December 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper about Bottlenose Dolphins and fish farms
by Bruno Diaz 05 May '07

05 May '07

Dear All, The following paper is now available. PDF reprints are available upon request (contact email: B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com) THE IMPACT OF A FISH FARM ON A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. Bruno Díaz López, Luca Marini & Federico Polo. Thalassas, An international Journal of marine sciences. Vol 21 (2), 2005. ABSTRACT The increasing presence of aquaculture in coastal waters calls for a better understanding of its environmental effects. Despite a number of studies focusing on the impact of aquaculture on marine mammals, the interaction between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with fish farms has been the subject of few investigations. In this paper we report the results of our research on the interaction between bottlenose dolphins with a fish farm on the Sardinian coast (Italy) from 1991 to 2004. We divided the study area latitudinally into two sections: southern (Gulf of Olbia) and northern (Gulf of Congianus). In the southern section in November 1995 the plant of a small fish farm was completely increased and transformed. Data were pooled into two periods (1991 to 1994 and 1999 to 2004). All years but 2003 were sampled. During the first and second research periods the same land-based searches were conducted under fair to excellent weather conditions. A total of 255 sightings were carried out in over 1320 hours of research of dolphins: in the first period 52 sightings were recorded in 517 hours of research, in the second period 203 sightings were realized in 803 hours of research. The presence of bottlenose dolphins changed dramatically between the two research periods. Observations of dolphins indicate that they are mainly present in the southern area during the second period. The preference for the southern section seemed to be consistent after the transformation of the fish farm, since 1995. Keywords: bottlenose dolphins, aquaculture, fish farm, marine mammals, Sardinian coast Best regards, Bruno Díaz López Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I B_D_R_I(a)yahoo.com V.Diaz 4 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy tel: 00 39 346 0815414 --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates. --------------------------------- Get amazing travel prices for air and hotel in one click on Yahoo! FareChase

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New publications week 50
by Jan Herrmann 30 Dec '06

30 Dec '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 50 / 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 and a happy new year, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Guo, J. (2006): WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: River Dolphins Down for the Count, and Perhaps Out. Science 314(5807): 1860. McCormick, J.G. (2007): Behavioral Observations of Sleep and Anesthesia in the Dolphin: Implications for Bispectral Index Monitoring of Unihemispheric Effects in Dolphins. Anesthesia & Analgesia 104(1): 239-241. Noda, K. et al. (2006): Effect of bovine lactoferrin on the immune responses of captive bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) being transported over long distances. The Veterinary Record 159(26): 885-888. Du, B. and D. Wang (2006): C-values of Seven Marine Mammal Species Determined by Flow Cytometry. Zoological Science 23(11): 1017-1020. McDonald, W.L. et al. (2006): Characterization of a Brucella sp. Strain as a Marine-Mammal Type despite Isolation from a Patient with Spinal Osteomyelitis in New Zealand. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 44(12): 4363-4370. PINNIPEDIA Crawford, R.J.M. et al. (2007): Trends in numbers of Cape gannets (Morus capensis), 1956/1957-2005/2006, with a consideration of the influence of food and other factors. ICES Journal of Marine Science 64(1): 169-177. Hoffman, J.I., S. Steinfartz, and J.B.W. Wolf (2007): Ten novel dinucleotide microsatellite loci cloned from the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) are polymorphic in other pinniped species. Molecular Ecology Notes 7(1): 103-105. Kowalewsky, S. et al. (2006): High olfactory sensitivity for dimethyl sulphide in harbour seals. Biology Letters 2(1): 106-109. Kretzmann, M. et al. (2006): Microsatellite Diversity and Fitness in Stranded Juvenile Harp Seals (Phoca groenlandica). Journal of Heredity 97(6): 555-560. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Turvey, S.T. and C.L. Risley (2006): Modelling the extinction of Steller's sea cow. Biology Letters 2(1): 94-97. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Vacancy for an experienced marine mammal scientist
by Christina Lockyer 29 Dec '06

