November 2005 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Final Reminder: Conservation Workshop
by ACS Ed Chair 16 Nov '05

16 Nov '05

This is a final reminder that registration for the biennial workshop "Taking Conservation to the Public: Strategies for Getting the Message out There" is due on December 1. Registration is $25 and the form and more information can be found at http://www.blueoceansociety.org/workshop/. Following is a rough agenda of our workshop for those who are still debating on attending. We would love to see you!!! 8:00-8:30: Registration & coffee 8:30: Introductions 8:45-9:15: Speakers 9:15-10:45: Discussion and Activities * What inspires you and how do you stay inspired? * What is an appropriate conservation message? * Activities: How do you make a connection between humans and whales? How can you make intangibles tangible? We will have sample activities and discuss other ideas. * Discussion: Connecting people to the environment - how do you communicate threats to whales and dolphins, finding teachable moments, where to incorporate conservation into your presentation. 10:45-11:00: Coffee Break 11:00-11:45: Presentations and Discussion: Education do's and don'ts; the use of volunteers and interns in educational programs. 11:45-12: Wrap-up

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Bottlenose Dolphin Research Courses 2006 (Unique training opportunities)
by Bruno Diaz 15 Nov '05

15 Nov '05

Dolphin Research Courses Be part of the BDRI while playing a part in the Conservation and Research of Dolphins and their Environment. Live on, contribute to, learn about, travel to and explore Each year the BDRI offer a unique chance to observe the complex social life and behaviour of a coastal mediterranean bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population in their natural environment. The courses will be held at the BDRI field station in Golfo Aranci (Mediterranean Sea - Sardinia Island- Italy). The courses are run in the forms of a 6 & 12-days, exclusive research courses. And, as a research course with the BDRI, you will have the opportunity to learn about these animals and their marine environment first hand, working closely alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable team of biologists whilst at the same time providing crucial support for the research project itself. Dedicated to those who are interesting to participate to marine mammals research and conservation campaigns. It is open to anyone age 18 and above, with no special prerequisites concerning research experience or languages. Instead, interest in dolphin research, enthusiasm are required. The BDRI carries out a variety of research courses throughout the year. Volunteering with the BDRI gives an insight into the workings of a research team, and provides valuable experience in a wide range of areas including scientific data collection, analysis and presentation; giving public talks and much more. Students gain hands-on experience during the boat surveys studying the Sardinian bottlenose dolphin population. Volunteers assist with observations of wild dolphin behaviors, bioacoustic and photo-identification. In addition, students learn how to gather physical and biological data onboard using a variety of scientific tools. In the research base students learn about photo-identification, behavioral analysis, and acoustical analysis. Lectures given on topics in Research methods occur throughout the research courses period. To ensure individualised instructions the number of participants will be limited (max. 6 students per week). A certificate of attendance will be handed over at the end of the course. For the next year 2006 New Courses are planned, the info, fees and dates are: -Bottlenose Dolphin general research course. (Spring, Summer & Fall) -Bottlenose Dolphin interaction with marine fish farms. (Spring & Fall)NEW -Bottlenose Dolphin photoidentification & social structure. (Spring, Summer & Fall) NEW -Bottlenose Dolphin interaction with small scale fisheries & bycatch.(Fall) NEW -Bottlenose Dolphin bioacoustic, nocturnal behaviour & respiratory patterns. (Summer & Fall) NEW The course fee (between 350 and 450 Euro (6days) & 600 and 800 Euro (12 days) will cover you for all your accommodation and food costs in the base, seminars fee, and all associated field costs during your stay with us. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel iterinary to us in Golfo Aranci (see How to reach the BDRI), plus any personal spending money. BDRI volunteers should sign a statement where they accept the research and working conditions taking full responsibility for the risks. Moreover, the volunteer is in charge of providing an insurance that covers the risks of the student itself when engaged in the field work. Application Procedure Read through the research courses information carefully in the BDRI's Website: http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I Decide what course interests you, take note of any dates that may be specified, and whether there is availability on the project. Also read through the How to reach the BDRI section to see if it is practical for you to come up and volunteer. When you have found a project you would like to volunteer for and followed the links to find out more about that project, please fill in, copy and send the application form present in our website to our Volunteer Co-ordinator at the BDRI, to confirm availabilty, then we will send you an confirmation and the booking instructions separately. Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute, does not practice unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, age, national origin, language, sex or sexual preference. If you are interested in the course, or for further information, please follow the links above or feel free to contact us: http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I Email: B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com Tel: + 39 346 0815414 --------------------------------- Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

