November 2005 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

2006 Bottlenose Dolphin Internships "Winter Season"
by Bruno Diaz 19 Nov '05

19 Nov '05

2006 Bottlenose Dolphin Internships "Winter Season" The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI is looking for enthusiastic, motivated people to join us as interns during the Winter Season (From January to March). Since 1999, the BDRI & Accademia del Leviatano have supported the thesis work of numerous students. Some of them have become steady collaborators and researchers of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI). The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) is recruiting to fill several Internships or Master thesis students. They gain experience in many different areas, such as boat-based wild bottlenose dolphin research and assisting with data analysis in our research laboratory. Working with marine mammals is appealing because of strong public interest in these animals and because the work is personally rewarding. However an internship with the BDRI requires a lot of motivation and interest in dolphin research, enthusiasm, and the open-mindedness to work, live and communicate with other people of mixed nationality and background. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in bottlenose dolphin research methodology and analysis under the mentorship of bottlenose dolphin researchers. Interns would assist with aspects of the field work, photographic identification of individual animals, bioacoustic, behavioural analysis and data compilation. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in behavioural or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and the research literature in this field. Lectures given on topics in Research methods may occur throughout the internship period. Interns would spend about 50% assisting with field work and 50% analysis and other data compilation tasks. We support non-invasive and non-disruptive research. The internship is a full time voluntary position. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Accommodation & meals could be arranged for internships (approx. 250 Euro per month). There are four 2006 internship periods available: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall; commitment for a minimum of 6 weeks is required. Priority will be given to internships volunteers available for longer periods.Preference will be given to the selection of interns who have previous experience with animal research, well developed computer skills, statistical analysis and boat-based field experience. BDRI interns participating in field work activities are normally asked to contribute to all aspects of the research programme, including the upkeep of materials, boat-keeping, dealing with volunteers, etc. Therefore, as part of a working team, you will be expected to participate in all activities of the day including your share of basic domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning and maintenance. Interns are required to complete a small project on an assigned relevant topic. BDRI interns should sign a statement where they accept the research and working conditions taking full responsibility for the risks. Moreover, the interns is in charge of providing an insurance that covers the risks of the student itself when engaged in the field work. To apply for an internship, please send the internships Application form (available on our web site), a resume and a letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship (what you expect to contribute and gain from the internship) to: Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute Attn: Internship Program B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com Application Deadline for Winter season: Must be receive by December 14th, 2005. Accepted applicants will be notified by e-mail on or before December 18th, 2005. Accepted applicants will have 3 days to notify us in writing of their acceptance of the position. We are happy to answer any questions you have, but answers to common questions can be found on our web site at http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I We also encourage you to become familiar with the research conducted by the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute. A list of our current publications. 2005 1. Díaz López, B., 2005. Interactions between bottlenose dolphins with trammel nets in the Sardinia Island. Talk ICES Annual Science Conference CM 2005. Aberdeen, Scotland. 2. Díaz López, B., 2005. Interaction between bottlenose dolphins and fish farms: could there be an economic impact? Talk ICES Annual Science Conference. Aberdeen, Scotland. 3. Díaz López, B., Marini, L., Polo, F., in press. The impact of a fish farm on a bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas An international Journal of Marine Sciences, 2005, 21 (2): 53-58. 4. Díaz López, B. & Shiray, A., 2005. Analysis of diving behaviour on bottlenose dolphins studied in the inshore waters of Sardinia. Talk presented at the 6º Convegno Nazionale sui Cetacei e sulle Tartarughe Marine. November. Comune di Sperlonga (LT), Italy. 5. Díaz López, B., 2005 & Shiray, A., 2005. A survey of anti-bottlenose dolphin control at marine fish farm. Talk presented at the 6º Convegno Nazionale sui Cetacei e sulle Tartarughe Marine. November. Comune di Sperlonga (LT), Italy. 2004 1 . Díaz López, B., Marini, L.. and Polo, F., 2004. Evolution of a bottlenose dolphins population in the Noth-Eastern waters of Sardinia (Italy). In: European Research on Cetaceans 15 (Ed- P.G.H. Evans). European Cetacean Society, pp 70. Cambrigde, UK. 2003 1. Testa, Roberta., 2003. Studio eco-etologico di una popolazione di tursiope Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821), nella Sardegna Nord-orientale. MSc thesis. La Sapienza University, Rome. 2002 1. Polo, F; Díaz López, B.; Marini, L. & Brovelli, M., 2002. Fast ferries influence on the bottlenose dolphin presence and social structure in waters of North-eastern Sardinia". Poster presented at the 16th Annual Conference European Cetacean Society. Liege 2002. 2. Díaz López, B.; Marini, L.; Polo, F. & Brovelli, M., 2002. Photo-identification of bottlenose dolphin in waters of north-eastern Sardinia. Poster presented at the 16th Annual Conference European Cetacean Society. Liege 2002. 3. Brovelli, Manuela., 2002. Studio eco-etologico non influenziato di una popolazione di tursiope Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821), nelle acque della Sardegna Nord-orientale. MSc thesis. Roma Tre University, Rome. pp 193. 2001 1 . Díaz López, B., Polo, F. and Marini, L., 2001. Feeding Behaviour of bottllenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) along the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. Talk presented at the 29th Annual Symposium EAAM. Genova 9-12 March 2001. 2. Díaz López, B., Marini, L.., Polo, F. and Brovelli, M., 2001. Etologia del tursiope, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821), lungo la costa nord-orientale della Sardegna. Talk presented at the 5º Convegno Nazionale sui Cetacei e sulle Tartarughe Marine. 6 9 December. Comune di Monte Argentario (GR), Italy. 3. Díaz López, B., Marini, L.., Polo, F. and Brovelli, M., 2001. Influenza dei traghetti veloci sulla presenza e la struttura sociale del tursiope, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821), nelle acque della Sardegna. Poster presented at the 5º Convegno Nazionale sui Cetacei e sulle Tartarughe Marine. 6 9 December. Comune di Monte Argentario (GR), Italy. 4. Díaz López, B., Marini, L.., Polo, F. and Brovelli, M., 2001. Fotoidentificazione di tursiope, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821), presenti nelle acque della costa Nord.orientale della Sardegna. Poster presented at the 5º Convegno Nazionale sui Cetacei e sulle Tartarughe Marine. 6 9 December. Comune di Monte Argentario (GR), Italy. --------------------------------- Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

