August 2006 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job opening
by Brill, Katie 15 Aug '06

15 Aug '06

> OPS Research Staff > > Job #77900922 > Department: Marine Mammal Research > Location: St. Petersburg, FL (Pinellas County) > Rate of Pay: $10.00/hr (40 hrs/wk) including some weekends and > occasional holidays; no benefits provided > Close Date: Open until filled > Contact: Katherine Brill > Position Description: > Serve as member of FWC's manatee necropsy, carcass salvage, and rescue > team. Conduct necropsies at the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory > or in the field on manatees and other marine mammal carcasses, record > observations, and complete associated necropsy reports. Responsible > for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, > and cleaning of equipment and instruments. Recover marine mammal > carcasses for necropsy from Florida's Northwest region (coastal and > inland waterways of Manatee County to Escambia County). Process > skeletal collection requests according to FWC and USFWS guidelines; > prepare skeletal remains for curating and shipping and process > federal, state, and international permits for tracking skeletal > collections and information requests. Maintain inventories of tissues > and tissue requests. Manage associated database of inventories > including metadata. Responsible for vessel maintenance and associated > boater safety reports. Assist with processing and labeling of manatee > necropsy slides and digital images and managing the archiving of > digital images. Serve with other MMPL staff members in the rotating, > on-call duty (that includes weekends and occasional holidays) for the > purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses. > Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: > * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and > federal legislation protecting manatees > * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and > techniques of research and analysis > * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques > * Knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses > * Experience creating and managing databases, spreadsheets, and > word processing using Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word > * Able to trailer flatbeds and watercraft vessels > * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and > smaller > * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and > sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions > * Must be physically fit, able to lift at least 75 lbs, and be > able to swim sufficiently to save oneself > * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions > * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships > * Be comfortable speaking to the public > * Possess or be able to obtain a Florida driver's license within a > month of employment > Minimum Requirements: > A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a > major in one of the biological sciences or one year of professional > biological experience in a field or lab research program. Experience > with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies. > TO APPLY: Please reply to this posting with a cover letter, resume, > and references or submit a completed State of Florida Employment > Application to the contact listed below. An application can be > printed from https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com. > Katherine Brill > Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission > Fish and Wildlife Research Institute > Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory > 3700 54th Avenue South > St. Petersburg, FL 33711 > (727)893-2904 > Fax: (727)893-2907 > >

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Society for Conservation Biology: invitation for marine section contributions for South African conference in July 2007
by Ellen Hines 13 Aug '06

13 Aug '06

Pardon double-postings please! 21st Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology; 1 * 5 July 2007 Theme: One World, One Conservation, One Partnership The Governing Board of the Marine Section, Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) invites your participation in the 21st Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology. The Meeting will be Hosted by: The Centre for African Conservation Ecology (ACE) of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and co-hosted by the Africa Section of the SCB. The meeting will feature a diverse array of plenary sessions, symposia, workshops, organized discussions, contributed oral presentations, and poster sessions. The Marine Governing Board is particularly hopeful that African and other international marine conservation biology scientists, practitioners, and students will join us at this important meeting. The Local Organizing Committee for the conference has met with the Marine Section and encourages our involvement in this 21st annual meeting, so this conference offers a wonderful opportunity for marine scientists! SCB is dedicated to effective communications regarding conservation science, policy, and practice in all habitats on earth, with emphasis on both conceptual and habitat-specific issues. The Marine Section Governing Board is striving to ensure that communications about conservation science at SCB reflect an increased consideration of marine ecosystems, both in conceptual and habitat-oriented contexts. Your participation at the 2007 Meeting will help us all achieve this important goal. Also please remember that South Africa has spectacular marine and coastal biodiversity! Calls for proposals for Symposia, Workshops, and Organised Discussions are being accepted now! All proposals must be submitted by 16 October 2006 to 2007(a)conbio.org Short Course proposals must be submitted by 13 November. Call for abstracts for papers and poster will be from 16 October 2006 - 8 January 2007 Early registration for the meeting begins 15 January 2007. Complete and current information regarding the meeting can be found on the following websites: http://www.conbio.org/2007 (the main website for the conference) Please follow the links on that website to the call for proposals for Symposia, Workshops and Organised Discussions http://compworx.isat.co.za/scb/callsym.htm; and Short Courses http://compworx.isat.co.za/scb/callcour.htm

