicant.

OVERVIEW - LOCATION & OUR TEAM

The Aegean Sea is a key Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot supporting some
of the most important remaining populations of marine mammals and turtles
in the Mediterranean. This includes bottlenose, short-beaked common,
striped  and Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales and Cuvier’s beaked whales, the
highly endangered Mediterranean Monk seal, as well as loggerhead and green
turtles.

The research and conservation of marine mammals has been one of the key
areas of focus the Archipelagos Institute since its establishment in 1998.
Our goal is to fill the important knowledge gaps regarding the distribution
of marine mammal populations in the Greek Seas and the northeast
Mediterranean, while also quantifying the factors that threaten their
survival. Our research focuses on assessing populations and the
interactions of cetaceans with fisheries and maritime traffic. Also
monitored are the effects caused by overfishing and the various forms of
pollution (plastic, chemical and noise pollution). Close cooperation with
local communities is at the core of Archipelagos’ actions and an essential
prerequisite for the implementation of any conservation action.

Through the use of our three research vessels, the team records behavioral
data, sound recordings, and photo-ID images, as well as documents vessel
traffic data, water chemistry data, macroplastic and microplastic data, and
seabird abundance. Our main goal is to use our data to develop successful,
targeted management and conservation plans.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit a current resume, a list of three references, and a cover
letter expressing your interest to i...@archipelago.gr

*Beatriz Tintoré*
*Project Manager of the Marine Mammal and Terrestrial Research Department*
*MSc in Marine Biology*
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[MARMAM] Special Issue of Anecdotes available online from Aquatic Mammals journal

[Kathleen Dudzinski]

Dear MARMAM and ECS Talk Subscribers,
 
For 50 years, Aquatic Mammals has published articles on all topics related to 
aquatic animals. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, we are pleased to 
offer a special issue that acknowledges how the journal began and welcomes the 
insight to be gained from rare observations of individuals in both in- and 
ex-situ settings. This Special Issue of Anecdotes is intended to celebrate the 
insight that can be gained from rare or opportunistic observations in the field 
or in a managed care setting and is dedicated to capturing these observations 
for the record. Contributors have set their accounts into the literature as 
much as possible and contextualized their anecdote(s) such that its scope, 
generality, and potential application are recognized. Our goal has been to 
offer this special issue as a collective record so these insights and 
observations may provide perspective to our research and the animals we study. 
We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we have during the review process.

Thus, I am pleased to announce that Issue 48.6, A Special Issue of Anecdotes, 
is now available online from the journal’s website: 
https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/

This special issue is GIGANTIC! There are 54 articles (28 of which have 
supplemental videos, 8 with supplemental PDFs). 
The Table of Contents (3.5 pages long) is available by clicking on the Issue 
icon on the journal website’s home page to get to the issue and then clicking 
on the cover image for the PDF download. This PDF also includes the 
Introduction, a Sponsor Thank you, and cover photo caption list.

On behalf of all contributing authors, I gratefully thank Zoomarine Algarve 
(Portugal) for sponsoring this special issue. Zoomarine’s sponsorship means 
that each article in this issue is available as Open Access. 
 
To download a PDF from this issue, you simply need to click one of the title 
links on the issue page, and then click on the link on that article’s page 
(lower left) … yes, it’s a 2-step process but they’re free!

A big thank you to the journal’s copyedit, business, and social media teams for 
their effort and support in getting this issue out. And, thank you to Jim 
Darling for the initial issue concept idea and for being our Special Issue 
Guest Editor. 

Happy Birthday to the Journal and here’s to 50 more years!
Cheers
Kathleen


P.S. On December 1, 2022, I will make a single PDF of the full issue available 
from the journal’s website. Because it is currently ~80 MB, we are reviewing 
the logistics for making this available. Stay tuned.

P.S.S. For those of you with print subscriptions, this issue is now with the 
printer and we will be mailing 48.5 and 48.6 out in early December. Thank you 
for your patience.



Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D.
Editor, Aquatic Mammals
busin...@aquaticmammalsjournal.org

www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org

to submit a manuscript, visit our:
Manuscript Fast track web site at 
http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php
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[MARMAM] PhD Opportunity in eDNA monitoring of polar vertebrates, closing date 9th Jan 2023

[Thompson, Kirsten]

Dear Marmammers,


High-resolution monitoring of marine vertebrates in changing polar oceans with 
eDNA, NERC GW4+ DTP PhD studentship for 2023 Entry, PhD in Biosciences. Ref: 
4589

Join a dynamic group of bioscientists, geneticists and cetacean biologists at 
Exeter in the southwest of the UK. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD 
candidate for an exciting collaboration between the University of Exeter (Dr 
Adam Monier and Dr Kirsten Thompson), British Antarctic Survey (Dr Jennifer 
Jackson) and Greenpeace Research Laboratories (Exeter; Dr Kirsten Thompson).