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marine wildlife scientist
by Stiles, Margot 14 Nov '05

14 Nov '05

Dear colleagues, We have an opening in our Science department at Oceana for a marine ecologist interested in conservation work at an international organization. Please pass along and excuse cross-postings. Interviews starting soon. Sincerely, Margot Stiles Margot Stiles | Marine Scientist __________________________________________ OCEANA | Protecting the World's Oceans 2501 M Street NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20037 USA T +1.202.833.3900 | F +1.202.833.2070 E mstiles(a)oceana.org <mailto:mstiles@oceana.org> | W www.oceana.org <http://www.oceana.org/> Oceana campaigns to protect and restore the world's oceans. Our teams of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to reduce pollution and to prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other sea life. Global in scope and dedicated to conservation, Oceana has campaigners based in North America (Washington, DC; Juneau, AK; Santa Monica, CA; San Francisco, CA; Portland, Oregon; the Mid-Atlantic and New England), Europe (Madrid, Spain; Brussels, Belgium) and South America (Santiago, Chile). More than 200,000 members and e-activists in over 150 countries have already joined Oceana. For more information, please visit www.Oceana.org <http://www.oceana.org/> . MARINE WILDLIFE SCIENTIST We are currently seeking a Marine Wildlife Scientist to serve as a key member of the Science Division, to provide substantive scientific support to the Division and play a substantive role on Oceana campaign and project teams. Will play a key role in, and may have primary responsibility for, researching Oceana's major campaign topics, developing policy initiatives, and preparing Oceana scientific reports. The position requires extensive outside contact, particularly with research scientists and representatives of other organizations. QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as marine biology, oceanography, or conservation biology required. Excellent writing, editing, communication, organizational and research skills essential. Familiarity with marine wildlife issues required; familiarity with marine ecology or fisheries bycatch issues desired. Proficiency with Windows-based applications (MS Office Suite preferred). GIS proficiency preferred. Fluency in Spanish a plus. Qualified applicants please submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Oceana, Inc., via e-mail (resumes(a)oceana.org) SUBJECT LINE: MARINE WILDLIFE SCIENTIST; fax (202-833-2070) or mail 2501 M Street, NW - Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. EOE

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Aberdeen University Lighthouse Field Station - Volunteer(s) required
by Paul Thompson 14 Nov '05

14 Nov '05

Opportunities are currently available for volunteer(s) to work at the Universitys Field Station on the Moray Firth, Scotland, for 1-3 month periods over the winter. You will help our Fieldwork Officer provide general technical support as we tidy up after a busy 2005 field season and prepare boats and equipment for next years research programme. Previous experience of carrying out routine jobs with enthusiasm and good humour is essential! We can offer free accommodation, good company and excellent coffee. Further details about our work can be found at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse/ and information on the surrounding area is available at http://www.black-isle.info/Cromarty/index.html. If you are interested in helping, please send a brief CV outlining relevant practical experience and your available dates to Kelly Lewis (nhi908(a)abdn.ac.uk) Professor Paul Thompson, University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Lighthouse Field Station George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire, IV11 8YJ. Phone: 01381600548 Fax:01381 600841 Email: lighthouse(a)abdn.ac.uk www.abdn.ac.uk/zoology/lighthouse

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Adriatic bottlenose dolphin with a large wound
by Tilen Genov 13 Nov '05

13 Nov '05

Dear MARMAM and ECS subscribers, During the course of the Slovenian Dolphin Project, a long-term project on research and conservation of wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting Slovenian Sea and the surrounding waters (northern Adriatic Sea), carried out by Morigenos – marine mammal research and conservation society from Slovenia, we came across an unusual sighting. On 8th July 2005, during one of our regular surveys we encountered a dolphin with a large wound on its ventral side of the body (chest / belly). The wound was noticed thanks to the dolphin's aerial behaviour. The wound was diamond-shaped and estimated to be around 10 cm in diameter. It seems that muscle tissue has been exposed. The photos of the dolphin and its wound can be seen at www.morigenos.org/dolphin_wound.htm Please let us know if you have any problems opening the photos. We have never witnessed anything like this before. Given the appearance of the wound, we seriously doubt that the injury could have been inflicted by the animal's conspecifics. We are sceptical about the possibility of a shark bite, as large sharks are very rarely present in the area and to us the wound does not look as if it was inflicted by a shark bite. Some people noted that the shape of the wound reminds them of a harpoon wound... Photo-identification enabled the recognition of the wounded dolphin. It is a presumed female, one of our most resident animals, with the highest re-sighting rate of all the catalogued animals. We have been regularly encountering that animal since the beginning of our photo-identification work, started in 2003. It is usually seen in groups of around 10 animals of mixed gender and age (including calves and newborns). After the described observation, we have been regularly encountering that dolphin throughout the summer. The wounded dolphin did not show any abnormal behaviour and did not show any signs of trauma. Moreover, it performed displays such as leaps and breaches. This dolphin often approaches the research vessel and it is often seen swimming next to mothers with their newborns. It is also repeatedly involved in interactions with open-water pair trawlers and bottom trawlers. Throughout the season it was obviously behaving as a normal member of the group. We would be very interested to hear any suggestions on what might have inflicted that wound and to hear if anyone else has ever come across such wounds in dolphins inhabiting other areas. We are willing to summarize all the responses we get and post them on the mailing list. Sincerely Yours, Tilen Genov tilen.genov(a)gmail.com Morigenos – marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia www.morigenos.org Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society is a non-profit non-governmental organization from Slovenia, dedicated to marine mammal research and conservation and the preservation of marine environment.

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News on the ECS 2006 Conference
by Jan Willem Broekema 11 Nov '05

11 Nov '05

I ask your attention for two major updates concerning the annual 2006 conference of the European Cetacean Society. 1) The ECS website has had a total make-over, the navigation changed (for the better I hope) and the amount of information reduced. The page with the National Contact Persons has been revised and all addresses and names are up to date. The student information is integrated with the general menu. The vacancy for a new Council member for students is explained in more detail here. The link list will in future be replaced by a page with links to institutes that have a relation with the ECS (e.g. you are a member than your research should be on that list). I will keep you informed. 2) YES! The ECS 2006 Gdynia Conference site is now available. You can find it in the usual way through the ECS website. All information on the conference, the venue, the places to stay and the places to go are here! Also information on how get there and what to expect. Renewed is the online presentation of the conference. It can also be found at the Conference web page. Please see www.broekemaweb.nl/ecs for all the information. Jan Willem Broekema Council European Cetacean Society mail j.w.broekema at inter.nl.net

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[MARMAM] Volunteers needed for cetacean survey in the Gulf of Cadiz, Spain
by Sergi Pérez Jorge-CIRCE 11 Nov '05

11 Nov '05

Dear all, apologies for cross-posting CIRCÉ (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans) is a non-profit organization which objectives are not only to conduct research on cetaceans, but also to actively participate in increasing awareness and education of the public on the marine environment. For this reason, we have chosen to welcome research volunteers onboard CIRCE's vessel to assist the scientific crew in their studies on the cetaceans in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cadiz. We are looking for volunteers from the 26th of November to the 15th of December, to help us in a research project. The project aims is to investigate the cetacean population inhabiting the Gulf of Cadiz. This survey will be a visual and acoustic survey, and the target species are common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and killer whales. During this survey, all the crew will be onboard the research vessel Elsa, and will live onboard the vessel. The volunteers will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the project. Main tasks: -Conduct boat-based line transect surveys. -Collect data on cetacean sightings and weather conditions. - Data entry for cetacean sightings. -Assist with photo-ID work and analysis -Assist with the porpoise detector equipment. No specific qualities are required, just a willing hand and a keen interest so that everyone has an enjoyable and convivial experience. There is no compensation for this volunteer position and the successful applicants will be responsible for their food expenses during the time of the volunteering. Volunteers must arrange their own transportation to and from the research base in Pelayo (Algeciras). The volunteers can stay in CIRCE's Centre. Detailed information of CIRCE can be found in the following web page: www.circe-asso.org To apply: Please contact us by email at cv(a)circe-asso.org and include a copy of your CV detailing your background and relevant experience together. Sincerely yours Sergi _____________________________________________ Sergi Pérez CIRCE Conservación Información y Estudio de Cetáceos C/Cabeza de Manzaneda 3 Pelayo Algeciras-11390 España. www.circe-asso.org _____________________________________________

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Conference Pre-Announcement
by Michael Lück 09 Nov '05

09 Nov '05

Conference Pre-Announcement We are excited to announce the 5th CONGRESS on Coastal & Marine Tourism (CMT), in collaboration with the Auckland University of Technology, the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute, the National Sea Grant College Program, in particular Oregon and Washington Sea Grant, and the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs. Theme: Ocean, Coastal and Marine Tourism: History, Challenges, and Perspectives Location: Auckland, New Zealand Time: September, 2007 More detailed information to follow. *************************************************************************** Michael Lück, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer School of Hospitality and Tourism Faculty of Applied Humanities Auckland University of Technology Private Bag 92006 Auckland, New Zealand e-mail: micha.lueck(a)aut.ac.nz Phone: +64 9-921-9999 ext. 5833 Fax: +64 9-921-9975 *************************************************************************** Editor-in-Chief: Tourism in Marine Environments http://www.cognizantcommunication.com/filecabinet/Tme/tme.html *************************************************************************** Associate Editor: Journal of Ecotourism http://www.channelviewpublications.com/multi/journals/journals_je.asp?TAG=&… ***************************************************************************

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RE: Contents - Special Issue - Aquatic Mammals, vol 31(3), 2005 (fwd)
by MARMAM Editors 09 Nov '05