29 Dec '06

The NAMMCO Secretariat would like to draw MARMAM subscribers' attention to the position opening in April 2007. The details are provided below. Please be sure to reply only to the addresses provided in the advertisement and not to MARMAM. North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Vacancy Announcement - SCIENTIFIC SECRETARY The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) invites applications for the position of Scientific Secretary at the NAMMCO Secretariat, which is located at the Polar Environment Centre in Tromsø, Norway. NAMMCO is an inter-governmental body established in 1992 with the purpose of contributing, through regional consultation and cooperation, to the conservation, rational management and study of marine mammals in the North Atlantic. Member countries of the Commission are Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The Commission is made up of a Council, Management Committees and a Scientific Committee, which meet on an annual basis. The Scientific Committee, to which each member country appoints 3 scientific experts, provides scientific advice based on requests forwarded to it by the Council. The NAMMCO Secretariat currently has a permanent staff of three - the General Secretary, the Scientific Secretary and the Administrative Assistant. Additional staff are recruited on a short-term, project basis to assist with specific activities, when required. The main responsibility of the Scientific Secretary is to coordinate the work of the Scientific Committee and its Working Groups, including organisation of meetings, preparation of meeting documents and Committee and Working Group reports. In addition, the Scientific Secretary is responsible for the technical editing and preparation for publication of the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series, in collaboration with scientific editors appointed for each volume. The Scientific Secretary is also responsible for the further development and maintenance of marine mammal catch and reference databases in the Secretariat, as well as the regular updating and editing, in liaison with the Scientific Committee, of a status report on marine mammals in the North Atlantic for the reference of the Commission. As a part of a small international team, the Scientific Secretary will also be expected to assist, as appropriate, with other areas of the Commission's work, as may be determined by the General Secretary. The position will normally involve a minimum of three weeks overseas travel per year in connection with meetings, which rotate between member countries. The successful candidate should have: - a higher degree in a relevant field of natural or social science; - demonstrated experience in administration and familiarity with scientific cooperation through international organisations. A background in wildlife and/or fisheries biology would be an advantage; - fluency in written and spoken English and experience with the preparation and editing in English of reports and publications. A working knowledge of a Nordic language would be an advantage; - excellent communication skills, flexibility and the ability to work cooperatively and independently; - relevant skills in the use of modern data systems and the internet. The position of Scientific Secretary is for a four-year period, with the possibility of extension at the end of this term. The Scientific Secretary is appointed by the Council, and is responsible to the General Secretary. The salary is commensurate with the qualifications required of the position and in line with salaries for similar posts in other international organisations. NAMMCO will provide coverage for all removal costs to Tromsø. Staff recruited from outside Norway will be entitled to regular home leave with family. The successful candidate will be expected to take up the position as soon as possible after 1st April 2007. For further details on the job description and other information, please contact the General Secretary of NAMMCO on nammco-sec(a)nammco.no or call +47 77750180, and check out the website on www.nammco.no to learn more about the work of this international organisation and its goals and affiliations. Please send your application, together with your curriculum vitae detailing qualifications, work experience and publications, and the names, affiliations and contact details of three referees to the General Secretary, NAMMCO, Polar Environmental Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway, to reach NAMMCO postmarked no later than 1st February 2007. All applications will be acknowledged.

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GIS Developer job opening, OSU Marine Mammal Program
by littlefield, betsy 24 Dec '06

24 Dec '06

The OSU Marine Mammal Program, a world-renowned research program studying endangered whales, pinnipeds and cetacean genetics, seeks a GIS Developer/Modeler. The full-time, fixed-term faculty research assistant position is located in Newport, Ore., at the Hatfield Marine Science Center; reappointment at the discretion of the hiring authority. Salary $45,000 to $52,000. The successful candidate will develop graphic user interfaces and GIS tools, and program mathematical algorithms for data analysis, working with an SQL server, ESRI software, remote sensing imagery; as well as with Python, Visual Studio.Net, Visual Basic, C++, or Perl. For position details and to apply, visit www.oregonstate.edu/jobs, and enter posting # 0000107. Application closing date is 01/12/07. OSU is an AA/EOE.