Full information on the project and how to apply: 
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4589

Project Background:

Climate change is particularly pronounced in the polar regions, precipitating 
widespread range shifts, invasions of new species and losses of others. These 
changes present significant challenges for conservation of marine vertebrates; 
thus a suite of biomonitoring strategies is required to help manage marine 
resources and monitor biodiversity. Furthermore, polar regions provide extreme 
and expensive field conditions for researchers with many understudied species 
and a dearth of knowledge on ecosystem functioning.

Monitoring methods such as visual survey, bioacoustics, and biologging are 
spatially limited and expensive, often requiring extensive ship time and expert 
knowledge. In many cases, they also do not provide high-resolution taxonomic 
classification and are not effective in evaluating taxonomically cryptic, 
elusive or undescribed species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring is one 
strategy that could provide a rapid, non-invasive tool to characterise polar 
vertebrate biodiversity. Routinely used in, for example, freshwater ecology, 
eDNA is currently an underdeveloped method for monitoring marine animals. 
Current eDNA-based methods focus on cataloguing taxa, but rarely generate 
information on intraspecific community diversity or resilience, nor are they 
developed for systematic monitoring.

Recent expeditions by Greenpeace, in collaboration with SPYGEN 
(www.spygen.com) and the University of Montpellier 
(France), collected 100+ samples from polar regions generating mitochondrial 
12S sequence datasets for mammals, teleosts and elasmobranchs. The student will 
analyse these samples and generate bioinformatic pipelines and protocols that 
will help to provide the next step in eDNA monitoring  for marine ecosystem 
characterisation and conservation.

Project Aims and Methods:

The student will use bioinformatic procedures based on sequence-level 
classification to maximise the utility of eDNA datasets for biomonitoring to 
inform the future implementation of eDNA biomonitoring in relation to marine 
biodiversity management. The PhD student will:

  *   Further develop a bioinformatics pipeline to classify eDNA sequence 
datasets to examine polar communities at the population level (instead of basic 
cataloguing at the species, genus and family levels) and use the recovered 
phylogenetic signal to measure intra- and intercommunity diversity as captured 
by eDNA sampling.
  *   Take advantage of available molecular sequence databases, e.g. Genbank 
(www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank) and 
generated by Tara Ocean Expeditions 
(www.oceans.taraexpeditions.org) to 
investigate trophic links between vertebrates and phyto- and zooplankton 
community diversity.
  *   Feedforward results to web-based platforms to visually represent the 
geographical and temporal distribution of such diversity for better interfacing 
with end-user management needs.
  *   Use existing portable DNA sequencing equipment to trial field protocols 
that integrate real-time eDNA sequencing and bioinformatic web-based frameworks.

Candidate requirements

We seek a highly motivated and independent candidate with a background in 
molecular ecology, phylogenetics and bioinformatics and an interest in further 
developing these with support. Skills and knowledge of GIS, web design and 
statistics are also preferred. Experience in molecular laboratory and field 
work are desirable but not essential.

For informal inquiries contact: Adam Monier, 
a.mon...@exeter.ac.uk and Kirsten Thompson, 
k.f.thomp...@exeter.ac.uk Send us your CV, we 
would love to hear from you if you think you might be interested in this 
research.

Kind regards,

Kirsten



Dr Kirsten Thompson
Pronouns:
 she/her
Lecturer in Ecology
University of Exeter
Mob: +44 (0)7841695569
Staff profile: 
Biosciences
Hatherly Laboratories, Prince of Wales Rd, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PS
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[MARMAM] 2023 Soundwatch Program Vessel Operator/Educator Opening

[Alanna Frayne]

The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program:
2023 Seasonal Vessel Operator/Educator Opening

The Soundwatch Boater Education Program is seeking a vessel operator for the 
2023 summer field season. Soundwatch is a research, education and monitoring 
program operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a not-for-profit organization 
located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State. The Soundwatch 
program mission is to reduce vessel disturbance to marine wildlife, 
particularly the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, in the Salish Sea 
region of Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Soundwatch is 
looking for vessel operators/educators to: carry out program objectives; 
educate boaters on best practices for viewing marine wildlife before they leave 
the shore; reinforce the learning experience in the actual context where 
disturbances take place; develop and evaluate community-based voluntary 
guidelines; and provide a scientific platform to monitor vessel activities 
around marine mammals. The Soundwatch program is operated by The Whale Museum 
(TWM), a not-for-profit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan 
Island in Washington State. To learn more, please visit our website and read 
Soundwatch’s most recent Contract Report and publications.

Vessel operators/educators will conduct seasonal vessel patrols, educate 
boaters on regional/federal Be Whale Wise guidelines and regulations, and 
collect data while monitoring vessel activity around whales. Data from this 
critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered killer 
whales and other marine wildlife. The data is used to promote better boater 
compliance and to inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and 
federal vessel laws and guidelines.

Vessel operators/educators report to the Soundwatch Program Coordinator and 
work cooperatively with other museum staff, program interns and volunteers. 
Hourly wage for this position is commensurate with experience and starts at 
$18.00/hour.