09 Nov '05

> Dear Marmam and ECS list subscribers, > > The most recent issue of _Aquatic Mammals_ is by Laurence Couquiaud entitled > "A survey of the environments of cetaceans in human care." The issue is > available as a CD for $19 plus shipping. To place an order, contact Gina > Colley (GR-Colley(a)wiu.edu) > > _Aquatic Mammals_ is the journal of the European Association for Aquatic > Mammals. The following information about this special issue is posted as a > favor to the journal editor - Dr. Jeanette Thomas. For information on > subscription rates or manuscript submissions, please contact Dr. Thomas at: > Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, > 3561 60th Street, Moline, Illinois 61265, USA; J-Thomas@wiu-edu; Tel: > 309-762-9481, Ext 311; FAX: 309-762-6989. > > No abstracts were provided for the 8 chapters that make up the special > issue. I've provided a brief summary of what the chapter covers. For any > questions or comments about the contents of the issue, the reader can > contact Laurence Couquiaud at: lcouquiaud(a)yahoo.com > > Thank you for your continued interest in the postings of the _Aquatic > Mammals_ contents. > > Regards, > > Dagmar Fertl > Marine Mammal Biologist > Geo-Marine, Inc. > 550 East 15th Street > Plano, Texas 75074 USA > dfertl(a)geo-marine.com > http://www.geo-marine.com > ********************************************************************* > I. Introduction. This section provides a bit of history behind captive > display of cetaceans, and talks about the methodology behind the special > issue. Specially, an extensive worldwide survey of existing cetacean > facilities was prepared sent to various facilities. The project team visited > 26 facilities. > > 2. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises: Presentation of the cetaceans. This > chapter provided cetacean taxonomy and an overview of cetacean biology and > behaviour, including anatomy, physiology, life history, the senses, > cognition, social life and behaviour, and possible impact of controlled > environment on behaviour. A Cetacean Species Information Table is also > presented that provides information on all species that have been kept in > captivity in the past or are presently displayed, as well as all species > listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered by the IUCN. It > does not take account all species briefly kept for rehabilitation from > strandings. At the time of publication, there were 18 species of odontocetes > kept in human care on a permanent basis. > > 3. Survey of international cetacean facilities. In 1996, the first survey of > international cetacean facilities was launched to assess the status of > existing facilities worldwide and to gather information on controlled > environments to serve as a base for this guidebook. A 30-page questionnaire > was designed to request detailed information on location, function of > facility and staff, number of animals kept and species, architectural design > of pools and enclosures, life support systems, husbandry practices, diet, > and food storage and preparation. The survey attempted to understand > successful design features and husbandry practices, as well as recurrent > problems. The survey was sent by post with a letter of support by cetacean > scientist, Mrs. Karen Pryor, to 157 facilities in 41 countries (9 facilities > were not included because of no available contact information). Forty-four > questionnaires from 22 countries were received during the following year - > early 1997. This chapter presents the survey results. Although the main goal > of this survey was to receive information on the above-mentioned topics, the > statistical analysis gives a broader picture of cetacean facilities in terms > of their similarities and differences, and it allows us to begin to > understand the influence of geographical locations, culture, and types of > environment on the creation of controlled environments for cetaceans. The > survey resulted in the largest database to date on international cetacean > facilities. In addition to the survey, the project team visited 26 > institutions in Europe, America, and Asia. > > 4. Types and functions of pools and enclosures. This chapter presents > definitions of the various types of habitat in which cetaceans are housed, > as well as the function of these various types of pools, and the terms used > to name them. > > 5. Architectural design of pools and enclosures. The aim of this chapter is > to present the suggestions given in the survey questionnaire with the goal > of enhancing the quality of dolphin and whale environments in human care. > The design of different types of pools and enclosures is discussed in great > detail. > > 6. Life support systems. The aim of this chapter to give an overview of > various water systems (e.g., open ocean, open systems, semi-closed and > closed systems. Water parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, > alkalinity, turbidity and visibility, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, > and nitrate, as well as bacteria and algae are discussed. This is followed > by a discussion of various water purification systems. > > 7. Food and fish house. This chapter discusses different food types fed, and > an emphasis is put on the quality of food selection and storage, as well as > the importance of hygiene in preparing and handling the food and in feeding > the animals. > > 8. Husbandry. The purpose of this chapter is to present a brief overview of > the various aspects of husbandry, the necessities of medical training, and > the importance of implementing a veterinary programme to maintain the > physical and psychological health of cetaceans in human care. > > Appendix. This is a list of cetacean facilities worldwide by country. > >

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Position Announcement
by Mary Jo Barkaszi 09 Nov '05

09 Nov '05

Immediate openings for 5 entry-level biologists to conduct offshore protected species observations for a variety of industries. Work is likely to include coastal and upland work as well with T&E species, wetlands, and education. This is an observer position; however we are offering the opportunity for employee status with benefits for the right people who have the motivation to do more than just observation work. Work will include long periods at sea (up to 6 weeks). Looking for individuals who can lead a team of observers. Must be professional, science based and unbiased. Top notch data collection, writing and communication skills are a must. Most work is in the Southeast with the opportunity to work world wide. You will be required to take random drug tests. All training will be provided (offshore survival, observer, etc) Typical salary is approx. 40,000/yr - this number will be more or less depending on what track is taken. Qualifications: Bachelors' degree in biology, ecology, marine sciences Some field experience GIS capabilities not required but a plus General knowledge of marine species with emphasis on mammals, turtles and birds Writing and reporting skills 3 confidential recommendations Requirements US citizen US Passport Valid drivers license Good physical & mental fitness Contact Information: Send resume to: maryjo(a)geocet.com

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