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Summer Internship
by Kelly Melillo 23 Dec '06

23 Dec '06

Thank you for posting. Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistant/Intern - Summer 2007 Bimini, The Bahamas & Connecticut, USA The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer 2007. These internships have both field and office components, both of which are mandatory. DCP, directed by Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski and part of Immersion Presents at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (MAIFE), looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. Our questions focus primarily on communication among dolphins. As a team, DCP research scientists study four groups of dolphins in three countries. Interns are needed at our Bimini, The Bahamas research site, where we study Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. Responsibilities In the field: ¨ Travel to & assist for 3-4 weeks during June, July or August 2007 at our Bimini research site ¨ Assist in gathering data (general observations, photographs, underwater video) during 4-5 hour/day boat excursions ¨ Assist in the analysis of still photos & video to confirm dolphin IDs (photo-identification) ¨ Assist with ship-board educational programs At the office: ¨ Travel to & assist office staff during months alternating with month in the field (June - August 2007) at our Connecticut office ¨ Process & analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, conducting detailed focal follows from video data for behavioral analyses Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills & working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior, and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidate(s) should be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions. They should also be proficient swimmers with a desire to improve free-diving skills. Interns will work as a part of a team both at the office & in a fairly remote & isolated field setting. Good writing & public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to detail. Expenses & Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini & Connecticut. There is a $500 fee that will offset expenses in the field, including room & board. Room & board while in Connecticut is the responsibility of the intern, although assistance in finding and securing lodging is available. Interested applicants should send a CV and letter of interest to kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org by January 31, 2007. Transcripts may be requested and interviews (in-person or via telephone) may be arranged. For more information, please contact Kel Melillo at kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org. ----------------------------- Kel Melillo Research Associate Dolphin Communication Project Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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Scholar in Residence Position at Arkansas State University
by Aldemaro Romero 23 Dec '06

23 Dec '06

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE The Department of Biological Sciences is offering Scholar in Residence position in Biology to an individual who, in the judgment of a review panel: · demonstrates outstanding academic achievement. · remains committed to a career in teaching and a rigorous research program at the university level. · demonstrates use of diversity as a resource for enriching the education of students. Eligible Fields Awards will be made for scholars in any discipline in the Biological Sciences. Arkansas State University Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, enjoys a reputation as a quality institution of higher education and is recognized for offering special services to the people of the Arkansas Delta. It is the only comprehensive public university located in this region. Dedicated to teaching, research and service, the university provides students with the broad educational foundations that help develop critical thinking and analytical skills, decision-making capabilities, and communication skills. Department of Biological Sciences This growing department addresses biological issues ranging from local to global, from molecular to organismal levels. Much of our research is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective through collaborative projects. Our Department has recently increased almost exponentially the number of publications and grant money generated. We are also initiating projects including a new Biodiversity Center and collaborative efforts with the Arkansas Biosciences Institute. For more information see: http://biology.astate.edu/ Stipend and Benefits * Competitive annual stipend * Research stipend to be provide as a start-up package * Health benefits * Assistance with securing affordable on-campus housing Conditions of Fellowships * Teach a maximum of three courses in the Department of Biological Sciences each year. * Mentor minority students through participation in the McNair Scholars program and undergraduate and graduate research mentoring How to Apply Submit the following materials: * Cover letter outlining: academic background, commitment to teaching and mentoring students of ethnic groups normally underrepresented in the natural sciences * Academic vitae * Three letters of reference * Letter from academic advisor verifying ABD status Application Deadline February 1 2007; Award notification: April 16, 2007 Mail application materials to: Dr. Aldemaro Romero, Chair Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University P.O. Box 599 State University, AR 72467 For additional information contact: Dr. Aldemaro Romero; aromero(a)astate.edu; (870) 972-3082

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Vessel strikes on marine mammals
by Laver, Robert (DEH) 22 Dec '06

22 Dec '06

Fellow Marmam users, The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (ADS) is 118 square kilometres, and is located along the eastern shore of Gulf St Vincent. It includes the Port Adelaide River and Barker Inlet and is home to an estimated 30 or more resident Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), with some 300 more dolphins thought to visit the area. The ADS is seeking any research (either published or unpublished) on vessel strikes on bottlenose dolphins or similar species. The information required would be focusing on recreational vessels to see wether there is a real or perceived issue of boat strike on dolphins and be used in assisting the day to day management of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Any information on this can be sent to Rob Laver email :mailto:laver.robert@saugov.sa.gov.au Robert Laver Conservation Officer www.adelaidedolphinsanctuary.sa.gov.au

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Re: [MARMAM] Right Whale Conservation Opportunity for Post-Doctoral Research Scientist
by Tonya Wimmer 21 Dec '06

