April 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Annoncement: Research fisheries biologist to work on killer whale field studies
by Brad Hanson 15 Apr '06

15 Apr '06

Job opening: Research fisheries biologist to work on killer whale field studies This position is in the Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington. Incumbent of this position will assist in the planning, development, and carry out field investigations on marine mammals, with emphasis on risk factors associated with endangered southern resident killer whales. Investigations include: studies using visual and acoustic survey techniques from large and small vessels or aircraft, studies to collect behavioral and biological samples, studies of stranded animals. * Applications will only be accepted from United States citizens. * Full time term Position for 13 months; may be extended up to 4 years Major Duties: Incumbent will assist the project leader in planning the course of research projects by contributing ideas, formulating research methods, establishing and carrying out logistical plans, develops and monitoring budgets and expenditures, assisting with needs related to personnel, and establishing practical procedures for accomplishing the work. Field work includes locating animals, data collection and recording, operates a variety of field equipment including boats, radios, firearms, cars and trucks, and cameras, acquires, set ups, dismantles and maintains field equipment; may participates in the repairs of equipment or facilities. This includes independent gathering and documentation of a variety of data, and may also include training and oversight of lower graded technicians. May lead a small group of lower graded technicians in gathering field data. Provides input to supervisor concerning performance of lower graded technicians. Provides training in techniques and procedures, work plans, and may present and/or prepare environmental education materials of limited difficulty. Incumbent will review, organizes, and validates; and performs preliminary analysis of field data. Work will involve automated data bases and/or geographic information systems. Uses computers to input data, to analyze data with statistical software packages, plots data and constructs figures with graphing software, and perform basic word processing. Incumbent will assist with the preparation of research and work plans, budget documents, development of schedules, and programs activities. Assists with the preparation of permit applications and reports, final drafts of sections of technical reports and writing scientific publications. For further information and to apply see: https://jobs1.quickhire.com/scripts/doc.exe and look for announcement number NMF-NWC-2006-0042 (quickest way is to search for the key word “killer whale”). Applications must be submitted by 4/28/2005. =============================================================== M. Bradley Hanson, Ph.D. NOAA/NMFS/Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd. E Seattle, WA 98112 Office phone: 206-860-3220 Fax: 206-860-3475 Cell Phone 206-300-0282

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MM Soc web page
by Kit Kovacs 15 Apr '06

15 Apr '06

The Marine Mammal Society is seeking (volunteer) help from within the Society to help update and upgrade the home page. Talented folks in web-page designe abound in the Society --- and the Board would love to tap into some of this talent! Please contact Kit M. Kovacs at kit(a)npolar.no or John Reynolds at reynolds(a)mote.org if you are in a position to help out with this task........

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Humpback Whale Research - Summer Internship Opportunity, Australia, August 2006.
by Wally Franklin 14 Apr '06

14 Apr '06

The Oceania Project is conducting vessel-based fieldwork for a long- term study of the ecology & behaviour humpback whales in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m- power catamaran. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/where.html] The Oceania Project is affiliated with Southern Cross University incorporating the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre (SCUWRC) and the Centre for Animal Conservation Genetics (SCU CACG) and is an affiliate of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC). [ http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/aboutus.html] The focus of the research is the social and ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V (E) humpback stock. We are also investigating genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay and the implications for social organisation, reproductive success and the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html] There is an opportunity for a limited number of Interns to participate the research expedition during August-October 2005. Interns live aboard the expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. The cost per week is $1150 Australian (Approx. $838 US per week) which includes accommodation aboard the expedition vessel and food. Interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from Hervey Bay. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/join.html ] Fieldwork involved is 'sloughed skin' and fecal sample collection, assistance with photo identification/behavioural observation field notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection, environmental data, water quality sampling and general data entry. Interns also assist with vessel operations including food preparation & galley duties. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/life.html ] No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The Internship is open to students and staff of recognised institutions. Preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order they are received. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/regform.html ] General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is online at: [ http://www.oceania.org.au] If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an Intern email Trish & Wally Franklin and include a brief CV. [ mailto:trish.wally@oceania.org.au ] Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University _____________________________________________________________________ National Whale and Dolphin Research Conference 21–22 February 2006 Adelaide, South Australia. http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/species/cetaceans/conference/index.html Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin - Hervey Bay Research Update: Downloadable Presentation (pdf - 3,152 KB) http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/species/cetaceans/conference/pubs/hw- franklin.pdf _____________________________________________________________________ ........................................................................ .. Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: + 61 02 6685 8128 Fax: + 61 02 9225 9176 Mobile: 0418 797326 Email: trish.wally(a)oceania.org.au Web: http://www.oceania.org.au PhD Candidates Southern Cross University http://www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/theteam.html

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Internship Posting
by Jennifer Lewis 14 Apr '06

14 Apr '06

Internship: Behavioral Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Florida Keys Two open positions: (August 12-September 12, 2006) and (October 12-November 12, 2006) Details: Work will involve assisting doctoral student with field research on a residential population of bottlenose dolphins located in the Lower Florida Keys. Responsibilities will include assisting in collection of behavior and environmental data, data entry/analysis and equipment maintenance. Interns will receive training in field and lab techniques used in cetacean research. Requirements: Must be upper division undergraduate or recent graduate from a scientific discipline. Prefer students with an interest in continuing education beyond Bachelors. Previous field experience a plus. Must be able to handle long hours (8+ per day) under extreme heat (up to 37 degrees Celsius). Positions are voluntary. All work conducted will be done under a Letter of Confirmation for Level B Harassment (MMPA 1972). For further information please contact Jennifer Lewis at: jennifer.lewis1(a)fiu.edu Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Miami, Florida

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Research DolphinLab - Dolphin Research Center
by Emily 14 Apr '06

14 Apr '06

Research DolphinLab - Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, Florida Course Information: Research DolphinLab is a seven-day program that provides an in-depth, hands-on immersion into the field of marine mammal science. The course material surveys a wide-range of knowledge, theories and ongoing research concerning dolphins. By working with staff on actual DRC 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. As they are introduced to DRC and its resident dolphin population, students learn 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 and proves that learning about research is not only fascinating, but also fun! Class sizes average six to fourteen students to ensure individualized instruction. Seminar Topics & Focused Activities Include: Research Project Design, DRC's Current Research, Cognition and Cognitive Research, Research Law Requirements, Behavior & Ecology studies, Acoustics & Communication studies, Career Pathways & Requirements and more when time permits. Hands-On Activities Include: Assisting research staff in conducting current research sessions, learn to conduct observation sessions, participating in additional research activities, enjoying one Dolphin Encounter swim, one Play with a Dolphin dock session, and a signal session from the dock. Additional Activities Include: Observation time, Medical Demonstration, informal Discussions with Research personnel, Training Demonstration and more. Dates: Saturday, June 3 to Friday, June 9, 2006 Cost: The cost of Research DolphinLab is $1700.00 (US). Tuition includes all seminars, activities, meals and lodging. Also included in the tuition are a video of your swim session and one photograph of your Play session. The course fee also includes transportation to and from the Marathon Airport or Marathon hotels at pre-established times. The course is available to all students ages 18 and up. If you have any questions about Research DolphinLab, please email us at education(a)dolphins.org <mailto:education@dolphins.org > , call 305-289-1121, ext. 225, or go online at www.dolphins.org <http://www.dolphins.org > and look for the section marked "DolphinLab". ________________________ Emily Guarino Research Coordinator Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key, FL 33050 www.dolphins.org

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whale watching data collection programs - response requested
by Jooke Robbins 13 Apr '06

13 Apr '06

Platforms of opportunity, especially whale watching vessels, can be a useful source of data on cetaceans in many areas. The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission reviews whale watching activities world-wide, including their data collection programs. To facilitate that work, we request the following basic information on organizations involved in whale watching based research. Our intent is to update this information on an annual basis. 1) Name of scientific organization 2) Location in which data were collected 3) Years of study 4) Cetacean species studied 5) Type of opportunistic platform used: whale watch, ferry, fishing vessel, other-please specify. 6) Type(s) of data collected (list any that apply): sighting effort data, basic sighting data, general animal behavior, behavioral disturbance data, photo-ID, other-please specify. 7) Person responsible for collecting the data: captain, crew, naturalist, dedicated observer, other--please specify. 8) Were data contributed to another archive (such as an oceanic catalog)? If so, please indicate which one. 9) Will this data collection program continue in 2006? A similar request for information was made on MARMAM last year, but the request was limited to US activities. If you responded previously, please just let us know if your information has changed. However, we would now greatly appreciate information on any opportunistic data collection activities world-wide. We are particularly interested in groups that performed such data collection in 2005. Please e-mail your response as soon as possible and no later than April 19, 2006. While we appreciate answers to as many questions as possible, please provide whatever you can within the time frame provided. Responses should be addressed to Jooke Robbins <jrobbins(a)coastalstudies.org>. Sincerely, Jooke Robbins Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies PO Box 1036 Provincetown, MA 02657

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new book: THE FLORIDA MANATEE BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
by Iske Larkin 12 Apr '06

