December 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Melon head whales stranding in Cape Verde&In-Reply-To=
by Alex Costidis 13 Dec '07

13 Dec '07

Hello Dr. Mascarenhas, I wanted to pass along some more references on the topic of sonar-related strandings and cetaceans. Below are a few useful papers that cover topics like lesions/pathology, etc. Our manuscript (the first one on the list) covers the latest basics, theories, etc. and I believe is a good overview of the issue. The rest of the papers cover various topics, mostly involving observed lesions. This should get you started on the topic and help you decide which references to pursue. I hope this helps. I can send you pdf copies of most of these. Rommel, S. A. et al. 2006. Elements of Beaked Whale Anatomy and Diving Physiology and Some Hypothetical Causes of Sonar-related Stranding. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 7(3):189-209. Cox, T.M. et al. 2006. Understanding the Impacts of Anthropogenic Sound on Beaked Whales. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 7(3):177-187. Fernandez, A. et al. 2005. Gas and fat embolic syndrome involving a mass stranding of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) exposed to anthropogenic sonar signals. Vet. Pathol. 42:446-57. Jepson, P.D. et al. 2003. Gas-bubble lesions in stranded animals. Was sonar responsible for a spate of whale deaths after an Atlantic miliary exercise? Nature 425 (6958):575-76. Jepson, P.D. et al. 2005. Acute and chronic gas bubble lesion in cetaceans stranded in the United Kingdom. Vet. Pathol. 42:291-305. Alex Costidis University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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Hawaiian Monk Seal Field Research Positions for 2008
by Thea Johanos-Kam 12 Dec '07

12 Dec '07

Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii), a contractor for The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2008 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings,and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ Employment will be from early April to mid-September, though some positions will continue until early October. The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. The first 4-5 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live either in wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. *NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31 BUT SOONER IS BETTER* Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references to: Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam(a)noaa.gov Phone (808) 944-2174 Email submissions are preferred, but you can also mail applications to: Thea Johanos Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Protected Species Division 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Please also send duplicate cover letters and resumes to: Calinda Goo Aquatic Farms Email: officeafl(a)hawaii.rr.com (preferred) or By mail to: 49-139 Kam Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Employment will be provided by Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii)a contractor that provides Scientific Support Services to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Applicants will be considered for two types of positions: field camp leader and field camp assistants, depending upon education and experience. FIELD CAMP LEADER One field camp leader serves as the senior person in a camp. Leads field personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field team's work. Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for field personnel. Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies for remote research camp are prepared. Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Responsible for return of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Produces annual report at end of field season. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education requirements). Good communication, leadership and decision-making skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles)in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance. FIELD CAMP ASSISTANT One or two assistants participate in each field camp. Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Maintains a safe working environment for field personnel. Participates in daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years field experience. Good communication and team skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets,and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.

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Lesions - Feedback
by Stockin, Karen 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

Dear MARMAM A big thank you to all who responded regarding the identification of apparent lesions found on Delphinus in New Zealand waters. Just to clarify, the lesions in question were the circular speckled marks evident under the dorsal fin of the photographed animal. Due to the light, angle and contrast of the photograph, a few respondents mistook the query to be about the pale colouration on the dorsal fin. This in actual fact is merely dorsal fin pigmentation found commonly in most Delphinus in NZ waters. A range of suggestions were made for the apparent lesions including fungal infection and a result of possible contact with acidic chemicals. However, the overwhelming majority of responses suggested consistency with either tattoo or ring lesions which apparently manifest as a result of the poxvirus. Useful further information on this and other viruses can be found in the following references; Van Bressem et al. 1999. A review of virus infections of cetaceans and the potential impact of morbilliviruses and papillomaviruses on host population dynamics. Disease of Aquatic Organisms 38: 53-65 Van Bressem & Van Waerebeek 1996. Epidemiology of poxvirus in small cetaceans from the eastern South Pacific. Marine Mammal Science 12: 371-382. Many thanks again for your assistance. Best wishes, Karen ========================================= Karen A Stockin Research Officer Coastal - Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Resources Massey University at Albany Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MSC New Zealand Tel: + 64 9 414 0800 Ext 41127 Fax: + 64 9 443 9790 Cell: + 64 21 146 5511 Email: k.a.stockin(a)massey.ac.nz http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz http://wildlife.massey.ac.nz/people/staff_ks.asp =========================================

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Tuition Reduction to Study Whales and Student Papers Available
by Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School 11 Dec '07

