October 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Posting
by Sarah Wilson 20 Oct '06

20 Oct '06

JOB OPENING Center for Cooperation in Research and Education (CORE) Project Coordinator I We are currently seeking candidates with a background in Educational Research with an emphasis on natural sciences or technology. GENERAL DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITIES: The CORE Project Coordinator, funded by the National Science Foundation, is a 24-month grant-funded position (with possibility of continuation based on funding) supporting the development and implementation of: SeaTech: Underserved Teens Hooked on Ocean Science. The project will develop workplace and technology competencies for 8th and 9th grade students at the Capistrano Boys & Girls Club. Each year, up to 120 students will participate in weekly programs at the Club, Ocean Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography or one of our technology partners. The project also offers a two-week summer institute, where students learn skills necessary to be effective contributors to Scripps' Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Laboratory. The CORE Project Coordinator will assist with general administrative support for the project including but not limited to: writing and editing curriculum, maintaining progress reports; teaching programs, purchasing/procuring; developing correspondences; scheduling, testing and evaluating new program components; developing positive interactions with other Ocean Institute departments. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide logistic and administrative support for the SeaTech Program funded by the National Science Foundation. * Assist with the development, testing and implementation of a 2-year workplace and technology training program for 8th-9th graders using bioacoustics as the theme. * Coordinate communications, planning, and instructional programs between all SeaTech partners. * Serve as primary OI liaison with Capistrano Boys & Girls Club REQUIREMENTS: BA or BS in a natural science. Demonstrated competence in writing and communication. Strong human relations skills. Ability to work independently and maintain high standard of excellence in task completion. Strong plus: Experience developing educational curriculum, content familiarity with marine mammals and/or bioacoustics; desire to work with underrepresented youths in an after school free-choice environment (Boys & Girls Clubs); experience in project administration or management. Computer Skills Required: Competency using Microsoft Word and Excel. Strong plus: experience with web authoring software. Salary Range: $28,500 - $33,000; Full time; Exempt; Benefits Please see our website www.ocean-institute.org <http://www.ocean-institute.org/> for additional information on the Institute. Fax or e-mail resume and cover letter to (949) 248-5557 attn: Elaine Hofflund or ehofflund(a)ocean-institute.org Sincerely, Sarah Wilson Ocean Institute Public Programs Manager, Cooperation in Research and Education (949) 496-2274 ext. 337 www.ocean-institute.org

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Announcement - New Marine Mammal Observers course
by Ross Compton 20 Oct '06

20 Oct '06

A new posting for MARMAM if possible please; Dear all, The University of Plymouth, in conjunction with WGP Seismic Ltd has developed a new Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) course. This is aimed at equipping delegates with the knowledge and skills to work as MMOs during offshore operations, primarily seismic surveys. The 3-day course is intended for those with limited or no offshore experience, incorporating modules on marine mammal biology and observation, the potential effects of underwater noise, modern seismic survey techniques and worldwide mitigation guidelines. An introduction to Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is also included. The first course will run from January 26th to 28th. The course is accredited by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and meets the criteria as advised by other countries. It will be run at the University of Plymouth, and booking information is available from; http://www.hs.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/dynamic.asp?page=pd_course&course=431 Further course details are available from; http://www.oceanear.com <http://www.oceanear.com/> Best regards, Ross Ross Compton Environmental Manager WGP Seismic Ltd - WGP Projects Ltd Tel: UK+44(0)1288 356090 Mob: UK+44 (0)7761 484229 Fax: UK+44(0)1288 357910 Email: rossc(a)wgeo.co.uk Web: www.wgeo.co.uk <blocked::http://www.wgeo.co.uk/> This e-mail and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee and are confidential. They may also be legally privileged. Copyright in them is reserved by Westland GeoProjects (Holdings) Limited [ The Company ] and they must not be disclosed to, or used by, anyone other than the addressee. If you have received this e-mail and any accompanying files in error, you may not copy, publish or use them in any way and you should delete them from your system and notify us immediately. E-mails are not secure. The Company does not accept responsibility for changes to e-mails that occur after they have been sent. Any opinions expressed in this e-mail may be personal to the author and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Company. The Company cannot guarantee that any attachments to this e-mail are free from viruses. You should therefore ensure that you take appropriate precautions to check for viruses before opening them. Our postal address is Westland GeoProjects (Holdings) Ltd, Belle Vue Lane, BUDE, Cornwall, EX23 8BR, United Kingdom

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ECS 2007: INTEGRATING SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT FOR MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVATION
by Jan Willem Broekema 19 Oct '06

19 Oct '06

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Report on the status and distribution of cetaceans in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
by Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara 19 Oct '06

19 Oct '06

Cetaceans in the Mediterranean and Black Seas New report on the status of porpoises, dolphins and whales now available Porpoises, dolphins and whales of many kinds abounded in the Black and Mediterranean seas when humans arrived and for millennia thereafter. Over the last few centuries and especially the 19th and 20th, however, the numbers and range of these aquatic mammals have dwindled as a result of human actions -- in some cases deliberate and in some cases accidental. Concern for the conservation status of cetaceans in the Black and Mediterranean Seas was reflected in the 1991 Action Plan of the Barcelona Convention and in the global action plans for cetacean conservation published by the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Species Survival Commissions Cetacean Specialist Group (CSG) in 1988, 1989, 1994 and 2003. Two populations from the region have already been listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species the Black Sea subspecies of the Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) as Vulnerable (1996) and the Mediterranean subpopulation of Short-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) as Endangered (2003). Scientists working in the region have long recognised the need for additional detailed assessments, expecting that other species and populations would also qualify for threatened status. Fortunately, an expanding cadre of dedicated researchers have been working hard to bring attention to the plight of Black Sea and Mediterranean cetaceans, with the hope of stemming the decline and supporting recovery. One important dimension of that effort is to marshal authoritative information on the status of the various species and to highlight specific areas or types of activity that require urgent attention. With this objective, a workshop was held at the Ministry of State in Monaco on 5-7 March 2006. Its stated purpose was to assess all populations of Mediterranean and Black Sea cetaceans against the 2001 IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Version 3.1). The IUCN Red List Authority for cetacean species and populations resides within the Cetacean Specialist Group, and therefore the CSG played a central role in the workshops organization and conduct. Randall Reeves, CSG chairman, and Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, CSG deputy chairman, co-organised the workshop in consultation with the sponsoring bodies. An important development in the history of cetacean conservation in the region was the establishment in 2001 of the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS) within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). At the ACCOBAMS Meeting of Parties in 2004 the decision was taken to seek a closer working relationship with IUCN. As a first step towards implementing that decision, ACCOBAMS welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation in Malaga by co-organising and co-sponsoring the Mediterranean/Black Sea Cetacean Red List Workshop. This compilation, provided jointly by IUCN-MED and ACCOBAMS, should give governments, industries, recreationists, militaries and environmental activists in the region a common starting point for deciding how and where to allocate limited resources as they try to repair the damage and prevent further harm to ecosystems which are still, quite literally, under assault. Following publication of the workshop report, assessments will be submitted for review and endorsement by the Cetacean Specialist Group and then forwarded to the IUCN Red List Programme and the Global Mammal Assessment. The report is available at: <http://iucn.org/places/medoffice/en/index.html>http://iucn.org/places/medoffice/en/index.html (includes versions in English, Spanish and French), and <http://www.accobams.org/2006.php/publications/all>http://www.accobams.org/2006.php/publications/all (English only) Randall R. Reeves Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara

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New publications week 41
by Jan Herrmann 19 Oct '06

19 Oct '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 41 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Thanks to all of you who sent in reprints to be included in the weekly announcements. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Bianucci, G., W. Landini, and J. Buckeridge (2006): Whale barnacles and Neogene cetacean migration routes. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics 49(1): 115-120. DeLorenzo Costa, A., E.G. Durbin, and C.A. Mayo (2006): Variability in the nutritional value of the major copepods in Cape Cod Bay (Massachusetts, USA) with implications for right whales. Marine Ecology 27(2): 109-123. Möller, L.M. et al. (2006): Association patterns and kinship in female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) of southeastern Australia. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 61(1): 109-117. PINNIPEDIA Boness, D.J. et al. (2006): Mating tactics and mating system of an aquatic-mating pinniped: the harbor seal, Phoca vitulina. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 61(1): 119-130. Boren, L.J., C.G. Muller, and N.J. Gemmell (2006): Colony growth and pup condition of the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) on the Kaikoura coastline compared with other east coast colonies. Wildlife Research 33(6): 497-505. Hoffman, J.I., P.N. Trathan, and W. Amos (2006): Genetic tagging reveals extreme site fidelity in territorial male Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella. Molecular Ecology 15(12): 3841-3847. Lancaster, M.L. et al. (2006): Menage a trois on Macquarie Island: hybridization among three species of fur seal (Arctocephalus spp.) following historical population extinction. Molecular Ecology 15(12): 3681-3692. Lester, C.W. and D.P. Costa (2006): Water conservation in fasting northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Journal of Experimental Biology 209(21): 4283-4294. Ortiz, R.M. et al. (2006): Angiotensin II and Aldosterone Increase with Fasting in Breeding Adult Male Northern Elephant Seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79(6): 1106-1112. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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FW: Position Announcement
by Frederickson Joshua M CONT NPRI 18 Oct '06

18 Oct '06

Apologies for cross-posting -----Original Message----- From: Patricio, Kelly [mailto:KPatricio@mrcds.com] Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 12:53 PM To: Frederickson, Joshua Subject: Position Announcement Marine Scientist, Newport, Rhode Island Position Description: Successful candidate would join an interdisciplinary team of marine biologists and environmental planners to research, acquire, and develop technical content in support of Navy at-sea environmental planning projects. Candidates would perform independent research across multiple marine disciplines in support of NEPA, MMPA, ESA, or other policy-driven projects. Candidate would be required to communicate with staff scientists and engineers, government personnel, and academic researchers and independently prepare and provide timelines, briefs, and presentations to sponsors. Candidate would also travel to and participation in scientific and industry-specific conferences. Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a Department of Defense Security Clearance. Required Skills: Initiative; willingness to meet deadlines and adhere to schedules; experience multi-tasking and managing multiple, simultaneous, and diverse projects; ability to take ownership and accountability for a project and follow through to ensure completion of tasks. Successful candidate would be motivated and eager to address complex environmental issues involving biological, physical, and acoustic oceanography. Efficient computer skills for writing and reviewing documents are also necessary. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are absolutely necessary. Preferred Skills: Experience with ESRI ArcGIS, EndNote and familiarity with environmental regulations is highly preferred. Education: BS/BA (M.S. or advanced degree preferred) marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or related field. Contact: Send resumes, 1 page writing sample, and contact information for at least 3 professional/academic references to: Linda Perry McLaughlin Research Corporation 132 Johnnycake Hill Middletown, RI 02842 Email (preferred): lperry(a)mrcds.com MRC offers a competitive wage and benefit package. Please visit the Human Resources section of our web site (<http://mrcds.com>) for information on benefits.

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need information on mammals skulls
by Sebastien Sarramegna 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

Dear All, Im introducing myself, Im working at the New Caledonian aquarium. We have the opportunity to have mammal skulls (Dugong, Dolphin and Pygmy sperm whale), they are in pieces and we would like to assembly the different skulls to be able to expose them in the aquarium. In New Caledonia nobody does that. I am wondering if you could indicate to me a person or the address of a company, institute that do that. Thank you for your help. Sincerely yours Dr. Sébastien Sarramegna

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Dolphin photoID Research Internship
by Gwenael Beauplet 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

DOLPHIN PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Spring/Summer 2007 semester (January - July 2007). The MMRP is located on Galveston, southern Texas. Our research lab is coordinated under the auspices of the Institute of Marine Life Sciences (IMLS) at Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG). Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at MMRP, please visit our website, at http://www.tamug.tamu.edu/mmrp/ Internships at MMRP represent an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. It offers an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to participate in MMRP's ongoing research projects and to obtain laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced marine mammal researchers. In addition, educational opportunities are available, such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Successful applicants will be primarily responsible for assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry into the computer for analysis, library research, and involvement in special projects. This coming year, we will not be engaged in gathering data from vessels, although some limited shore-based work with bottlenose dolphin position information may be possible. Therefore, please be advised that this is primarily an intensive laboratory-analysis experience with marine mammals. Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16-20 weeks is preferable), 40 hours per week. Starting and ending dates are flexible. 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. Successful candidate will also be responsible for providing their own housing. However, MMRP will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns desiring roommates. * Qualifications required: - Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred - Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. - Prior research experience is recommended, but not required. * The deadline for application is 15th December 2006, and must contain the following: 1. Curriculum vitae, or "resumé", 2. Letter of intent, which clearly spells out what you would wish to accomplish with the internship, 3. Two letters of reference, from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits, 4. A letter listing classes taken and grades obtained. An official transcript is not necessary, but a copy is appreciated. Please send the above materials to : Marine Mammal Research Program, Attn. Internship Coordinator, 5007 Ave. U, Galveston, TX 77551. Interested applicants should correspond to: Dr. Gwenael Beauplet Marine Mammal Research Program Institute of Marine Life Sciences, Texas A&M University 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77551, USA Email: ufuf(a)tamug.edu <mailto:ufuf@tamug.edu>

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Marine Mammal Courses at Dolphin Research Center
by Kirsten Donald 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