VESSEL OPERATOR/EDUCATOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Seasonal field operations:
·       Conduct full- or half-day on-the-water educational patrols and 
monitoring of whale watch activities June-September.
·       Maintain daily boat patrol protocols and data collection procedures on 
whale watching and marine wildlife viewing trends, guideline compliance 
measurements and educational materials distribution.
·       Prevent wildlife disturbance by intercepting boaters before they reach 
wildlife areas.
·       Monitor activities within San Juan County Marine Stewardship Area 
including recreational and fishing pressure in reserve areas, including 
National Wildlife Refuge Areas and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 
Biological Preserve Areas.
·       Maintain equipment and collection materials.
·       Work with Soundwatch volunteers and interns.
·       Maintain communications with whale research and commercial whale-watch 
community.
·       Report marine mammal strandings to the San Juan County Marine Mammal 
Stranding Network.
Small Vessel operations:
·       Perform routine maintenance and minor boat/engine repair, maintain 
vessel/engine/operation and safety equipment, communicate with coordinator 
and/or mechanic for troubleshooting advice, provide vessel operation briefing 
to interns and volunteers.
Education/Outreach on marine stewardship:
·       Distribution of educational materials on-the-water, regional boating 
facilities and organizations.
·       Participate in local education and outreach events.
Soundwatch field data-entry:
·       Assist with field season data entry. Assist with the update of annual 
commercial whale watch industry information and ID book.
·       Assist with training of volunteers and interns. Keep track of volunteer 
activities for future reporting.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license (for the entirety of their 
position) and CPR/First Aid certification.
• A Washington state boater license.
• Bachelor’s degree in marine/wildlife sciences.
• Understand and have experience with recovery priorities related to endangered 
SRKWs.
• Soundwatch operates under a NOAA NMFS research permit which requires vessel 
operator candidates to have relevant field experience. The successful candidate 
must be approved for operation by NMFS as a condition for hiring.
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as crews will be working closely together 
both on and off water.


HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three 
references. Please include any start/end dates and passport status.
Submit application materials via email as one PDF.
Please include in your subject line: Soundwatch Vessel Operator Application 
(Last Name).

Soundwatch Vessel Driver/Educator should plan to be in place by May 01, 2023 
(Exact start date negotiable). Active review of submitted applications 

[MARMAM] 2023 Soundwatch Program Internship Openings

[Alanna Frayne]

The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program:
2023 Summer Internship Openings

The Soundwatch Boater Education Program is seeking interns for the 2023 summer 
field season. Soundwatch is a research, education and monitoring program 
operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a not-for-profit organization located in 
Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State. The Soundwatch program 
mission is to reduce vessel disturbance to marine wildlife, particularly the 
endangered Southern Resident killer whales, in the Salish Sea region of 
Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Soundwatch is looking for 
three interns to help conduct vessel patrols, educate boaters on 
regional/federal Be Whale Wise guidelines and regulations, and collect data 
while monitoring vessel activity around whales. Data from this critical program 
characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered killer whales and other 
marine wildlife. The data is used to promote better boater compliance and to 
inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and federal vessel 
laws and guidelines. To learn more, please visit our website and read 
Soundwatch’s most recent Contract Report and publications.

INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform a variety of tasks including data recording and photography in the 
field aboard small research vessels and in a research office setting.
• Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills.
• Interact with the public during education and outreach events.
• Be able to spend long hours on the water aboard a small vessel, sometimes in 
adverse seasonal conditions. Field days occur at least four to five times a 
week and may exceed eight hours per day.

Internship is located in Friday Harbor, Washington. Interns are responsible for 
their own housing and having a mode of transportation. This position provides a 
stipend to offset housing costs. Once accepted, TWM staff will be able to 
assist interns in locating suitable housing options.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

• Commit to at least 12 weeks between May and September.
• Be able to work approximately 35-40 hours per week, Mon-Sun.
• At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs.), able to 
swim, not easily susceptible to seasickness, and familiar with Microsoft Office 
Suite (particularly Excel) and Google Workspace. Wildlife photography 
experience is a plus.
• Valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license (for the entirety of their 
position) and CPR/First Aid certification. A state boater license or equivalent 
safe boating card is encouraged but not required.
• Knowledge of the area and Southern Resident killer whales is preferred but 
not required.
• Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine 
or wildlife sciences.
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as crews will be working closely together 
both on and off water.


HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION:

Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three 
references. Please include start/end dates and passport status.
Submit application materials via email as one PDF if possible, and include in 
your subject line: Soundwatch Internship Application (Last Name).

Active review of applications will begin immediately and continue until 01 Jan 
2023 or until positions are filled, with final selections made before 01 Feb 
2022.

PLEASE SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:
Alanna Frayne
Soundwatch Boater Education Program and Be Whale Wise Coordinator
ala...@whalemuseum.org

Feel free to contact with any questions.


Alanna Frayne
she/hers
Soundwatch Program Coordinator
Be Whale Wise Coordinator
The Whale Museum
(360) 378-4710 ex. 33

My response may be delayed during the field season (May-Sept). Thank you for 
your patience.
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