11 Dec '07

We've just been given the opportunity to offer a $1,500 tuition reduction to study orcas in the wild for our Spring 2008 program. Applications must be received by January 7, 2008. Spend 10 weeks studying killer whales in the Pacific Northwest. Beam Reach is for you if you want to: -study endangered orcas in the wild -work with experts in killer whale conservation -learn about marine conservation and sustainability -sail on a biodiesel electric catamaran -learn in a small group and get lots of individual time with instructors -work on science that matters and your own research project -explore the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest -earn 18 credits from the University of Washington Find out if Beam Reach is for you: http://www.beamreach.org/is-beam-reach-for-you.html?1tr081mrm071211 Apply Now! http://beamreach.org/application.html?2tr081mrm071211 Let us know if you have any questions. tracy(a)beamreach.org You can also see the results from the Fall 2007 class. There are 10 student papers posted on-line. They all focus on the endangered killer whales of the Pacific Northwest. Here are two titles to give you an idea of what you can learn by reading them: Vessel noise and orca vocalization: Implications for policy Alexandra Kougantakis http://beamreach.org/071/papers/final-paper-alex071.pdf?3tr081mrm071211 Relationship between depth and southern resident killer whale echolocation click production Anne Harmann http://beamreach.org/071/papers/final-paper-anne071.pdf?4tr081mrm071211 See them all here: http://beamreach.org/071/?5tr081mrm071205 _____________________________________________________________________ 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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Position opening - Natural Resources Management Specialist (Marine Resources)
by Bell, Joel T CIV NAVFAC Lant 10 Dec '07

10 Dec '07

Please direct all questions and inquiries to Julie Rivers (julie.rivers(a)navy.mil) and/or Vanessa Pepi (vanessa.pepi(a)navy.mil) Additional information can be found on the USAJobs website by searching for the announcement number provided below. ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: PAC7-0401-12-4B828453-DE TITLE: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (MARINE RESOURCES) PAY PLAN: GS SERIES: 0401 GRADE: 12 OPENING DATE: 12/06/2007 CLOSING DATE: 12/20/2007 LOCATION: PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII HIRING ORGANIZATION: NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND, PACIFIC, PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII As a marine resources representative in the Natural Resources Branch, the incumbent prepares or manages the preparation of complex documents or special environmental studies; develops monitoring and mitigation measures; coordinates proposals with agencies and the public and develops solutions to resolve conflicts. The incumbent serves as a member of the Marine Resources Support Group (MRSG) and as a subject matter expert on marine resources related issues to the Fleets, CNO, Regions, and various Facilities Engineering Commands (FECs) on operational marine resources related issues. Serve as a marine biologist in support of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) training worldwide. Serves as a liaison on all marine resources related issues. Prepares and review marine related documentation including marine resources assessments, density reports, endangered species and marine mammal consultations, Environmental Impact statements (EISs)(Overseas EISs (OEISs), Environmental Assessments (EAs)/Overseas EAs (OEAs), Categorical Exclusions (Cat EX) and related special environmental studies assessing the environmental impacts of proposed COMPACFLT operations, training and homeporting/home basing actions. Prepares and manages the preparation of complex documents or special environmental studies; develops monitoring and mitigation measures; coordinates proposals with agencies and the public and develops solutions to resolve conflicts. Responsible for participating in the Marine Resources Support Group (R+MRSG) to ensure fleet compliance with the Navy's "at sea" policies. Assesses and makes recommendations as to what work will be perform in-house or by contract, prepares statements of work, reviews statements of work, monitors schedules and quality standards to ensure program objectives are met, coordinates contractor work to ensure program goals are accomplished, reviews invoices for accuracy, maintains a file of contract related actions, recommends the acceptance or rejection of contractor's work. The employee establishes work schedules, determines priorities, coordinates work with other section employees, promotes team building, and ensures program quality across contractor and in-house products. <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< Joel T. Bell Marine Protected Species Biologist Environmental Conservation - Marine Resources Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic Phone: (757) 322-4854 Fax (757) 322-4894 NIPR: joel.t.bell(a)navy.mil SIPR: joel.bell(a)lantnavfac.navy.smil.mil <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< "The improver of natural knowledge absolutely refuses to acknowledge authority, as such. For him, skepticism is the highest of duties; blind faith the one unpardonable sin." ~Thomas H. Huxley

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OPCFHK scientific project application 08-09
by Anna Situ 09 Dec '07