12 Apr '06

Newly published from the University Press of Florida, April 2006: THE FLORIDA MANATEE BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION by Roger L. Reep and Robert K. Bonde Roger Reep and Robert Bonde, veteran researchers with 45 years of experience between them, have created an engaging, accessible account of the Florida manatee for professionals and interested lay people alike. Included are chapters on the manatee lifestyle, evolution, endangered status and recovery plans, population studies, tracking studies, brain organization, perception and behavior, and rehabilitation and release. Reep and Bonde personalize their account by weaving together scientific findings with amusing anecdotes and sketches of some of the characters involved with Florida manatees. Available from Amazon.com for $22.02 Iske L. Vandevelde Larkin, Ph.D. Assistant Scientist Marine Animal Health Program Large Animal Clinical Sciences & Dept. of Zoology University of Florida 2015 SW 16th Ave. CVM - PO Box 100136 Gainesville, Fl 32610 (Ship to zip - 32608) USA Phone (352) 392-4700 ext 5168 e-mail: Larkini(a)mail.vetmed.ufl.edu

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New publications week 13
by Jan Herrmann 10 Apr '06

10 Apr '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 13 / 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 Muñoz, P.M. et al. (2006): Isolation of Brucella species from a live-stranded striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in Spain. The Veterinary Record 158(13): 450-451. Siebert, U. et al. (2006): Pathological Findings in Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Norwegian and Icelandic Waters. Journal of Comparative Pathology 134(2-3): 134-142. Vahlenkamp, T.W. and T.C. Harder (2006): Influenza virus infections in mammals. Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 119(3-4): 123-131. Barnett, J., P. Jepson, and B. Lawson (2006): Letters: Save the whale? The Veterinary Record 158(7): 247-248. Sonne, C. et al. (2006): Impairment of cellular immunity in west Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) dietary exposed to polluted minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) blubber. Environmental Science & Technology 40(6): 2056-2062. PINNIPEDIA Sharp, J.A. et al. (2005): Fur seal adaptations to lactation: insights into mammary gland function in Gerald P. Schatten (ed.): Current Topics in Developmental Biology Vol. 72: 275-308. Elsevier, Amsterdam Hiebl, J. et al. (2006): Identification and Quantification of Polybrominated Hexahydroxanthene Derivatives and Other Halogenated Natural Products in Commercial Fish and Other Marine Samples. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 54(7): 2652-2657. Johnson, S. et al. (2006): Aerobic bacterial flora of the vagina and prepuce of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and investigation of associations with urogenital carcinoma. Veterinary Microbiology 114(1-2): 94-103. OTHERS Smithwick, M. et al. (2006): Temporal trends of perfluoroalkyl contaminants in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from two locations in the North American Arctic, 1972-2002. Environmental Science & Technology 40(4): 1139-1143. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Short term boat based cetacean research
by Volunteer Coordinator (HWDT) 09 Apr '06

09 Apr '06

Dear All The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust have some spaces remaining throughout the season for research assistants on our boat-based research project. We also have some last-minute spaces running April 15th-21st, and would like to offer these at a 1/3 discount to MARMAM members. The project involves monitoring the waters of the Hebrides with a view to understand the habitat preferences of cetaceans in the area. We use a combination of visual and acoustic monitoring methods - using standard protocol for visual surveys, towing specialised hydrophones and recording images for photo identification. The project is for 7 days and is entirely boat based on our 53ft yacht Silurian - all training and accommodation is provided on board. The coastal waters of southwest Scotland, warmed by the north Atlantic drift are important and productive marine habitats. The transition from southern warmer waters to northern cooler waters in this area is reflected in the great diversity of marine species here, including a large variety of cetaceans. Many of the cetacean species dwelling in this area are considered to be of a conservation priority at a National, European and International level (e.g. harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, beaked whales and baleen whales). In addition to these, the seas of western Scotland are also inhabited by grey and common seals, basking sharks and a number of sea birds including sea eagles, gannets, shearwaters, petrels, cormorants, guillemots and puffins. The HWDT team together with over 100 research assistants have spent the last 3 years surveying the Argyll waters, investigating cetacean distribution, abundance and identifying hot spot areas for further study. A summary of this survey - written in 2005 - can be viewed on our website in the research pages. 2006 and 2007 will continue this survey conducting further investigation into these hot spot areas. If you would like to join us - either in April for a discounted price of £300 for the 7 day research course - or later on in the season, or would like to find out more about the project, then please contact me on volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org / 01688 302620 or look on our website at www.hwdt.org. Fiona Quarmby HWDT Volunteer Co-ordinator 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull ARGYLL PA75 6NU 01688 302620 www.hwdt.org volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org

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Animal acoustics and ambient noise
by Asha de Vos 07 Apr '06

07 Apr '06

Hi! I am a Sri Lankan marine biologist with very limited access to full text journals or even abstracts (i depend on the internet!). I am looking for papers about how ambient noise affects animals, particularly things like shipping traffic with respect to whales and dolphins. I would really appreciate any help I can get. Thanks. Asha. Asha de Vos ashadevos(a)gmail.com

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