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1st Lampedusa Marine Mammals Workshop
by Giorgia Comparetto 17 Nov '05

17 Nov '05

We would like to inform you that from on March 10 to April 7 th 2006 on the Lampedusa Island it will be held 1st. Lampedusa Marine Mammals Workshop. The event is organized by the NECTON in collaboration with the Agrigento Regional Province , the Genoa Aquarius , The Lampedusa Dolphins Research Center and the Sicily Wildlife Fund. The courses of weekly duration will be kept at biologists and sea ecologists with pluriannual experience . For further information we invite you to visit the site www.necton.it or to contact us to the address info.necton(a)email.it Cordially Giorgia Comparetto Lampedusa Dolphins Reseach Center

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Research Assistantship in Marine Policy Graduate Program - Right Whales
by Jeremy Firestone 17 Nov '05

17 Nov '05

Sorry for cross-postings. A research assistantship is available from the Marine Policy Program in the Graduate College of Marine Studies at (CMS) the University of Delaware for a qualified student-applicant interested in policy-focused research related to commercial vessels collisions with north Atlantic right whales along the U.S. and Canadian Atlantic coasts. The project is directed by two Marine Policy faculty members: PI, Jeremy Firestone, and Co-PI, James Corbett. Working with a Canadian collaborator, the NOAA-NMFS funded research project is modeling ship traffic spatially and temporally, by vessel class along the Atlantic coast using spatial and port-specific data. The investigation will expand regionally-specific insights to enable better assessment of the collision risk between ships and right whales. Additional funds are being sought for other right whale policy research; and other funds may be available for policy research related to ongoing projects on ballast water and invasive species; air pollution from ships; and offshore wind power development. Motivated individuals with experience; education in policy, science and/or economic disciplines; and a strong interest in interdisciplinary policy-focused research, are encouraged to apply for admission to the CMS Marine Policy program. See www.ocean.udel.edu/graduate/admissions.html. A background in statistics and/or GIS is highly desirable. Research Assistantship funds include tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. Ph.D. and master's applicants will be considered. The CMS Marine Policy Program also offers at least one graduate fellowship each year; and CMS offers college-level fellowships as well. Awards are based on academic record, GRE's, and demonstrated interest in the program The CMS Marine Policy Program prepares students for successful careers in government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. Ongoing research in the Marine Policy Program addresses various aspect of marine affairs, including: domestic and international marine law and policy; maritime transportation; invasive species; protection of marine fauna (including marine mammals) and flora, environmental and natural resource economics, management of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (including the development of offshore wind power and aquaculture), and coastal zone management. The Marine Policy program admits Master's and Ph.D. students for the Spring and Fall terms. Fall 2006 applications must be received NO LATER THAN March 1, 2006, but early application submittal is recommended for those individuals who wish to be considered for the research assistantship or a fellowship. For more information about the Marine Policy Program, see our website at http://www.ocean.udel.edu/graduate/marpol/marpol.html. For further information on the whale strike assistantship, contact Professor Jeremy Firestone, Marine Policy Program, Graduate College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, tel: (302) 831-0228, email: jf(a)udel.edu

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last call for whales skeletons pictures
by Pierre-Henry Fontaine 17 Nov '05

17 Nov '05

Hi, Mamaners, I am putting the final touch to my Poster on the most common errors made when mounting rorquals skeletons in natural sciences museums. I need more pictures of rorqual skeletons: Of the head, showing the jaws position, of the hyoid apparatus, the rib cage shown sideways, of the strenum the innominates and some views of the vertebrae, showing the space between them. You can send high rersolution pictures, in 4x6 format. I am prparing a catalog of the errors. made in various museums. to have with me at the biennale. . Thanks in advance Pierre Henry Fontaine, Curator, Musée du Squelette, Ile- Verte Québec, Canada

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Marine Mammal Management Course Announcement
by J&B 17 Nov '05

17 Nov '05

MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT WELCOME- all those interested in marine mammals. This is a reminder that registration is now open for the most recent edition of : THE OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY'S GLOBAL DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE IN MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT (MMM). THIS COURSE IS OFFERED TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING. Registration for the winter term closes on January 6th. MMM runs from JANUARY 3 TO MARCH 17, 2006, and covers a range of pertinent topics. For more information about the course content, please visit the website at: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html You may take this course: a) for graduate credit (3 credits x $595 = US$1785.00) b) for undergraduate credit (US$950.00) c) for a general interest diploma, which will be awarded all successful candidates (US$892.50) d) towards a 4-course distance Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies. Those taking credit versions of the course must complete two written essay assignments, and take part in e-mail interactions. For more information on the Oceanographic Center's distance learning courses and programs, including registration details, please visit the website at http://www.nova.edu/ocean and follow the link to "distance education". Barra L. Gots and Professor Keith Ronald Instructors for the Marine Mammal Management Distance Education course. Please reply to Barra Gots: johnbarra(a)sympatico.ca <mailto:johnbarra@sympatico.ca>

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Naturalist Training Program
by Deborah Benham 16 Nov '05

16 Nov '05

Dear MARMAM I am currently involved in scoping out a program to train and certify cetacean naturalists (vessel or land-based), and to facilitate communication and sharing of ideas between naturalists working in different parts of the world. This program is being developed by WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. We are interested in learning from and building upon existing programs in other locations. Therefore, the first aim of this project is to find out what other training or certification programs currently exist for marine and terrestrial based naturalists. I have done some research and am receiving information from a variety of organisations, however I know there is probably a lot more out there which I have not yet managed to find. If any of you have information about naturalist training or certification programs, courses, schools or organisations that you are willing to share, it would be gratefully received. I am also happy to compile a list and post it on MARMAM if anyone would be interested in this information. In addition to this, in an attempt to develop the best program possible, I would very much like to hear from naturalists who are interested in sharing their experiences or making suggestions for this program. I will also be attending the SMM Biennial conference in San Diego if anyone is interested in talking to me in person regarding this matter. I can be contacted by email at deborah.benham(a)wdcs.org Many thanks in advance Deborah Benham Project Officer Dolphin Space Programme DSP PO Box 5890 Forres IV36 1WY Tel: 07921 106144 The Dolphin Space Programme is overseen by a steering group comprising VisitScotland, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, the Wildlife Tour Boat Operators' Society, the Northern Constabulary, Grampian Constabulary, the Highland Council, Inverness Harbour Trust, the Maritime Coastguard Agency, the Tourism and Environment Forum, WildScotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email ______________________________________________________________________

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Fw: Scholarships available in the UK for international students
by Brendan Godley 16 Nov '05

16 Nov '05

Dear Colleagues Please see message below regarding ORSAS award scheme operated by my University AND most other quality research lead universities in the UK. It is an excellent source of funding for EXCELLENT students who would like to carry out PhD studies in the UK. e.g. One of our graduate students is currently funded to carry out her PhD studies on marine turtles in the Cayman Islands. Follow the link below or search for ORSAS links on the websites of other research institutions in the UK for further information. NB It is only for non-EU students and is very much based on academic credentials. With kind regards Brendan Dr. Brendan J. Godley Lecturer in Conservation Biology Marine Turtle Research Group Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter in Cornwall Tremough Campus Penryn TR10 9EZ UK Tel: 01326 371 861 Homepage <http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/> Editor Endangered Species Research <http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/> Editor Marine Turtle Newsletter <http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/> United Kingdom Scholarships for International Research Students 2006-07 Value of Awards The awards will cover the difference between the tuition fee for a UK/EU postgraduate research student and the fee chargeable to an international postgraduate student. Eligibility Criteria Applications are encouraged from international students commencing a full time postgraduate research programme at the University of Exeter in the academic session 2006-2007 or current international postgraduate = research students in their first year of study at the University. Students entering the third year of their programme will not be eligible for an award. As students applicable to this scheme must be liable to pay tuition fees at a rate for international students, only international students (i.e. in non-european union countries) may apply. Selection Criteria Outstanding merit and research potential are the only criteria required for the ORS awards. The awards may be held in any field of study. Length of Tenure Awards are offered for one year in the first instance. Subject to satisfactory progress of the award holder, awards will be renewed for a second or a third year according to the normal or remaining length of the research programme being undertaken. Application Forms These are obtainable from the University of Exeter Graduate School website at http://www.admin.ex.ac.uk/gradschool/ors-ers.htm and details will be included in offer packs to applicable students. Deadline The application form must be received by the Graduate School Office by 3 February 2006.

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Sharksucker attached to tucuxi dolphin
by Marcos César de Oliveira Santos 16 Nov '05

16 Nov '05

Dear Marmamers: The following manuscript: Santos, M. C. de O. & Sazima, I. (2005) The sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates) attached to a tucuxi dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) in estuarine waters in south-eastern Brazil. Biodiversity Records, J2MBA. can be uploaded from: http://www.mba.ac.uk/jmba/jmba2biodiversityrecords.php If you find difficulties on uploading, send an e-mail to sotalia(a)gmail.com and I'll send the pdf file. Sincerely yours, Prof. Dr. Marcos César de Oliveira Santos Mestre e Dr. em Ecologia Geral pela USP Biólogo e Coordenador do Projeto Atlantis Educação & Ciência Visite o o website: http://www.projetoatlantis.com.br Ph. D. Marcos César de Oliveira Santos M. Sc. and Ph. D. in General Ecology (Universidade de Sao Paulo) Biologist and Coordinator of Projeto Atlantis Visit the websites: http://www.projetoatlantis.com.br http://www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/santos.html