Dolphin Research Center, a not-for-profit organization in the Florida Keys, is happy to announce 4 weeklong, academically intensive, college level courses in marine mammal science. These career-oriented programs are conducted onsite in Grassy Key, Florida by individuals with over 30 years of experience in the marine mammal field. Class size averages between twelve and sixteen students to ensure individualized instruction. DolphinLab surveys a wide range of information and issues concerning dolphins, their environment and related subjects. Students are introduced to DRC and its resident dolphin population, learning to respect each dolphin as an individual through observation of their unique behavioral and physical characteristics. The course includes a unique blend of seminars, observation time, and hands-on activities. Class sizes average twelve to fourteen students to ensure individualized instruction. Seminars Include: Acoustics & Communication, Marine Mammal Conservation, Coral Reef Ecology, Dolphin Cognition, Dolphin Physiology, Dolphin Husbandry, Dolphin Training, Dolphin Maternity, Marine Mammal Law, Marine Mammal Stranding, and Cognitive & Behavioral Research. Students will also participate in: Observation Time, Research Workshop, a Training Demonstration, Training Workshop, a Medical Demonstration and have the opportunity to interact with the dolphins directly throughout the week. Students may elect to receive college credit for attending DolphinLab Cognitive & Behavioral Marine Mammal Research is part of our focused career series DolphinLab programs. The course provides an in-depth, hands-on immersion into the field of marine mammal science. This research- oriented program surveys an extensive amount of knowledge, theories and ongoing investigations concerning dolphins. By working with staff on actual research studies, students gain a greater understanding of the cognitive abilities and social behavior of these amazing animals, as well as deeper insight into research concepts and methodology. Seminar Topics & Focused Activities Include: Dolphin Anatomy & Physiology, Marine Mammal Training Techniques, Physiological & Behavioral Research, Marine Mammal Cognition, Marine Mammal Research Law Requirements, Acoustics & Communication, Genetics, Research Project Design, DRCs Current Research, Career Pathways & Requirements Students will also: assist staff in current research sessions, learn to conduct independent observation sessions, participate in additional research activities, observe Medical Demonstrations, participate in Informal Discussions with Research Personnel and enjoy opportunities to interact with the dolphins directly throughout the week. Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training is part of our focused career series DolphinLab programs. This course focuses on husbandry care practices and basic training methods associated with marine mammals in human care. This physically rigorous, hands-on program is specifically designed for those students seriously interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal care and training. Primarily focused on the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, the course also delves lightly into the care of sea lions and DRCs rescue efforts with the Florida manatee. Seminar Topics Include: Dolphin Physiology, Marine Mammal Husbandry, Introduction to Operant Conditioning & Marine Mammal Training Techniques, Medical Care and Pathology of Marine Mammals, Marine Mammal Rescue & Rehabilitation, Habitat Design & Maintenance, Pinniped Life History/Physiology, Manatee Life History/Physiology Students participate in a number of interactive activities, including multiple training sessions down on the docks with the dolphins throughout the week. Students experience diet preparation; how to feed, reinforce, and maintain established behaviors. Other Activities Include: Training Demonstration, Training & Reinforcement Techniques Workshops, Pinniped demonstration, Medical behavior demonstrations, Observation time, record keeping, assisting in husbandry care, Q&A panel discussion with senior trainers on the differences in caring for various marine mammals, as well as opportunities to interact with the dolphins directly throughout the week. . Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment After completing Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training, students may apply for our Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment program. Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment delves more deeply into the fields of behavioral science, animal care and training. The course allows students to build on the knowledge they acquired during the Marine Mammal Care & Basic Training and begin focusing on training new behaviors, exploring animal enrichment and contemplating more complex issues surrounding marine mammal care. Seminars Include: Operant Conditioning & Reinforcement Techniques Review, Advanced Principles of Marine Mammal Training & Behavior Shaping, Behavior Chain Development, Marine Mammal Enrichment, Medical Behavior Training, Dolphin Maternity Care, Population Management, Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Training Students will participate in daily sessions down on the docks with the dolphins and implement a training plan they have developed to teach a new behavior to a dolphin. Public speaking skills will also be developed as students learn how to present dolphins and their training experiences to the public. Students will also explore animal enrichment through directed activities implemented with our dolphins and sea lions. Under the guidance of our staff, students will create enrichment toys and activities for the animals and present these activities and toys to the animals throughout the week and observe the animals' reactions. Other Activities Include: informal observation and interaction from the training docks, record keeping, diet preparation, assisting in husbandry care, daily dolphin & sea lion training demonstrations, daily discussions with trainers about training progress, marine mammal enrichment workshops, a panel discussion with senior members of our Animal Care and Training department on interspecies differences in training. Individual course fees include program activities, meals, and lodging. College credit (undergraduate level) is available for the DolphinLab course at an additional cost. For more information check out our website, www.dolphins.org or (305) 289-1121 x225. Sincerely, Kirsten Donald Director of Education Dolphin Research Center "Over 20 Years of Teaching, Learning & Caring for Marine Mammals and the Environment We Share"

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Bibliography
by Gustavo Toledo 17 Oct '06

17 Oct '06

Dear all, I write to ask if somebody could help me with references about age determination in Mysticetos, applicable methodologies, earplugs... Sought in the internet I found little thing about the theme. If you could aid me, I would be very thankful. Thanks for the attention. Hugs for all, GUSTAVO A. C. TOLEDO Mastozoologia Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia/CCEN Universidade Federal da Paraíba 58051-900 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Phone: +55 83 32167769 E-mails: gustavoact(a)yahoo.com.br / gustavoact(a)gmail.com Residential address: Hildebrando Tourinho, nº 570 Residencial Firenze Apt. 203 Miramar 58032-080 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Phone: +55 83 32475741 / 88015443 --------------------------------- Novidade no Yahoo! Mail: receba alertas de novas mensagens no seu celular. Registre seu aparelho agora!

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