March 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Summer Internship
by Marine Animal Lifeline 13 Aug '06

13 Aug '06

MARINE MAMMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Marine Animal Lifeline in Portland, Maine, seeks applicants for a summer internship working with stranded harbor seal pups. The internship will begin on May 20th and end August 13th. This is a full time internship position with some flexibility of the start and end date of the internship. The internship is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for all travel and housing expenses. Job Summary/Program Description: This internship is designed to provide a dynamic educational experience in the marine mammal field while offering valuable career experience. The interns will have a leadership role in the rehabilitation team and interns will be responsible for a number of support tasks with rehabilitating stranded seals throughout the course of the internship. The positions will involve working under the Veterinary Technicians in providing medical care, feeding, cleaning and completing medical records in the rehabilitation program. The intern will be integrated into the department with assigned duties allowing them to progressively take on more responsibility. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist in marine mammal rescues as they arise. In addition, they will provide support to the animal care staff in animal physicals, and assist in a number of other marine mammal care procedures. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. The internship is 5 days a week, 40 hours per week, however, due to the unpredictable nature of animal care, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. Daily operations at the rehabilitation facility begin at 6:30 am and go until at least 8:30 pm often later, on a case-by-case basis. The Marine Animal Lifeline is an extremely busy rehabilitation facility and the animals often require late-night or overnight care. Interns must be able and willing to work long and flexible hours including weekends, holidays and occasional nights. Interns will be required to have fair physical strength and be in good health. Successful applicants will have leadership skills, or posses the ability to learn proper leadership skills quickly. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment. Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Duties Include: * Daily animal diet preparations, routine cleaning of work areas. * Assisting with veterinary examinations and treatments. * Assisting with rescues and releases of injured or abandoned marine animals. * Assisting with the taking and processing of X-rays. * Assisting with blood handling and collection. * Assisting with necropsies. * Updating medical and laboratory records and logs. * Maintaining veterinary and rehab supplies and equipment. * Assisting in the feeding, cleaning and daily operations of the rehab area. * Other duties relating to the Center's goals and mission as required. Application Process: Interested individuals must send the following: - Letter of intent including reasons for wanting to do the internship. - Resume - 3 references Submit the above items through one of the following 3 ways: 1. Email: jjakush(a)stranding.org (via pdf file or MSWord) 2. Regular mail: Marine Animal Lifeline c/o Jennifer Jakush P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 3. Fax: 207-541-1936 The application submission deadline is March 15th and selection of applicants will be complete by March 31st. If you have any further questions, contact Jennifer Jakush at (207) 773-7377, Ext. 413 or email at jjakush(a)stranding.org If you would like to learn more about the Marine Animal Lifeline, visit our website at www.stranding.org Jennifer Jakush Veterinary Technician Marine Animal Lifeline P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 Phone: (207) 773-7377, Ext. 413 Fax: (207) 541-1936 jjakush(a)stranding.org www.stranding.org

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Belize Field Course in Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Antillean Manatees and Bottlenose Dolphins: GIS mapping and boat surveys
by Ellen Hines 31 Mar '06

31 Mar '06

we have 3 spots left for the following course: 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. Annalisa Berta, San Diego State University, Dr. Ellen Hines, San Francisco 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 participants 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 Dept. of Geography & Human Environmental Studies San Francisco State University 1600 Holloway Ave San Francisco, CA 94132 1-415-405-0921 Fax: 1-415-338-6243 ehines(a)sfsu.edu

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report on North Carolina unusual mortality event January 2005
by MARMAM Editors 29 Mar '06

29 Mar '06

Final report available: Hohn, A.A., D.S. Rotstein, C.A. Harms, and B.L. Southall. 2006. Report on marine mammal unusual mortality event UMESE0501Sp: Multispecies mass stranding of pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) in North Carolina on 15-16 January 2005. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-537, 222 p. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmume/event2005jan.htm Executive Summary On 15-16 January 2005, three offshore species of cetaceans (33 short-finned pilot whales, Globicephala macrorhynchus, one minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, and two dwarf sperm whales, Kogia sima) stranded alive on the beaches of North Carolina. The pilot whales stranded near Oregon Inlet, the minke whale in northern North Carolina, and the dwarf sperm whales near Cape Hatteras. Live strandings of three species in one weekend was unique in North Carolina and qualified as an Unusual Mortality Event. Gross necropsies were conducted on 16-17 January 2005 on 27 pilot whales, two dwarf sperm whales, and the minke whale. Samples were collected for clinical pathology, parasitology, gross pathology, histopathology, microbiology and serology. There was variation in the number of animals sampled for each collection type, however, due to carcasses washing off the beach or degradation in carcass condition during the course of the response. Comprehensive histologic examination was conducted on 16 pilot whales, both dwarf sperm whales, and the minke whale. Limited organ or only head tissue suites were obtained from nine pilot whales. Histologic examination of tissues began in February 2005 and concluded in December 2005 when final sampling was concluded. Neither the pilot whales nor dwarf sperm whales were emaciated although none had recently ingested prey in their stomachs. The minke whale was emaciated; it was likely a dependent calf that became separated from the female. Most serum biochemistry abnormalities appear to have resulted from the stranding and indicated deteriorating condition from being on land for an extended period. Three pilot whales had clinical evidence of pre-existing systemic inflammation, which was supported by histopathologic findings. Although gross and histologic lesions involving all organ systems were noted, consistent lesions were not observed across species. Verminous pterygoid sinusitis and healed fishery interactions were seen in pilot whales but neither of these changes were causes of debilitation or death. In three pilot whales and one dwarf sperm whale there was evidence of clinically significant disease in post-cranial tissues which led to chronic debilitation. Cardiovascular disease was present in one pilot whale and one dwarf sperm whale; musculoskeletal disease and intra-abdominal granulomas were present in two pilot whales. These lesions were possible, but not definitive, causal factors in the stranding. Remaining lesions were incidental or post-stranding. The minke whale and three of five tested pilot whales had positive morbillivirus titers (1:8 with one at >1:256), but there was no histologic evidence of active viral infection. Parasites (nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes) were collected from 26 pilot whales and two dwarf sperm whales. Sites of collection included stomach, nasal/pterygoid, peribullar sinuses, blubber, and abdominal cavity. Parasite species, locations and loads were within normal limits for free-ranging cetaceans and were not considered causative for the stranding event. Gas emboli lesions which were considered consistent with or diagnostic of sonar-associated strandings of beaked whales or small cetaceans were not found in the whales stranded as part of UMESE0501Sp. Twenty-five heads were examined with nine specific anatomic locations of interest: extramandibular fat, intramandibular fat, auditory meatus, peribullar acoustic fat, peribullar soft tissue, peribullar sinus, pterygoid sinus, melon, and brain. The common finding in all examined heads was verminous pterygoid sinusitis. Intramandibular adipose tissue reddening, typically adjacent to the vascular plexus, was observed in some individuals and could represent localized hemorrhage resulting from vascular rete rupture, hypostatic congestion, or erythrocyte rupture during the freeze/thaw cycle. One cetacean had peracute to acute subdural hemorrhage that likely occurred from thrashing on the beach post-stranding, although its occurrence prior to stranding cannot be excluded. Information provided to NMFS by the U.S. Navy indicated routine tactical mid-frequency sonar operations from individual surface vessels over relatively short durations and small spatial scales within the area and time period investigated. No marine mammals were detected by marine mammal observers on operational vessels; standard operating procedure for surface naval vessels operating mid-frequency sonar is the use of trained visual lookouts using high-powered binoculars. Sound propagation modeling using information provided to NMFS indicated that acoustic conditions in the vicinity likely depended heavily on position of the receivers (e.g., range, bearing, depth) relative to that of the sources. Absent explicit information on the location of animals meant that it was not possible to estimate received acoustic exposures from active sonar transmissions. Nonetheless, the event was associated in time and space with naval activity using mid-frequency active sonar. It also had a number of features in common (e.g., the "atypical" distribution of strandings involving multiple offshore species, all stranding alive, and without evidence of common infectious or other disease process) with other sonar-related cetacean mass stranding events. Given that this event was the only stranding of offshore species to occur within a 2-3 day period in the region on record (i.e., a very rare event), and given the occurrence of the event simultaneously in time and space with a naval exercise using active sonar, the association between the naval sonar activity and the location and timing of the event could be a causal rather than a coincidental relationship. However, evidence supporting a definitive association is lacking, and, in particular, there are differences in operational/environmental characteristics between this event and previous events where sonar has apparently played a role in marine mammal strandings. This does not preclude behavorial avoidance of noise exposure. No harmful algal blooms were present along the Atlantic coast south of the Chesapeake Bay during the months prior to the event. Environmental conditions, including strong winds, changes in upwelling- to downwelling-favorable conditions, and gently sloping bathymetry, were consistent with conditions which have been correlated with other mass strandings. In summary, we did not find commonality in gross and histologic lesions that would indicate a single cause for this stranding event. Three pilot whales and one dwarf sperm whale had debilitating conditions identified that could have contributed to stranding, one pilot whale had a debilitating condition (subdural hemorrhage) that could have been present prior to or resulting from stranding. While the pilot and dwarf sperm whale strandings may have had a common cause, the minke whale stranding was probably just coincidental. On the basis of examination of physical evidence in the affected whales, however, we cannot definitively conclude that there was or was not a causal link between anthropogenic sonar activity or environmental conditions (or a combination of these factors) and the strandings. Overall, the cause of UMESE0501Sp in North Carolina is not and likely will not be definitively known. ------------------------------------------------------------------- -To submit a message to MARMAM, send it to: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca -Please include your name and e-mail address in the body of the text of all submissions. -To subscribe to MARMAM, go to lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam -To contact the MARMAM editors, write to: marmamed(a)uvic.ca

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Marine Mammal Programming at Shoals Marine Laboratory Summer 2006
by William E. Bemis 29 Mar '06

29 Mar '06

As the new Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML), I am working with Associate Director Jessica Bolker to spread the word about our college credit courses and other programs for Summer 2006. We are a small organization and we rely on word-of-mouth recruiting for our college credit courses and adult and family education programs. SML is based on 95-acre Appledore Island, 6 miles offshore from Portsmouth, New Hampshire (about one hour drive north from Logan Airport in Boston). The clean surrounding waters are teaming with life including seals, whales, lobsters and hundreds of species of fishes. We have worked hard to plan an exciting series of courses and programs for Summer 2006, including at least three of particular interest to subscribers to the MARMAM list. J.B. Heiser (Cornell) will teach Marine Vertebrates (July 24 - August 14; 6 credits). This is the 20th year for Marine Vertebrates at SML, and leading authorities on fishes, marine birds and marine mammals of the Gulf of Maine will join J.B. for a very special version of this highly regarded course. J.B. Heiser also will lead a non-credit adult and family education course Marine Mammals of the Gulf of Maine (August 24 - August 27), in which participants will learn about the Gulf of Maine as a natural laboratory for the observation and study of seals, whales and dolphins. For professionals and advanced students, Wayne Lord (FBI) and Romona Haebler (EPA) will teach Forensic Science for Marine Biologists: Practical Techniques for the Investigation of Marine Mammal Strandings and the Untimely Death of Marine Vertebrates (August 14 - 18). Although not focused on marine mammals, The Ecology of Animal Behavior (July 3 - July 17, 2006; 4 credits) is back again for Summer 2006. This highly regarded course offers intensive experience in behavioral ecology based on the many vertebrate and invertebrate species readily observable on Appledore. Other courses on vertebrate biology this summer at SML include Field Ornithology (May 27 - June 12; 4 credits), taught by Kim Bostwick and Ed Scholes (Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology). Students have outstanding opportunities to study gull biology, migratory and oceanic birds and to learn field techniques ranging from identification and audio recording to mist netting, surveying and censusing. The Diversity of Fishes (June 5 - 26, 2006; 6 credits) will be taught again this summer by world famous ichthyologist Bruce Collette (NOAA/Smithsonian), an authority on marine fishes and editor of The Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. Finally, Biological Illustration will be offered again this year (July 17 - July 24; 2 credits). It always runs at full capacity, so send in your application now! We guarantee that everyone will find inspiring things to see, study, learn, describe, paint or photograph at SML. We would be delighted to have you, your family, your students or your friends enroll in these or other programs at SML. To learn more about the full range of opportunities at SML, please visit our website: http:// www.sml.cornell.edu/. Or call us at 607-255-3717. Sincerely, Willy William E. Bemis Kingsbury Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory and Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Jessica Jessica Bolker Associate Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory and Associate Professor of Zoology University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

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Working with Marine Mammals Certificate and summer classes
by Jenifer Hurley 29 Mar '06

29 Mar '06

I would be grateful if you would announce the following summer courses (Working with Marine Mammals & Techniques and Theories of Animal Training) to the MARMAM mailing list. Thanks very much, Jenifer Hurley, Ph.D. California State University Monterey Bay and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/ offer one-week intensive summer classes open to any individuals interested animal training or in pursuing careers in the marine mammal field. In addition, hands-on internships for people of all ages and levels of experience are also available at the lab working with marine mammals. The successful completion of both courses and a five-day internship will earn a Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammalogy. The classes' instructor, Dr. Jenifer Hurley has over 20 years of terrestrial and aquatic animal training experience, across diverse disciplines including research, public display, and studio and film work. For further information see below and please contact: jhurley(a)mlml.calstate.edu Classes: TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES OF ANIMAL TRAINING: Biol 348 (June 19-25, 2006): This 3 credit interactive course provides students an in-depth understanding of the discipline of animal training across many different types of terrestrial and aquatic animals and techniques. It provides an exceptional background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying animal behavior. These techniques will be demonstrated daily using trained sea lions at Moss Landing Marine Labs where the course is taught. Horses, birds, and other animals will also be used to demonstrate these techniques. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care and training of research-trained sea lions. Topics covered will include: Captivity, Why Train? Communication, Motivation, Desensitization, Aggression, and Practical Training. $480.00 + $39 campus fee per semester WORKING WITH MARINE MAMMALS: Biol 347 (July 3-9, 2006): This 3 credit course is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include live experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs. This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also gain experience in developing a resume, job interviews, and public presentations. $480.00 + $39 campus fee per semester (If you book both classes- subtract $39 booking from the second price). Registration: For registration, enrollment and other logistical information please contact Cal State Monterey Bay http://extended.csumb.edu/ or call them at 831-582-4500. How to Register in the course(s): Complete the course registration form and the dorm room request form as appropriate. 1. [ http://extended.csumb.edu/EEregistration.htm ]CSUMB EE Course Registration form - http://extended.csumb.edu/forms.htm Fax registration form with credit card information to 831-582-4502. or Mail form and payment to: CSUMB - Extended Ed 100 Campus Center, Bldg 80-120, Seaside, CA 93955 No refunds after June 10, 2006. Enrollment for each class limited to 18. Registration begins May 3. The classes are open for enrollment to any high school graduate regardless of age or nationality, however no transportation or housing is included. For housing information see below. Courses will be taught at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Moss Landing, CA. Lodging: Lodging is now available at the dorms on CSUMB campus. Rates range from $65/day for double occupancy with no linens provided to $80/day single occupancy with linens. Room rates include 3 meals a day! Make your room CSUMB dorm room reservations with Extended Ed on/before May 10, 2006. Complete the Summer 2006 CSUMB Extended Ed - Dorm Room Request Form on our website http://extended.csumb.edu/ Reservations are secured with your full payment. Credit cards accepted. Checks can be mailed to the Office of Extended Ed. The Monterey Visitors Bureau website can offer local lodging options, if you prefer to stay in a hotel/motel.http://info.monterey.wegov2.com

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PhD in Porpoise Habitat Preference and Acoustic Behaviour
by Jonathan 29 Mar '06

29 Mar '06

I would like to draw the attention of prospective PhD candidates to a NERC funded PhD on harbour porpoise habitat preference and acoustic behaviour being offered at the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews. Details, including information on application procedures, can be found at http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/postgrad/PHDprojects.php?co=detail <http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/postgrad/PHDprojects.php?co=detail&iA%5b2%5 d%5b0%5d=104&iA%5b0%5d%5b0%5d=refID> &iA[2][0]=104&iA[0][0]=refID NERC studentships cover the fees and living expenses for home students only. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Jonathan Gordon, Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Laboratory, University of Saint Andrews, Saint Andrews Fife KY16 8LB Tel. 0161 408 1406 Mobile 07866 267814 Fax 01334 462632 Digital Messaging Service Voice 07020-964-330, Fax 07020-964-334 Skype: EcologicUK

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Please post: Request for information on whale watch guidelines and regulations
by Carole Carlson 28 Mar '06

28 Mar '06

Dear All, Each year the compendium " A review of whale watch guidelines and regulations around the world" is updated and posted on the website of the International Whaling Commission. I would greatly appreciate any new, relevant information for the compendium. Please email any new or revised guidelines, regulations or codes of conduct for boat-based, land-based or swim-with programs to science(a)whalewatch.com . Many thanks. Best regards, Carole Carlson Dr Carole Carlson Consultant PO Box 32 Provincetown MA 02657 USA

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New publications week 11
by Jan Herrmann 27 Mar '06

27 Mar '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 11 / 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. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Goldbogen, J.A. et al. (2006): Kinematics of foraging dives and lunge-feeding in fin whales. Journal of Experimental Biology 209(7): 1231-1244. Mageli, E. (2006): NORWEGIAN-JAPANESE WHALING RELATIONS IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY: A case of successful technology transfer. Scandinavian Journal of History 31(1): 1-16. PINNIPEDIA Goldsworthy, S.D. (2006): Maternal strategies of the New Zealand fur seal: evidence for interannual variability in provisioning and pup growth strategies. Australian Journal of Zoology 54(1): 31-44. Muir, S.F., D.K.A. Barnes, and K. Reid (2006): Interactions between humans and leopard seals. Antarctic Science 18(): 61-74. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Job Announcement
by Connie Merigo 27 Mar '06

27 Mar '06

Hi all, Below is an announcement for a senior biologist position at The New England Aquarium in Boston MA. Please feel free to pass this information along to other interested parties. Best, Connie Position Title: Senior Biologist / Animal Care Technician Position Location: New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, Massachusetts Reports to: Reports directly to the Stranding Program Department Manager The New England Aquarium (NEAq) is a non-profit organization that responds to stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea turtles. NEAq maintains a rehabilitation hospital on site as well as a satellite facility in Duxbury Massachusetts. The Aquarium¹s mission is to provide rapid response and humane care to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles and to conduct research and education, ultimately with the intention of releasing rehabilitated animals back to the wild. The Aquarium¹s Rescue program is one of the oldest in the country, and responds to approximately 500 reports of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles annually. Essential Job Functions: Provide husbandry and care for animals collected through the Rescue Program. Administer medical therapy as prescribed by Veterinarian. Responds to stranding calls as appropriate, educates the public through "Hotline" coverage and provides "on-call" support as necessary. Coordinate stranding response, necropsy, and special projects. Supervise, organize, manage, and train volunteer staff. Maintain records and databases. Provide for proper care and maintenance of equipment in Animal Care Center and Necropsy Lab including scheduled maintenance of lab equipment and off-site equipment. Assist with and/or perform post mortem exams including field necropsy of marine mammals and sea turtles. Assist with and perform health assessments and medical procedures on stranded and rehabilitated animals, including restraint and immobilization. Be familiar with techniques for handling chemical and biological samples, including waste disposal. Prepare bi-monthly reports to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Interact with other Network agencies and federal, state, and local authorities. In conjunction with the Stranding Program Manager, the Senior Biologist: Assist the Department manger in grant writing, grant administration, and fundraising. Participate in research and public outreach programs Compose grant applications for special projects Present stranding data at professional meetings Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts, or Sciences degree in biology or marine science; a relevant higher degree is preferred, plus two to three years experience in related field. Experience may be substituted for degree. Minimum 3 years experience in marine mammal stranding management, species identification or other related stranded activities. Minimum 1 year of animal care and husbandry for marine mammals and or sea turtles Understanding of veterinary technology, photography, necropsy, database management, and telemetry a plus A valid Massachusetts driver¹s license required Ability to work on rough terrain during inclement weather, and lift moderate weights Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of marine mammals and significant experience with field techniques Clinical experience with marine mammals and or sea turtles Hands-on experience with stranded cetaceans, pinnipeds and or sea turtles Working knowledge of necropsy equipment and sampling protocols Strong written and verbal communication skills Strong leadership skills in routine and emergency situations Strong organizational and time management skills Working knowledge of Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, and ACCESS software Previous exposure to aquariums, or animal care. A working understanding of life support systems and equipment. A working knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Typical Physical Demands: Engage in fairly vigorous physical activity most of the day (i.e. performing husbandry duties). Energy and stamina level must be appropriate for the position. Overall must be in good physical condition and be able to lift 50 pounds. Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions. Be able to work long hours, sometimes overnight. TO APPLY: Please do not respond to this email. Send your cover letter and resume/CV by April 21 to: Director of Human Resources New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 E-mail: JOBS(a)NEAQ.ORG Web: WWW.NEAQ.ORG Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse applicants encouraged to apply. Connie Merigo Senior Biologist & Department Manager Marine Animal Rescue Program New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 (617)226-2102

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Internshio Opportunity in British Columbia
by UVic Whale Lab 27 Mar '06

27 Mar '06

Sender: Jason Fisher or Chris Pasztor Society for Ecological and Coastal Research UVIC Whale Lab *** Internship Announcement! *** SEACR The Society for Ecological And Coastal Research, a non-profit organization, currently has spaces open for 2-week or 3-week summer marine research internships starting July 2006. SEACR works in conjunction with scientists and researchers from the University of Victoria in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. The research site is situated in wild and breathtaking Clayoquot and Nootka Sounds, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Interns will have the opportunity to assist with a variety of ecological and coastal marine research projects, learn highly valuable field research techniques and data management skills, and contribute to important marine ecological research. Currently, we are conducting research on linkages between nearshore and offshore Pacific marine ecosystems. Our Gray Whale Research Project focuses on assessing the spatial distribution of gray whales in relation to prey density amongst the many coves and inlets that dot the Pacific shoreline. Gray whale site fidelity, habitat use, and foraging ecology are also key components to this research. In conjunction with this research, our Sea Otter Research Project examines sea otter spatial distribution in relation to urchin and bivalve abundance, coastal topography, and killer whale occurrence. Together with studies of kelp distribution and amphipod dynamics, we are identifying key linkages between these species and their roles in the ecology of the nearshore region. Clayoquot and Nootka Sounds are nestled among coastal old-growth forests and are home to a variety of coastal marine fish, birds, and mammals. This wilderness region is populated by tufted puffins, oystercatchers, gulls, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions and sea otters, harbor porpoise, killer whales, gray whales, and humpback whales. Black bears forage in the intertidal zone and are often visible from the boat. For complete details of the research projects, living conditions, application form and payment options please visit our web site: http://office.geog.uvic.ca/dept/whale/seacr-home.html Please feel free to post or distribute this message to those who might be interested.

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