From david at deafwhale.com Fri Jan 1 19:20:42 2010 From: david at deafwhale.com (David Williams) Date: Sat, 2 Jan 2010 11:20:42 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Sea of Cortez mass strandings and earthquakes Message-ID: <001301ca8b5a$93d7a060$01fea8c0@personal903b07> My comments on the association between undersea earthquakes and two mass strandings of 56 sperm whales and 8 killer whales in the Gulf of California are posted on the following web page: http://deafwhale.com/stranded_whale/1978/sperm_whales_baja_dec.htm Any replies or questions concerning these mass strandings, or any other mass stranding, can be direct to me personally at david at deafwhale.com Warm regards and a Happy New Year to all. Dave Williams -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Karen.Evans at csiro.au Sat Jan 2 23:11:40 2010 From: Karen.Evans at csiro.au (Karen.Evans at csiro.au) Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2010 18:11:40 +1100 Subject: [MARMAM] Fourth Science Symposium on Bio-logging: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, March 14-18 2011 Message-ID: Dear all, On behalf of the Steering Committee and Organising Committee, it is my pleasure to announce that the Fourth Science Symposium on Bio-logging will be held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, March 14-18 2011. Our website can be found at http://www.cmar.csiro.au/biologging4/ and you can follow updates for the conference also on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200360067357 Key dates to keep in mind are: Call for workshops: Jan 2010 - June 2010 Acceptance for workshops Aug 2010 Call for abstracts Mar 2010 Deadline for abstracts Sept 2010 Acceptance of abstracts Nov 2010 Early bird registration opens Sept 2010 Early bird registration closes Dec 2010 Registration closes Feb 2011 We look forward to seeing you in Tasmania in 2011! Dr. Karen Evans On behalf of the Steering Committee and Organising Committee for Bio-logging IV From Melissa.S.Landry at DFO-MPO.GC.CA Mon Jan 4 06:28:40 2010 From: Melissa.S.Landry at DFO-MPO.GC.CA (Landry, Melissa) Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 09:28:40 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Further pilot whale strandings - eastern coast of Canada Message-ID: Pilot whales were stranding on the eastern coast of Canada over the days of December 22-24th, 2009: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/24/ns-pilot-whales.html http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1159713.html Melissa S Landry, MMM Species at Risk - Resource Management (NCR) / Esp?ces en P?ril - Gestion des Ressources (RCN) Fisheries and Oceans Canada / P?ches et Oc?ans Canada 200 Kent Street, Ottawa (ON) | 200 rue Kent, Ottawa (ON) K1A 0E6 Melissa.S.Landry at dfo-mpo.gc.ca Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dave at dolphins.org Mon Jan 4 10:43:23 2010 From: dave at dolphins.org (Dave) Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 13:43:23 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Certificate in Marine Mammal Behavior and Training Message-ID: Dolphin Research Center (DRC), a world-renowned marine mammal education and research facility on Grassy Key Florida, is pleased to announce a program leading to a college-issued Certificate in Marine Mammal Behavior and Training. Students who successfully complete a career-focused series of five different courses will receive the Certificate in Marine Mammal Behavior and Training from the Florida Keys Community College. For over 25 years, DRC has specialized in teaching individuals of all ages about marine mammal husbandry, behavior modification, and a wide range of related topics. Each seven-day course introduces students to Dolphin Research Center's resident pod of dolphins and includes hands-on and in-water interactive experiences as well as classroom seminars and workshops, live marine mammal demonstrations and observations, and discussions with expert trainers, researchers and educators. Course topics include, but are not limited to: marine mammal husbandry; marine mammal medical care and pathology; behavior modification and training; anatomy; physiology; maternity; population management; habitat and maintenance; environmental enrichment; cognitive and behavioral research methodology, design and implementation; dolphin acoustics; and communication; marine mammal law; and conservation. Animal experience includes but is not limited to: meal preparation; animal handling and behavior modification through operant conditioning; animal presentation and narration delivery; cognitive research design and implementation; behavioral observation and research; and animal enrichment design and implementation. The courses offered include: OCB 1301 Basic DolphinLab; OCB 1311 Dolphin Studies and Field Experience: Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training I; OCB 2313 Dolphin Studies and Field Experience: Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment II; and OCB 2310 Dolphin Studies and Field Experience: Cognitive and Behavioral Research with Marine Mammals; and EDG 1030 Dolphin Studies and Field Experience: Marine Mammal Education and Interpretation. Courses may either be taken consecutively or at different times throughout the year, depending on DRC scheduling. In order to qualify for college credit, students must participate in all activities and successfully pass an exam that is given at the end of each course. For further information please visit our website: www.dolphins.org or contact the Education Department at education at dolphins.org or (305) 289-1121 ext. 225. Sincerely, Dave Walton Reservations Coordinator Education Department Dolphin Research Center (305) 289-1121 ext. 288 dave at dolphins.org "Dolphin Research Center...25 years of Teaching, Learning, and Caring for Marine Mammals and the Environment We Share." Please consider the environment before printing this email. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info at scanningoceansectors.org Mon Jan 4 18:53:33 2010 From: info at scanningoceansectors.org (Yvonne Miles) Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 12:53:33 +1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Scanning Ocean Sectors course dates for 2010 for Marine Mammal Observers and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Message-ID: Hi all *Please find below the Marine Mammal Observer course training dates for 2010 * United Kingdom Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) March 1st - 2nd March 3rd May 10th - 11th May 12th July 12th - 13th July 14th August 9th - 10th August 11th September 13th - 14th September 15th October 25th - 26th October 27th Australian Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) January 18th - 19th January 20th April 12th - 13th April 14th June 7th - 8th June 9th November 15th - 16th November 17th South African Training Course Dates Theory Practical (Boat) March 22nd - 23rd March 24th * * *Please note that the January PAM course registration is now closed* * * *Please find below the Passive Acoustic Monitoring Course dates for 2010* United Kingdom Training Course Dates January 12th February 22nd March 5th April 16th May 14th July 16th August 12th September 17th October 29th Australian Training Course Dates January 22nd April 16th June 11th November 19th South African Training Course Dates March 26th -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info at scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From janiger at cox.net Mon Jan 4 17:11:49 2010 From: janiger at cox.net (David S. Janiger) Date: Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:11:49 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] New Articles Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.20100104171149.00c48858@pop.west.cox.net> Hi, All Happy New Year. Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Make all requests to: janiger at cox.net Cheers! David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger at cox.net djaniger at nhm.org Janiger Journals AKAMATSU, T.; D. WANG; K. WANG; S. LI and S. DONG. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 213(1):146-152. 2010. Scanning sonar of rolling porpoises during prey capture dives. 0.478 MB ALVES, FILIPE; ANA DINIS; IRMA CASCAO and LUIS FREITAS. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 26(1):202-212. 2010. Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) stable associations and dive profiles: New insights into foraging behavior. 0.377 MB ANONMYOUS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 56(3):384. 2008. US military must consider Japan base's impact on sea cows. 0.147 MB AURIOLES-GAMBOA, DAVID; SETH D. NEWSOME; SANDIE SALAZAR-PICO and PAUL L. KOCH. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY 90(6):1410-1420. 2009. Stable isotope differences between sea lions (Zalophus) from the Gulf of California and Galapagos Islands. 0.408 MB BAJPAI, S.; J. G. M. THEWISSEN and A. SAHNI. JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES 34(5):673-686. 2009. The origin and early evolution of whales: Macroevolution documented on the Indian Subcontinent. 1.729 MB CARAVEO-PATINO, JAVIER; YIQUN WANG; LUIS A. SOTO; KEBREAB GHEBREMESKEL; CATHERINE LEHANE and MICHAEL A. CRAWFORD. MARINE ECOLOGY 30(4):437-447. 2009. Eco-physiological repercussions of dietary arachidonic acid in cell membranes of active tissues of the gray whale. 0.346 MB CARTWRIGHT, RACHEL and MATTHEW SULLIVAN. BEHAVIOUR 146(11):1573-1600. 2009. Associations with multiple male groups increase the energy expenditure of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) female and calf pairs on the breeding grounds. 0.702 MB COOPER, LISA NOELLE; J. G. M. THEWISSEN and S. T. HUSSAIN. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY 29(4):1289-1299. 2009. New Middle Eocene archaeocetes (Cetacea: Mammalia) from the Kuldana Formation of northern Pakistan. 1.008 MB DIETZ, RUNE; PETER M. OUTRIDGE and KEITH A. HOBSON. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 407(24):6120-6131. 2009. Anthropogenic contributions to mercury levels in present-day Arctic animals - A review. 1.191 MB ELWEN, SIMON H.; PETER B. BEST; DESRAY REEB and MEREDITH THORNTON. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH 39(2):143-154. 2009. Diurnal movements and behaviour of Heaviside's dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, with some comparative data for dusky dolphins, Lagenorhynchus obscurus. 0.311 MB FAIRES, MEREDITH C.; ERICA GEHRING; JUNE MERGL and J. SCOTT WEESE. EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES 15(12):2071-2072. 2009. Letter Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in marine mammals. 0.080 MB FOOTE, ANDREW D.; JASON NEWTON; STUART B. PIERTNEY; ESKE WILLERSLEV and M. THOMAS P. GILBERT. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 18(24):5207-5217. 2009. Ecological, morphological and genetic divergence of sympatric North Atlantic killer whale populations. 0.412 MB HANKE, FREDERIKE D.; WOLF HANKE; CHRISTINE SCHOLTYSSEK and GUIDO DEHNHARDT. EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 199(3-4):299-311. 2009. Basic mechanisms in pinniped vision. 0.636 MB HORTON, TRAVIS W.; JOEL D. BLUM; ZHOUQING XIE; MICHAEL HREN and C. PAGE CHAMBERLAIN. POLAR RESEARCH 28(3):443-454. 2009. Stable isotope food-web analysis and mercury biomagnification in polar bears (Ursus maritimus). 0.831 MB HOUSER, D. S.; L. A. DANKIEWICZ-TALMADGE; T. K. STOCKARD and P. J. PONGANIS. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 213(1):52-62. 2010. Investigation of the potential for vascular bubble formation in a repetitively diving dolphin. 0.574 MB INGOLFSSON, OLAFUR and OYSTEIN WIIG. POLAR RESEARCH 28(3):455-462. 2009. Late Pleistocene fossil find in Svalbard: The oldest remains of a polar bear (Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1744) ever discovered. 0.641 MB KANE, E. A. and C. D. MARSHALL. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 212(24):3939-3950. 2009. Comparative feeding kinematics and performance of odontocetes: Belugas, Pacific white-sided dolphins and long-finned pilot whales. 0.955 MB KATZ, H.; W. PEREZ; A. BIELLI and R. CHAVEZ. FOLIA MORPHOLOGICA 68(4):277-286. 2009. Histomorphology of prepuberal ovaries in the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis Zimmerman, 1783). 0.628 MB LEE, EUNSONG; MOHAMMAD MUSHARRAF UDDIN BHUIYAN; HIROYUKI WATANABE; KOHJI MATSUOKA; YOSHIHIRO FUJISE; HAJIME ISHIKAWA and YUTAKA FUKUI. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 10(4):285-292. 2009. Production of cloned sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) embryos by interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer using enucleated pig oocytes. 1.260 MB LI SHUZHEN; HUIRONG WAN; HEYI JI; KAIYA ZHOU and GUANG YANG. CONSERVATION GENETICS 10(6):2013-2019. 2009. SNP discovery based on CATS and genotyping in the finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides). 0.192 MB LIWANAG, H. E. M.; T. M. WILLIAMS; D. P. COSTA; S. B. KANATOUS; R. W. DAVIS and I. L. BOYD. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 212(24):3977-3984. 2009. The effects of water temperature on the energetic costs of juvenile and adult California sea lions (Zalophus californianus): The importance of skeletal muscle thermogenesis for thermal balance. 0.319 MB LOCH, CAROLINA; MIRIAM MARMONTEL and PAULO C. SIMOES-LOPES. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 18(14):3979-3988. 2009. Conflicts with fisheries and intentional killing of freshwater dolphins (Cetacea: Odontoceti) in the Western Brazilian Amazon. 0.379 MB MACMILLAN, DAVID L. MARINE AND FRESHWATER BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY 42(5):357. 2009. A Commentary by Paul R. Manger on: "A quantitative test of the thermogenesis hypothesis of cetacean brain evolution, using phylogenetic comparative methods'' by C. Maximino and a Response by C. Maximino. 0.046 MB MANGER, PAUL R. MARINE AND FRESHWATER BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY 42(5):359-362. 2009. Subglacial cetaceans and other mathematical mysteries: A Commentary on "A quantitative test of the thermogenesis hypothesis of cetacean brain evolution, using phylogenetic comparative methods'' by C. Maximino. 0.069 MB MAXIMINO, CAIO. MARINE AND FRESHWATER BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY 42(5):363-372. 2009. Reply to Manger's Commentary on "A quantitative test of the thermogenesis hypothesis of cetacean brain evolution, using phylogenetic comparative methods''. 0.273 MB MCGOWEN, MICHAEL R.; MICHELLE SPAULDING and JOHN GATESY. MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION 53(3):891-906. 2009. Divergence date estimation and a comprehensive molecular tree of extant cetaceans. 0.497 MB MORICK, DANNY; NYNKE OSINGA; ERIK GRUYS and SHIMON HARRUS. VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES 9(6):751-753. 2009. Identification of a Bartonella species in the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and in seal lice (Echinophtirius horridus). 0.070 MB NAKAGAWA, EMIKO; MARI KOBAYASHI; MASATSUGU SUZUKI and TOSHIO TSUBOTA. JAPANESE JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 57(3):147-162. 2009. Growth variation in skull morphology of Kuril harbor seals (Phoca vitulina stejnegeri) and spotted seals (Phoca largha) in Hokkaido, Japan. 0.860 MB NAKAYAMA, KEI; CHIHO MATSUDAIRA; YUKO TAJIMA; TADASU K. YAMADA; MOTOI YOSHIOKA; TOMOHIKO ISOBE; SHIN TAKAHASHI and SHINSUKE TANABE. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 407(24):6173-6178. 2009. Temporal and spatial trends of organotin contamination in the livers of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) and their association with parasitic infection status. 0.518 MB NOSENGO, NICOLA. NATURE (LONDON) 462(7273):560-561. 2009. The neutrino and the whale. 0.583 MB PILOT, M.; M. E. DAHLHEIM and A. R. HOELZEL. JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 23(1):20-31. 2010. Social cohesion among kin, gene flow without dispersal and the evolution of population genetic structure in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). 0.190 MB RAYMENT, WILLIAM; STEVE DAWSON and ELISABETH SLOOTEN. AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 20(1):106-116. 2010. Seasonal changes in distribution of Hector's dolphin at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand: Implications for protected area design. 0.312 MB REGEHR, ERIC V.; CHRISTINE M. HUNTER; HAL CASWELL; STEVEN C. AMSTRUP and IAN STIRLING. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY 79(1):117-127. 2010. Survival and breeding of polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea in relation to sea ice. 0.510 MB ROSEL, P. E.; L. HANSEN and A. A. HOHN. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 18(24):5030-5045. 2009. Restricted dispersal in a continuously distributed marine species: Common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in coastal waters of the western North Atlantic. 0.417 MB SAMONDS, KAREN E.; IYAD S. ZALMOUT; MITCHELL T. IRWIN; DAVID W. KRAUSE; RAYMOND R. ROGERS and LYDIA L. RAHARIVONY. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY 29(4):1233-1243. 2009. Eotheroides lambondrano, New Middle Eocene seacow (Mammalia, Sirenia) from the Mahajanga Basin, northwestern Madagascar. 0.775 MB SONNE, CHRISTIAN; OLE ASPHOLM; RUNE DIETZ; STEEN ANDERSEN; MARC H. G. BERNTSSEN and KETIL HYLLAND. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 407(24):6166-6172. 2009. A study of metal concentrations and metallothionein binding capacity in liver, kidney and brain tissues of three Arctic seal species. 0.524 MB SONNE, CHRISTIAN; KIM GUSTAVSON; FRANK F. RIGET; RUNE DIETZ; MORTEN BIRKVED; ROBERT J. LETCHER; ROSSANA BOSSI; KATRIN VORKAMP; ERIK W. BORN and GITTE PETERSEN. CHEMOSPHERE 77(11):1558-1568. 2009. Reproductive performance in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) may be affected by organohalogen contaminants as shown by physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling. 0.545 MB TRYLAND, MORTEN; CHRISTIAN LYDERSEN; KIT M. KOVACS and STEIN ISTRE THORESEN. VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY 38(4):501-506. 2009. Serum chemistry reference values in free-ranging North Atlantic male walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from the Svalbard Archipelago. 0.208 MB VANDERLAAN, ANGELIA S. M. and CHRISTOPHER T. TAGGART. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 23(6):1467-1474. 2009. Efficacy of a voluntary area to be avoided to reduce risk of lethal vessel strikes to endangered whales. 0.751 MB VONGRAVEN, DAG. POLAR RESEARCH 28(3):323-326. 2009. Guest editorial-the ballyhoo over polar bears. 0.340 MB WALUDA, CLAIRE M.; MARTIN A. COLLINS; ANDREW D. BLACK; IAIN J. STANILAND and PHILIP N. TRATHAN. MARINE BIOLOGY (BERLIN) 157(1):99-112. 2010. Linking predator and prey behaviour: Contrasts between Antarctic fur seals and macaroni penguins at South Georgia. 0.449 MB WEBER, P. W.; M. M. MURRAY; L. E. HOWLE and F. E. FISH. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 4(4):Article Number 046001. 12pp. 2009. Comparison of real and idealized cetacean flippers. 1.309 MB YU-JIAN HAO; QING-ZHONG ZHAO; HAI-PING WU; DAO-QUAN CHEN; CHENG GONG; LI LI and DING WANG. MARINE AND FRESHWATER BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY 42(5):315-327. 2009. Physiological responses to capture and handling of free-ranging male Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis). 0.457 MB From jenn at whalecenter.org Mon Jan 4 12:37:33 2010 From: jenn at whalecenter.org (Jennifer Tackaberry) Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 15:37:33 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Research Internship 2010-2011 Message-ID: <543E554EC12C4CF0BCD10D2A57D1B829@Firefly> Marine Mammal Research Internships 2010-2011 (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the Summer (May 24 - August 20) and Fall (August 16 - December 17) semesters of 2010, and Spring (January 31 - May 27) semesters of 2011. Please note: All positions are filled in the spring of each year. The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 42' research vessel The Mysticete, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, harbor seal surveys and attendance at conferences and meetings. The internship fee for the 2010-2011 season is yet to be finalized (a fee of $1250 was charged for the 2009 season). Interns will receive housing in Gloucester within walking distance to the office and boats. A common apartment is used, where interns live together and share cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as this is conductive to open discussion and interaction between peers and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field. Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. Internship applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or office * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for an internship: please send a resume, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, one letter of reference, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during one of two weekends in March 2010 (to be determined at a later date). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2010. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Because of an increased work calendar during the summer session, volunteer positions are also available. Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the intern coordinator: Jenn Tackaberry Jennifer Tackaberry P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) jenn at whalecenter.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Michelle.Li at dfo-mpo.gc.ca Mon Jan 4 13:36:05 2010 From: Michelle.Li at dfo-mpo.gc.ca (Li, Michelle) Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 13:36:05 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Final Offshore Killer Whale Management Plan Posted on SARA Registry Message-ID: <12CBC534D204D84090B08CAACEBD018D0C560940@pacrhqex02.pac.dfo-mpo.ca> Hello, The final Management Plan for the Offshore Killer Whale has been posted on the SARA Public Registry and can be found here: https://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e.cfm?documentID=1855 https://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_f.cfm?documentID=1855 Thank you, Michelle Li A/Species at Risk Program Development Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada / P?ches et Oc?ans Canada 200-401 Burrard St / 200-401 rue Burrard Vancouver BC, V6C 3S4 / Vancouver (C.-B) V6C 3S4 T: (604) 666-2792 / F: (604) 666-3341 Michelle.Li at dfo-mpo.gc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Thea.Johanos-Kam at noaa.gov Mon Jan 4 15:59:56 2010 From: Thea.Johanos-Kam at noaa.gov (Thea Johanos-Kam) Date: Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:59:56 -1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Hawaiian Monk Seal Field Research Positions for 2010 Message-ID: <4B4280FC.8080607@noaa.gov> The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works closely with The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii, and will be accepting applications for the upcoming 2010 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NMFS which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. In addition, researchers will periodically handle, weigh, and administer de-worming medication to immature seals at some sites in an effort to increase seal condition and survival by removing parasite loads. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ Employment will be from mid-April to early September, though some positions will continue until mid/late September. The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. The first 3 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Travel to Honolulu and food and lodging while in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation between Honolulu and the field site, and food and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. 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 two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. Employment will be provided by JIMAR, which hires its program and scientific staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH). To search and apply for RCUH positions, refer to the following website: http://www.rcuh.com / **NO LATER THAN JANUARY 18 (OR JANUARY 21 DEPENDING ON POSITION) BUT SOONER IS BETTER* * *IMPORTANT:* Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available, remote field experience, animal handling experience, and boating skills. The job postings for the JIMAR PIFSC Biological Research Assistant recruitment (for Field Camp Assistant) and JIMAR PIFSC Biological Technician recruitment (for Field Camp Leader) are below. Each position needs to be applied for separately. Please apply directly to RCUH Human Resources following the methods stated in the posting by the appropriate closing date (January 18 or January 21). * * *JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT -- ID# 29558.* Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (11) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. *MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:* $1,730/Mo. *DUTIES: *Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp, and collection of census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair, and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. *PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: *High School Diploma or equivalent.* EXPERIENCE:* One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience with handling of wildlife. *ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:* Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Good communication and team skills. Ability to perform data entry. *PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: *Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote islands. *SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: *Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess prior experience operating small boats and/or the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. Possess NOAA certification for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training) to work at multiple-island atolls. *_INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-9465 (Oahu). _APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:* The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on "Employment" and navigate to "Job Announcements/Apply for a Job." However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. *_CLOSING DATE: January 18, 2010. _*EEO/AA Employer. ** ** ** *JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN -- ID# 29587.* Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (6) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. *MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:* $1,871.00. *DUTIES: *Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Required to lead other field personnel. Responsible for returning and storing all field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. *PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: *Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography or other related field. *EXPERIENCE:* One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience conducting research on Hawaiian monk seals. Experience handling monk seals. *ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:* Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Good communications skills (both written and oral). Leadership and decision-making skills. Ability to perform data entry. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be NOAA certified for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training). _Post Offer/Employment Conditions:_ Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. *PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: *Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. *SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: *Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. *_INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-9465 (Oahu). _APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:* The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on "Employment" and navigate to "Job Announcements/Apply for a Job." However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. *_CLOSING DATE: January 21, 2009._* EEO/AA Employer. -- Thea Johanos Lead, Monk Seal Population Assessment Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1110 Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 808-944-2174 office 808-941-0307 fax -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From david at deafwhale.com Mon Jan 4 19:14:10 2010 From: david at deafwhale.com (David Williams) Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:14:10 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Comments on recent pilot whale strandings on eastern coast of Canada References: Message-ID: <00da01ca8db5$28bb9720$01fea8c0@personal903b07> Further pilot whale strandings - eastern coast of CanadaPilot whales stranded recently at the southwest tip of Nova Scotia, about 50 miles north of Cape Sable Island near Port Maitland. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/24/ns-pilot-whales.html http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1159713.html Using the SEAQUAKE THEORY as a basis to explain this mass stranding, I did an earthquake search and found 4 suspicious earthquakes epicenter along the Reykjanes Ridge about 850 miles south of Reykjavik, Iceland and ~50 miles north of Minia Seamount. These four shallow events occurred one after the other over a period of one hour. The number of seismic stations reporting 2nd event in this swarm was 277. This leads me to believe the event was stronger than 5.3 (closer to mag. 6 Mb). I often find suspicious swarms as the likely cause of injury in deep diving whales. My guess is that the first event cause slight injury and makes the pod vulnerable to a second and third event. I believe quakes in this stretch of the ridge axis are volcanic/tectonic in nature and far more likely to generate dangerous vertical traveling pressure waves in the water column. The epicenter was located ~2,100 miles upstream from the stranding beach. This was likely a larger pod that got separated at sea by a storm--many smaller groups went ashore over a period of 7-8 days rather than one large mass stranding. This was also the same event suspected as the cause of an anomalous increase in the strandings of pelagic dolphin on Cape Cod starting on December 15. These animals also went ashore in small groups indicating that the same storm might have separated them also. Dave Williams -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your search parameters are: a.. catalog=ANSS b.. start_time=2009/11/10,00:00:00 c.. end_time=2009/12/10,00:00:00 d.. minimum_latitude=45 e.. maximum_latitude=65 f.. minimum_longitude=-53 g.. maximum_longitude=-18 h.. minimum_magnitude=1 i.. maximum_magnitude=8 j.. minimum_depth=0 k.. maximum_depth=15 l.. event_type=A Date Time Lat Lon Depth Mag Magt Nst Gap Clo RMS SRC Event ID ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2009/11/15 12:59:58.31 53.8680 -35.1170 10.00 4.90 Mb 166 0.87 NEI 200911151020 2009/11/15 13:10:58.48 53.8500 -35.1820 10.00 5.30 Mb 277 0.91 NEI 200911151021 2009/11/15 13:52:31.57 53.8290 -35.1480 10.00 5.00 Mb 52 0.92 NEI 200911151023 2009/11/15 13:58:05.63 53.8280 -35.1000 10.00 5.20 Mb 95 1.13 NEI 200911151025 2009/11/22 02:38:37.98 56.6280 -34.4610 10.00 4.80 Mb 114 1.06 NEI 200911221008 2009/11/24 21:50:24.10 59.2000 -30.5160 10.00 4.50 Mb 26 0.87 NEI 200911241034 2009/12/09 12:13:26.53 49.5650 -28.6000 10.00 4.90 Mb 136 0.59 NEI 200912091012 ----- Original Message ----- From: Landry, Melissa To: marmam at lists.uvic.ca Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 10:28 PM Subject: [MARMAM] Further pilot whale strandings - eastern coast of Canada Pilot whales were stranding on the eastern coast of Canada over the days of December 22-24th, 2009: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/24/ns-pilot-whales.html http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1159713.html Melissa S Landry, MMM Species at Risk - Resource Management (NCR) / Esp?ces en P?ril - Gestion des Ressources (RCN) Fisheries and Oceans Canada / P?ches et Oc?ans Canada 200 Kent Street, Ottawa (ON) | 200 rue Kent, Ottawa (ON) K1A 0E6 Melissa.S.Landry at dfo-mpo.gc.ca Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kieckhefer at aol.com Tue Jan 5 08:57:09 2010 From: kieckhefer at aol.com (kieckhefer at aol.com) Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:57:09 EST Subject: [MARMAM] Old MS Thesis: Red Tides & Feeding Ecology of Humpback Whales Message-ID: <2ae2c.23c7c411.3874c965@aol.com> Dear MARMAMers, The following Master's Thesis has been finally published in Aquatic Commons . Thanks for the digital world! For those interested click on the link below for abstract & pdf. Kieckhefer, Thomas R. (1992) Feeding Ecology of Humpback Whales in Continental Shelf Waters near Cordell Bank, California. M.S.Thesis, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories/San Jose State University, CA, 86pp. http://aquacomm.fcla.edu/2665/ Happy New Year! Tom ______ Thomas R. Kieckhefer, M.Sc. Marine Ecologist & Educator Save The Whales 1055 Lewis Road Watsonville, CA 95076 (Santa Cruz Headquarters) Phone: 831-763-3608 Email: WhalesOnWheels at aol.com Web Sites: www.SaveTheWhales.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk Wed Jan 6 04:45:18 2010 From: ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk (UK Regional Student Chapter) Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:45:18 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Registration deadline extension: UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference Message-ID: <1262781918.4b4485de6c026@webmail.st-andrews.ac.uk> The deadline for registration and abstract submission for the annual meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (being held at Durham University from the 4th-6th February 2010) has been extended to Monday 11th January. We encourage all registered UK students that are interested in, or are actively involved in, marine mammal research to attend. The atmosphere of the conference is relatively informal, giving students a platform to discuss their research with other students and prominent researchers. There is no registration fee, and we may have funds to help with travel and accommodation. You do not need to be an existing member of the Chapter ? you can register for the Chapter at the same time as registering for the conference. Please contact ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk and we will email you the registration form. All abstracts (no more than 300 words), completed registration forms and any other questions should be sent to: ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk Hope to see you all in Durham in February, With best wishes, The committee of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy -- UKRSC Chapter Contact c/o Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute East Sands St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB Scotland, UK http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/ ------------------------------------------------------------------ University of St Andrews Webmail: https://webmail.st-andrews.ac.uk From emily at dolphins.org Tue Jan 5 07:52:18 2010 From: emily at dolphins.org (Emily Guarino) Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 10:52:18 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Dolphin Research Internships Message-ID: <004701ca8e1f$11830510$34890f30$@org> Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter/Spring term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Specific job duties include: * Collecting observational behavioral data * Preparing stimuli for experimental research sessions * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for experimental research sessions * Operating video equipment * Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis * General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is *** February 1st***. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Help DRC", and then "Volunteer / Intern Opportunities". The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be mailed to DRC. -------------------------------- Emily Guarino Administrative Director of Research emily at dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key, FL 33050 www.dolphins.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emily at dolphins.org Wed Jan 6 07:58:13 2010 From: emily at dolphins.org (Emily Guarino) Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 10:58:13 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Correction - Dolphin Research Internships Message-ID: <003701ca8ee9$0d947e00$28bd7a00$@org> Correction - we are accepting applications for the Summer term. Applications due Feb. 1st. Apologies for the double posting. Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter/Spring term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Specific job duties include: * Collecting observational behavioral data * Preparing stimuli for experimental research sessions * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for experimental research sessions * Operating video equipment * Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis * General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is *** February 1st***. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Help DRC", and then "Volunteer / Intern Opportunities". The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be mailed to DRC. -------------------------------- Emily Guarino Administrative Director of Research emily at dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key, FL 33050 www.dolphins.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From SGBarco at virginiaaquarium.com Wed Jan 6 16:10:58 2010 From: SGBarco at virginiaaquarium.com (Susan Barco) Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 19:10:58 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] SEAMAMMS conference March 2010 Message-ID: <3C2595E672428D4BB877140E48A17BFB0B7E7B1B2A@VBMSMBX01.vbgov.com> The 2010 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will take place March 26-28, 2010 in Virginia Beach, VA and will be hosted by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented scientific marine mammal meeting. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US or conducted by students in the same region. Other topics will be considered as space is available. Important dates are below with final information expected to be posted by January 15th to http://uncw.edu/seamamms. Abstract submissions to SEAMAMMS will take place January 15th to February 10th (by 12:00 pm). You will be notified if your abstract is accepted by February 20th. Early registration forms must be postmarked by March 10th. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From srichardson at coastalstudies.org Thu Jan 7 08:48:06 2010 From: srichardson at coastalstudies.org (Stephanie Richardson) Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 11:48:06 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Research Assistant- Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies Message-ID: <9fdb734e1001070848r2709a669sb7b92b2f3b9937fc@mail.gmail.com> *RESEARCH ASSISTANT ? HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH PROGRAM* * * The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown MA) is seeking a research assistant for its Humpback Whale Research Program. PCCS is a private, non-profit institution committed to research, conservation, and education related to the marine environment (with an emphasis on marine mammals). Research assistant responsibilities include field data recording, photo-identification, data processing, photographic matching, humpback whale catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance and administrative tasks. This individual is expected to participate in other PCCS programs, especially its Marine Animal Entanglement Response program, as needed. Prerequisites: Bachelor?s degree in marine biology, zoology or another biological field, excellent computer and communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to work at sea over extended periods and in a wide range of weather conditions. Previous humpback whale research experience is desirable. US vehicle driver?s license is required. This position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. Generous benefits and salary commensurate with experience. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae and contact information for two references to the following address: Humpback RA Search Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 or email srichardson at coastalstudies.org Deadline for submissions is January 29, 2010. -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02652 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From RWBaird at cascadiaresearch.org Sat Jan 9 00:11:55 2010 From: RWBaird at cascadiaresearch.org (Robin W Baird) Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 00:11:55 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Hawaii false killer whale review report available Message-ID: <21701FB12DB4B648921199BC4614914CA9F989@server1.cascadia.local> New report available Baird, R.W. 2009. A review of false killer whales in Hawaiian waters: biology, status, and risk factors. Report prepared for the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission under Order No. E40475499. Recent management and conservation issues have arisen concerning false killer whales in Hawaiian waters. Two demographically isolated populations have been identified, a small (estimated 123 individuals) island-associated population around the main Hawaiian Islands (hereafter Hawai?i insular stock) and a larger (estimated 484 individuals) offshore population (hereafter Hawai?i pelagic stock). Individuals within the Hawai?i insular stock regularly move among islands and have been documented at distances of 110 km offshore. Less is known of movements/range of individuals from the Hawai?i pelagic stock; one group has been documented 42 km offshore and individuals likely move beyond the Hawaiian Exclusive Economic Zone. No information is available to assess trends in the Hawai?i pelagic stock. For the Hawai?i insular stock, a significant decline in sighting rates from aerial surveys conducted between 1993 and 2003 suggests a large decline in population size. Other available evidence also supports a decline in population size for the insular stock: a reduction in sighting rates from boat-based surveys since the mid-1980s, lower than expected survival based on photo-identification data, and much higher sighting rates and larger group sizes in a 1989 aerial survey compared to boat-based surveys since 2000. False killer whales in Hawai?i feed primarily on large game fish that are also the target of commercial and recreational fisheries. A number of potential conservation threats have been identified. Individuals from the Hawai?i insular stock have elevated levels of persistent organic pollutants. Three of nine individuals sampled had levels high enough to potentially influence health. Because of the overlap between false killer whale diet and commercially harvested fish, reduced prey size or abundance could influence false killer whale foraging success or nutritional levels. Significant declines in body size and/or catch per unit effort have been documented for several false killer whale prey species in Hawaiian waters. False killer whales have been documented taking fish off lines in both nearshore and offshore fisheries. Depredation of caught fish may lead to retaliatory shooting by fishermen although, given potential fines and penalties, such shooting is not likely to occur where it may be witnessed; thus there is no information available to assess the potential for this to influence population dynamics. With the overlap in diet with commercially and recreationally harvested fish, the potential for hook ingestion, either from depredation or from free-swimming hooked fish, is relatively high. Based on studies elsewhere, hook ingestion would have a high likelihood of leading to mortality. Bycatch may occur in nearshore kaka line or shortline fisheries that use similar, but shorter gear to offshore longline fisheries, but there is no observer coverage of nearshore fisheries. False killer whales are the most frequently recorded bycaught cetacean in the Hawai?i-based offshore longline fishery. Rates of serious injury and mortality have exceeded the potential biological removal (PBR) levels since bycatch rates and population levels were first available in 2000. Bycatch rates are underestimated as they do not take into account individuals that are not positively classified as to species or individuals that may break free with gear attached before being documented by observers. A number of research recommendations are presented to help reduce uncertainty and to clarify factors that may be influencing the population trajectories of both the Hawai?i insular and Hawai?i pelagic stocks, as well as to provide information that could be used to reduce bycatch rates or otherwise mitigate anthropogenic impacts on these populations. A pdf copy can be downloaded from the Marine Mammal Commission web site at http://mmc.gov/reports/workshop/ or at http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/falsekillerwhale.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info at cbmwc.org Mon Jan 11 07:04:50 2010 From: info at cbmwc.org (CBMWC) Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:04:50 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Wildlife and Conservation Volunteers required Message-ID: Please post the following advert for volunteers: Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, Wales www.cbmwc.org Marine Wildlife & Conservation Volunteer opportunities Are you planning a career in the marine environment or conservation? Volunteer positions are available at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre. Volunteering is a great way to develop skills and gain essential experience! Reliable and enthusiastic people are needed to help with our ongoing research, education and interpretation programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. We primarily study the bottlenose dolphins through photo-identification and also monitor harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations. Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre?s work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. Please note enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since training is provided. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and to gain knowledge and experience of the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay. It can be a great chance to gain experience of field work, research methods and public awareness and education programmes. Gain essential skills for a career in the environment or conservation such as developing your fundraising, interpersonal and data processing skills as well as meeting and socialising with people who share your interests. If you have any specific skills or experience such as in designing environmental education programmes, website creation, fundraising, the media, DIY skills, exhibition, interior or graphic design and would like to help with project development, please contact us. We also welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need boat support and office space to conduct their research projects. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas are feasible. For further information To find out more about the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre and what activities you would be involved in visit www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp. If you have any questions please email volunteer at cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on 01545 560032. Volunteering at CBMWC Desired skills An interest in wildlife and conservation is most important, along with reliability, enthusiasm and willingness to work in a conscientious and responsible manner. As you will be dealing with the public on a daily basis it is also important that you are fluent in speaking English. We welcome people with experience working with children, the public or in environmental interpretation or education, however this is not essential. Indeed this is a great opportunity to gain skills in these areas. Good verbal and written communication skills, IT, design and fundraising skills are likewise useful but not essential. Time commitment Volunteers are needed from April until November 2010. We ask for a minimum commitment of 4 weeks (due to training), ideally volunteers would be able to commit longer. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. Accommodation and expense arrangements Basic accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx ?55 per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. How to get involved It?s easy to get involved simply download a simple application form from our website www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp, complete it and email it to volunteer at cbmwc.org with ?Volunteer application 2010? in your subject line or alternatively post your application form. Please make sure you fill in your availability. We look forward to hearing from you. Postal address: FAO: Laura Mears Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building, Glanmor Terrace New Quay, Ceredigion Wales, SA45 9PS As seen on: Iolo?s Welsh Safari, Autumn 2007 http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/nature/sites/behindthescenes/pages/newquay.shtml & BBC Natures Calendar Summer 2007 http://www.bbc.co.uk/naturescalendar/summer/coast/cardigan_bay/cardigan_acce ss.shtml Laura Mears Project Officer __________________________________________________________________ Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560032 E-bost/E-mail: info at cbmwc.org Website: www.cbmwc.org www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a Marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's Marine Wildlife through education, interpretation and research. Cynorthwyo i gadw Bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Aberteifi trwy addysg as ymchwil. __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are soley for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rwallace at ursinus.edu Mon Jan 11 08:06:47 2010 From: rwallace at ursinus.edu (Wallace, Richard) Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:06:47 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] June 2010 Environmental Studies and Sciences conference, Portland, Oregon Message-ID: Dear Marmam folks, The call for proposals for symposia and other large-format sessions for the 2010 annual meeting of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) closes in early February. Please see the message appended below for information on AESS and details on the call. As I mentioned in my initial announcement last month, there is great potential for crossover and support between AESS and the Marmam community, and I encourage you to consider attending! AESS meetings are highly collegial affairs in which folks from many different disciplines gather to share experience in environmental problem solving. Cross-pollination between the marine mammal conservation community and the more broadly interdisciplinary environmental studies and sciences community would benefit both groups. If you have any questions about AESS, please feel free to contact me. And apologies for cross-postings. Cheers, Rich Wallace Associate Professor Environmental Studies Program Ursinus College Collegeville, PA USA rwallace at ursinus.edu Dear Colleagues, Happy New Year! It is our pleasure to invite you to participate in the 2010 annual meeting of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS), scheduled for June 17-20, 2010 at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. AESS is a professional society formed in 2008 to serve the faculty, students and staff of the 1000+ interdisciplinary environmental programs in North America and around the world. AESS seeks to strengthen teaching, research and service in environmental studies and sciences, and to improve communication across boundaries that too often divide the traditional academic disciplines. The association works to support the professional development of Association members not just as individuals but also to advance environmental studies and sciences as a whole. We invite you to learn more by visiting the AESS website . The online submission form for session proposals for the 2010 conference is now open and ready to use. You can find this link, along with a general description of sessions and other conference information, located on the Call for Participation page of the AESS website . Here is a direct link to the session proposal submission page . Important notes about session proposal submission: * This is a call for conference sessions only. These include topics for paper sessions, panel discussions, roundtable discussions, facilitated discussions, workshops, and field trips. * Mark your calendars: The deadline for session proposals is February 1, 2010 (23:59 ET). * Proposing a session is quick and easy, taking about 10-15 minutes to complete, and it helps ensure that we generate a comprehensive list of conference topics that AESS members find engaging and professionally rewarding. * This is NOT your opportunity to submit an abstract for a presentation you want to give. That will happen in mid February once we have a list of sessions generated from the current round of proposals. The deadline for presentation abstracts is not until March 30, 2010 (23:59 ET). * You may submit a proposal for a session in which you do not wish to participate. * You may submit more than one session proposal. * Please review the entire form before starting to ensure you have all of the required information. * Provide information on yourself as Author 1 and as Contact Author; no other author information is needed for session proposals. * Session proposals will be selected based on the extent to which they creatively and cogently address (a) current questions in ESS theory, methodology, pedagogy, praxis, or another major realm, and/or (b) the AESS 2010 theme, Many Shades of Green. * Please limit the session proposal abstract to 250 words. Feel free to cut and paste your session proposal abstract from a Word or pdf document. Please spread the word about the 2010 AESS conference . If you are not a member, we encourage you to join AESS . Thank you for helping to make the 2010 AESS conference a success! Do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or additional information. All the best, Phil Camill Bowdoin College Chair, 2010 AESS Program Committee pcamill at bowdoin.edu Jim Proctor Lewis and Clark College Chair, 2010 AESS Site Committee jproctor at lclark.