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Killer whale predation on franciscana dolphins
by Marcos César de Oliveira Santos 16 Nov '05

16 Nov '05

Dear marmamers: The following manuscript is available. Requests to Dr. Marcos Santos (e-mail: sotalia(a)gmail.com) Santos, M. C. de O. & Netto, D. F. 2005. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation on a franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) in Brazilian waters. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 4(1):69-72. Sincerely yours, Prof. Dr. Marcos César de Oliveira Santos Mestre e Dr. em Ecologia Geral pela USP Biólogo e Coordenador do Projeto Atlantis Educação & Ciência Visite o o website: http://www.projetoatlantis.com.br Ph. D. Marcos César de Oliveira Santos M. Sc. and Ph. D. in General Ecology (Universidade de Sao Paulo) Biologist and Coordinator of Projeto Atlantis Visit the websites: http://www.projetoatlantis.com.br http://www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/santos.html

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Marine Mammal Job Announcement
by Peter G.H. Evans 16 Nov '05

16 Nov '05

Apologies for cross posting **UK MARINE MAMMAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - CARDIGAN BAY MONITORING OFFICER** Under the EU Habitats & Species Directive, three Special Areas of Conservation have been established in the UK with bottlenose dolphins principally in mind. Two of these occur in Cardigan Bay, West Wales - "Pen Llyn a'r Sarnau SAC" in the north of the Bay and "Cardigan Bay SAC" in the south. To assist with the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin population in the region, monitoring of abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of surveys and photo-identification studies have been started in recent years. A new post of Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer is announced, funded by Countryside Council for Wales and under the management of the Sea Watch Foundation. The main tasks of the post holder will be: To record, document, statistically analyse, and report indicators of the condition of bottlenose dolphins in both the Cardigan Bay and Pen Llyn a'r Sarnau SACs; To collect images and refer to those from established catalogues, at sites within and outside the key study areas, using photographic ID techniques, to evaluate dolphin movements, abundance estimates and distribution; To monitor the number of bottlenose dolphins using the sites, and to assess the supporting habitat and estimate population structure (age and sex where possible); To gather evidence of any anthropogenic activities within the sites, while monitoring bottlenose dolphins. A combination of vessel surveys, aerial surveys, acoustics, and photo-ID will be used to achieve the above aims, concentrating particularly on the two SACs but extending more widely in Cardigan Bay and Welsh waters where appropriate. Although the target species is bottlenose dolphin, data on other cetacean species (and notably the harbour porpoise) will be collected from the region. Besides fieldwork, the post holder will need to devote a significant portion of time to analysing data and assisting in writing up the results for publication. We are looking for a postgraduate biologist with at least three years field-based research experience of cetaceans, preferably including bottlenose dolphins. He or she should have an ability to interact well with people of varied backgrounds, be able to train, motivate and oversee volunteers assisting in monitoring, and be capable of working in often arduous field conditions relatively independently (ideally with boat handling certification). It is essential that the candidate should have analytical skills and a good grounding in statistics. Preference will be given to candidates with a good working knowledge of DISTANCE and CAPTURE software, as well as of spatial analysis. The post is for a period of two years with possible extension beyond that. It will be based at Sea Watch's office in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales. Salary is c. £20,000 per annum, starting in January 2006. Further details of the work of Sea Watch Foundation can be found on its web site <www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk>, and of this post from Dr Peter G.H. Evans at <peter.evans(a)zoo.ox.ac.uk> . Those interested should send a letter of application, a copy of your CV, and the e-mail contact details of two referees to Dr Evans by 30th November 2005. -- Dr Peter G.H. Evans Sea Watch Foundation 11 Jersey Road Oxford 0X4 4RT, UK Tel: 44-(0)1865-717276 mobile: 0776-556-6102 E-mail: <peter.evans(a)zoo.ox.ac.uk>

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