21 Dec '06

WWF-Canada, in collaboration with oceanographic researchers at Dalhousie University is seeking a highly qualified Post Doctoral Fellow (PDF) to participate in a quantitative right whale conservation initiative based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We are seeking an NSERC Post-Doctoral Fellow (tenure at Dalhousie), or an applicant who would be successful in securing an NSERC Industrial PDF (tenure at WWF-Canada and academic/analytic collaboration with Dalhousie, Oceanography). The successful candidate would lead advanced research in quantitative spatial and temporal oceanographic habitat determination and analyses related to the ambit of the north Atlantic right whale working in collaboration with Drs C.T. Taggart (Dalhousie, Oceanography) and R. Rangeley (WWF-Canada) and their colleagues. Qualifications: 1) a strong PhD in statistics, quantitative biological oceanography and/or quantitative marine ecology; 2) a credible publication record relative to peer-group; 3) a demonstrated expertise in spatial statistics and analyses and spatial/temporal modelling. Experience with Bayesian statistics and use of large and small, complex and discordant data will be considered a discriminating asset, as would be computational skills involving MATLAB, R, S-Plus, WinBUGS, secondarily GIS, and their analogues. The position must be filled no later than 01 April 2007. An initial appointment of 6 months is possible with a 2-year renewal dependant on the candidate?s success at obtaining an NSERC Industrial PDF. NSERC-PDF appointment would be for a 2-year period. Annual salary $45,000. Applicants should forward on or before January 20 2007 a letter of interest, curriculum vitae (including a publication list), copies of graduate and undergraduate transcripts, reprints, names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three referees to: Ms. Maya Ahmad Program Administrator WWF-Canada 5251 Duke St. Suite 1202 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1P3 Email: mahmad(a)wwfcanada.org Tel: 902 482 1105 "From space, the planet is blue. From space, the planet is the territory, not of humans, but of the whale" - Heathcote Williams ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tonya Wimmer, MSc. Biology NS Marine Animal Response Society 1-866-567-6277 & WWF-Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia & Dalhousie University, Halifax http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/tw/tonya.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Get on board and experience marine field science
by Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School 20 Dec '06

20 Dec '06

Here are the deadlines for applying for the Spring 07 Beam Reach program. We'd appreciate it if you could share it with the list. Thank you, Tracy Undergraduates - this is a rare opportunity for you to work on your own independent research project and experience life as a field scientist. You'll follow your own question through the entire scientific process -- from initial inquiry to final presentation -- while collaborating with a mentor, living with your peers at sea, and studying at the Friday Harbor Labs. With Beam Reach you will spend 10 weeks studying killer whales, fish, and their acoustic environment. You'll sail in the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest, add a unique adventure to your resume, and earn 18 science credits from the University of Washington. Learn more about the experience: http://beamreach.org/?1LdS07mm061220 There's still time to apply for the Spring 07 program (March 26-June 4). Here are the important deadlines. Remember to check with your home school for their deadlines for applying to study off campus. January 15 - last day complete applications are accepted for Spring '07 January 31 - Beam Reach sends out acceptance notices Get on board! http://beamreach.org/?2LdS07mm061220 _____________________________________________________________________ Beam Reach http://beamreach.org Marine Science and Sustainability School 6537 16th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115 Dr. Scott Veirs, President 206.251.5554 Tracy Smith, Admissions 800.839.7495

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[Marmam] Job Posting - Tenure-track positions
by JOHN WANG 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

The following is a job posting for the National Sun Yat-sen University of Taiwan (NSYSU). **************************************************************************** Faculty Position at the Institute of Marine Affairs (NSYSU), Taiwan The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and Department of Marine Environment and Engineering (MEE) of the National Sun Yat-sen University at Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, are seeking candidates to fill five tenure-track positions at all levels. Four positions for IMA are sought with specializations in marine policy and law, fisheries resource management, marine environmental studies, or coastal zone management and conservation. One candidate, being sought by the MEE, must have a major in environmental planning and management. IMA was newly established in 2005 and offers a master's degree program. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. with proven track records of accomplishments and publications. English speaking candidates without fluency in the Mandarin Chinese language are welcome to apply. Applications should include, a curriculum vitae, selected reprints and publication list, statement of teaching and research interest and at least two recommendation letters before January 15, 2007 (or until the position is filled). All correspondence should be sent to: Prof. Chiu L. Chou, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lien-Hai Road, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan or e-mailed to: syvia(a)staff.nsysu.edu.tw. Applicants for the MEE position should contact Prof. Chonlin Lee or e-mail to: linnohc(a)mail.nsysu.edu.tw.

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