December 2005 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Volunteers Sought for Cetacean Survey
by MJTetley＠aol.com 09 Dec '05

09 Dec '05

Volunteers Sought for Cetacean Survey Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) have again been given the opportunity to join a platform of opportunity for cetacean observations in collaboration with the French Research Institute IFREMER. This institute participates in the "International Bottom Trawl Survey" or IBTS every year and have offered berths to ORCA on their February 2006 cruise; ORCA volunteers also joined this cruise in 2005. The survey area is the North Sea, Kattegat and Skagerrak on the survey vessel "Thalassa" (http://www.ifremer.fr/fleet/navires/hauturiers/thalassa/index.htm) The survey will depart from Brest, France and will undertake oceanographic sampling and fishing trawls throughout the survey area. The first part of the survey begins 29th January and ends at Ijmuiden in the Netherlands on the 9th February. The second half starting the 10th February - 22nd February, departing from Ijmuiden, arriving in Boulogne, France. There are a maximum of three berths available for experienced cetacean observers during each of the two survey periods. Volunteers will be asked to undertake cetacean observations using a pre-defined protocol. Observers may take part in either one half of the survey or the entire survey. These are strictly voluntary positions and no travel costs can be reimbursed. However, berth and food onboard 'Thalassa' are provided free of charge. ORCA are interested in collecting effort-related cetacean sightings data during this survey to contribute to ORCA's existing cetacean database. We hope t hat the opportunity to join the IBTS in the North Sea will be a long-term arrangement and will provide an excellent opportunity to collect monitoring data on distribution and relative abundance of cetaceans during the winter. For further information about volunteering on this survey please send a letter of enquiry and details of previous experience or CV to mjtetley(a)orcaweb.org.uk Regards Michael J. Tetley Director of Conservation ORCA www.orcaweb.org.uk Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) promotes the conservation of the marine environment through research, partnership and education and provides a forum for the enjoyment of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life. Registered Charity no 1098765

1 0

Letter From Concerned Scientists_Southern Sea Otter Translocation Program
by Jim Curland 08 Dec '05

08 Dec '05

Dear Marmam members, The SEIS for the Southern Sea Otter Translocation Program is available for public comment and the deadline closes on Jan 5, 2006. A coalition of groups that are working on drafting comments (Defenders of Wildlife, The Ocean Conservancy, Friends of the Sea Otter, Sea Otter Defense Initiative, a project of Earth Island Institute's International Marine Mammal Project, and The Humane Society of the United States) thought it would be good to circulate a letter to get sign-ons for this very critical policy issue for southern sea otter recovery. Please let me know (all of my contact information is below this letter): your name, title, affiliation if you would like to sign on to this letter. If you have an e-signature, please send it as a jpeg. If everyone that signs sends and e-signature, I will include them in the final letter. If not, I will just list names, titles, affiliations. Defenders will be an exhibitor at the SMM biennial (booth space E22). We will have a copy of the letter there, as well. In addition, you can come by the booth and provide your information for the letter there. If you have any interest in reviewing any of the SEIS before agreeing to sign on, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/ventura/es/SSOrecplan/seaotter_index.html Thanks, Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife LETTER FROM CONCERNED SCIENTISTS December 8, 2005 Diane Noda Field Supervisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office 2493 Portola Road, Suite B Ventura, California 93003-7726 Dear Diane Noda: We applaud the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) preferred alternative presented in the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on the translocation of southern sea otters. The DSEIS represents an important and scientifically responsible step toward successfully recovering the southern sea otter. In the final SEIS and proposed regulations to implement it, we strongly urge the FWS to implement the preferred alternative of terminating the Southern Sea Otter translocation program, ending the no-otter management zone south of Pt. Conception, and allowing the sea otters currently residing south of Pt. Conception, including sea otters residing around San Nicholas Island, to remain. This action will allow sea otters to move freely and naturally expand their range, which will help ensure this species' survival and recovery. Historically, the southern sea otter could be found all along the California coast and into Baja California, likely numbering 16,000 in the 1800s. Fur traders then killed almost all southern sea otters, with only a few dozen surviving in a remote cove off of Big Sur. They were declared threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1977, and today there are about 2,500 sea otters along our coast. Sea otters are the classic example of a keystone species. Sea otters allow for a natural check in the nearshore ecosystem by keeping populations of invertebrate grazers, such as sea urchins, from overtaking the system and denuding the kelp forests. The near-extinction of sea otters along the California coast altered the coastal ecosystem; bringing back sea otters throughout their range represents a critical step to restoring coastal ecosystems--creating healthy kelp forests and diverse populations of fish and invertebrate species. In 1987, the FWS began a translocation program to establish a new colony of southern sea otters on San Nicholas Island (SNI) in an attempt to protect the species from a catastrophic event (e.g. oil spill) and ultimately restore their dwindling numbers off the coast of California. Out of the original 140 sea otters translocated from 1987-1990 to SNI, just over 30 remain at the island today. The others either died or swam away and three years after the translocation program ended in 1990, there were fewer than 25 sea otters at SNI. While the population at SNI has shown some signs of recruitment, it is far from the predicted viable population that FWS estimated at between 150-500 sea otters. In addition, capturing and transporting sea otters tends to be unsuccessful because typically the sea otter is harmed or simply swims back to its initial location. For example, between 1987 and 1993, 24 sea otters were moved, 4 of those animals died. Also introducing a new sea otter into an already existing group of sea otters may disrupt the established social hierarchy of that group. Because moving sea otters places them at risk, the FWS and the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Team concluded that moving otters and impeding natural range expansion southward is likely to jeopardize the species' continued existence. The southern sea otter translocation program has failed to meet its objective of establishing a viable, independent colony of sea otters to serve as a safeguard for the population, as a whole, in the event of a natural or human-caused event. The recovery and management goals for southern sea otters cannot be met by continuing the program. Given that in the last ten years, the southern sea otter population has exhibited periods of growth and decline, and is still listed as threatened under the ESA, we are especially pleased to see the FWS recommendation to both protect and allow the sea otters currently in the translocation and management zones to remain. Implementation of the preferred alternative in the DSEIS will ensure a sustainable sea otter population and will allow sea otters to expand their range. We strongly urge you to finalize the SEIS and implement the preferred alternative. Sincerely, Provide Name, Title, Affiliation -- Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010 (phone) 831-726-9020 (fax) curland(a)earthlink.net jcurland(a)defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Defenders' Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Defenders' Sea Otter Teaching Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Defenders' Marine Program Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Defenders' California Marine Program Page)