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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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new article in relation to the distribution of Phocoena spinipinnis
by Daniza Molina-Schiller 10 Aug '06

10 Aug '06

Dear Marmam Readers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article on The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals. Daniza Molina-Schiller, Sergio A. Rosales and Thales R. O. de Freitas. 2005. Oceanographic conditions off coastal South America in relation to the distribution of Burmeister's porpoise, Phocoena spinipinnis. The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 4(2):141-156. PDF can be requested to: daniza(a)marinemammals.cl or daniza.molinaschiller(a)gmail.com Best Regards, Daniza Molina-Schiller Dr. en Ciencias (c) daniza(a)marinemammals.cl danizamolina(a)hotmail.com www.marinemammals.cl Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500. Cx. Postal 15007, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 91540-000, BRASIL Current Address: Casilla 215, Quilpué - CHILE Phone: ++56-32-2729159 Móvil: 82148994 ------------------------------------ Daniza Molina-Schiller Dr. en Ciencias (c) Biólogo Marino daniza(a)marinemammals.cl danizamolina(a)hotmail.com www.marinemammals.cl Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500. Cx. Postal 15007, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 91540-000, BRASIL Current Address: Casilla 215, Quilpué - CHILE Phone: ++56-32-2729159 Móvil: 82148994

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Losinj Dolphin Reserve
by Drasko Holcer 10 Aug '06

10 Aug '06

DOLPHIN PROTECTION IN ADRIATIC SEA: AN EXAMPLE OF HOW APPLIED RESEARCH HELPS EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION OF MEDITERRANEAN BIODIVERSITY On Sunday 6th August, during the celebration of the 14th Dolphin Day, held regularly since 1993 on the island of Lošinj, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Jadran Antolovic, declared the establishment of the Lošinj Dolphin Reserve (Ministry of Culture, Republic of Croatia, UP/I-612-07/06-33/676, 532-08-02-1/5-06-1, July 26, 2006). With him to celebrate this occasion were the Executive Secretary of The Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area (ACCOBAMS), Dr. Marie-Christine Van Klaveren and the Assistant Minister for Nature Protection, Mr. Zoran Sikic. The celebration was hosted at the Lošinj Marine Education Centre the base for the activities of the Blue World Marine Institute for Research and Conservation. This achievement was also marked with congratulations sent by the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Stjepan Mesic for the successful fruition of research work undertaken by Blue World and concerted cooperation with representatives from the State Institute for Nature Protection, the Croatian Natural History Museum and the ACCOBAMS Secretariat. The area (http://www.blue-world.org/MPA/) is protected under the Croatian Law on nature protection as Special Zoological Reserve for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and as such is subject to the strictest type of protection regime. Initially, the area receives “preventive protection” with protection from the development of any new human activities, for a maximum of three years. This will allow the establishment of a management body and the preparation of a management plan for the permanent Reserve. After this period the designation will become permanent through a Decree of the Government. The Lošinj Dolphin Reserve represents the first MPA dedicated specifically for the protection of one dolphin population in the Mediterranean. It is the biggest marine protected area in the entire Adriatic, totalling 526 square kilometres. Together with bottlenose dolphins, this Reserve will help conserve a number of other endangered and protected species of flora and fauna and their critical habitats found within the designated area. For example, wintering sites of loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), sea grass (Posidonia oceanica) beds, coral biocenoses and nesting sites of the common European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). Moreover, recent research identified 152 species of marine flora, 303 species of marine invertebrates (7 strictly protected, 9 protected) and 112 species of fish (19 endangered species in Croatia) within the area. This area is known also for important underwater archaeological sites particularly the site where the Greek bronze statue, a priceless replica of Lizip’s Apoksymenos, was discovered. The designation of this Reserve was based on the findings of a set of focused research projects carried out by Blue World Institute on critical factors affecting distribution and abundance of bottlenose dolphins in this area over the last 12 years, and the local socio-economic impact of this designation. These studies are contained in two PhD thesis carried out in cooperation with the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews (UK), University College London (UK) and Tethys (Italy). These academic theses represent a growing trend in combining academia with policy implementation and were fundamental in stimulating the development of the reserve. This designation represents one of the few examples of how policy makers and researchers can effectively work together toward a common goal. For more details, please contact: Drasko Holcer, president Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Kastel 24, HR-51551 Veli Losinj, Croatia, Drasko.Holcer(a)blue-world.org or visit: www.blue-world.org -- Draško Holcer, president Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation Kaštel 24, HR-51551 Veli Lošinj, Croatia tel +385 51 604666 fax +385 51 604668 mbl +385 91 4637424 Internet: www.blue-world.org e-mail Drasko.Holcer(a)blue-world.org

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Conservation Biology publication: Decline in Relative Abundance of Bottlenose Dolphins Exposed to Long-Term Disturbance
by Lars Bejder 10 Aug '06

10 Aug '06

Dear Marmam Readers, We are pleased to announce the release of the following accepted manuscript on the journal Conservation Biology's website: Title: Decline in Relative Abundance of Bottlenose Dolphins Exposed to Long-Term Disturbance. Authors: Bejder, L., Samuels, A., Whitehead, J., Gales, N., Mann, J., Connor, R., Heithaus, M., Watson-Capps, J., Flaherty, C. and Krutzen, M. Reference: Bejder et al., 2006. Decline in Relative Abundance of Bottlenose Dolphins Exposed to Long-Term Disturbance. Conservation Biology. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2006.00540.x PDFs are available at: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/cbi/0/0 (Website section: Article in Press) All the best, Lars Bejder Research Leadership Fellow Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Division of Science and Engineering Murdoch University, Murdoch, 6150 Western Australia Ph: ++ 61 (0) 8 9360 6027 Fax: ++ 61 (0) 8 9360 6303 Email: l.bejder(a)murdoch.edu.au http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/people/LarsBejder.html <http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/index.html> http://www.monkeymiadolphins.org/ <http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lb/lars.htm>

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new publication on humpback whale song
by Adam Pack 09 Aug '06

09 Aug '06

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to inform you of the following new scientific publication on humpback whale song. Au, W. W. L, Pack, A. A., Lammers, M. O., Herman, L. M., Deakos, M. H., & Andrews, K. (2006). Acoustic properties of humpback whale songs. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 120, 1103-1110. Pdfs are available from Adam Pack: email: pack(a)hawaii.edu. Thank you for your kind attention. Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. The Dolphin Institute 420 Ward Ave, Suite 212 Honolulu, HI 96814, USA (808)-679-3690 (808)-593-2211 email: pack(a)hawaii.edu

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Internship Posting
by Jennifer Lewis 09 Aug '06

09 Aug '06

Internship: Behavioral Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Florida Keys Period of Service: September 12-Ocotber12, 2006 Details of Position: Work will involve assisting doctoral student with field research on bottlenose dolphins in the Lower Florida Keys. Responsibilities will include assisting in collection of behavior and environmental data while on water. Off water duties will include data entry, management and analysis in addition to 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 ASAP at: jennifer.lewis1(a)fiu.edu Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Miami, Florida Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences 11200 SW 8th St. Miami, Florida 33199 (305) 348-7429

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Director Position at The Whale Museum
by Christi Diamond 08 Aug '06

08 Aug '06

Employment Opportunity Museum Director The Whale Museum Friday Harbor, WA USA POSITION: Museum Director. Full-time position starting at $36-$40,000 per year dependent upon applicant qualifications. The Whale Museum is a 27-year-old 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State, USA. The Museum employs a staff of ten (+/- 4). The Whale Museum's mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The Museum is housed in a 114-year-old historic building containing a natural history exhibit hall, store, gallery, public meeting space and administrative offices. Research focuses on supporting critically needed scientific information about whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem that can be used in efforts to restore whale species and preserve ecosystem diversity in the region. Through education The Whale Museum strives to increase public knowledge about whales, other marine species and the ecological processes that support them, in order to promote more responsible environmental stewardship practices. These educational goals are achieved through the presentation of artifacts and exhibits in the Museum, special programs for K-12 and adults, and by educationally engaging the public in the wildlife environments of the San Juan Islands; at parks, along the shorelines, and out on the water. The "Museum Director" is accountable for the sound operations of The Whale Museum and is responsible to the Board of Directors. Qualified candidates have a college degree, preferably an advanced degree, and must demonstrate skills in the following areas: * Fiscal Management * Fundraising * Human Resource Management * Working with and the development of a Board of Directors * Facility Management * Non-profit Management The Director works with staff members in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Museum that have been developed by both board members and staff members. The Director provides the necessary information for both board and staff to make proper decisions as the lead in long-range planning and its implementation. The Director must keep a close watch on fiscal operations and be able to make decisions to ensure fiscal resiliency of the organization. The Director must work well with people and provide the motivation needed to inspire contributors to support the organization in accomplishing its mission. To apply please include a resume or c.v., contact information for at least three references, and a cover letter that explains: 1) why you think you are the right person to lead The Whale Museum into its third decade, and 2) how you propose to live in or commute to San Juan Island if you are accepted for this position. The Whale Museum does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin, and provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Mail your materials to: Attn. Mary Blevins, The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or email attachments to <mary(a)whalemuseum.org>. Letters of intent and resumes will be accepted through September 15, 2006. For more information contact Mary Blevins, 360-378-4710 ext. 29 or email <mary(a)whalemuseum.org>.

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Open Access publishing
by David Lusseau 08 Aug '06

08 Aug '06

Dear Marmamers, Have you ever been frustrated by the traditional publication process? Have you ever wondered who your reviewers were? Have you ever wished the review of your paper was opened to the wider scientific community for comments and discussions? Welcome to Open Access 2.0! The Public Library of Science has successfully provided open access publishing to biologists for the past 3 years now (PLoS Biology's impact factor is now 14.7; you can learn more about the philosophy behind Open Access at http://www.plos.org/oa/index.html) PLoS is launching a new journal, PLoS ONE, which is approaching scientific publishing from a new angle. PLoS ONE is a system that will allow large numbers of papers to be refereed and published with as few unnecessary barriers as possible. Therefore, PLoS ONE has a very simple criterion for publication: PLoS ONE will publish all reports of well-performed science that are submitted. In addition, papers in PLoS ONE will need to conform to some basic standards of scientific communication. For example they must describe experimental methods in sufficient detail for them to be repeatable; their conclusions must not be overstated; and these papers will need to be written in intelligible English.Publications in PLoS ONE will not be an end in themselves but rather the beginning of a conversation with the scientific community. A system for post-publication annotation and comment will allow readers to engage in discussions with authors and other users. This will act as a form of open peer review, a concept that has been much talked about but which few journals have put in place. We will also apply many other features that publication in a web environment can supply. Such things as user-defined tagging of articles to aid navigation through the literature; a high degree of personalisation to allow readers to quickly and efficiently discover the papers they want to read; and democratic systems for rating individual papers. The scope of PLoS ONE is all encompassing: PLoS ONE features reports of primary research from all disciplines within science and medicine. By not excluding papers on the basis of subject area, PLoS ONE facilitates the discovery of the connections between papers whether within or between disciplines. If you are interested in submitting papers to PLoS ONE, or want to learn more about PLoS ONE, please visit http://www.plosone.org/ best wishes, David David Lusseau, PhD Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dalhousie University Department of Biology 1355 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 4J1 Tel: (902) 494 3723 E-mail: d.lusseau(a)dal.ca david.lusseau(a)gmail.com Website: http://www.lusseau.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Editor for PLoS ONE- a revolution in scientific publication learn more at: http://www.plosone.org -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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