09 Dec '07

Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to post the following message on Marmam e-mail list. Dear Sir/Madam, The Foundation is now inviting new funding applications for conservation research projects in 2008-2009. The application form and guideline can be downloaded from our website: www.opcf.org.hk. As the conservation arm of Ocean Park, the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) advocates, facilitates and participates in the conservation of wildlife and habitats, with an emphasis on the Asian region, through research and education. Our vision is to ensure the sustainability of wildlife and biodiversity. Funding support will be given to research and conservation projects on, but not limited to, marine mammals, Giant Pandas, amphibians, fishes, birds, terrestrial mammals and reptiles. To encourage Ocean Park to directly support the conservation projects, part of this funding will be allocated for conservation projects collaborated with Ocean Park. We also encourage institutions in Hong Kong to apply funding for projects based locally in Hong Kong. This financial assistance will be used to cover project related expenses, including travelling and field equipment but not to cover the in-house staff cost. Submission deadline for applications is Jan 31, 2008. All the funding applications will then go through our Scientific Advisory Committee members (SACs) for review and recommendation. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the reviewing process. Research projects recommended by SACs will be further reviewed by the Foundation's Trustees. With Trustees' approval, confirmation of funding will be announced in late June 2008, the Foundation will set up agreements with the Principal Investigators or the Institutes who are in charge of the recommended projects. Thank you for your kind attention and I am looking forward to your application. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Yours Sincerely, Anna Situ Assistant Scientific Officer OPCFHK Tel: 852-2873-8679 Fax: 852-2553-5840 E-mail: anna.situ(a)oceanpark.com.hk

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MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE (CZMT-0636-DE1) REMINDER
by gots＠nova.edu 08 Dec '07

08 Dec '07

MARINE MAMMAL MANAGEMENT COURSE (CZMT-0636-DE1) REMINDER WELCOME- all those interested in marine mammals. This is a reminder that Registration is now open for the most recent edition of the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University's Global Distance Education Course in Marine Mammal Management (MMM). This Course is offered to anyone, anywhere in the world through Distance Learning. Registration for the winter term closes on January 11th, 2008. MMM runs from JANUARY 7 TO MARCH 28, 2008, and covers a range of pertinent topics. For more information about the course content, please visit the website at: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/marmam/marmam.html You may take this course: a) for graduate credit (3 credits) b) at undergraduate level c) for a general interest diploma, which will be awarded all successful candidates d) towards a 4-course distance Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies. Those taking credit versions of the course must complete two written essay assignments, and take part in e-mail interactions. For more information on the Oceanographic Centers distance learning courses and programs, including registration details and costs, please visit the website at http://www.nova.edu/ocean/disted.html For registration: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/distedregform.html Registration inquiries may be made at any time. If you have any questions, please first contact Professor Jane Dougan - douganj(a)nova.edu Professor Keith Ronald kronald(a)nova.edu and Barra L. Gots gots(a)nova.edu Instructors for the Marine Mammal Management Distance Education course. For further information, please reply to Barra Gots: gots(a)nova.edu

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recent publications, University of Auckland and Oregon State University
by steel, debbie 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

December 7, 2007 Announcement: Recent articles (2006 and 2007) from the Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Evolution, University of Auckland and the Cetacean Conservation and Genetics Laboratory, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University Available at the URL as shown below or by visiting the website of the Cetacean Conservation and Genetics Laboratory, Marine Mammal Institute, and selecting 'publications' http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/ccgl Or by email request to scott.baker(a)oregonstate.edu subject header 'Reprint request' 2007 Jackson, J. A., N. J. Patenaude, E. L. Carroll, and C. S. Baker. 2007. How few whales were there after whaling? Inference from contemporary mtDNA diversity. Molecular Ecology, http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03497.x <http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03497.x> . Dalebout, M. L., C. S. Baker, D. Steel, K. M. Robertson, S. J. Chivers, W. F. Perrin, J. G. Mead, R. V. Grace, and D. T. Schofield. 2007. A divergent mtDNA lineage among Mesoplodon beaked whales: molecular evidence for e new species in the tropical Pacific? Marine Mammal Science, online early. Constantine, R., K. Russell, N. Gibbs, S. Childerhouse, and C. S. Baker. 2007. Photo-identification of humpback whales in New Zealand waters and their migratory connections to breeding grounds of Oceania. Marine Mammal Science, 23:715-720. Endo, T., Y.-U. Ma, C. S. Baker, N. Funahashi, S. Lavery, M. L. Dalebout, V. Lukoschek, and K. Haraguchi. 2007. Contamination level of mercury in red meat products from cetaceans available from South Korea markets. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54:669-677. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V6N-4NC50YV-2&_u… Olavarría, C., C. S. Baker, C. Garrigue, M. Poole, N. Hauser, S. Caballero, L. Flórez-González, M. Brasseur, J. Bannister, J. Capella, P. J. Clapham, R. Dodemont, M. Donoghue, C. Jenner, M. N. Jenner, D. Moro, M. Oremus, D. A. Paton, and K. Russell. 2007. Population structure of humpback whales throughout the South Pacific and the origins of the eastern Polynesian breeding grounds. Marine Ecology - Progress Series, 330:257-268. http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v330/p257-268/ Patenaude, N. J., V. A. Portway, C. M. Schaeff, J. L. Bannister, P. B. Best, R. S. Payne, V. J. Rowntree, M. Rivarola, and C. S. Baker. 2007. Mitochondrial DNA Diversity and Population Structure among Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis). Journal of Heredity, 98:147-157. http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/esm005??ijkey=A2zAQwdDVzOtpmo&… <http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/esm005?ijkey=A2zAQwdDVzOtpmo&k…> Oremus, M., M. M. Poole, D. Steel, and C. S. Baker. 2007. Isolation and interchange among insular spinner dolphin communities in the South Pacific revealed by individual identification and genetic diversity. Marine Ecology - Progress Series, 336:275-289:275-289. http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v336/p275-289/ Baker, C. S., J. G. Cooke, S. Lavery, M. L. Dalebout, Y.-U. Ma, N. Funahashi, C. Carraher, and R. L. Brownell Jr. 2007. Estimating the number of whales entering trade using DNA profiling and capture-recapture analysis of market products. Molecular Ecology, 16:2617-2626. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03317.x <http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03317.x> Caballero, S., F. Trujillo, J. A. Vianna, H. Barrios-Garrido, M. G. Montiel, S. Beltran-Pedreros, M. Marmontel, M. C. Santos, M. Rossi, F. R. Santo, and C. S. Baker. 2007. Taxonomic status of the genus Sotalia: species level ranking for "tucuxi" (Sotalia fluviatilis) and "costero" (Sotalia guianensis) dolphins. Marine Mammal Science, 23:358-386. 2006 Baker, C. S., V. Lukoschek, S. Lavery, M. L. Dalebout, M. Yong-un, T. Endo, and N. Funahashi. 2006. Incomplete reporting of whale, dolphin and porpoise 'bycatch' revealed by molecular monitoring of Korean markets. Animal Conservation, 9:474-482. Baker, C. S., M. D. Vant, M. L. Dalebout, G. M. Lento, S. J. O'Brien, and N. Yuhki. 2006. Diversity and duplication of DQB and DRB-like genes of the MHC in baleen whales (suborder: Mysticeti). Immunogenetics, 58:283-296. http://www.springerlink.com/content/54257g410tr5lpj2/ Weinrich, M. T., H. Rosenbaum, C. Scott Baker, A. L. Blackmer, and H. Whitehead. 2006. The Influence of Maternal Lineages on Social Affiliations among Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on Their Feeding Grounds in the Southern Gulf of Maine. Journal of Heredity, 97:226-a-234. http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/97/3/226-a <http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/97/3/226-a>

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New paper; Determining spatial and temporal scales for management
by Phillip.Clapham＠noaa.gov 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

The following has just been published online: Clapham, P.J., Aguilar, A. and Hatch, L.T. 2007 (in print 2008). Determining spatial and temporal scales for the management of cetaceans: lessons from whaling. Marine Mammal Science doi: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2007.00175.x. ABSTRACT Selection of the appropriate management unit is critical to the conservation of animal populations. Defining such units depends upon knowledge of population structure and upon the timescale being considered. Here, we examine the trajectory of eleven subpopulations of five species of baleen whales to investigate temporal and spatial scales in management. These subpopulations were all extirpated by commercial whaling, and no recovery or repopulation has occurred since. In these cases, time elapsed since commercial extinction ranges from four decades to almost four centuries. We propose that these subpopulations did not recover either because cultural memory of the habitat has been lost, because widespread whaling among adjacent stocks eliminated these as sources for repopulation, and/or because segregation following exploitation produced the abandonment of certain areas. Spatial scales associated with the extirpated subpopulations are frequently smaller than tho se typically employed in management. Overall, the evidence indicates that: i) the timeframe for management should be at most decadal in scope (i.e. less than 100 years) and based on both genetic and non-genetic evidence of population substructure, and ii) at least some stocks should be defined on a smaller spatial scale than they currently are. The paper is available free from: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/MMS/0/0 Phil Clapham National Marine Mammal Lab, Seattle

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Seal Pup Internships
by Phocid＠aol.com 07 Dec '07

07 Dec '07

Seal Pup Rehabilitation Internships Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, IWNCC’s focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals. For the 10th year, IWNCC will be offering summer internships. In the past, students have earned academic credit toward their degrees through the completion of these internships and the centre is also open to the creation and execution of short term, noninvasive research projects by the interns. There will be 14 internships awarded this summer and fall each lasting 8 to 12 weeks. The internships are on a voluntary basis, however comfortable housing and a food stipend are provided. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia. Interns will work directly under marine mammal rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn the following: Safe rescue and handling of Harbour Seal pups. Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals. Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process. Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques. Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Administration of oral medications. Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping. Natural history of marine mammal species. Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations. General care of many other indigenous avian and mammalian species. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2008. For more information and to download an application, please visit our web site at: www.sealrescue.org Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre 322 Langs Road Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 www.sealrescue.org iwncc(a)aol.com ************************************** Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

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