1 0

Overfishing and decline of Mediterranean megafauna
by Giovanni Bearzi 08 Dec '05

08 Dec '05

Dear colleagues the article below has just been published online. Bearzi G., Politi E., Agazzi S., Azzellino A. 2006. Prey depletion caused by overfishing and the decline of marine megafauna in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters (central Mediterranean). Biological Conservation 127(4):373-382. ABSTRACT - Surveys primarily aimed at determining dolphin encounter rates were conducted from small inflatable craft in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters between 1997-2004. During 633 surveys totalling 21276 km of effort, observations of cetaceans and other marine species spotted in a study area of 480 km2 were systematically recorded. Common dolphin encounter rates declined 25-fold across the study period, steadily decreasing from 2.18 encounters/100km in 1997 to 0.09 encounters/100km in 2004. Encounter rates of tuna also declined significantly. Swordfish encounter rates dropped from 1.03 encounters/100km in 1997 to 0-0.12 in 1998-2004. Encounter rates of bottlenose dolphins did not show significant trends. The decline of high-order marine predators feeding on epipelagic prey was consistent with the hypothesis of prey depletion, likely resulting from intensive exploitation of local fish stocks, particularly anchovies and sardines. The catholic feeding habits and opportunistic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins may allow them to withstand the effects of overfishing at their present low density. Those who are interested can find this article and a few related ones at: http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm >> click on Publications Best regards, Giovanni Bearzi _________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. bearzi(a)inwind.it President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm _________________________________

1 0

Need photo of 1975 marine mammal conference
by Phillip Clapham 07 Dec '05

07 Dec '05

Does anyone have one or more scanned photos of the first biennial conference on the biology of marine mammals, in Santa Cruz in 1975? I'd really like to find a good one to use for the talk Jim Mead, Dee Allen and I are giving at the upcoming 16th biennial. Bonus points for pictures of Ken Norris at that time! Thanks. Phil Clapham phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 4 Seattle, WA 98115 tel (206) 526-4037 fax (206) 526-6615 email: phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

1 0

Dolphin Research Internship - Immediate Opening
by emily 07 Dec '05

07 Dec '05

Dolphin Research Internship - Immediate Opening Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for an immediate opening as a Research Intern. 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 behavioral research sessions. In addition, educational opportunities are available such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Specific job duties include: · Collecting observational data · Preparing stimuli for behavioral research sessions · Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for behavioral research sessions · Operating video equipment · Entering 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.) Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at DRC, please visit our website, at www.dolphins.org. Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005, in press). Understanding the concept of numerically less by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16 weeks is preferable), 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. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. Further information and application materials can be found on our website at www.dolphins.org. Emily Guarino drc-res(a)dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center

1 0

Belize Field Course in Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Antillean Manatees and Bottlenose Dolphins: GIS mapping and boat surveys
by Ellen Hines 07 Dec '05

07 Dec '05

please post: >>Oceanic Society Research Course (Second Year) >>Field Course in Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Antillean Manatees >>and Bottlenose Dolphins: GIS mapping and boat surveys >>Field Site: Blackbird Oceanic Field Station, Turneffe Atoll, Belize >>Date: July 8-15, 2006 >>Instructors: Dr. Ellen Hines, San Francisco State University, Dr. >>Annalisa Berta, San Diego State University. Local Belizean researchers >>will also participate & contribute. >>Course credit available in biology >>Cost: $990 includes all survey expenses, transportation from Belize City >>out to Turneffe, accomm/odations (4 students per cabana with shared >>bath), and 3 Belizean meals a day. >>Air: Special package rates available, please call the Oceanic Society for >>details (415-441-1106). (800) 326-7491 >>Course Description: Both credit and noncredit students participate in a >>hands-on field study. The course will be a combination of instruction in >>general marine mammal ecology and specifics about bottlenose dolphins and >>Antillean manatees in Belize. We will also learn field assessment methods >>for dolphins and manatees and their habitat, including GPS use and basic >>GIS location mapping, and talk about conservation issues in an isolated >>tropical ecosystem. Daily field excursions from the Blackbird Oceanic >>Field Station will compliment lectures, labs and presentations. >> >>Location Description: Blackbird Caye is approximately 90 minutes by >>motor vessel east of Belize City. Operated by the Oceanic Society ( >>www.oceanic-society.org) the Blackbird Caye Field Station sits on a low >>sand and mangrove island archipelago within the barrier reef system of >>Belize. This is a remote tropical island with no medical facilities. A >>private airstrip is available for emergency evacuation. >> >>Class format: Class size is small (10 maximum). Please contact the >>Oceanic Society in San Francisco for details. 415 441 1106. Course >>website: http://www.oceanic-society.org/pages/alltrips/spectrip5.html Ellen Hines, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Geography & Human Environmental Studies San Francisco State University 1600 Holloway Ave. San Francisco, CA. 94132 USA ehines(a)sfsu.edu (415) 405-0921 Fax: (415) 338-6243

1 0

Hawaiian Monk Seal Field Research Positions for 2006
by Thea Johanos-Kam 07 Dec '05

07 Dec '05

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2006 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 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 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. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ There are two primary periods of employment available: mid-March through mid/late August, and early April to mid/late August, though some positions will last until September. IMPORTANT: Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available. The first 3-4 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. Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live either in 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. *NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31 BUT SOONER IS BETTER* Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references to: Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam(a)noaa.gov Phone (808) 983-5713 Fax: (808) 983-2902 Email submissions are preferred, but you can also mail applications to Thea Johanos Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 2570 Dole St. Honolulu, HI 96822 Employment will be provided by a contractor yet to be determined. Applicants will be considered for two types of positions: field camp leader and field camp assistants. Monthly salary (+overtime) will be offered depending upon qualifications. FIELD CAMP LEADER One field camp leader serves as the senior person in a camp. Leads field personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field team's work. Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for field personnel. Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies for remote research camp are prepared. 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. Responsible for return of 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. Produces annual report at end of field season. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education requirements). Good communication, leadership and decision-making skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. 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 working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include 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, working knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance. FIELD CAMP ASSISTANT One or two assistants participate in each field camp. Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Maintains a safe working environment for field personnel. Participates in daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects 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. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years field experience. Good communication and team skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. 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 working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include 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, working knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.

1 0

Garage Sale reminder
by Ari Shapiro 06 Dec '05

06 Dec '05

To: MARMAM Subject: Garage Sale reminder This is a friendly reminder to you and yours that at the upcoming conference in San Diego, we will be hosting the Third International Marine Mammal Extravaganza: The Orderly Garage (sale) Opportunity (TIMME: TO GO), a marine mammal-themed garage sale to benefit the student travel fund. At an opportune moment (now), please raid your colleagues' work space for those little trashy treasures (hint: the tops of computer monitors tend to be especially rewarding). Anything vaguely resembling a marine mammal is fair game. Don't give in to his or her pleas ('I kinda like this' is just not acceptable) - it's for a worthy cause after all. But hey, we're not picky - we'll also gladly take those dusty marine mammal books off your hands. Or that old SLR camera that became obsolete when your photoID project went digital. Bring them along to San Diego (or give them to someone who's going) and drop them off at the garage sale table: E10 & E11 in the exhibition area. Once in San Diego be sure to include the garage sale in your holiday shopping plans. Embellish your home and office with marine-mammal accoutrements. Shower friends and family with luscious gifts (we won't tell that you paid less than $5 for them!). Experience the thrill of the silent auction. Re-gift, rebel, recycle! Safe travels and happy trails! The TIMME: TO GO Team

1 0

Ethics in Marine Mammal Science Workshop - Final Reminder
by Charles Littnan 06 Dec '05

06 Dec '05

Aloha Everyone- This is a final reminder to register for the Ethics in Marine Mammal Science (EiMMS) Workshop if you are interested in going. If you have already registered with us, you do not need to do so again. The details are: What: EiMMS Workshop When: Sunday, Dec. 11 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Where: Manchester Grand Hyatt (Conference Venue) Cost: The workshop is FREE. The workshop provides a rare opportunity for discussion of a variety of topics related to ethics in our field. The primary objective of this workshop is for members to hear what steps the SMM has taken in developing ethical guidelines and discuss what role ethics has within our Society. An agenda with tentative titles is listed below. Please join this important discussion. If you are interested in attending please email Charles (charles.littnan(a)noaa.gov) Onsite registration is available at the door, but we are trying to get an accurate count for refreshments. Hope to see you in San Diego. Safe travels everyone. Cheers, Charles Littnan and Dave Johnston Agenda: Introduction to the 2nd Biennial Workshop on Ethics in Marine Mammal Science 8:30 /Ad hoc/ Ethics committee and guidelines: Update from the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) 8:50 Creating a code of ethics for a multi-cultural professional society: Update from Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) 9:15 Best practices and tagging/marking: Update from the Biologging Symposium ethics workshop (St. Andrews, Scotland June 2005) 9:45 Coffee 10:00 Introduction to the IACUC framework: Potential application for the SMM 10:20 Issues in Ethics: Some things to consider as we find our ethical identity 10:40 The Maquarie Island elephant seal branding program: A case study of research, ethics, and the media 11:00 Morning summary and recommendations 11:30 Lunch 12:00 Introduction to the afternoon and EIMMS Web Portal: A new resource for marine mammal ethics 1:00 Open Discussion 1:30 Coffee 3:30 Discussion of recommendations and workshop outputs 3:45 -- Charles Littnan, Ph.D. Ecologist Marine Mammal Foraging Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center NOAA Fisheries 2570 Dole St. Honolulu HI 96822 Tel: (808) 983 5392 Fax: (808) 983 2902

1 0

Marine Mammal Management Course Reminder
by J&B 06 Dec '05

06 Dec '05

MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE REMINDER 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 ends on January 6th, 2006. There are four versions: a) full three credit graduate level; b) a three credit undergraduate version; c) a general interest diploma, which will be awarded all successful candidates; d) as part of the graduate certificate (contact the coordinator douganj(a)nova.edu <mailto:douganj@nova.edu>). MMM runs from JANUARY 3 TO MARCH 17, 2006, and covers a range of pertinent topics as indicated by the Table of Contents: Dedication Information for Current Term Chapter 1. Introduction to Marine Mammals Chapter 2. Marine Mammal Management Chapter 3. Introduction to Cetaceans Chapter 4. Beluga Whale, and "toxic soups" Chapter 5. Dolphins, non-consumptive use Chapter 6. Bowheads, the subsidence balance Chapter 7. Orcas, of killers and Keikos Chapter 8. Pilots, stranding and utilization Chapter 9. Introduction to Pinnipeds Chapter10 Monk Seals Chapter11. California Sea Lion, Big Sur and survival Chapter12. Harp Seal, to hunt or not to hunt? Chapter13. Introduction to Sirenia Chapter14. Manatee, the harassed herbivore Chapter15. Introduction to Marine Fissipeds Chapter16. Polar Bear, the Inuit, success and hope Chapter17. Acoustic Stimuli of Marine Mammals Chapter18. Marine Mammal Conservation & Future Management Finis! There are two essay assignments for those taking the credit versions. First, is due on FEBRUARY 10th with a value of 30%, and the last on MARCH 17th for 60% of the final mark. The remaining 10% is held for Interaction evaluation - how well you participate in class e-mail discussion and respond to requests Candidates will receive comments on the 1st assignment for use in the final essay. Those taking the diploma program may submit the assignments; not for marks, but certainly for comment. As communication and interaction throughout the term will be mainly via E-mail, it is essential that all have some electronic means of communication and submitting essays. Essays should be sent using "MS Word" format. For general information on the course contact: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html Alternately: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ for general information on the Oceanographic Center's programs. For registration: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html Barra L. Gots and Professor Keith Ronald Instructors for 2006 Marine Mammal Management Distance Education course Please reply to Barra Gots, johnbarra(a)sympatico.ca <mailto:johnbarra@sympatico.ca>

1 0