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From KMatassa at une.edu Tue Jan 12 08:10:51 2010 From: KMatassa at une.edu (Keith Matassa) Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:10:51 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Summer Internship Opportunities at UNE Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center Message-ID: <4B4C58BB.C90C.00F7.0@une.edu> Could you please post this internship opportunity on MARMAM. Thank you. Rehabilitation Internship Program The University of New England's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (UNE/MARC) is currently accepting applications for our summer Marine Animal Rehabilitation Internship Program. We are looking for highly motivated, dynamic candidates who will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals, cetaceans and/or sea turtles. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: Daily care of animals, transport and/or field response to live/dead marine animals, water quality testing, maintenance of daily food and medical records, necropsy, education/docent tours and computer entry of data. An internship project (to be discussed/assigned by staff) will be completed during the internship program. These positions are unpaid and interns are required to find their own housing and transportation.. Interns should expect to be scheduled to cover weekday shifts, as well as nights, weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills. Application requirements: College Sophomore, Junior or Senior (recent graduates may also apply) Minimum GPA 2.5 Transcript (unofficial copy acceptable) Two Letters of Recommendation Letter of Intent Letter of Intent Should Include: Qualities that you will contribute to our program Your goals and objectives in participating in our program ** Successful completion of internship includes presentation of project at the end of internship term. Application Deadline: Friday, February 12, 2010 Summer Internship: May 17, 2010 - September 1, 2010 * * Internship dates are flexible around school schedules and can be discussed upon acceptance to program. * A small (amount and availability to be determined) stipend to assist with interns with housing may be available. All applications will be reviewed. Qualified applicants will be contacted for a phone interview. For more information on our facility and program, please visit our website: http://www.une.edu/research/msc/marc/index.cfm Submit applications/ inquiries to: Anne Watson Volunteer/Internship Coordinator Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center University of New England 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, Maine 04005 awatson at une.edu Thanks Keith Keith A. Matassa Marine Animal Rehabilitation Coordinator UNE/MARC 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, Maine 04005 office 207-602-2670 cell 207-468-9621 kmatassa at une.edu From lalter at nrdc.org Mon Jan 11 18:09:06 2010 From: lalter at nrdc.org (Alter, Liz) Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:09:06 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] NOAA solicits comments for false killer whale ESA petition Message-ID: <0C1182734933C747994F6FE9B94422A31C5447@nymail4.nrdc.org> Last week, NOAA announced a positive 90-day finding on the endangered species petition filed for the insular population of Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). This finding indicates that "the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted," and initiates a full status review of the stock. NOAA is soliciting public comments on the status review of the insular population of Hawaiian false killer whales, and we encourage members of the MARMAM community to submit comments before the Feb 4 deadline. NOAA is specifically soliciting comments relevant to the following topics: "1) Taxonomy, abundance, reproductive success, age structure, distribution, habitat selection, food habits, population density and trends, and habitat trends; 2) Effects of other potential threat factors, including climate change, ocean acidification, acoustic impacts, and persistent organic pollutants; 3) Interactions with fisheries, including longline, unregulated nearshore, and shortline fisheries; 4) Unconfirmed interactions from local fishermen; 5) Effects of management on the insular population of Hawaiian false killer whales." A link to the Federal Register notice and more information about submitting comments can be found at: http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_false_killer_whale.html If you have any questions about the ESA petition, please contact Liz Alter (lalter at nrdc.org). S. Elizabeth Alter, PhD Science Center Natural Resources Defense Council 40 West 20th Street New York, NY 10011 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From minnes at mmc.gov Tue Jan 12 07:07:50 2010 From: minnes at mmc.gov (Mina Innes) Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:07:50 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Commission Vacancy Announcement Message-ID: <002501ca9399$05341860$0f9c4920$@gov> Would you please post the following for a new position at the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission? The Marine Mammal Commission is currently seeking applicants for an ecologist (GS-0408, grade 12/13) with an emphasis on energy development as it may affect marine mammal conservation. The position is open to all applicants, both those in the federal service, and those in the private sector, but application procedures differ. Current federal employees should click here http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/Search.aspx?q=MM-10-01(MP) &cn=&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&vw=d&re=0&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&caller=advan ced.aspx&pg=1 for additional information and application instructions. Interested persons who are not current federal employee should click here http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/Search.aspx?q=WA295311-JD &sort=rv%2c-dtex&cn=&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&vw=d&re=134&FedEmp=N&Fed Pub=Y&caller=advanced.aspx The deadline for applications is 4 February 2010. Thank you, Mina Wilhelmina Innes Research Program Officer Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Hwy., Rm. 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 301.504.0087 301.504.0099 fax -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From monica at northcoastmmc.org Mon Jan 11 11:01:18 2010 From: monica at northcoastmmc.org (Monica Hiner) Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:01:18 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] 2010 Internships Message-ID: PINNIPED RESCUE/REHABILITATION INTERNSHIPS The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, California is seeking applicants for two internship positions during the Spring and Summer of 2010. The Spring internship begins in April 2010 and the Summer internship starts in July 2010, although there is some flexibility with the start dates. These positions are unpaid, volunteer positions, and selected interns will be responsible for travel to and from Crescent City. Program Description: The internships are designed to give exceptional hands-on experience with all aspects of rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals. The Spring internship will be focused on elephant seals and harbor seals, and the Summer internship will focus mainly on California sea lions. Both interns will work closely with staff and volunteers in all aspects of marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation. Interns will be required to assist with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning, wound care) for all on-site pinnipeds. In addition, interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues throughout the NMMC's response area, which extends along 200 miles of rugged coastline in Northern California. Interns will also have the opportunity to assist with the release of rehabilitated marine mammals. Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment, education and outreach activities in local schools and community events, and assorted miscellaneous tasks. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. Internships are for a three month period. Interns must be willing to work long hours on a flexible and demanding schedule which may include weekends, holidays, and irregular work hours. Interns should be in good physical health and have the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. A successful candidate must also be able to work well with others under stressful conditions. Applicants should also demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. Application Process: Interested applicants should send a cover letter indicating which internship they are interested in, a resume, and three references to the following address: Northcoast Marine Mammal Center 424 Howe Drive Crescent City, CA 95531 No phone calls please. Or via email to: monica at northcoastmmc.org Applications for the Spring internship must be received by February 15, 2010 and applications for the Summer internships are due by May 1, 2010. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rohan.currey at gmail.com Tue Jan 12 00:04:59 2010 From: rohan.currey at gmail.com (Rohan Currey) Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:04:59 +1300 Subject: [MARMAM] PhD Thesis on the Fiordland Bottlenose Dolphins Message-ID: Dear colleagues, The following thesis was recently published online: Currey, R.J.C. 2008. Conservation biology of bottlenose dolphins in Fiordland, New Zealand. PhD Thesis, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. The bottlenose dolphins of Fiordland, New Zealand, live at the southern limit of the species? worldwide range. They are exposed to impacts from tourism and habitat modification, particularly in Doubtful Sound, and their conservation requirements are presently unclear. Dolphin abundance was estimated in Doubtful Sound using photoidentification census and capture-recapture techniques (56 individuals; 95% CI: 55-57), detecting a decline of 34-39% over 12 years among adults and sub-adults (>3 years old). The cause of this decline was investigated via demographic modelling in Doubtful Sound and a comparative assessment of population status in Dusky Sound. Capture-recapture modelling of photo-identification data compiled since 1990 yielded a constant adult survival rate marginally lower than prior estimates for wild bottlenose dolphins (?a(1990?2008) = 0.9374; 95% CI: 0.9170-0.9530). Survival of calves (<1 year old) declined to an unsustainable level that is thought to be the lowest recorded for wild bottlenose dolphins (?c(2002?2008) = 0.3750; 95% CI: 0.2080-0.5782) coincident with the opening of a second tailrace tunnel for a hydroelectric power station. Reverse-time capture- recapture modelling detected declines in recruitment (f(1994?2008) = 0.0249; 95% CI: 0.0174-0.0324) and population growth (?(1994?2008) = 0.9650; 95% CI: 0.9554-0.9746) over time consistent with the decline in calf survival (<1 year old) and a separate reduction in juvenile survival (1 to 3 years old) reflecting cumulative impacts. Dolphin abundance was estimated in Dusky Sound using photo- identification census and capture-recapture techniques (102 individuals; 95% CI: 100-104) providing no evidence of interchange with Doubtful Sound. A comparative assessment of health status between Doubtful and Dusky Sounds revealed skin lesioning was more severe in Doubtful Sound, particularly among females, and newborn calves appeared to be smaller and were born over a shorter period: factors that may contribute to the low levels of calf survival in Doubtful Sound. The Fiordland bottlenose dolphins were assessed under IUCN Red List regional criteria. The small size of the population (205 individuals; 95% CI: 192-219) combined with the projected rate of decline in stochastic matrix models (average decline: 31.4% over one generation) resulted in a recommended classification of Critically Endangered. A PDF copy of the thesis is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10523/129 Best wishes, Dr Rohan Currey From hannanuuttila at gmail.com Wed Jan 13 05:49:01 2010 From: hannanuuttila at gmail.com (Hanna Nuuttila) Date: Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:49:01 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] PhD Assistant/Dive Master Intership for Acoustic Monitoring Study in West Wales Message-ID: PhD Assistant required for an acoustic monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in Cardigan Bay West Wales April-October 2010. Volunteer is required to assist with an acoustic monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in Cardigan Bay West Wales. This study is run in close collaboration with a local Wildlife Operator and Dive School SeaM?r, and the research assistant will have an opportunity to help with wildlife watching and diving operations. SeaM?r is also looking for Dive Master/Boat Crew internship for the summer season, and the PhD Assistant position can be combined with a boat crew/dive master internship. What you will gain: Experience in scientific data collection using a theodolite Photo-identification skills for bottlenose dolphins Line-transect and opportunistic surveys of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises Deploying and maintaining acoustic data loggers and handling and analysing data collected. If you want to take part in the Dive Master/Boat Crew internship you will also achieve: PADI Dive Master qualification (only PADI fees and materials to be paid for) Possibility of gaining PADI Speciality Certifications and plenty of diving experience HSE Appointed person First Aid Qualification (valid for 2 years) Experience in driving a 8m hardboat and 4.5m RIB and underwater survey techniques Dive Master/Boat Crew interns are expected to assist with running of the dolphin watching boat trips and dive operations, equipment maintenance, pool and classroom lessons, guided dives and snorkelling, and promoting boat trips and scuba diving in the area. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS PhD Assistant: Interest in marine mammal research, experience in scientific data collection and data handling, ability to work outdoors, driving licence and experience in working in small team. Dive Internships: Internationally recognised dive qualification (BSAC, PADI, CMAS, HSE etc) to Rescue Diver level. Minimum 60 logged dives and experience in cold/temperate waters. Proven interest in marine biology and conservation, excellent customer service skills, flexibility and ability to work in a small team. DESIRABLE Marine biology (or similar) qualification, SeaSearch Observer and RYA powerboat license, (RYA Commercial Skipper a definite bonus!) and experience in underwater or boat surveys. Own diving gear is a plus ? personal drysuit or semidry required. Other info: The main season lasts from April to October. Preference will be given to those who can commit for the whole period, but at least 2 months commitment is required to achieve the DM training. There is no charge for diver or first aid training, only PADI fees and materials are payable. Accommodation provided for full time volunteers. How to apply: If you are interested in becoming a Dive Professional (or you are already one) and learning about practical marine conservation and research skills, send/email us your CV by 1st of March 2010. Hanna, Nuuttila, SeaM?r, The Hollies, 4 Cwm Halen, New Quay SA45 9SF T: 07795242445, E:info at seamor.org, W: www.seamor.org -- Hanna Nuuttila SeaM?r Marine Consultancy and Diver Training +44 (0)7795 242 445 www.seamor.org ???`?.??..><((((?>.???`?.??.???`?.?><((((?>`?.?? ..?<`?.??.???`?.?.<.?. , . .???`?.. From MarineMammal.MarineMammalRescue at vanaqua.org Tue Jan 12 09:46:19 2010 From: MarineMammal.MarineMammalRescue at vanaqua.org (Marine Mammal Rescue) Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:46:19 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Internship Program Message-ID: <8CD24DD0878D9644A478A2AD1FAF4EBDA4B46B888B@va-email01.vanaqua.local> Please post on behalf of the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre Thank you The Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue (VAMMRC) Internship Program Mission Statement of the Vancouver Aquarium: The Vancouver Aquarium is a self-supporting, non-profit association dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life through display and interpretation, education, research, and direct action. About the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre One of the Vancouver Aquarium?s direct action programs, the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, works to rescue, rehabilitate and successfully release abandoned, injured, or stranded marine mammals. Located approximately 15 minutes east of the Vancouver Aquarium, patients are brought to the rescue centre?s hospital facility from all over the B.C. coast and cared for until they are well enough to be released into the wild. Since the Aquarium started helping distressed marine mammals in the 1960's, VAMMRC has treated elephant seals, sea otters, steller sea lions, harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and killer whales. Harbour seals are the most common patient admitted to the facility. VAMMRC Internship Program The VAMMRC Internship is an unpaid internship. It will provide students with hands-on experience in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation and the conservation of marine life. Students will engage in laboratory procedures, animal husbandry, rescue techniques and help with the veterinary care of marine mammals. VAMMRC presents a unique internship opportunity for: * Pre-veterinary students enrolled in a biology or similar university program * Veterinary technician students * Veterinary students Requirements Successful candidate will be: ? Full time students enrolled in, a college or university, in zoology, marine biology, or related animal science, or completed all or part of a course study in veterinary technology (or related field) from a recognized institution ? Interested in a career as a veterinary technician, veterinarian, or a marine biology ? Extremely self motivated with a desire for continuing education ? Experienced in the animal care field either paid work or volunteer ? Appling for position in a timely manor with resume and letter of interest outlining why you are interested in the program, your availability, educational background and where you heard about the program ? Able to provide 2 letters of reference ? Able to secure the necessary funds for relocation, accommodations and living expenses for the entire placement ? Able to lift 20kg, be in good physical shape and be able to work both inside and outside in various weather conditions Intern shifts will be approximately 8 hours long, 5 days a week for a total of 40 hours per week. Work schedules will include week-ends, evenings and holidays. Responsibilities (applicant responsibilities may include, but are not limited to): * Food preparation and animal feeding * General cleaning duties and animal habitat maintenance * Receiving animals when rescued including ability to weigh, assist in physical examinations, and animal record keeping * Assisting the veterinarian and staff in surgical and medical cases when required * Assist in researching information to aid in animal care * Limited laboratory procedures * May assist with rescues and releases Accommodation All candidates are expected to find their own accommodations in Vancouver. Placement dates and application procedures: Application Deadline March 1, 2010 Placement Number of interns Length of placement June 23 ? September 3 2 unpaid 10 weeks June 23 ? August 11 2 unpaid 7 weeks July 20 ? September 3 2 unpaid 7 weeks July 20 ? September 29 2 unpaid 10 weeks * Dates are subject to change Applications will be processed by the VAMMRC Coordinator and Manager. Please send resume, letter of intent and two references to rescue at vanaqua.org with "VAMMRC Internship Application" in the subject line OR mail to the attention of: VAMMRC Internship Application Vancouver Aquarium PO Box 3232 Vancouver, BC V6B3X8 Good luck to all our applicants. Thank you for your interest in the Vancouver Aquarium?s Marine Mammal Rescue Internship program. ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING - THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ADDRESSEE, IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT OUR INTERNAL RECORDS. PLEASE THEN DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From blm at smru.co.uk Thu Jan 14 09:48:41 2010 From: blm at smru.co.uk (Beth Mackey) Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:48:41 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Passive Acoustic Monitoring - Training Course Message-ID: The use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is becoming an increasingly important tool in both marine mammal research and applied in industry. It is important that individuals using any passive acoustic monitoring software are properly trained to use the software to maximise its full potential. Feedback from users is also important in the ongoing development of such software. PAMGUARD is currently funded by the OGP E&P Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Program, and has been established to address the fundamental limitations of existing cetacean passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) software capabilities. PAMGUARD seeks to provide open-source PAM software based on a platform-independent (e.g. Windows or Linux), flexible, modular architecture. The open-source aspect of software development is facilitated through the project's presence on SourceForge, where a community of altruistic developers provides extra resources. This community currently includes developers with proven PAM experience from both the UK and the USA. Open development means that the software is free and access to the code is easy and assured. It also allows the code's copyright to be protected in perpetuity so that it cannot readily be closed and commercialised to the detriment of its users. It ultimately means that more people have access for development. This generally speeds up innovations and improves the performance and maintainability of the code. SMRU Ltd are running a PAMGUARD Training course on the 18th and 19th February, in St Andrews. There are still some places available on this course. The course will be lead by Dr Doug Gillespie of St Andrews University, one of the principle architects of the Pamguard software. If you are interested in attending the course please see the Pamguard website for further details: http://www.pamguard.org/training.shtml Best wishes Beth Dr Beth Mackey SMRU Limited Scottish Oceans Institute New Technology Centre North Haugh ST ANDREWS Fife KY16 9SR D: + 44 (0)1334 466906 T: + 44 (0)1334 479100 F: + 44 (0)1334 477878 E: blm at smru.co.uk W: www.smru.co.uk http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU LIMITED is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: 296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ. Dr Beth Mackey SMRU Limited Scottish Oceans Institute New Technology Centre North Haugh ST ANDREWS Fife KY16 9SR D: + 44 (0)1334 466906 T: + 44 (0)1334 479100 F: + 44 (0)1334 477878 E: blm at smru.co.uk W: www.smru.co.uk http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU LIMITED is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: 296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kmchugh at mote.org Thu Jan 14 08:14:57 2010 From: kmchugh at mote.org (kmchugh at mote.org) Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:14:57 -0500 (EST) Subject: [MARMAM] Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internship Message-ID: <57664.12.174.211.217.1263485697.squirrel@mail.mote.org> *Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute Internships* The Chicago Zoological Society?s Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute (DRCI), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world?s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population. The program?s goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The DRCI uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the DRCI and the individual projects listed below, please visit: www.sarasotadolphin.org. The DRCI is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the summer 2010 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 17 May - 30 September). The successful candidates will participate in at least two research projects: 1) *Dolphin population monitoring project* (approx. 80% time) This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in the lab, work will generally involve photo-id of dolphins, computer data entry, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance, and other duties; 2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project* (approx. 20% time) This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study predator-prey interactions and bioacoustics, specifically helping us to understand relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques, recording of fish sounds via hydrophone, and collection of other environmental data. There is no compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $85/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only). Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: ? Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; ? A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; ? Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); ? Some field research experience preferred but not required; ? Must be able to swim; ? Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; ? A willingness to spend a minimum of 2-3 months working full time with our program. To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should: 1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory?s website (www.mote.org/interns). Be sure to select ?Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute? as your first choice; 2) Complete and provide to Mote?s intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and curriculum vitae; 3) Send a brief email to the DRCI?s Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, kmchugh at mote.org) stating your name, contact information, exact dates available and that you have provided all of your application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by March 15th will be given first priority. We are seeking 4-6 interns for the summer of 2010, depending on scheduling. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 375, kmchugh at mote.org) in the DRCI with any questions. From Michelle.Li at dfo-mpo.gc.ca Thu Jan 14 10:14:01 2010 From: Michelle.Li at dfo-mpo.gc.ca (Li, Michelle) Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:14:01 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Draft Recovery Strategy for the North Pacific Right Whale posted on the DFO Regional SARA Consultation Webpage Message-ID: <12CBC534D204D84090B08CAACEBD018D0C560A2B@pacrhqex02.pac.dfo-mpo.ca> Dear Stakeholders and other interested parties: Re: Draft North Pacific Right Whale Recovery Strategy Regional Consultations Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is pleased to inform you that the 2010 updated draft Recovery Strategy for the North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica) is now undergoing regional consultations. There will be an additional chance to comment during the national consultation period (hosted on the SARA Registry) that will follow. We look forward to your comments. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada is required to develop a recovery strategy and action plan for all threatened or endangered aquatic species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and appreciates your input. North Pacific right whales appear to represent an extreme example of the inability of whale stocks to recover from severe depletion. The last confirmed right whale sighting that may have either been in BC waters, or just outside, was in 1970. As a result, there is very little known about the abundance and distribution of these baleen whales. The initial short-term objective is the confirmation of right whale presence in Pacific Canadian waters. If you would like to know more about North Pacific right whales and how their recovery may affect you, or if you would like to submit comments on the draft recovery strategy via the DFO Regional SARA Consultation webpage, please see http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/sara-lep/index-eng.htm. The draft recovery strategy will be available for comment until February 21, 2010. Alternatively, please use the contact details below to request a hardcopy, and one will sent to you by mail. Sincerely, Robyn Kenyon A/ SARA Marine Mammal Recovery Biologist Fisheries and Oceans Canada 200-401 Burrard St. Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4 Tel: (604) 666-4775 Fax: (604) 666-3341 sara at pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rebecca.wellard at oceanpark.com.hk Thu Jan 14 17:16:08 2010 From: rebecca.wellard at oceanpark.com.hk (Rebecca Wellard) Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:16:08 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Dolphin Research Internship In-Reply-To: <4B9E0EF39083064DB6B7CC93F1A2E1A40101641588BC@MS01.oceanpark.com.hk> References: <4B9E0EF39083064DB6B7CC93F1A2E1A40101641588BC@MS01.oceanpark.com.hk> Message-ID: <4B9E0EF39083064DB6B7CC93F1A2E1A40101641588BD@MS01.oceanpark.com.hk> Internships Available at Ocean Park, Hong Kong Full-time unpaid internships are currently being offered by the Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore in collaboration with Ocean Park Hong Kong. The ARL conducts studies on the cognitive and sensory capabilities of bottlenose dolphins living at Ocean Park with a focus on echolocation and underwater acoustics. Interns receive intensive hands-on experience by participating in all aspects of the ongoing research and laboratory activities, including assistance in the daily research sessions with the dolphins, data processing and analysis, and also assisting with projects administrative and maintenance requirements. Interns should have at least two years of university experience. Individuals from all types of academic disciplines are welcome to apply. Selection is competitive and is based on the applicant?s statement of interest, prior experience, academic record, and letters of reference. Internship periods last for 5-6 months and interns are continuously accepted. Visa arrangements will need to be made once interns are accepted. There is no charge for the internship. Interns are responsible for their own room and board. To apply please submit the following: 1) Statement of Interest 2) Academic records 3) Three letters of reference 4) Curriculum Vitae Please send applications to rebecca.wellard at oceanpark.com.hk with "Dolphin Research Internship" in the subject line. -------------------------------- Rebecca Wellard Research Department Ocean Park Cooperation Aberdeen, Hong Kong Email: rebecca.wellard at oceanpark.com.hk -------------- next part -------------- Please think GREEN before printing this e-mail. Disclaimer: The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please delete it from your system. If you require assistance, please contact us at opc at oceanpark.com.hk Beginning 1 January 2006, Ocean Park raises its conservation commitment further by donating part of the admission to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (www.opcf.org.hk) to support its research projects and public awareness programmes for wildlife conservation in Asia. From gem_v34 at hotmail.com Sun Jan 17 16:46:21 2010 From: gem_v34 at hotmail.com (Gemma Veneruso) Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:46:21 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] SEA WATCH FOUNDATION: LAST CALL FOR MARINE EDUCATION & AWARENESS ASSISTANT REQUIRED FOR SUMMER 2010 IN CARDIGAN BAY Message-ID: From: gem_v34 at hotmail.com To: marmam-bounces at lists.uvic.ca Subject: LAST CALL: MARINE EDUCATION & AWARENESS ASSISTANT REQUIRED FOR SUMMER 2010 IN CARDIGAN BAY Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:07:20 +0000 Sea Watch Foundation ? Voluntary Education and Awareness Assistant opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2010 The Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) is seeking an education and awareness assistant to take part in the ?Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project? in New Quay, West Wales which manages the conservation of a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, the largest in the UK. Monitoring of harbour porpoise and grey seal populations is also part of the project. This position will suit a volunteer that has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving the public. The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties: ? Participate in presentations and create activities to take to local schools ? Write news reports and articles ? Assist in the organisation and participation of annual event, National Whale and Dolphin Watch ? Come up with new educational initiatives ? Talk to the public about the marine environment and conservation of cetaceans ? Assist in the organisation of training courses The assistant will also have the opportunity to be involved in the research, helping the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer, and will be expected to take part in the following tasks: ? Land-based surveys ? Boat-based surveys ? Photo-identification studies ? Database entry ? Acoustic monitoring ? Behavioural studies The field season will begin in April until October 2010, which has been split into four separate periods of six weeks each. One assistant is required for each period however preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole six month field season. The assistant will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of approximately ?55/week in a house sharing with marine research volunteers. The assistant is responsible for their own travel and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2010: Period 1 26/04 ? 6/06, Period 2 7/06 ? 18/07, Period 3 19/07 ? 29/08, Period 4 30/08 ? 10/10 Important skills/qualifications Essential: ? a strong interest in marine conservation and education ? confidence to interact with the public ? good verbal and writing skills ? must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position ? strong commitment to volunteering work ? an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner ? an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: ? a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar ? a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans ? good IT skills (Office package) ? prior experience in public speaking ? prior experience in boat-based survey work ? willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather ? Assistants also have the opportunity to learn about other research aspects such as cetacean observation and identification, line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. To apply: Please send your CV, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso at seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadline: 31st of January 2010. Please specify EDUCATION ASSISTANT APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2010. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Do you want a Hotmail account? Sign-up now - Free _________________________________________________________________ We want to hear all your funny, exciting and crazy Hotmail stories. Tell us now http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/195013117/direct/01/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gem_v34 at hotmail.com Sun Jan 17 16:47:32 2010 From: gem_v34 at hotmail.com (Gemma Veneruso) Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:47:32 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] SEA WATCH FOUNDATION: LAST CALL FOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR REQUIRED FOR SUMMER 2010 IN CARDIGAN BAY Message-ID: The Sea Watch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR IN CARDIGAN BAY 2010 This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the ?Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project? and coordinating the project volunteers. The project is based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, and involves the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. This long-term project was established in 2001 and is overseen by Dr Peter Evans, Director of Sea Watch. Start Date: April 12th 2010 End Date: October 18th 2010 Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): Coordination between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and the project volunteers ? in charge of the volunteer house and the volunteer weekly office rota. Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in volunteer basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, database entry and more. Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in all phases of the research. Optional: Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer ? research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicant?s interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have at least a BSc degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, or related field, and be able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and some boating experience are beneficial. The applicant should be proficient with Access, databases and word processing software. Experience in GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other researchers but also should be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. This post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication. This position is unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered. To apply: Please send your CV, a cover letter and contact details of two references reporting relevant experience to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold at seawatchfoundation.org.uk). Deadline: 31st January 2010. Please specify RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR in your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 22nd February 2010. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. In recent years, our work has been funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations that inhabit Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones. Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. Do you have a story that started on Hotmail? Tell us now _________________________________________________________________ Got a cool Hotmail story? Tell us now http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/195013117/direct/01/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gem_v34 at hotmail.com Sun Jan 17 16:47:00 2010 From: gem_v34 at hotmail.com (Gemma Veneruso) Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:47:00 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] SEA WATCH FOUNDATION: LAST CALL FOR MARINE RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR SUMMER 2010 IN CARDIGAN BAY Message-ID: Sea Watch Foundation ? Research Volunteering opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2010 Volunteers are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) with the running of the ?Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project?. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. The volunteers will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: ? Land-based surveys ? Boat-based surveys ? Photo-identification studies ? Database entry ? Awareness raising ? Education initiatives ? Acoustic monitoring ? Assist with and participate in training courses and public talks. Volunteers are required from April until October 2010, for 4 separate periods of 6 weeks each. Preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole 6-months field season. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of around ?55/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2010: Period 1 26/04 ? 6/06, Period 2 7/06 ? 18/07, Period 3 19/07 ? 29/08, Period 4 30/08 ? 10/10 Important skills/qualifications Essential: ? an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner ? strong commitment to volunteering work ? willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather ? good IT skills (Office package) ? an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: ? a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar ? a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans ? prior experience in boat-based survey work ? good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking ? experience in interacting with the public All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. To apply: Please send your cv, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold at seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadlines: 31st of January 2010. Please specify NEW QUAY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2010. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones. Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. Not got a Hotmail account? Sign-up now - Free _________________________________________________________________ Send us your Hotmail stories and be featured in our newsletter http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/195013117/direct/01/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jlm91 at psu.edu Mon Jan 18 10:49:35 2010 From: jlm91 at psu.edu (Jennifer Miksis-Olds) Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:49:35 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] SeaBASS course update- Applications now due February 15, 2010 Message-ID: <007a01ca986e$fb016e80$f1044b80$@edu> The SeaBASS- Marine Bioacoustic Summer School program application deadline has been extended to February 15, 2010. Due to a problem with the server hosting the application website, a few applications that have been submitted were not received. We have sent confirmation emails to all applicants for whom we have received applications. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION AND HAVE SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION, WE NEED YOU TO RESUBMITT!! We have extended the deadline to accommodate any inconvenience this may have caused. WHAT IS SeaBASS? SEABASS provides the opportunity for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation of both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one university. WHEN: June 20-25, 2010. Arrive on June 19. Depart on June 25. WHERE: Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA COSTS: The basic costs of student attendance (room and board, based on double occupancy for students) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time participation of all is required. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the student, but travel assistance can be requested during the application process. APPLICATION: On-line application is available at www.arl.psu.edu/edu_seabass.php. Applications are due on February 15, 2010. Direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds via email at: seabass at only.arl.psu.edu. COURSE TOPICS: Introduction to Underwater Sound, Sound Propagation, Marine Mammal Biology & Behavior, Sound Production, Fisheries Acoustics/Fish Behavior, Hearing and Masking, Marine Animal Acoustic Communication, Echolocation, Hot Topic: Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Hot Topic: Effects of Noise Sponsored by Penn State Applied Research Laboratory, Office of Naval Research, Acoustical Society of America, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Michelle.Cronin at ucc.ie Mon Jan 18 06:42:11 2010 From: Michelle.Cronin at ucc.ie (Cronin, Michelle (CMRC)) Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:42:11 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Job advertisement - marine mammal monitoring programme project leader Message-ID: <7D75B8B27CD35543B0C48F5E70E44073A306DE@EXCH1.central.ad.ucc.ie> Marine mammal monitoring programme project leader Applications are invited for a one year position leading a marine mammal monitoring programme in Co. Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. The marine mammal monitoring programme is grant aided by Shell E&P Ireland through RSK Environment Ltd. The candidate will ideally be a postdoctoral researcher, employed through the Coastal and Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork and will need to be based close to the study area in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo. Background: Under a development plan for the CORRIB gas field off western Ireland, Enterprise Energy Ireland Ltd. commissioned the Coastal & Marine Resources Centre (CMRC), University College Cork to conduct an independent cetacean monitoring programme in northwest Ireland in 2001 - 02. Due to the findings of preliminary field surveys in 2001 the study?s remit was expanded to also include other marine mammal species recorded in the study area. Research was undertaken in Broadhaven Bay (candidate Special Area of Conservation - cSAC), County Mayo and its adjoining coastal waters. The programme of marine mammal monitoring was continued in 2005, 2008 and 2009 during the CORRIB development?s marine phases, to safeguard protected species from potential impacts. Research efforts are currently being continued in 2010 and into 2011. Position: We are recruiting a project leader to coordinate the marine mammal monitoring programme. The position will be for February 2010 to January 2011 with potential for extension into 2011 pending funding confirmation. Candidate: The researcher will require the following skills profile: * A PhD in any area of marine mammal ecology (preferable, but suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience may also be considered) * Relevant marine mammal research/monitoring experience * Knowledge of marine mammal survey methodologies * Experience of cetacean photo identification techniques * Experience of acoustic monitoring of cetaceans (TPODs and CPODs currently used in the project) * Experience of GIS (e.g. ArcGIS), databases (e.g. Access) and metadata standards * Experience with statistical analysis and preferably statistical modelling * Good publication track record * Proven ability of team leadership and excellent oral and written communication skills * Demonstration of project management and networking skills * Proven ability to work in a small research group ideally in a remote location Duration and salary: Duration is for a one year period subject to an initial review after three months and satisfactory progress. The salary for this position (gross) is fixed at ?43,000 p.a. Application: The closing date for applications is January 29th 2010. Candidates should submit their curriculum vitae including references and a cover letter via email to Grainne Lynch: grainne.lynch at ucc.ie. Michelle A. Cronin MSc PhD Scientific Researcher Marine Ecology Group Coastal & Marine Resources Centre Naval Base Haulbowline Cobh Co. Cork Phone no: 021 4703114 Fax no: 021 4703132 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rohan.currey at gmail.com Mon Jan 18 22:49:18 2010 From: rohan.currey at gmail.com (Rohan Currey) Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:49:18 +1300 Subject: [MARMAM] PhD Thesis on the Fiordland Bottlenose Dolphins - alternative web address Message-ID: Dear colleagues, The hyperlink I posted for my thesis (see below) has stopped working. Here is an alternative: http://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/handle/10523/129 If that doesn't work, please email me at: rohan.currey at gmail.com Best wishes, Dr Rohan Currey Currey, R.J.C. 2008. Conservation biology of bottlenose dolphins in Fiordland, New Zealand. PhD Thesis, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. The bottlenose dolphins of Fiordland, New Zealand, live at the southern limit of the species? worldwide range. They are exposed to impacts from tourism and habitat modification, particularly in Doubtful Sound, and their conservation requirements are presently unclear. Dolphin abundance was estimated in Doubtful Sound using photoidentification census and capture-recapture techniques (56 individuals; 95% CI: 55-57), detecting a decline of 34-39% over 12 years among adults and sub-adults (>3 years old). The cause of this decline was investigated via demographic modelling in Doubtful Sound and a comparative assessment of population status in Dusky Sound. Capture-recapture modelling of photo-identification data compiled since 1990 yielded a constant adult survival rate marginally lower than prior estimates for wild bottlenose dolphins (?a(1990?2008) = 0.9374; 95% CI: 0.9170-0.9530). Survival of calves (<1 year old) declined to an unsustainable level that is thought to be the lowest recorded for wild bottlenose dolphins (?c(2002?2008) = 0.3750; 95% CI: 0.2080-0.5782) coincident with the opening of a second tailrace tunnel for a hydroelectric power station. Reverse-time capture- recapture modelling detected declines in recruitment (f(1994?2008) = 0.0249; 95% CI: 0.0174-0.0324) and population growth (?(1994?2008) = 0.9650; 95% CI: 0.9554-0.9746) over time consistent with the decline in calf survival (<1 year old) and a separate reduction in juvenile survival (1 to 3 years old) reflecting cumulative impacts. Dolphin abundance was estimated in Dusky Sound using photo- identification census and capture-recapture techniques (102 individuals; 95% CI: 100-104) providing no evidence of interchange with Doubtful Sound. A comparative assessment of health status between Doubtful and Dusky Sounds revealed skin lesioning was more severe in Doubtful Sound, particularly among females, and newborn calves appeared to be smaller and were born over a shorter period: factors that may contribute to the low levels of calf survival in Doubtful Sound. The Fiordland bottlenose dolphins were assessed under IUCN Red List regional criteria. The small size of the population (205 individuals; 95% CI: 192-219) combined with the projected rate of decline in stochastic matrix models (average decline: 31.4% over one generation) resulted in a recommended classification of Critically Endangered. From jipperim at yahoo.com Wed Jan 20 02:00:59 2010 From: jipperim at yahoo.com (Imogen Webster) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:00:59 -0800 (PST) Subject: [MARMAM] volunteer positions Message-ID: <921411.70444.qm@web110206.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> The Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS) is a non-government organization that has worked for almost 30 years to safeguard the marine environment of Mauritius through education. The MMCS takes action to sensitize the local population to the importance of marine biodiversity, focusing on the protection of marine mammals and coral reefs. One of the objectives of the MMCS is to promote the need for marine conservation in Mauritius through the creation of marine parks. This is done through ongoing research activities. ? In order to continue with our work and research we are looking for willing volunteers who want to gain valuable hands on conservation experience, to come to Mauritius and work with our researchers on current projects.? Help would be collecting data both on the sea, on our boat, and on land conducting surveys, data entry, equipment maintenance as well as office based activities. You could be involved in: 1.???? Monitoring the behavior, ecology and population of the local cetaceans including spinner and bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales and humpback whales 2.???? the behaviour of dolphin watching boats 3.???? surveying tourists and operators 4.???? Working with schools to promote environmental awareness 5.???? Creating educational games and presentations for information evenings in an effort to gain support for sustainable marine eco-tourism. 6.???? fundraising events Volunteers will be accommodated in a furnished house in Black River (GPS 20? 21.77'S, 57?21.48'E). It is about 750m from a shopping centre that has a well stocked supermarket and the beach is about 100m away. Accommodation, bedding, laundry facilities and equipment is all provided but food is the volunteers responsibility (allow approx ?40-50/week). Volunteers will be expected to contribute to housework, cleaning etc. Openings for volunteers are available immediately. Charges are AUS$405/GBP?200/?250 per week, with an additional fee of ?50 to organize airport transfers, staying a minimum of 2 weeks (and a maximum of 8 weeks, because of Government stipulation). For more info on volunteering and application forms, contact: Imogen Webster Principle Research Officer (PhD candidate) iwebster at mmcs-ngo.org or? www.mmcs-ngo.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mjasny at nrdc.org Tue Jan 19 14:52:08 2010 From: mjasny at nrdc.org (Jasny, Michael) Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:52:08 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] NOAA announcement on sonar Message-ID: Dear All, Today NOAA announced a new initiative to potentially mitigate harm from U.S. Navy mid-frequency sonar, and from other sources of ocean noise as well. The announcement, which comes in a letter from Dr. Lubchenco (NOAA Administrator) to Nancy Sutley (Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality), is available at www.nrdc.org/media/docs/100119.pdf. The letter specifies that NOAA will conduct a series of workshops (1) to learn more about marine mammal "hotspots," particularly through available predictive habitat models; (2) to develop a plan for assessing the cumulative environmental impacts of sonar, oil exploration, and other sources of intense ocean noise; and (3) to improve marine mammal monitoring on the Navy's ranges. Based on the results of these workshops, the agency will consider additional measures to reduce harm from sonar, in future rulemakings and authorizations under the MMPA. In addition, the agency expresses an interest in conducting comprehensive, multipurpose surveys for marine mammals and sea turtles; and it notes its participation in ongoing negotiations over sonar mitigation between the Navy and NRDC. NOAA puts a good deal of emphasis in the letter on habitat identification and avoidance, stating that "Protecting important marine mammal habitat is generally recognized to be the most effective mitigation measure currently available." It's worth noting, of course, that today's announcement is only a plan and not a prescription, and much will depend on what happens over the next year. Cheers, Michael Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst Natural Resources Defense Council 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 tel. 604-736-9386 mob. 310-560-5536 fax. 310-434-2399 PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law as attorney-client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communication. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify us at the above telephone number. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Roger.gentry at comcast.net Tue Jan 19 08:06:10 2010 From: Roger.gentry at comcast.net (Roger.gentry at comcast.net) Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:06:10 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] Research funding from the Joint Industry Program Message-ID: <134031114.1487981263917170559.JavaMail.root@sz0141a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net> The Joint Industry Program (JIP) has announced that it will continue funding research on the effects of underwater noise on marine animals from 2010 through 2012. ? The program, now worth up to $35M, funded 62 projects from 2006 through 2008 (see our website, www.soundandmarinelife.org for details). ? In 2009 the economic downturn and its effects on future research priorities caused the JIP to suspend the funding of new projects for that year only. ? This suspension did not affect several previously-funded projects that are still ongoing. ? The program officially resumed on January 1, 2010 with a new suite of partner companies and external advisors, a changed structure, and some new policies. ? The JIP web site will soon be updated to reflect these changes. ? No final decision has been reached on the research priorities for 2010 and beyond. ? However, future research will likely be somewhat less diverse and more focused on immediate industry problems than in the past. ? No Requests for Proposals will be released until after March 2010. ? As before, all inquiries about the program should be addressed to info at ogp.org.uk , and not to Roger Gentry, former Program Manager and?now Special Advisor to the JIP ( roger.gentry at comcast.net ), who posted this message. ? ? ? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From swood at abcanimaltraining.com Tue Jan 19 10:39:13 2010 From: swood at abcanimaltraining.com (shelley wood) Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:39:13 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Operant conditioning classes Message-ID: 5 day workshops will be held at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras Mexico. Both the Basic and Advanced courses offer plenty of hands on contact with marine mammals by ABC Dolphin Trainer Academy. May 31 to June 4 Basic course June 7 to June 11 Advanced course For more information please visit http://www.abcanimaltraining.com/ http://www.facebook.com/dolphin.training Or email Shelley Wood swood at abcanimaltraining.com Shelley Wood ABC Training Systems swood at abcanimaltraining.com http://www.abcanimaltraining.com/ http://www.facebook.com/dolphin.training -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simo.pani at inwind.it Wed Jan 20 07:36:23 2010 From: simo.pani at inwind.it (Simone Panigada) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:36:23 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] cetaceans visual surveys around Italy Message-ID: <201001201543.o0KFh4JJ3354684@cascara.comp.uvic.ca> Good morning list members, In 2009 two aerial surveys were conducted in the waters of the Pelagos Sanctuary (Western Mediterranean Sea), in winter and summer, underlining some shifts in fin whale distribution and abundance, when compared with previous years. The results will be presented at the upcoming Conference of the European Cetacean Society in Stralsund (22-24 March 2010, http://www.ozeaneum.de/en/ecs-2010.html). To better understand these shifts, the Tethys Research Institute and Ispra (ex-ICRAM) are organizing additional visual surveys to assess abundance and density of cetaceans in the waters around Italy. In particular we will be focusing on the Strait of Sicily (in the winter - February-March 2010), the Pelagos Sanctuary, the Tyrrhenian Sea (north and central) and the Corsica and Sardinia Seas (in the summer 2010). In order to better plan the surveys, especially those outside the Pelagos Sanctuary, we are collecting information on cetaceans' presence and relative abundance in the selected areas. We are therefore kindly asking for recent (unpublished or published) information on distribution of cetaceans, either from dedicated surveys or platforms of opportunity. The information provided do not need to include latitude and longitude (even if desirable) to protect data ownership, but would need to indicate species, date and area. Information on presence and seasonality in the Strait of Sicily (Around the Lampedusa Island) would be very appreciated, given the paucity of data available for that area. We are looking forward to receiving your inputs, with our best regards, Simone Panigada and Giancarlo Lauriano From b_d_r_i at yahoo.com Wed Jan 20 12:48:47 2010 From: b_d_r_i at yahoo.com (Bruno Diaz) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:48:47 -0800 (PST) Subject: [MARMAM] Field Research Courses in Marine Mammals Science (Winter & Spring 2010) Message-ID: <506715.48275.qm@web54305.mail.re2.yahoo.com> The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI (www.thebdri.com)?is happy to announce the new 10 days-long, Field Research-oriented Courses in Marine Mammals Science (FRC) (Winter & Spring 2010 Season). ? These training courses are specifically designed for those students (undergraduate and postgraduate) seriously interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal science. Students may choose one of the three exclusive courses, listed bellow, depending on where their interests lie. Each academically FRC combines exclusive lectures, hands-on boat-based and computer exercises, assignments and tests. ? The FRC are limited to 6 students to ensure individualized instruction. Students will be trained during FRC in a wide range of areas including scientific data collection, field research concepts and methodology, computer orientation, use of statistical analysis, presentation and report of findings, and much more. You might well leave a course with a simple research project to carry out in a location of your choice!! ? FRC are divided in three exclusive training courses (http://www.thebdri.com/education/courses.htm): ? FRC 1001 (Date: 29th March) MONITORING COASTAL BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATIONS This FRC provides an in-depth, hands-on immersion into the field of marine mammal science and more particularly applied dolphins research. The variety of subjects approached on this FRC provides students with the tools and practical experience needed for a greater understanding of coastal bottlenose dolphin populations and their conservation, as well as deeper insight into behavioural research concepts and methodology. As a result of successful completion of this course, you will be able to select and use appropriate research methods available to characterise the status of a coastal bottlenose dolphin population. ? FRC 1002 (Dates: 12th April; 17th May) SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION IN A FISSION-FUSION SOCIETY This advanced FRC 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. By the end of the course, students will be able to design a project to assess the social organization of a bottlenose dolphin population. In addition, course attendants will get experience in using bioacoustical methods via computer practical sessions involving classification and analyses of bottlenose dolphin vocalizations. ? FRC 1003 (Dates: 1st March; 3rd May) CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATIONS This advanced FRC surveys an extensive amount of knowledge and ongoing investigations concerning marine mammals conservation, achieving an integrated approach to address human-dolphin conflicts and advice on mitigation. As a result of successful completion of this specialization course, attendants will gain a deeper insight into the various factors influencing the incidental capture of bottlenose dolphins, use of ecosystem-level models to predict the impact of human activities and explain the importance of local, national, and international policies that aim to protect bottlenose dolphin populations. ? BDRI has developed a financial aid to support students and unemployment people, covering approximately between 25% (fall-winter season) and 10% (spring-summer season)?of the FRC Tuition & Program fee. Comfortable housing (private and double rooms), with shared cooking and bathroom facilities are provided. ? There is no deadline to apply. However, applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled. ? APPLY NOW! Step 1. Read through this general information carefully: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/courses.pdf decide what course/s you want to study, take note of any dates that may be preferred. Step 2. Once you have decided which course/s you would like to study, it's now time to submit your application by email to info at thebdri.com ? More information: email: info at thebdri.com; telephone: 00 39 346 0815414 Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz N?4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy www.thebdri.com info at thebdri.com? tel.+ 39 346 081 5414 tel. + 0789 183 1197 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From julia.carlstrom at aquabiota.se Wed Jan 20 08:57:52 2010 From: julia.carlstrom at aquabiota.se (=?UTF-8?Q?Julia_Carlstr=C3=B6m?=) Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:57:52 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] SAMBAH - Static acoustic monitoring of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise Message-ID: <00ed01ca99f1$b48e8e90$1dababb0$@carlstrom@aquabiota.se> Dear all, We would like to inform you on that project SAMBAH (Static acoustic monitoring of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise) has been launched. For anyone interested, there will be a workshop about the project in Stralsund, Germany on March 20 in conjunction with the 24th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society (http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/, SAMBAH workshop contact: julia.carlstrom at aquabiota.se). The overall objective of the SAMBAH project is to launch static acoustic monitoring (SAM) as a best practice methodology on a large scale, and to provide reliable assessments of abundance, distribution and preferred habitats of the small and severely reduced population of harbour porpoises (Phocoena Phocoena) in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea population is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) and the species is listed in Annexes 2 and 4 of the EC Habitats Directive as well as in the national red lists of several EU Member States. The very low density of the population, in combination with a complex of threats and problems, necessitates the development of improved methodologies for collecting data on population size and range, and its fluctuation over time. The project area is defined by waters 5-80 m deep east of the Limhamn and Darss underwater ridges (between Denmark-Sweden and Denmark-Germany, respectively) and south of approximately latitude 60?20?N in the Baltic Sea. Within the project area, close to 300 SAM devices will be deployed in a random systematic grid over a period of 2 years. Density estimates will be calculated using adaptations of traditional point transect distance sampling methods, applied to the detection of porpoise groups by the SAM units. Auxiliary data will be collected by the deployment of satellite and acoustic tags, attached to porpoises in Danish waters. Habitat preferences and areas with higher risk of conflicts with anthropogenic activities will be investigated by spatial modelling. SAMBAH will allow formulating appropriate management objectives and identify conservation and mitigation measures. The results should make possible an appropriate designation of SCIs for the species within the Natura 2000 network. SAMBAH also provides a tool for monitoring the population and evaluating the success of future conservation measures. The beneficiaries (partners) of the project are: Kolm?rden Wildlife Park, SE (coordinator) Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, SE Turku University of Applied Sciences, FI Finnish Ministry of the Environment, FI S?rk?nniemi Adventure Park, FI University of Gda?sk, PL Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, PL Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, PL National Environmental Research Institute, DK Danish Forest and Nature Agency, DK Collaborators: German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund, DE AquaBiota Water Research, SE CREEM, St Andrews University, UK Ivar J?ssi, State Nature conservation Centre, EE Anda Ikauniece, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, LV Darius Daunys, Klaipeda University Coastal Research and Planning Institute, LT The project is funded by the EU programme LIFE+ Nature, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water, WWF Finland, the Voivodship Fund for Environment Protection and Water, as well as by all beneficiaries. Logo_SAMBAH_positive_liten AquaBiota_logga_mailsignatur Julia Carlstr?m PhD Marine Ecology / SAMBAH Project Manager AquaBiota Water Research Svante Arrhenius v?g 21A, SE-114 18 Stockholm, Sweden Phone +46 (0)8 16 10 27, mobile +46 (0)70 22 44 517 www.aquabiota.se / www.sambah.org julia.carlstrom at aquabiota.se / info at sambah.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 112482 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 5130 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 3056 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dagmar_fertl at hotmail.com Fri Jan 22 07:58:07 2010 From: dagmar_fertl at hotmail.com (Dagmar Fertl) Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:58:07 -0600 Subject: [MARMAM] Abstracts - Aquatic Mammals vol 35(4), 2009, Special Issue on Sonars and Cetacean Strandings Message-ID: Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following are abstracts from the most recent issue of Aquatic Mammals, the scientific peer-reviewed journal of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM). The journal publishes papers dealing with all aspects of the care, conservation, medicine and science of aquatic mammals. The journal receives support of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA). As a reminder, the journal is shifting to electronic only; paper copies would be available for an additional charge. Abstracts are presented as a courtesy to the EAAM and the journal editors ? Drs. Kathleen Dudzinski (kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org) and Justin Gregg (justin at dolphincommunication.com). In conjunction with John Anderson of Terramar Productions, the new Editorial team will grow Aquatic Mammals into a multi-media journal. Please see the journal's website http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org for exciting details about the new feature of real-time publishing, online publishing, ADA compatible publishing, Historical Perspective essays and DVDs. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and these postings. This issue is a Special Issue on Sonars and Cetacean Strandings. With regards, Dagmar Fertl Ziphius EcoServices dfertl at gmail.com http://www.ziphiusecoservices.com Leendert Spoelstra,* J. 2009. Foreword. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):425. *no contact information provided with this article Introduction to the special issue by a Rear Admiral RNLN (retired; Former Director of NATO Undersea Research Centre, NURC (1996-2003)) noting the use of sonar in the marine environment and the value of Marine Mammal Acoustic Risk Mitigation Programs. ************ D?Amico, A.*, and R. Pittenger. 2009. A brief history of active sonar. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):426-434. * Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, CA 92152-5001, USA; E-mail: angela.damico at navy.mil As background for this special issue on strand?ings and mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), this paper presents a brief history of active sonar, trac?ing the development of MFAS from its origins in the early 20th century through the development of current tactical MFAS. ***** Filadelfo, R.*, J. Mintz, E. Michlovich, A. D?Amico, and D. R. Ketten. 2009. Correlating military sonar use with beaked whale mass strandings: What do the historical data show? Aquatic Mammals 35(4):435-444. *Center for Naval Analyses, 4825 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22151, USA; E-mail: filadelr at cna.org There have been several incidents in which U.S. Navy sonar operations at sea coincided in time and location with a mass stranding of marine mammals, particularly beaked whales. Although a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship has not been established, there is strong evidence and scientific concern that use of military sonar has resulted in beaked whale mass strandings. Most previous attempts to determine whether military sonar use and whale strandings are correlated have looked at mass stranding records of beaked whales and have singled out those instances in which military operations appear to coincide in time and location with a mass stranding event. In this study, historical data on beaked whale mass strandings and military exercises that were likely to include active sonar use were compiled, and sta-tistical analyses were performed to determine the level of correlation between these events for four geographic regions. Strandings were significantly correlated with naval activity in the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, but not off the coasts of Japan and southern California. ********* Blanchet, M.-A.*, M. Wahlberg, and T. Ishigami. 2009. First observation of the parturition and peripartum events in a harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Aquatic Mammals 35(4):473-480 * Fjord & B?lt, Margrethes Plads 1, 5300 Kerteminde, DenmarkCorresponding Author?s E-mail: marie_blanchet at yahoo.fr; current address: Idrettsveien 40 B, 9009 Troms?, Norway Parturition events in cetaceans are difficult to observe in nature and scarcely described in detail. Observations from animals in captivity offer the possibility to follow complete gestations and to obtain a precise description of the series of events pertaining to pregnancy and parturition. After a gestation period of 11 mo, the parturition of a harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) was observed for the first time at the Danish research facility Fjord & Boelt on 8 August 2007. Five pre?partum signs useful to predict the onset of par?turition were identified: (1) decrease in appetite (from 5,064 Kcal/d to 907 Kcal/d at 2 d before birth [B-2]), (2) unusual behavior (disinterest in training sessions, seeking of physical contact with the trainers, restlessness), (3) decrease in body temperature of 1.6? C at B-1, (4) swollenness in the genital area, and (5) increase in the inter-mam?mary distance (from 5 to 8 cm at B-1).During labor, three stages described for other mammals in literature were observed and each stage?s duration recorded: Stage 1 was character?ized by uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix (between 2 h 19 min and 7 h 39 min), Stage 2 started with the rupture of fetal membranes (1 h 42 min at least), and Stage 3 comprised the expul?sion of the fetus and its membranes (7 h). The total duration of the parturition was at least 16 h 21 min as there is an uncertainty in regards to the exact beginning of the labor. The sequence of visible events occurring during parturition was as follows: apparition of the amni?otic sac, apparition of the calf?s flukes, apparition of the peduncle, delivery of the calf, and expulsion of the left horn of the placenta followed by the right horn. As described for other cetaceans, the delivery was caudal. Contractions seemed to be longer and more frequent during the first stage and during the beginning of the second stage of labor. The con?tractions then shortened and became more regular during the expulsion of the calf. We observed that the expulsion of the calf was not provoked only by contractions but helped at the end by a violent rotational movement of the mother that broke the umbilical cord. The female?s breathing rate increased dramatically towards the end of the expulsion of the calf. ********** Filadelfo, R., J. Mintz, E. Michlovich, A. D?Amico, and D. R. Ketten. 2009. Correlating military sonar use with beaked whale mass strandings: What do the historical data show? Aquatic Mammals 35(4):435-444. *Center for Naval Analyses, 4825 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22151, USA; E-mail: filadelr at cna.org There have been several incidents in which U.S. Navy sonar operations at sea coincided in time and location with a mass stranding of marine mammals, particularly beaked whales. Although a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship has not been established, there is strong evidence and scientific concern that use of military sonar has resulted in beaked whale mass strandings. Most previous attempts to determine whether military sonar use and whale strandings are correlated have looked at mass stranding records of beaked whales and have singled out those instances in which military operations appear to coincide in time and location with a mass stranding event. In this study, historical data on beaked whale mass strandings and military exercises that were likely to include active sonar use were compiled, and sta-tistical analyses were performed to determine the level of correlation between these events for four geographic regions. Strandings were significantly correlated with naval activity in the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, but not off the coasts of Japan and southern California. ************ Filadelfo, R., Y. K. Pinelis, S. Davis, R. Robert Chase, J. Mintz, J. Wolfanger, P. L. Tyack, D. R. Ketten, and A. D?Amico. 2009. Correlating whale strandings with Navy exercises off Southern California. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):445-451. *Center for Naval Analyses, 4825 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22151, USA; E-mail: filadelr at cna.org There have been several incidents when Navy sonar operations at sea coincided in time and loca?tion with the mass stranding of marine mammals, particularly beaked whales. Filadelfo et al. (this issue) compiled historical data on large-scale naval exercises and found significant correlations with whale mass strandings in some locations but not in others. In the present study, we compile infor?mation on Navy operations off southern California and single strandings of several cetacean species to see if there is a correlation between strandings and Navy exercises in this area. We use information on the state of decomposition of the stranded animals to treat the actual time of stranding as a random variable, and we simulate the correlation between Navy activity and strandings with a Monte Carlo model. For gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the ratio of odds of a stranding occurring as a result of Navy exercises to the odds of a stranding occurring naturally was (0.879, 1.582), consistent with the null hypothesis of no difference in stranding rates between times of Navy exercises and other times. For other species, the 95% CI for the odds ratio was (0.716, 1.394), which is, again, consistent with the null hypothesis. ********* D?Amico, A.*, R. C. Gisiner, D. R. Ketten, J. A. Hammock, C. Johnson, P. L. Tyack, and J. Mead. 2009. Beaked whale strandings and naval exercises. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):452-472 * Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, CA 92152-5001, USA; E-mail: angela.damico at navy.mil Mass strandings of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) have been reported in the scientific liter?ature since 1874. Several recent mass strandings of beaked whales have been reported to coincide with naval active sonar exercises. To obtain the broad?est assessment of surface ship naval active sonar operations coinciding with beaked whale mass strandings, a list of global naval training and anti-submarine warfare exercises was compiled from openly available sources and compared by location and time with historic stranding records. This list includes activities of navies of other nations but emphasizes recent U.S. activities because of what is available in publicly accessible sources. Of 136 beaked whale mass stranding events reported from 1874 to 2004, 126 occurred between 1950 and 2004, after the introduction and implementation of modern, high-power mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). Of these 126 reports, only two reported details on the use, timing, and location of sonar in relation to mass strandings. Ten other mass strand?ings coincided in space and time with naval exer?cises that may have included MFAS. An additional 27 mass stranding events occurred near a naval base or ship but with no direct evidence of sonar use. The remaining 87 mass strandings have no evidence for a link with any naval activity. Six of these 87 cases have evidence for a cause unrelated to active sonar. The large number of global naval activities annually with potential MFAS usage in comparison to the relative rarity of mass stranding events suggests that most MFAS operations take place with no reported stranding events and that for an MFAS operation to cause a mass stranding of beaked whales, a confluence of several risk factors is probably required. Identification of these risk factors will help in the development of measures to reduce the risk of sonar-related strandings. ********* Osterrieder, S. K.*, and R. W. Davis. 2009. Summer foraging behaviour of female sea otters (Enhydra lutris) with pups in Simpson Bay, Alaska. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):481-489. *University of Rostock, Institute of Bioscience, Rostock, Germany; E-mail: ost_sylvia at yahoo.de In altricial mammals, the mother?s care and attendance are essential for the young to acquire survival skills. Not much is known about mother-pup behaviour in the sea otter population of Simpson Bay, Prince William Sound, Alaska. In this study, water depth and location of feeding females with pups of different ages were recorded. Shallow (0 to 20 m) and deep (60 to 80 m) waters were preferred for foraging over those of intermediate depths. There was no significant difference in foraging water depth relative to pup maturity, but female dive duration changed significantly with the age of the pup, likely resulting in increasing surface time for unattended pups. The range of measured dive durations increased with older pups. Dive duration was highly significantly dependent on foraging water depth. ************ McCreery, L.*, and J. A. Thomas. 2009. Acoustic analysis of underwater vocalizations from crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus): Not so monotonous. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):490-501. * Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University?Quad Cities, 3561 60th Street, Moline, IL 61265, USA; E-mail: mccreeryl at mail.davenport.k12.ia.us Underwater vocalizations of pack-ice crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus) were recorded by J. A. Thomas off the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula during the austral breeding season in November 1978. Data were collected by dropping an ANS 57 sonobuoy from the side of a ship to a depth of 15.3 m and recorded on a Nagra III reel-to-reel recorder (system frequency response linear from 20 Hz to 20 kHz ? 2 dB). The acoustic proper?ties of 315 underwater vocalizations were analyzed using Spectrogram real time software. As previous investigators documented, all crabeater seal sounds during the breeding season were of one type, a long groan. D. Cothran recorded a solitary crabeater seal of unknown age and sex foraging during the non?breeding season in February 2007 in the same gen?eral area of the Antarctic Peninsula using a Sony TRV-900 digital underwater video camcorder. Twenty seconds of underwater acoustic data were spectrographically analyzed, and 18 vocalizations were identified and classified into four previously unreported sound types: (1) short groan, (2) whis?tle, (3) screech, and (4) grunt. For the first time, the acoustic characteristics of the common long groan and four previously undescribed underwater vocal?izations by crabeater seals were examined spec?trographically with parameters of frequency and time reported herein. The long groan showed little frequency or temporal variation and was repeated by other distant crabeater seals at about 20.0-s intervals. No long groans were recorded during the short February videotape. The four previously undocumented vocalizations were produced while a single crabeater seal foraged in shallow water. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the long groan was acoustically dissimilar to the four new vocalizations; however, only 18 sounds were avail?able for analysis. Still, this videotape documents that this species does produce more than one sound type. Further research should be conducted to adequately document the underwater acoustic rep?ertoire of the crabeater seal, especially outside the breeding season. ************** Wenzel, F. W.,* J. Allen, S. Berrow, C. J. Hazevoet, B. Jann, L. Steiner, P. Stevick, P. L?pez Su?rez, and P. Whooley. 2009. Current knowledge on the distribution and relative abundance of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off the Cape Verde Islands, eastern North Atlantic. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):502-510. * NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; E-mail: Frederick.Wenzel at noaa.gov During the winter/spring months from 1990 to 2009, 13 cetacean surveys were conducted around the Cape Verde Islands off West Africa. The main target species was the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Study periods varied from 14 to 90 d in duration. Study platforms included a 5-m inflatable boat, a 12-m catamaran, and/or 15-m sailing or motor vessels. Collectively, we obtained 88 individual humpback fluke photo?graphs from this region. These fluke photographs have been compared to over 6,500 individual fluke photographs maintained in the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalogue. Based on photo-identification, humpbacks in the Cape Verde Islands have a relatively high interannual resight rate (> 22%) compared to other studied breeding locations in the West Indies. While this is partly due to increased probability of detection in a small population, this result nonetheless suggests strong site fidelity to this breeding ground. Three photo-identified individuals from the Cape Verde Islands had been previously photo?graphed on high-latitude feeding grounds off Bear Island, Norway, and Iceland. One Cape Verdean humpback was resighted in the Azores, possibly en route to the northern feeding grounds. These findings are consistent with the belief that the Cape Verde Islands represent a breeding ground for northeastern Atlantic humpback whales. Tourism activities in the Cape Verde Islands are rapidly increasing. A balance is needed whereby conservation, whale watching guidelines, habitat preservation, and enforcement are fully enacted in order to provide protection to both this species and its habitat. In addition, further research is required to clarify the importance of this small population and its breeding ground. ************** Merriman, M. G.*, T. M. Markowitz, A. D. Harlin-Cognato, and K. A. Stockin. 2009. Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) abundance, site fidelity, and group dynamics in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):511-522. *Coastal-Marine Research Group, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore MSC, Auckland, New Zealand; E-mail: m.g.merriman at massey.ac.nz Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are con?sistently observed in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. However, prior to the present study, no research has previously focused on this spe?cies within these waters, despite the potential for human impacts. Photo-identification undertaken during boat-based surveys conducted between 2003 and 2005 were used to assess occurrence, abundance, and movement patterns of bottle?nose dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds. Long-term site fidelity was evident, with the majority of individuals resighted over multiple years. Lagged identification rates showed consistency over a 4-y period, with some individuals remain?ing for longer periods, while others frequently interchanged between different areas of the Marlborough Sounds. Migration rates were high, with approximately 25% leaving and entering the 890 km? region annually. Bottlenose dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds appear to form part of a larger, open, coastal population consisting of 385 individuals, with 211 (95% CI = 195 to 232) dol?phins utilizing the region per annum. While their occurrence within these waters is frequent, the Marlborough Sounds appear to be only a section of a much larger home range for this bottlenose dolphin population. ************ Kooyman, M. M., and G. L. Kooyman*. 2009. Historical perspectives: The history of pinniped studies in Antarctica. Aquatic Mammals 35(4):525-556. *Scholander Hall, 0204, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; E-mail: gkooyman at ucsd.edu The Kooymans provide us with a detailed account of the history of pinniped studies in Antarctica. Melba Kooyman talks about the discovery and early history of Antarctic pinnipeds. Gerald Kooyman provides a summary of Weddell seal behavioral and physiological studies in McMurdo Sound (1964-1984) _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft?s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390706/direct/01/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From web24 at cornell.edu Fri Jan 22 08:49:11 2010 From: web24 at cornell.edu (William E. Bemis) Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:49:11 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Forensic Science for Wildlife Biologists at Shoals Marine Laboratory Message-ID: Greetings from Shoals Marine Laboratory! This summer, SML is again offering Forensic Science for Wildlife Biologists (BIOSM 4450/VTMED 6435/ZOOL 755) from June 28 to July 5. Study the intersection of law and biology with a team of outstanding instructors. Learn about the anatomy of marine vertebrates, including seals, dolphins, seabirds, and fishes, and develop your incident reporting skills. The full course awards two credits; a non-credit, 5-day workshop option is also available (follow the links for details). Hope to see you on Appledore this summer! Willy William E. Bemis Kingsbury Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology c/o Shoals Marine Laboratory, Stimson Hall, Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 web24 at cornell.edu SML Portsmouth Office 400 Little Harbor Road Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-430-5220 Office 603-430-5221 FAX The website for Shoals Marine Lab is: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From BrodieE at tmmc.org Sat Jan 23 16:22:16 2010 From: BrodieE at tmmc.org (Erin Brodie) Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:22:16 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Rescue and Rehabilitation Internships at The Marine Mammal Center - 2010 season Message-ID: <39AD038EA3A2CE4CAC6C1A892A5986572994A02941@dawn.TMMC.org> [cid:image003.jpg at 01CA9C48.3A75AF90] STRANDING DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Stranding Department of The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea otters. These positions are unpaid. Internship Opportunities are available at the following locations. ? San Luis Obispo Operations in Morro Bay ? Monterey Bay Operations in Moss Landing ? Main Hospital in Sausalito Program Description: The Stranding Department Internship is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Interns will be responsible for answering the animal hotline and rotating the after hours on-call. Interns will coordinate rescue and triage response throughout the Center's 600-mile rescue range. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues and releases. In addition, interns will be required to assist with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning) for all on-site pinnipeds. Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment and assorted miscellaneous tasks. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a r?sum? that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, housing accommodations, and availability. Please forward all application materials to the following address: The Marine Mammal Center Marin Headlands 2000 Bunker Road Sausalito, California 94965 Attn: Erin Brodie Or via email to: BrodieE at TMMC.org There is some flexibility on the start date of each position, with the earliest start date of February 1 and the last available internship beginning June 14. Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of acceptance Approximate Internship Time Spring February 8, 2010 February 12, 2010 February 19, 2010 April - June 2010 Summer February 8, 2010 February 19, 2010 February 26, 2010 June - August 2010 Fall June 7, 2010 June 11, 2010 June 14, 2010 August - Sept. 2010 Winter July 19, 2010 July 23, 2010 July 26, 2010 Oct - December 2010 Celebrating its 35th year in 2010, The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals, and to research about their health and diseases. Volunteers and staff have treated more than 15,700 California sea lions, elephant seals, porpoises, and other marine life. The Center uniquely combines its rehabilitation program with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation. For more information, please visit our website at www.marinemammalcenter.org. The Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 2323 bytes Desc: image003.jpg URL: From scheinin at 013.net Mon Jan 25 12:07:33 2010 From: scheinin at 013.net (scheinin) Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:07:33 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] PhD Thesis on the Israeli bottlenose dolphins and their interaction with bottom trawlers Message-ID: <010801ca9dfa$0825a4b0$1870ee10$@net.il> Dear MARMAM members, This PhD Thesis was recently submitted and accepted by the University of Haifa, Israel. Title: The Population of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), Bottom Trawl Catch Trends and the Interaction between the Two along the Mediterranean Continental Shelf of Israel. For any pdf copies please do not hesitate to contact me at scheinin at 013.net.il Aviad Abstract General Introduction The present research assesses the relationship between two top predators in the marine food web, the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (hereafter CBD), and the bottom-trawl fleet, the main marine fishing industry in Israel, in the framework of the complex relationship between mankind and the sea. Free-ranging, coastal communities of CBD have provided prime research opportunities in the field of cetacean social ecology at several marine localities around the world. Several longitudinal studies of this type have been conducted in the central Mediterranean Basin, notably in the Adriatic and the Ionian seas but none in its easternmost reach, the Levantine Basin. The biological resources in this basin are limited since the level of primary production is low and accordingly the supported food web. The setting where these two top predators are exploiting the same benthic niche in an ultra-oligotrophic body of water sets the scene for competition for limited resources. Competition may first be assessed indirectly by conducting social behavioral research on the CBD population, with emphasis on the relationship with the bottom trawlers. This kind of data may be complemented by following the fish catch trends, particularly whether there is evidence of over-fishing. Then, the question of alleged fisheries/CBD competition could be addressed more directly by comparing features of the CBD diet and the bottom trawl catch. A straightforward comparison could be made between the composition of stomach contents of stranded carcasses and by-caught animals and that of the catch, or inferences may be made by performing stable isotope analysis on CBD tissue and on the tissues of its potential prey. General attributes of the diet of dolphins are reflected through the stable isotope composition of their body carbon and nitrogen: ?13C and ?15N values, respectively. The nitrogen stable isotopic composition (d15N) of tissues provides a powerful tool for determination of the trophic relationships among organisms and the trophic position within the food-web. The carbon isotope (d13C) is useful to the study of diet through its use as a tracer of sources of primary productivity and thus the feeding niche. Primary producers vary in their isotopic C signatures according to their origin (e.g., terrestrial versus aquatic, benthic versus neritic). Aims The first aim of this research was to reveal the different ecological aspects of the local CBD population. Then, following the primary assumption of competition between bottom trawl fishery and the local CBD population, it was important to determine whether the bottom trawl fishery was over-utilizing the benthic habitat. Finally, CBD diet-based methodologies and analysis of the composition and trophic level of the fish catch were employed in order to explore the existence and the degree of competition. Common Bottlenose Dolphin Population. Materials and Methods The source of information was based on half-day dedicated coastal surveys which took place sporadically between 1998 -2002 and systematically from 2003 to 2007., Navigational and weather condition data were collected throughout the surveys and within the sighting, group size and composition as well as behavioral and photo-identification materials were recorded. Results and conclusions A total of 232 surveys were performed between 1998 and 2007, covering over 3,000 km of trackline, along the central Israeli coastline. CBD was the only species sighted. The overall encounter rate increased significantly when searching around bottom trawlers . The coastal CBD population prefers depths >40m; the bottom trawl fleet works mostly between the 35-55 m depth contours. Most births occur during the warm months. Mean group size was 5.7 ? 6.9, significantly larger in spring (7.5) than in summer (3.4).The Sighting frequency was independent of season, suggesting a year-round and year to year stability of population size in the study area, estimated at 360 individuals. As for composition, there appears to be a small resident nucleus in the study area, of around 20 animals out of 155 individually identified animals. The cumulative discovery curve is still steadily increasing, suggesting an 'open' population. Sighted groups were mainly engaged in foraging behavior, series of long dives interrupted by short periods of ventilation at the surface, either while following bottom trawlers or without much horizontal movement. Of 23 dolphins sighted four times or more, all were observed at least once foraging behind a bottom trawler, suggesting behavior common to all members of the resident population, rather than a specialty of some members, as described in other parts of the world. Bottom Trawl Fishery Materials and methods Sources of information for assessing the bottom-trawl fishery effort and catch trends were the annual reports by the Israeli Department of Fisheries for the years 1949-2006. The author was involved in the collection of data for the annual publications of 2004-2006. Results and conclusions Fishing effort showed an overall increasing trend from 1949-2006, with a transient decrease in the sixties. Effort is not the sole determinant of the catch, fishing efficiency is another. New technologies such as radar, sonar, satellite navigation tools (GPS) have been introduced to enhance the efficiency and these had kept on improving during the six decades of data collection. Also, stronger engines and propeller nozzles improved the towing capabilities of the boats, and new fishing nets with larger vertical opening and better rigging had been introduced. When analyzing the time-trend of the overall annual fished biomass (catch) in units of kg per one fishing day per boat (Catch per Unit Effort - CPUE), the effect of the increased efficiency does not become evident and should be kept in mind. Until the mid fifties, the CPUE showed a significant increase and since then, the trend has reversed. The data from the fifties also shows that CPUE was effort-independent, suggesting that fish abundance did not set catch limits, thus allowing an increase of the fleet without affecting CPUE. In the sixties, seventies and the beginning of the eighties, effort and CPUE were constant, suggesting a possible equilibrium between the fishery and the fish stock. This, however, could have been only a fictitious stability, with improvement of technology and use of new fishing grounds (e.g. north Sinai) compensating for over-fishing and dwindling stocks. In the late eighties and the nineties, the effort had increased significantly over that of the sixties to mid eighties, but the CPUE had decreased. Mullidae (goatfish) is a bottom-dwelling fish family, which had been a major target family for the local bottom trawl fishery during these years .The graph of CPUE against time for the Mullidae shows a decreasing trend, very similar to that of the overall catch. The decreasing time-trend was demonstrated for most bottom-dwelling commercial fish families. Penaeidae (shrimps), currently the second most important family in the gross income of the bottom trawl catch, shows an increasing time-trend of the CPUE. This might be a case of disturbance-tolerant species, for which bottom trawling creates new habitats, while their relatively short life cycle enables them to recruit in the face of growing fishing effort. Fishing down the marine food web is a worldwide phenomenon in which the composition of the catch is shifted away from predators (high trophic level) to plankton-eaters (low trophic level); a basic assessment for the Israeli bottom trawl fishery catch data suggests a similar trend, even though there is a significant increase with time of the high trophic level catch. The latter could be the result of increases in the CPUE of high trophic level families, such as the Sphyraenidae. One explanation for this increase is the higher vertical opening of the nets and the stronger engines which have enabled the fishers to improve their catch on this semi-pelagic fast swimming species. Another reason may be the regional proliferation of the Lessepsian migrant, Sphyraena chrysotaenia, which did not oust the local species, but has become an important component of the catch. Comparing CBD Diet to Bottom-Trawl Catch Materials and methods The data-base included carcasses of beached and/or by-caught CBD, 7-8 such cases are available annually, on average. Twenty three animals had stomach contents which were pooled for the comparison to the bottom trawl catch. Muscle samples of CBD and of commercial fish and invertebrates were analyzed for stable isotopes (d15N and ?13C). Results and conclusions The diet of CBD along the Israeli coastline was mainly composed of fish; cephalopod prey was less important and shrimps remains were not found. These findings matched results from the Western Mediterranean Sea. The estimated annual food consumption of the local CBD population was found to be very similar to the annual bottom trawl catch, setting the ground for potential competition. Yet, when comparing the proportion of different fish families in the CBD stomach contents to the local trawl-fishery catch, Sparidae (sea breams) was the only family showing equal frequencies between the potential competitors. Most members of this family have a relatively low commercial value. Also, the most prevalent prey item of CBD was the Balearic conger Ariosoma balearicum, a non-commercially important fish. The overall comparison suggests that the local CBD population and the local bottom-trawl fishery fleet do not target the same items and as such, are not in direct competition. The stable isotope analysis has shown a similar trend. When subtracting the estimated trophic enrichment factor from the ?15N value of the CBD, the resulting ?15N value turns out to be lower than that of most commercial species, again suggesting that the local CBD population and the local bottom trawl fishery fleet are actually exploiting different levels of the food-web. General Discussion The CBD occurs in a wide variety of habitats worldwide. The existence of several populations in near-shore areas, where they are relatively easily accessible for researchers, makes the CBD the best-studied cetacean. However, there are a limited number of long term researches on CBD in the Mediterranean Sea. This dissertation is the first step in establishing a long-term study on the CBD in the easternmost Mediterranean Sea - a population living in ultra oligotrophic waters, and showing a perturbing dependence on the local bottom-trawl fleet. On the one hand, the CBD obtains an easy meal from the bottom trawl net; on the other hand, over-exploitation of the benthic resources harms the CBD directly and indirectly, and by-catch in the trawl-net is a major cause of death to the local population. Is the practice of foraging around and inside the net just a manifestation of an intelligent predator taking advantage of an easily accessible source of food or is the population motivated by a necessity arising from the scarcity of food in its natural marine environment? Their intelligence is uncontested; their ability to adapt is well documented as well. Therefore it is reasonable to believe that they have learned to consume these easy meals. However, some facts, emerging from the present research, hint at nutritional stress. The local CBD population forages most of the day, similarly to a population studied in the Adriatic Sea, were food limitation was suggested, and unlike CBD populations studied in the UK, USA and Australia. Skinny dolphins are frequently observed in the study area. This is seemingly mainly related to the lesser insulatory demands during the warm period, with a resultant decrease in blubber thickness to allow cooling of the body. However, judged by lower catch rates during the warm period, the contribution of nutritional stress, accentuating the thermoregulatory effect, cannot be ruled out. __________________________________________________________________ Aviad Scheinin, Ph.D scheinin at 013.net.il http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/ Chairman, IMMRAC - Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center Home address: Tirat Shalom, P.B. 1356, Nes-Ziona 74052, Israel Tel 972-8-9406584 Mobile 052-3571193 __________________________________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From melillok at hotmail.com Mon Jan 25 07:49:32 2010 From: melillok at hotmail.com (Kelly Melillo) Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:49:32 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Last Call: Summer 2010 Dolphin Research Internship Openings Message-ID: Applications for our summer internship program are due 1 February 2009! Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2010 Connecticut, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2010. These internships have both field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 8-12 weeks. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. As a team, DCP research scientists study four groups of dolphins in three countries. Interns are needed at our Bimini, Bahamas research site, where we study Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: ? Travel to and assist for 3-4 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning mid-July) ? Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs, underwater video) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions ? Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data analysis tasks ? Assist with on-board and outreach education At the office: ? Travel to and assist office staff for 4-6 weeks at our Connecticut office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning ~1 June) ? Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, conducting detailed focal follows from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds ? Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both at the office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Connecticut. There is a $1,000.00 fee which will cover expenses in the field, including room and partial board. Room, board and transportation while in Connecticut are the responsibility of the intern, although assistance in securing this may be available. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://tinyurl.com/DCPinternship. Interested applications should read this page thoroughly before applying. Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kmelillo at dolphincommunicationproject.org. Applications are due 1 February 2009. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (in-person or via telephone) may be arranged for selected candidates. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo at kmelillo at dolphincommunicationproject.org. Thank you, Kelly Melillo Research Associate, Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org www.thedolphinpod.com ----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=46) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., W?rsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Paulos, R.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Kuczaj, S.A. 2008. The role of touch in select social interactions of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Ethology 26: 153-164. Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. W?rsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Ribic, C.A., Kuczaj, S.A. 2009. A comparison of pectoral fin contact between two different wild dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 80:182-190 Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From david at deafwhale.com Mon Jan 25 19:43:12 2010 From: david at deafwhale.com (david+deafwhale.com) Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:43:12 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] recent pilot whale stranding in New Zealand Message-ID: <4B5E64D0.2040401@deafwhale.com> Dear Marman List Members; The results of Deafwhale Society's investigation into the cause of the pilot whale mass beaching on Bank Peninsular can be found at: http://www.deafwhale.com/stranded_whale/2010/23jan_60pilotwhales_nz.htm From angie at dolphincare.org Tue Jan 26 06:38:33 2010 From: angie at dolphincare.org (Angie Gullan DCA) Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:38:33 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Fwd: Ponta Partial Marine Area References: <1AA3CED2-F5C4-4E3E-A564-7BB59155145A@dolphincare.org> Message-ID: <39D8FF80-58BC-4D99-9E72-C82774EEFDD8@dolphincare.org> >> >>> >>> Dear MARMAMers >> >>> The Management Plan for the Ponta Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR), >>> Mozambique is available for perusal at http://www.docstoc.com/docs/23472760/PPMR-Mozambique >>> >>> The document contains the marine component of the extensive >>> management plan that was developed for the Maputo Special Reserve >>> in Mozambique. This plan was presented and distributed to >>> stakeholders in December 2009, following many months work. With >>> our field of work being directly related to marine mammal tourism, >>> we will see restrictions on how many boats are allowed to >>> undertake dolphin swims in the area, as well as whale watching >>> trips during the annual humpback and southern right whale >>> migrations. This, coupled with restrictions on jetskis and >>> recreational boats 'visiting' the dolphins will certainly limit >>> the amount of tourism pressure the animals are currently facing. >>> For this, we are very thankful as we have seen increasing pressure >>> on the marine life in the area since tourism has increased. It is >>> with this in mind that we would like to share with you and request >>> advice in this field. >>> The managemnt plan was compliled by a team of experts, >>> together with the collaboration of the Ministry of Tourism >>> (MITUR) and the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) advisory team. The >>> first draft format and style was adopted from the managed MPAs >>> within the western cape province of South Africa. >>> Stakeholders have had the opportunity to comment on this document. >>> We have submitted the following comments, which can be referenced >>> to the page numbers on the plan. >>> Page 13 3.1.1 Ponta Techobanine Port Development The construction and development of the Port would only cause major destruction to the area. It is unthinkable that this is even a possibly especially given that it sits within the MSR. Sorry to say but this is ludicrous and should absolutely NOT be passed. It goes against the values and longterm vision of the PPMR. Page 15 3.1.5 Dolphin and whale viewing Please note the spelling of Dolphin Encounters should be Dolphin EnCOuntours. Page 20 3.2.4.1 Scientific Research and Monitoring With this being a key component to the PPMR it is suggested that an operators/skippers log book be issued whereby skippers of both fishing concessions and scuba diving concessions can record the sightings of various key species ie: sharks (whales sharks, tigers, Zambezi?s, great whites etc) as well as various marine mammals species. This would give the PPMR a greater scope/area to work with. Page 22 3.2.4.1 Policy Clarity is needed on whether the institute/operator would draw up the memorandum of understanding or would this be done by the PPMR steering committee. Research Conducted to Date Research on marine mammals and whale sharks has been undertaken prior to the proclamation of the PPMR Page 22 Signage and Brochures as Resource for Creating Awareness Welcome to Mozambique ?Conservation code of Conduct? has been developed in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, Dolphin EnCOuntours; PPF and Turtle Working Group. These are important in educating tourists regarding the special species likely to be encountered and how one should behave when encountering such species. It is suggested that a dedicated marine mammal awareness campaign be implemented with signboards and brochures ensuring ocean users are made aware of the species inhabiting the coastal zone. Page 26 3.2.4.3 Compliance Suggest a hotline number (probably a cell number) being clearly displayed on all signage and brochures, where a member of the community can call or text message in to report non-compliance and illegal activities to the relevant enforcement agency. This is vital as the area is too large to have eyes on the ground all the time. Community involvement is crucial and will empower the community to protect and work towards preserving the PPMR. Page 34 Description of income revenues Dive taxes There are currently no taxes for marine mammal tourism activities. Page 42 3.3.2.5 Multiple Use Zone Q. What will the PPMR's regulations on how many fishing Jet skis would be allowed to launch from Ponta Do Ouro and any other launch sites? Page 52 Article 4 Marine Mammal Tourism should be included as a specific activity Page 54 Appendix 2: Divers Code of Conduct Diving 11: Divers are not permitted to wear gloves (an option should not be given) 17:Report environmental disturbance or destruction of your dive sites to PPMR (not Cape Nature) ADDITIONAL SUGGESTION: suckers/sweets with wrappers are not permitted on dives. Page 56 Appendix 3: Dolphin, whale and whale shark code of conduct 5. Avoid mother calf units. Do not enter into the water with newborns/ calves unless for research purpose. Justification: much information can be obtained by entering into the water for monitoring purposes ie: the presence of shark bites and parasites on newborns as noted in the past. Page 57 Appendix 4: Fishers code of conduct for the PPMR Suggest the inclusion of the following in the formal code of conduct The targeting of all shark species in prohibited The dumping of used/unused bait is prohibited within the bays or close to bathing areas as this is likely to attract sharks. Fisherman are to be sure they do not discard bait wrappers and tackle at sea. Lines should be pulled in when in the vicinity of marine mammals. There is no mention of bill fish targeting or size limits of species. Page 69 2.5.1 Scuba Area Regulations How many boats are allowed per concession? How many divers are allowed per boat? How many dive groups are allowed per reef at any one stage? How many additional boats will a dive concession be able to deploy during peak seasons? The permit holder should submit to the management authority the previous months data on the ?monthly data return sheet? together with a key species sighting log Page 70 2.5.2 Dolphin, whale shark and whale watching areas The limits suggested in the management plan do not correlate with page 42?s suggestion of one operator per 20km. Past experience indicates that more than one operator increases stress levels within the local dolphin population and this has now been confirmed with a drop in good quality swims and dolphins spending more time on the move. One operator per 20km area will ensure a sustainable, low impact dolphin swim experience if done in the correct manner. Concession holders should commit to a memorandum of understanding with the PPMR thus ensuring good, baseline data is collected and that minimal stress is caused when working with marine mammals. Suggestion: Ponta do Ouro (1) Ponta Mamoli (1) Ponta Dobela (1) Santa Maria (1) Inhaca (1) It is suggested that the Dolphin EnCOuntour/Care-Africa swim with code of conduct be adopted by all concession holders undertaking dolphin swims. This code of conduct has been developed in conjunction with Angie Gullan and Dr Almeida Guissamulo (Natural History Museum Maputo) in effort to minimize any undue stress on dolphins wile interacting with them while in the open sea. Clarity is requested on: ? Whether or not it is permitted to swim with whales (ie: humpback whales) ? Will the opportunistic swimming with dolphins be allowed from dive boats Ie: if dolphins are come across when on route to a scuba dive are the divers permitted to get into the water and swim with them ? Number of boats allowed per operator. It would defeat the purpose of limiting the number of operators if a single operator was allowed more than 1 boat per launch. A grey area exists between snorkeling trips/marine/ocean safari?s that offer snorkeling over shallow reefs, in the past it has been noted that this activity although sold as a snorkeling trip is actually a dolphin swim trip and causes much stress on dolphins and there is no formal code of conduct and swim briefing given. It is suggested that NO entry with dolphins/whales in permitted unless through the registered dolphin swim concession within the area. It is necessary to police this closely. Page 71 2.8. Fishing There is no mention on how many commercial fishing charters are allowed per area. It is important that this is minimized. It is also important to mention that no person shall attempt to operate a tourist/commercial fishing charter within the PPMR except on the authority of a permit. Currently there are ?pirate? operators doing fishing charters and selling their catches off in town. This needs to be addressed. OTHER Operator Agreement: It is critical for all operators to sign an agreement under the codes of conduct overseen by the PPMR to only offer and perform the activities that they are licensed to offer. In other words, Scuba Operations should not offer dolphin or whale watching, nor should they take advantage of opportunistic swims if they come across a pod of dolphins. Dolphin Operations should not offer Scuba diving and so on. Life Guard Program: The Life Guard program should be re-instated and managed by the PPMR to protect and ensure that the values of the PPMR are upheld. This will make sure that the people in the bathing areas, snorkelers, divers and fisherman are following the rules and regulations. This way the marine life and values of the PPMR will be upheld. The life guards should have the full weight of the law behind them as they will offer a good form of visible policing in busy areas, such as Ponta Do Ouro, and become a deterrent to law breakers. Firecrackers - Should be prohibited within the PPMR unless arranged professionally for special occasions ie: new years. Drinking ? The consumption of alcohol should not be permitted within the launch site or while at sea or prior to launching. >>> >>> >>> Your feedback and input regarding this would be much appreciated. >>> Please send any feedback to angie at dolphincare.org >> >> >>> Angie Gullan >>> DolphinCare~Africa >>> www.dolphincare.org >>> Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique >>> +0025 884 330 3859 >> >> >> > >> >>> >>> >>> A >>> Memorandum >>> of >>> Understanding >>> exists >>> between >>> the >>> Natural >>> History >>> Museum >>> of >>> the >>> University >>> Eduardo >>> Mondlane >>> >>> & >>> Cetacea >>> Charters >>> Lda >>> t/a >>> Dolphin >>> EnCOuntours >>> / >>> Care Africa. >>> The >>> purpose >>> of >>> the >>> MOU >>> is >>> a >>> collaborated >>> effort >>> in >>> education >>> & >>> research >>> with >>> the >>> intention >>> of >>> increasing >>> the >>> understanding >>> of >>> the >>> ecology >>> of >>> marine >>> mammals >>> together >>> with >>> the >>> monitoring >>> of >>> tourism >>> impacts >>> in >>> Mozambique. Africa's >>> pioneer >>> dolphin >>> interaction >>> & >>> research >>> center >>> is >>> situated >>> on >>> the >>> southern >>> most >>> shores >>> of >>> Mozambique. Under >>> the >>> guidance >>> of >>> marine >>> mammal >>> experts, >>> Dolphin >>> EnCOuntours >>> established >>> Africa's >>> first >>> dolphin >>> swim >>> program >>> during >>> the >>> early >>> 90?s >>> in >>> Ponta >>> do >>> Ouro. >>> This >>> has >>> resulted >>> in >>> ?awareness >>> & >>> research? >>> based >>> dolphin >>> tourism >>> that >>> delicately >>> balances >>> humanities >>> fascination >>> with >>> dolphins >>> while >>> fulfilling >>> the >>> needs >>> of >>> educating, >>> conserving >>> and >>> researching. >>> Having >>> initially >>> started >>> as >>> a >>> pilot >>> study >>> in >>> the >>> early >>> ?90?s >>> the >>> program >>> has >>> been >>> instrumental >>> in >>> working >>> towards >>> the >>> protection >>> of >>> both >>> resident >>> and >>> migratory >>> cetacean >>> species. >>> >>> >>> Please consider the environment before printing this email >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: de and dca 0209 mail 4.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 16585 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Yulia.Ivashchenko at noaa.gov Tue Jan 26 13:08:56 2010 From: Yulia.Ivashchenko at noaa.gov (Yulia.Ivashchenko at noaa.gov) Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:08:56 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper: Okhotsk Sea bowhead whales Message-ID: <1660418ff9.18ff916604@noaa.gov> The following review paper was just published: Ivashchenko, Y.V. & Clapham, P.J. 2010. Bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, in the Okhotsk Sea. Mammal Review 40: 65-89. ABSTRACT 1. Little is known about the endangered population of bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, in the Okhotsk Sea (OS). Here, we review existing information about this stock, including much material published in Russian. 2. Whaling for OS bowheads began around 1846, was pursued intensively for two decades, and continued sporadically until about 1913. Beginning in 1967, whalers from the USSR killed bowheads illegally, although the number of whales taken remains unknown. Estimates of the pre-exploitation population size have ranged from 3,000 to 20,000 whales, but all such estimates are based upon untested assumptions and incomplete data. 3. Information on historical and current distribution of bowheads comes from whaling records (notably Townsend 1935) and from modern (notably Russian/Soviet) marine mammal surveys. Little is known about winter distribution. In spring and summer, known bowhead concentrations occur in Shelikhov Bay and at Shantar. Although historical whaling data show bowheads in Shelikhov Bay in summer and early autumn, recent sightings there have not been later than June. However, extensive 19th century catches were made over much of the northern OS, and the present range and habitat use of the population is probably broader than existing data suggest. There is equivocal evidence for age or maturational class segregation between Shantar and Shelikhov Bay; the former hosts immature whales and lactating females, and the latter hosts adults. 4. Genetic data indicate that the OS bowhead stock is separate from the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort population, but that the two populations share a common ancestry. There is no evidence that bowheads ever leave the OS. 5. Russian observers have put the current size of the OS stock in the low hundreds, but this is not based on quantitative analysis. Overall, the OS bowhead population is very likely to be relatively small; it did not recover from intensive whaling in the 19th century, and the illegal Soviet catches of the 1960s have further set back its recovery. Dedicated surveys and other research are required to assess the status and conservation needs of the population. Reprints are available from Wiley Interscience: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118520793/home Or from: yulia.ivashchenko at noaa.gov Yulia Ivashchenko National Marine Mammal Laboratory Seattle, WA, USA From cynthia at californiawildlifecenter.org Tue Jan 26 11:38:05 2010 From: cynthia at californiawildlifecenter.org (Cynthia Reyes) Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:38:05 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Stranding Response Internship - Malibu, CA Message-ID: <8C92F385931147C6BFCD7F28580BFE2D@CReyes> MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING RESPONSE INTERNSHIP ? Spring & Summer 2010 The California Wildlife Center in Malibu, California, seeks applicants for spring and summer internships working with stranded marine mammals. ? These are part time 8-week internship positions beginning March 15th (Spring session) and May 15th (Summer session). There is some flexibility of start dates. These internship positions are unpaid. Summary/Program Description: The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital. This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal field, while also allowing for additional hands-on experience with other native California wildlife. The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff in all aspects of stranding response, including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint, transport to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility, and public relations. In addition, interns will provide support to CWC Hospital staff in animal husbandry tasks for avian and terrestrial wildlife. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply. ?If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Spring internships are 3 days a week, minimum 24 hours per week for 8 weeks. Summer internships are 4 days a week, minimum 32 hours per week for 8 weeks. Due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal stranding response, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. ? Interns must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. ?Interns will be required to have good physical strength and the ability to lift/carry 50 lbs. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment. ?Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Applicant must demonstrate proof of negative TB test within the past year and a current tetanus vaccination. Under supervision of Marine Mammal staff, duties will include: * Answering and responding to all calls, pages and messages concerning marine mammals in a timely and courteous manner * Assessing stranded marine mammals * Coordinating and leading responder team in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals needing medical attention * Coordinating transport of stranded marine mammals to the rehabilitation facility * Completion of NMFS Level A data sheets. Maintaining detailed database records of Malibu strandings, including reports of stranding, human interaction issues, etc. * Assist with marine mammal necropsy and sample collection * Ensuring marine mammal-designated equipment is kept in clean working order * Maintaining good rapport with representatives of various public agencies Housing/Transportation: Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. Must have own transportation and current drivers license. Very limited on-sire housing is available (i.e., up to 2 individuals at a time). All individuals selected for on-site housing, regardless of Session, will be required to complete 40 hours/week. Application Process: Interested individuals must send the following: * Letter of intent * Resume * Two letters of reference Your letter of intent must state the Session you are applying for and detail interests, experience, housing accommodations and availability. Submit the above items via regular mail or email (preferred) to: California Wildlife Center Attn: Cynthia Reyes P.O. Box 2022 Malibu, California 90265 Email: Cynthia at californiawildlifecenter.org If you would like to find out more about our Organization, please visit our website at http://www.californiawildlifecenter.org From info at cbmwc.org Wed Jan 27 07:01:50 2010 From: info at cbmwc.org (CBMWC) Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:01:50 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Voluntary Assistant Photo-ID Catalogue Officer needed, Wales, UK Message-ID: <98BC7523C49041EDA1AABFA95A943051@CBMWCLT1> The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (New Quay, West Wales, UK) is seeking a Voluntary Assistant Photo-ID Catalogue Officer for the 2010 field season. The primary purpose of our ongoing research, supported by Environment Wales and the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, is to monitor the marine mammal populations found within Cardigan Bay?s Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and beyond. Using non-invasive photo-identification techniques, we are endeavouring to establish the size and health of the population as well as reproductive and survival rates. We need a committed volunteer to work at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre between April and October 2010. Post description: ? Main responsibility will be to assist with the cataloguing of the bottlenose dolphin photographs for the photo-ID purposes of the CBMWC, including matching individuals to previous year?s images. ? Giving talks on the photo-identification work conducted at the CBMWC to interested parties. ? Co-ordinate and organise other volunteers participating with the photo-ID work at CBMWC, to tie in with the daily rota. ? Be responsible for training new volunteers in the analysis of photo-ID images, transferring images from memory cards to the Photo-ID computer and ensuring that all images are stored in the correct folders on the computer, e.g. week, date and trip folder and encounter folder if there is more than one per trip. ? Production of up to date procedures for all aspects of the photo-ID work in order that other volunteers can use them in order to complete any photo-ID tasks required of them. ? Ensure that all 2010 images and data are backed up on a regular basis throughout the season (external hard drive, DVDs or CDs) so that there is more than one copy in existence in case of computer failure. ? At the end of the 2010 season help to compile a photo-ID catalogue that includes images from 2009 and 2010 and information and data on what, where and when animals were seen. There will also be the opportunity to assist with the boat and land-based dolphin surveys and help in the Visitor's Centre. Desired skills and qualifications: ? Fluency in English (essential) ? IT skills ? Able to work well in a small team and independently without supervision ? Willingness to work in a conscientious, responsible and reliable manner ? Enthusiastic and hard working ? An interest in wildlife and conservation ? Experience working with the public, and public speaking would be useful ? An interest and knowledge of British cetaceans would be an advantage ? A background in biology, particularly marine biology/environmental science would be useful ? Excellent verbal and written communication skills Time commitment: The Voluntary Assistant Photo-ID Officer role requires a commitment of at least four months, including July to October. Preferably you would be able to commit for the entire field season April-October. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part time basis are also welcome to apply. Accommodation and expense arrangements: Basic, shared accommodation can be arranged for approximately ?55 per week. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. About the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (Est.1996): The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting public awareness of the marine species, habitats and conservation of the marine wildlife in Cardigan Bay through research and education. The group is affiliated to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and supported by Environment Wales. The centre is in the heart of New Quay overlooking the beautiful beach and harbour. It is used as a base for our research and also includes our Visitor Centre. Further information: Contact Laura on 01545 560032 or volunteer at cbmwc.org Visit our website www.cbmwc.org How to apply: Please contact us by e-mail volunteer at cbmwc.org to request an application form and further details. Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion Wales, SA45 9PS __________________________________________________________________ Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560032 E-bost/E-mail: info at cbmwc.org Website: www.cbmwc.org www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a Marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's Marine Wildlife through education, interpretation and research. Cynorthwyo i gadw Bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Aberteifi trwy addysg as ymchwil. __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are soley for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jeff at siphonophore.com Wed Jan 27 13:24:48 2010 From: jeff at siphonophore.com (Jeff Reynolds) Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:24:48 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Petersburg Marine Mammal Center Summer 2010 Internships In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Petersburg Marine Mammal Center Internship Opportunity - 2010 Located in Petersburg, Alaska?s Little Norway, this project takes place on Mitkof Island in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Petersburg is also known as the Whale Research Capital of Alaska because of the many world-renown marine mammal researchers who use Petersburg as a base of operation. PMMC is a non-profit organization formed in 1998 to ?assist research efforts and be a depository for information on research and sightings of marine mammals in Southeast Alaska?. We have a small center located in the Viking Travel Building which is on Main Street in downtown Petersburg. The center is manned by interns during the summer months and the Board of Directors carries out the functions of PMMC year-round. This intern program allows students the opportunity to earn college credit while learning about marine mammals and serving the public. Individuals not in a college program, but with a strong interest and good background in marine mammals are also invited to participate by showing strong professional or life goals with marine mammal interpretation. Indoor exhibits, including an interactive computer kiosk, focus on marine mammal life history and distribution. Two interns will be working at the Center staggered shifts for six days out a week where the work includes, but is not limited to: ? Staff the Center during open hours. Manage operations, sales and petty cash. ? Interpret Alaska marine mammal information for Center visitors and public. ? Assist and help coordinate where possible with researchers using center. ? Prepare/deliver Alaska marine mammal presentations to visitors and small groups. ? Facilitate community outreach and public education of Alaska marine mammals. Project Duration Two 8-10 week Intern positions are available beginning mid-June through August 31st. Accommodation The volunteer will be accommodated in Forest Service housing near the center of town, making it easy to access to the community and to the Center. The room is shared so both interns must be of the same gender. Internship Requirements ? must be in an internship program through an accredited university or demonstrate a strong interest and background in marine mammals ? physically fit ? desire to gain skills in the environmental education field ? interested in working with visitors ? possess an interest in working on small projects for the Center ? possess a positive attitude! Compensation This is currently an uncompensated internship (other than the housing provided). Application Process and Deadline To apply please download a PDF application from our website (http://psgmmc.org ) Applications deadline is February 28th, 2010 and successful applicant(s) will be notified by March 15th, 2010. Jeff Reynolds jeff at psgmmc.org From sandra at veidimal.is Thu Jan 28 03:53:31 2010 From: sandra at veidimal.is (Sandra Granquist) Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:53:31 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] We are looking for research assistants for Seal Research in Iceland Message-ID: <003f01caa010$83328ed0$8997ac70$@is> Hello, I would like to post this message on your post list. Please let me know if there is any problems and that you are able to post this message! Best regards Sandra Granquist Assistant for Seal Research in Iceland The Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi, North West Iceland and the Institute of Freshwater Fisheries are looking for research assistants for the summer of 2010. The work will consist of assisting in research on ecology and ethology of seals. It is necessary that the applicant in concern has a driver's license and preferably has finished at least a B.Sc degree in biology. For further information, please contact Sandra Granquist on sandra at veidimal.is You are also welcome to visit www.selasetur.is andwww.veidimal.is -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Karen.Evans at csiro.au Fri Jan 29 17:59:52 2010 From: Karen.Evans at csiro.au (Karen.Evans at csiro.au) Date: Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:59:52 +1100 Subject: [MARMAM] proposals for workshops associated with Bio-logging IV now open Message-ID: Dear all, The Steering Committee of the Fourth International Science Symposium on Bio-logging is inviting proposals for workshops to be held in association with the conference which is to be held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, March 14-18 2011. Associated workshops should be aimed at increasing the level of scientific discussion across the bio-logging community, interactions with international experts and to encourage participation by early career scientists. If you are interested in submitting a proposal for an associated workshop please email us at bio-loggingIV at csiro.au to obtain a proposal form. Proposals will need to clearly state: (i) the relevance of the workshop to Bio-logging IV (ii) the need within the bio-logging community for the workshop (iii) the workshops objectives, intended outcomes and outputs (iv) proposed dates for the workshop (v) the resources required (vi) funds available to support the workshop Proposal forms and information for workshop conveners will also be made available on our website http://www.cmar.csiro.au/biologging4/ shortly. We look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing you in Tasmania in 2011. Dr. Karen Evans On behalf of the Steering Committee and Organising Committee for Bio-logging IV From kmoore at ifaw.org Fri Jan 29 07:47:22 2010 From: kmoore at ifaw.org (Touhey Moore, Katie) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:47:22 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication Message-ID: <7AB298A393D1434A864AF86B777C1F2F04259022@hq00sm01.ifaw.net> Dear colleagues, The authors would like to share the following recently published article: Bogomolni AB, Pugliares KP, Sharp SM, Patchett K, Harry CT, LaRocque JM, Touhey KM, Moore M (2010) Mortality trends of stranded marine mammals on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts, USA, 2000 to 2006. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 88: 143-155. ABSTRACT: To understand the cause of death of 405 marine mammals stranded on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts between 2000 and 2006, a system for coding final diagnosis was developed and categorized as (1) disease, (2) human interaction, (3) mass stranded with no significant findings,(4) single-stranded with no significant findings, (5) rock and/or sand ingestion, (6) predatory attack, (7) failure to thrive or dependent calf or pup, or (8) other. The cause of death for 91 animals could not be determined. For the 314 animals that could be assigned a cause of death, gross and histological pathology results and ancillary testing indicated that disease was the leading cause of mortality in the region, affecting 116/314 (37%) of cases. Human interaction, including harassment, entanglement, and vessel collision, fatally affected 31/314 (10%) of all animals. Human interaction accounted for 13/29 (45%) of all determined gray seal Halichoerus grypus mortalities. Mass strandings were most likely to occur in northeastern Cape Cod Bay; 97/106 (92%) of mass stranded animals necropsied presented with no significant pathological findings. Mass strandings were the leading cause of death in 3 of the 4 small cetacean species: 46/67 (69%) of Atlantic white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus, 15/21 (71%) of long-finned pilot whale Globicephala melas, and 33/54(61%) of short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis. These baseline data are critical for understanding marine mammal population health and mortality trends, which in turn have significant conservation and management implications. They not only afford a better retrospective analysis of strandings, but ultimately have application for improving current and future response to live animal stranding. Please note that the full article is available open access at the following link: http://www.int-res.com/articles/dao_oa/d088p143.pdf (thus there is no need to request a PDF or reprint). The individual case data are also available open access at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/suppl/d088p143_app.pdf Kind regards, Katie Moore Katie (Touhey) Moore Manager Marine Mammal Rescue & Research International Fund for Animal Welfare 290 Summer Street Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 508.744.2276 (office) 508-744-2099 (fax) 508.743-9548 (Emergency Stranding Hotline, 24 hrs.) kmoore at ifaw.org www.capecodstranding.net --------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. This transmission is intended only for use by the addressee (s) named herein and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential and/or legally privileged. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From martina.duras at vz.htnet.hr Fri Jan 29 02:44:53 2010 From: martina.duras at vz.htnet.hr (Martina Duras Gomercic) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:44:53 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] new paper on dolphin toxicology Message-ID: <4B62BC25.1090606@vz.htnet.hr> Dear colleagues, The following paper has been published: J. Pompe-Gotal, E. Srebocan, H. Gomercic, A. Prevendar Crnic (2009): Mercury concentrations in the tissues of bottlenose dolphins (/Tursiops truncatus/) and striped dolphins (/Stenella coeruloalba/) stranded on the Croatian Adriatic coast. Veterinarni Medicina 54: 598-604. ABSTRACT: The concentrations of total mercury in muscle (17 samples), liver (16 samples) and kidney tissues (16 samples) of both bottlenose /(Tursiops truncatus) /and striped dolphins /(Stenella coeruloalba) /were analyzed by cold vapour atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy. The dolphins were found dead at different locations along the east Adriatic over a 10-year period starting in 1990. In this study, the magnitude of mercury contamination of dolphins which are indicators of contamination of the Adriatic as well as the Mediterranean Sea was determined. Our results represent the first investigation of heavy metal concentrations in dolphins sampled along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Total mercury levels were high, ranging from 1.51 to 136.7 mg/kg in muscle, from 2.04 to 143.1 in kidney and from 10.35 to 1 833 mg/kg in liver tissues (expressed as wet weight). These results were examined for differences based upon age and tissue type. A high correlation was observed between total mercury concentration and age, and adult dolphins (10 samples) contained statistically significant higher concentrations of mercury compared to juvenile (seven samples) dolphins. Mercury concentrations were generally the highest in liver tissue. The presence of high mercury levels in dolphins is attributed to natural as well as anthropogenic sources. You can download the paper at: http://vri.cz/docs/vetmed/54-12-598.pdf or contact: Prof. dr. Hrvoje Gomercic Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb Heinzelova 55 10000 Zagreb Croatia e-mail: hrvoje.gomercic at vef.hr Best regards, Hrvoje Gomercic From sonja.eisfeld at wdcs.org Fri Jan 29 03:07:11 2010 From: sonja.eisfeld at wdcs.org (Sonja Eisfeld) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:07:11 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on the behaviour of a solitary dolphin Message-ID: Dear colleagues, Apologies for cross posting! The following paper has recently been published: Eisfeld, S.M., Simmonds, M.P., Stansfield, L.R. (2010). Behavior of a solitary sociable female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) off the coast of Kent, SE England. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 13: 31 - 45. Abstract This article provides a report of the behavior of a solitary sociable dolphin studied on the southeast coast of England in 2007. This is the first study of its kind in which behavior of such a nonhuman animal was systematically studied. By the time of this study, this young female was highly interactive with people in the water. People accompanied the dolphin for 18.4% of the 100 hr of observation, and their presence changed her behavior. The study recorded 39 different behaviors; feeding and resting behaviors declined in frequency in the presence of people. In addition, the dolphin exhibited behavior possibly hazardous to people in the water, which included preventing swimmers from leaving the water. The dolphin received several wounds, at least one of which was life-threatening. This article discusses the welfare implications for such animals. You can download the paper at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10888700903369263 Any questions, please contact me at sonja.eisfeld at wdcs.org Kind regards, Sonja Eisfeld Conservation Officer WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 1LJ sonja.eisfeld at wdcs.org T: 01249 449 516 F: 01249 449 501 http://www.wdcs.org **** Since commercial whaling was 'banned' more than 30,000 whales have been killed. Help us Stop Whaling. www.whales.org Please consider the environment before printing this email. **** WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS. Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society ("WDCS"): Registered in England and Wales No. 2737421 WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN!5 1LJ. Registered Charity No. 1014705. Tel: 01249 449500 Fax: 01249449501 WDCS Shop is a trading name of WDCS (Trading) Limited (Registered in England No. 2593116) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (Charity No. 1014705) and gift aids all post tax profits to the charity. WDCS Wildlife Centre: Spey Bay, Moray, IV32 7PJ. Tel: 01343 820339 Fax: 01343 829065 WDCS Australasia: WDCS, PO Box 720, Port Adelaide Business Centre, South Australia, Australia 5015. Tel: 1300 360 442 Fax: 08 8242 1595 WDCS Deutschland: WDCS, Altostra?e 43, D-81245, M?nchen. Tel: 089 6100 2393 Fax: 089 6100 2394 WDCS (North America): 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: 1.888.MYWHALE (1.888.699.4253) WDCS (South America): Potosi 2087, B1636BUA, Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel-Fax +54 11 47963191 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sh52 at st-andrews.ac.uk Thu Jan 28 07:30:11 2010 From: sh52 at st-andrews.ac.uk (Sonja Heinrich) Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:30:11 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Master of Marine Mammal Science - entry September 2010 - University of St Andrews, UK Message-ID: Master of Marine Mammal Science - entry September 2010 We are currently accepting applications for the 2010/11 entry to the Master of Research (MRes) in Marine Mammal Science based at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. This is an intense, one-year Master's level course intended to prepare students for professional careers in marine mammal research and conservation. The programme is tailored to address the scientific challenges of marine mammal ecology, behaviour and population biology with strong components of analytical methodology, laboratory work, and field study. The course is being taught by members of the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), the School of Biology and the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) which are part of the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St Andrews. For detailed information about this unique course, entry requirements and how to apply please refer to the MRes MMS website: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/mms/. Applications for the upcoming academic year (starting September 2010) must be received by Friday, 09 April 2010, and should be submitted online via the St Andrews postgraduate admission portal. Please get in touch if you have further questions: via email: mresmammals at st-andrews.ac.uk or write to: MRes Marine Mammal Science, School of Biology Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK You may wish to consult the following websites first for more details about the course, the staff, and the University. MRes Marine Mammal Science: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/mms/ SMRU: http://www.smru.st-and.ac.uk/ St Andrews School of Biology: http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/ Scottish Oceans Institute: http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk/default.aspx University of St Andrews: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/ CREEM: http://creem2.st-andrews.ac.uk/ Best wishes from St Andrews, Sonja Dr Sonja Heinrich MRes MMS Assistant Course Coordinator The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532 From jessarah19 at yahoo.com Thu Jan 28 16:07:40 2010 From: jessarah19 at yahoo.com (Jessica Weiss) Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:07:40 -0800 (PST) Subject: [MARMAM] Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-Id Internship for 2010 Message-ID: <948001.59017.qm@web65605.mail.ac4.yahoo.com> Hi, Could you please post the following announcement? Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Internship Position for 2010 The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch is currently accepting applications for the 2010 summer season. One internship position is available. The research season is May 15 ? September 30. Successful applicants must be able to commit through the end of August. The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks, NC. Our program?s goal is to gain an understanding of the population size, movement patterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the sounds and coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR currently conducts a photo-identification monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via dedicated small boat surveys as well as opportunistically from a local dolphin watch. This study is a continuation of the long-term study initiated by the Nags Head Dolphin Watch in 1997. Information from the current long-term study will provide a basis for initiation of studies involving habitat utilization, social associations, and anthropogenic effects on the dolphins. For more information about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org The internship position will consist of field research, photo-identification, and environmental education. Responsibilities include: ? Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of bottlenose dolphins, including operating small vessel during surveys, collecting environmental, location, and behavioral data for dolphin groups ? Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, including photo sorting, sighting data entry, assist in maintenance of long-term photo-id catalog using the program FinBase ? Mate/naturalist duties aboard a local dolphin watch, including educating the general public on dolphins and the sound/marine environment, collecting opportunistic photo-id data, and additional mate duties This internship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly salary for performing ecotours on the dolphin watch. From May 15- June 11 and August 18- September 30, the intern will conduct mate/naturalist duties and opportunistic photo-id aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch for 4-5 days per week. From June 12- August 17, time commitment to the dolphin ecotours will be 2 days per week. During this time, the internship requires a minimum of 30 hours per week, consisting of ecotours, dedicated field surveys, and lab photo-id. The rest of the week, the intern may seek employment in the Outer Banks or have the time off. Housing: A studio apartment is available for rent in Kill Devil Hills for the duration of the research season ($50 per week), however transportation to and from the Outer Banks as well as to and from the field site is not provided. The successful applicant would ideally have the following qualifications: ? Minimum of 18 years of age and currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field ? Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation ? Ability to swim ? Basic computer proficiency in MS Office Access ? Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, and works well on a team ? Field research/small boat operation experience preferred but not required ? First AID/CPR certification preferred but not required NOTE: The United States Coast Guard requires all passenger vessels to be drug free work environments. In order to work aboard the dolphin ecotours, the intern will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test and to participate in random drug testing during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to: obxcdr at hotmail.com Use ?Dolphin photo-id internship? in the subject line of the email. All applications will be reviewed; those received by April 1st will be given priority. Jessica Weiss, M.E.M. Coastal Environmental Management Scientific Advisor, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research 7517 Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959 From doridick14 at gmail.com Fri Jan 29 10:27:00 2010 From: doridick14 at gmail.com (Dori Dick) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:27:00 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Abstract submission extended for 2010 International Congress for Conservation Biology Message-ID: Apologies for cross postings - The abstract submission deadline has been extended to 15 February 2010 for the 2010 International Congress for Conservation Biology. The Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology encourages anyone involved with marine conservation research to submit an abstract to the 2010 International Congress for Conservation Biology to be held from 3-7 July 2010 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Abstract are due 15 February 2010 For more information about the conference, go to the conference website: http://www.conbio.org/Activities/Meetings/2010 For more information about the Society for Conservation Biology, see: http://www.conbio.org For more information about the Marine Section, see: http://www.conbio.org/Sections/Marine See you in Edmonton! Dori Dick On behalf of the Marine Section Board Society for Conservation Biology From caryns at sirenian.org Sun Jan 31 06:55:32 2010 From: caryns at sirenian.org (Caryn Self-Sullivan) Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:55:32 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] 2010 Field Course in Belize In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <6DB6D274-F989-4654-AAB8-19AD8F0CADAD@sirenian.org> Ecology, Behavior & Conservation of Marine Mammals, A Unique Field Course in the Drowned Cayes, Belize DATES: May 26 - June 8, 2010 (inclusive of travel) INSTRUCTORS: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.1, 2, Bruce A. Schulte, Ph.D.4, Katherine S. LaCommare, M.S., ABD 2,3 LOCATION: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center at HP Adventure Lodge, http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ COSTS: $2595 includes, housing, meals, field trips, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees; DOES NOT include airfare, books, tips, or credit hours DEADLINES: Early Registration ($50 Discount) & and Deposit due March 1st, 2010 MINIMUM / MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8-24 students REGISTRATION: http://www.sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2010.html Want to be a Marine Mammal Biologist? Or a Behavioral Ecologist? Here's your chance to join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of Animal Behavior, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins in Belize! You will become totally immersed into island living, the study of ethology (animal behavior) and the biology of manatees and dolphins through lectures and learning activities, literature review, debate, projects, and field research. This unique field course combines an overview of the ecology, behavior, and conservation of sirenians and cetaceans with hands-on manatee & dolphin research in the Drowned Cayes, Belize. You'll spend 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the environment as we explore a labyrinth of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. You'll collect behavioral and environmental data and learn about photo-id techniques; you'll develop a Fact Sheet or Activity Booklet about a related topic to be published by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and/or Sirenian International. Extra-curricular activities include diving or snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and exploring an ancient Maya City. This unique course has a work load equivalent to 4 university credit hours and is divided into 4 major components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~4 hours per day), project development (~1 hours per day) and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hours per day). Want credit towards your degree? No problem! Sign up for independent study with an advisor at your school and pay the appropriate fees. The course has 70 contact hours and is comparable to a 4 credit university course. Just have you advisor contact Dr. Self- Sullivan (cselfsullivan at georgiasouthern.edu) to discuss the requirements for credit. Remember, if you are interested in getting independent study credit for this course at your school, you must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and the course instructor. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill any Study Abroad requirements at your school. COURSE CONTENT OVERVIEW (Lectures & Learning Activities) The Order Sirenia: Manatees and Dugongs of the World The Order Cetacea: Whales and Dolphins of the World The Local Research Project: Manatee & Dolphins of the Drowned Cayes Animal Behavior: Ethology and Behavioral Ecology - The Scientific Perspectives Ecology - Interactions between Manatees, Dolphins, and their Environment Marine Mammals under Human Care in Zoos and Oceanariums Marine Mammal Science: Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Analysis of Data, and Interpretation of Results Marine Mammal Conservation and Advocacy: The Status of Extant Marine Mammal Species RESOURCES We recommend two books (optional) as primary resources on manatees and dolphins: The Florida Manatee: Biology and Conservation, by Roger L. Reep and Robert K. Bonde, University Press of Florida The Bottlenose Dolphin: Biology and Conservation, by John E. Reynolds, Samantha D. Eide, and Randall S. Wells, University Press of Florida A selection of primary literature will be sent to you in electronic format in advance of the course. Students are required to print out these articles and bring them with them to Belize. There is also a library of books and archived journals, including Society of Marine Mammalogy, Animal Behavior, and Conservation Biology journals, in our library onsite in Belize. COURSE FEE & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The course fee of $2595 includes all transportation, course, field trip, and living expenses from your arrival at the PWG airport in Belize on May 26th to your departure on June 8th. You are responsible for tips, insurance, and round-trip airfare to Belize (BZE). REGISTER EARLY: SAVE $100 WHEN YOU REGISTER and PAY IN FULL BY March 1st SAVE $50 WHEN YOU REGISTER and PAY DEPOSIT BY March 1st To register for course, please visit http://www.sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2010.html For more information on the course, please email caryns at sirenian.org or cselfsullivan at georgiasouthern.edu 1 Dr. Caryn Self-Sullivan is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University. 4 Dr. Bruce Schulte is a Professor and Department Head at Western Kentucky University. 3 Katherine LaCommare is a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and an instructor at Lansing Community College in Michigan. 2 Caryn and Katie are the co-founders of Sirenian International. 1, 4 For more information on the instructors, please visit http://sirenian.org/caryn.html and http://bioweb.wku.edu/faculty/Schulte/Default.asp For more information on the facilities, please visit http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ Download a Course Flyer at http://sirenian.org/CourseFlyer2010.pdf Cheers, Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. President & Co-founder, Sirenian International Visiting Assistant Professor, Georgia Southern University Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 540.242.9196 Email: caryns at sirenian.org or cselfsullivan at georgiasouthern.edu Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at www.sirenian.org The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. 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URL: From caryns at sirenian.org Sun Jan 31 14:47:03 2010 From: caryns at sirenian.org (Caryn Self-Sullivan) Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:47:03 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Funding opps for small scale initiatives References: <0BDA954190B0344B82FD28336B41D1C502D9E963@exchangesrv1.earthwatchewe.lan> Message-ID: <1A9C645F-2FBE-4630-A140-2916F2E82C05@sirenian.org> > The Small-Scale Initiatives Programme run by the French Global > Environment Facility is designed to support civil society > organisations in Africa which are actively working on biodiversity > protection and climate change action. > > The programme has been set up to help civil society organisations to: > > undertake field projects in West and Central Africa, Madagascar and > Mozambique, > strengthen their technical, training, management and project > monitoring capacities, > strengthen a small-scale projects monitoring network in West and > Central Africa, > strengthen their capacities for influencing environmental policy > choices in the countries concerned, > share and disseminate their experiences and successes. > There?s a rolling programme of applications and full details are on > the website. Link below. > > Application deadline 2nd call for proposals: 15.02.2010 Decision 2nd > call for proposals: 30.04.2010 > Application deadline 3rd call for proposals: 15.09.2010 Decision 3rd > call for proposals: 30.11.2010 > Application deadline 4th call for proposals: 15.02.2011 Decision 4th > call for proposals: 30.04.2011 > http://www.ffem.fr/jahia/Jahia/cache/offonce/lang/en/accueil/pid/26806;jsessionid=5F616BE7C3B7CC1630DD20C1B57BFF12 > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: