February 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

marine mammalogy course instructor needed, New Brunswick, Canada
by Ashley Holmes 27 Feb '07

27 Feb '07

Dear Marine Mammal Researchers, Enthusiastic Instructor Wanted! The Huntsman Marine Science Centre (HMSC) is looking for an enthusiastic instructor to deliver a university accredited field course on the biology of marine mammals. The HMSC is located in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, in southwestern New Brunswick and is situated on the famous Bay of Fundy. This beautiful coastal setting provides many opportunities to observe marine mammals in their natural habitats at sea and on shore. The location is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to study several species of whales, as well as seals, dolphins and porpoises, within a two-week field course framework. We are currently pulling together a new course for the 2007 field season and looking for someone who shares our passion for education and marine life. The marine mammals courses offered through the HMSC have always been in high demand and we are determined to continue providing students with this amazing learning opportunity. If you are interested, please send a cover letter and curriculum vitae to: Ashley Holmes The Huntsman Marine Science Centre 1 Lower Campus Rd., St. Andrews, NB E5B2L7 Phone: (506) 529-1260 ● Fax: (506) 529-1212 Email: aholmes(a)huntsmanmarine.ca * Application Deadline: March 16, 2007 * Qualifications: * PhD * Field experience with marine mammals * Passion for marine mammals * Enthusiasm for teaching I look forward to hearing from you! If you would like further information regarding our facilities and services, please contact me or check our website. www.huntsmanmarine.ca <http://www.huntsmanmarine.ca/> Sincerely, Ms. Ashley Holmes University Programs Coordinator The Huntsman Marine Science Centre

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Research Assistant Advertisement- Bunbury WA
by holly＠webace.com.au 27 Feb '07

27 Feb '07

SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS-Western Australia PROJECT: Habitat utilisation by bottlenose dolphins Tursiops sp in Bunbury and adjacent waters and population abundance and structure I am seeking skilled research assistants for field work that will commence in April 2007. Assistants will help me in collecting behavioural data in the field on the bottlenose dolphin population off the southwest coast of Western Australia. The field season for 2007 begins in April and will last until December. Fieldwork will be based in the coastal town of Bunbury, approximately 2hr drive south of Perth. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for a minimum of 1 month. Applicants willing to participate for longer will be given preference. PROJECT SUMMARY: This is the first stage of a long-term commitment (>3 years) to research cetaceans in the south-west region by Murdoch University. Three Murdoch scholarships have been committed to and this project is based on the first one of these. The project aims to determine the population size and structure of the dolphin population in Bunbury region and surrounds and determining the residency patterns of the population. Identifying critical habitat for dolphins for particular behavioural activity states such as nursing, resting and foraging and determine drivers of these including environmental and anthropogenic pressures and potential displacement effects. Determining residency or seasonal movements and influences on these (water temperature, prey availability, depth) and/or anthropogenic drivers (industry, development, vessel traffic). This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the population and the sustainability and management of the tourism industry based on interactions with the population. FIELD WORK: All observations and data collection will be conducted from a 5m centre console boat equipped with a 80HP engine. Assistants should be prepared to work long hours with early starts and be expected to participate in the following duties: photo-identification & behavioural data collection & entry, fin-matching, and database/catalogue maintenance. There may be the opportunity to assist other researchers conducting genetic sampling of the population or determing prey dynamics at the same study site. Aboard the research boat assistants will be required to assist in boat handling and data collection. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations and improve existing skills. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. PREREQUISITES: 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means officebased work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits and fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of 3 people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of 5 days a week for 1 month (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Unfortunately I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Perth or Bunbury and their own living expenses. Pickup from Perth may be possible but is dependent on arrival time. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Holly Smith (holly(a)webace.com.au <mailto:holly@webace.com.au> ) by Friday, the 23rd of March. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Holly Smith, BSc hons PhD Candidate School of Biological Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia Mob: 0439828498 Email: holly(a)webace.com.au <mailto:holly@webace.com.au> Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Centre: http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/postgrads.html This email, together with any attachments, is intended for the addressee only. It may contain confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, please notify the sender, delete the email and attachments from your system and destroy any copies you may have taken of the email and its attachments. Duplication or further distribution by hardcopy, by electronic means or verbally is not permitted without permission.

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Conservation strategy for the SE Pacific humpback whale
by Van Waerebeek 26 Feb '07

26 Feb '07

Dear Marmam, A new publication has become available that describes a regional strategy for the conservation of the humpback whale in the Southeast Pacific. Contributors include leading scientists of the Fundación Yubarta (Colombia), Fundación Ecuatoriana para el Estudio de Mamíferos Marinos (Ecuador), Instituto de la Patagonia, Universidad de Magallanes (Chile), Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Panama) and the Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research, Museo de Delfines (Peru). The publication was published with the support from WWF-Colombia. Flórez-Gonzalez et al. (2007) Estrategia para la conservación de la ballena jorobada del Pacífico Sudeste, lineamientos para un Plan de Acción Regional e iniciativas nacionales. Fundación Yubarta. Cali, Colombia. 106pp. [in Spanish, with English abstract]. It can be downloaded from: http://www.wwf.org.co/colombia/publicaciones.php Dr Koen Van Waerebeek Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research (CEPEC) Museo de Delfines, Pucusana, Lima-20 PERU cepec(a)speedy.com.pe

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CORE Internship opportunity - address correction
by core＠coreresearch.org 26 Feb '07

26 Feb '07

We've reccently moved our office to Gloucester! Please mail applications to: Center for Oceanic Research and Education 6 Julian Way Gloucester, MA 01930 Center for Oceanic Research and Education Internship Opportunities The Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE), based in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of cetaceans. CORE's mission is to promote stewardship and conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment. Our research focuses primarily upon the populations of fin and humpback whales found in the inshore waters of New England. We are currently working on several projects including: hierarchy among social/feeding groups of humpback whales. novel feeding behavior (the use of bubbles) in fin whales. shifts in distribution of whale species over time on-going research includes photo-identification studies of humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Northern right whales, minke whales and pilot whales. CORE conducts whale watch education programs, school presentations and public outreach activities throughout the year as part of our endeavor to educate people about endangered whales and their fragile marine environment. We collect all of our data aboard commercial whale watching vessels that operate out of Gloucester, MA. Interns are aboard each trip as research assistants, and are primarily responsible for data collection. The types of data recorded on each trip include physical information ¬ such as climate and sea conditions, number and species of each cetacean, as well as behavioral information and identification photographs of focus animals. Other major duties aboard the boats include answering passenger questions, assisting with fund raising efforts and helping crew on deck. A paid "education mate" position aboard the whale watching boat in Gloucester is included - interns will rotate day-to-day through the week as research assistants and education mates. There are also paid galley positions available to interns which provide another daily avenue for raising personal funds. Founded in 1996, CORE earned our non-profit status in 1999. Though we have no publications currently in print, we are currently analyzing data on several on-going research projects with the goal of developing papers on such varied subjects as novel feeding behavior in fin whales, to observations of Sowerbys and Cuviers beaked whales in offshore submarine canyons. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of research including: Data collection; data entry; archiving and cataloging photographs and negatives; general office work. Data analysis methods; individual identification of whales through photo analysis. Public speaking; fund raising; correspondence with other organizations, researchers and students. Interns are also assigned a specific on-going research project and will be expected to complete an extensive reading list to gain important background knowledge. Basics of navigation; boat handling; use of marine electronics including GPS, LORAN, radar and echolocation; handling lines; and knowledge of vessel safety and emergency protocol. CORE offers seasonal internship opportunities from May-Oct to qualified college students or graduates. We require a two-month minimum stay. These are strictly unpaid, volunteer positions. However, interns will be paid for their duties as Education Mates, as well as galley positions, aboard the commercial whale watching vessels out of Gloucester. Also, as of this year we have acquired intern housing accommodations for $200/month per intern. Interns share a small 2 bedroom unit, which is part of the CORE office, located just 500 yards from the dock. This new living arrangement makes the office and boat both extremely accessible, eliminating the requirement for transportation. We also offer flexible hours so that interns can obtain part-time jobs if needed. Interns are also encouraged to receive either undergraduate or graduate credits for their internships with CORE. We will help students design and implement a project through their school or with two local schools with whom we are affiliated (Endicott College, Beverly, MA and Wheelock College, Boston, MA). Application deadline for the summer internship session is March 24th, with interviews being conducted during the first week of April. The deadline for the fall internship session is July 24th, with interviews during the first week of August. We also accept limited applicants for spring. To apply for an internship, please complete an application and send your resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying, and two letters of recommendation to the below address. The Center for Oceanic Research and Education internship applications can be found on our website at: www.coreresearch.org/intern form.htm. You may then use your browser's print function to print it out. We will contact applicants to schedule an interview as soon as we receive the above materials. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at core(a)coreresearch.org. Sarah Podleski, Assistant Director Center for Oceanic Research and Education 6 Julian Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web LIVE Free email based on Microsoft® Exchange technology - http://link.mail2web.com/LIVE

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Questionnaire - success in Marine Protected Areas
by Clements, David 26 Feb '07

26 Feb '07

I am currently in my 3rd year and am in the course of completing my dissertation. As part of this project I am trying to establish current opinion on what is success in Marine Protected Areas with the use of a short online questionnaire (10 questions based on a likert scale). My aim with the questionnaire is to assess how different people involved with MPAs have differing views on what success is, related to MPAs. I am looking for anyone who has had some involvement with Marine Protected Areas at any level (e.g. user, manager, scientist, ranger). I would be very grateful if you could please follow the link below to fill in the questionnaire. www.thesistools.com/?qid=24395&ln=eng I apologise for repeat and cross posting Thank you for your help David Oliver Clements University of Liverpool

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New paper on common dolphins from the NE Atlantic
by Ana Rita Amaral 24 Feb '07

24 Feb '07

Dear Marmam readers, I am pleased to announce the electronic publication of the following article: Amaral AR, Sequeira M, Martínez-Cedeira J, Coelho MM. 2007. New insights on population genetic structure of Delphinus delphis from the northeast Atlantic and phylogenetic relationships within the genus inferred from two mitochondrial markers. Marine Biology. DOI 10.1007/s00227-007-0635-y http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-007-0635-y Abstract The taxonomic status of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) remains controversial despite the increased number of studies focusing on its populations. Two species are presently recognized, Delphinus delphis and D. capensis. Apart from a phylogeographic study of the genus Delphinus, genetic studies focusing specifically in the northeast (NE) Atlantic remain scarce. Following ecological and morphological evidence for the existence of different common dolphin morphotypes in the Portuguese coast, we examined the population structure of D. delphis from the NE Atlantic by comparing DNA sequences from two mitochondrial regions (control region and cytochrome b gene). Additionally, we compared the sequences obtained with existing sequences of D. delphis from the Azores, Black Sea, Canary Islands, Pacific Ocean, D. capensis and also two closely related delphinid species (Stenella coeruleoalba and Tursiops truncatus). In the analysis of the NE Atlantic populations, we found evidence for the existence of some level of genetic differentiation. In the broader phylogenetic analysis, D. delphis and D. capensis did not show reciprocal monophyly and we found a group of highly divergent individuals. We discuss the possibility for the existence of two divergent lineages that have evolved independently, a separate subspecies or events of introgressive hybridization. These findings could have important implications on a taxonomic level, although further investigation based on a larger geographical scale and on nuclear loci information will certainly elucidate the origin of these highly divergent individuals. Best wishes, Ana Rita Amaral ·´¯`·.¸¸..><((((º>.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸ ..¸<º))))><`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.<º))))><.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Edifício C2, 3ºpiso Lab.2.3.12/2.3.25 Campo Grande 1749-016 Lisboa Portugal Tel:(+351)21 750 00 00 Ext. 22312 E-mail: aramaral(a)fc.ul.pt

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Summer 2007 Seal Rehabilitation Internships
by Marine Animal Lifeline 23 Feb '07

23 Feb '07

Summer 2007 Seal Rehabilitation Internships The Marine Animal Lifeline in Portland, Maine is seeking applicants for its summer internship positions with stranded neonate and weanling harbor seals. The Marine Animal Lifeline is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing orphaned, ill and injured marine mammals. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION & DUTIES: The operation of Marine Animal Lifeline relies heavily on the contribution of its interns. The positions will involve working under the Veterinary Technicians to provide the best possible care to the animals under rehabilitation. The interns will have a leadership role in the rehabilitation team, in addition to the responsibility for a number of support tasks. These positions will offer the intern dynamic educational and career experience in the marine mammal field. Intern duties may include, but are not limited to the following: - Preparing daily animal diet. - Cleaning of work areas. - Assisting in the feeding, cleaning and daily operations of the rehab area. - Assisting with veterinary examinations and treatments. - Assisting with rescues and releases of marine mammals. - Assisting in 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. - Other duties relating to Marine Animal Lifelines goals and missions as required. REQUIREMENTS: This is a 12-week, full-time (40 hours per week) internship. There are two different summer internship opportunities available. The first opportunity involves working with neonate harbor seals from May 20th through August 11th. The second opportunity involves working with weanling harbor seals from July 1st through September 22nd. Several openings are available within each of these internship opportunities. Marine Animal Lifeline is an extremely busy rehabilitation facility, and the animals often require late-night or overnight care. Interns will be on a rotating schedule, to include both opening and closing shifts. 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. Interns must be able and willing to work long, flexible hours including weekends, holidays and nights. Interns will be required to have fair physical strength and be in good health. Successful applicants will have leadership skills, or the ability to learn proper leadership skills quickly. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment. Previous animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, they will be responsible for making all of the arrangements with their educational institutions. The internship is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for all travel and housing expenses. APPLICATION PROCESS: Only those who meet the internships requirements need apply. Interested individuals must send the following: - Letter of intent- including reasons for interest in the internship and preference to either the May start date or July start date (neonates vs. weanlings). - Resume - 3 References Submit the above items through one of the following ways: 1. Email: levans(a)stranding.org (via PDF file or MS Word) 2. Ground mail: Marine Animal Lifeline c/o Lisa Evans P.O. Box 621 Portland, ME 04104 3. Fax: (207)-541-1936 The application submission deadline is March 1st and selection of applicants will be completed by March 15th. If you have any further questions, contact Lisa Evans at (207) 773-7377, Ext. 414 or email at levans(a)stranding.org If you would like to learn more about the Marine Animal Lifeline, visit our website at www.stranding.org

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internship opportunity - Center for Oceanic Research and Education
by Deanna Leonard 23 Feb '07

23 Feb '07

Please post the following intership description. Center for Oceanic Research and Education Internship Opportunities The Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE), based in Essex, MA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of cetaceans. CORE's mission is to promote stewardship and conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment. Our research focuses primarily upon the populations of fin and humpback whales found in the inshore waters of New England. We are currently working on several projects including: hierarchy among social/feeding groups of humpback whales. novel feeding behavior (the use of bubbles) in fin whales. shifts in distribution of whale species over time on-going research includes photo-identification studies of humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Northern right whales, minke whales and pilot whales. CORE conducts whale watch education programs, school presentations and public outreach activities throughout the year as part of our endeavor to educate people about endangered whales and their fragile marine environment. We collect all of our data aboard commercial whale watching vessels that operate out of Gloucester, MA. Interns are aboard each trip as research assistants, and are primarily responsible for data collection. The types of data recorded on each trip include physical information  such as climate and sea conditions, number and species of each cetacean, as well as behavioral information and identification photographs of focus animals. Other major duties aboard the boats include answering passenger questions, assisting with fund raising efforts and helping crew on deck. A paid "education mate" position aboard the whale watching boat in Gloucester is included - interns will rotate day-to-day through the week as research assistants and education mates. There are also paid galley positions available to interns which provide another daily avenue for raising personal funds. Founded in 1996, CORE earned our non-profit status in 1999. Though we have no publications currently in print, we are currently analyzing data on several on-going research projects with the goal of developing papers on such varied subjects as novel feeding behavior in fin whales, to observations of Sowerbys and Cuviers beaked whales in offshore submarine canyons. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of research including: · Data collection; data entry; archiving and cataloging photographs and negatives; general office work. · Data analysis methods; individual identification of whales through photo analysis. · Public speaking; fund raising; correspondence with other organizations, researchers and students. · Interns are also assigned a specific on-going research project and will be expected to complete an extensive reading list to gain important background knowledge. · Basics of navigation; boat handling; use of marine electronics including GPS, LORAN, radar and echolocation; handling lines; and knowledge of vessel safety and emergency protocol. CORE offers seasonal internship opportunities from May-Oct to qualified college students or graduates. We require a two-month minimum stay. These are strictly unpaid, volunteer positions. However, interns will be paid for their duties as Education Mates, as well as galley positions, aboard the commercial whale watching vessels out of Gloucester. Also, as of this year we have acquired intern housing accommodations for $200/month per intern. Interns share a small 2 bedroom unit, which is part of the CORE office, located just 500 yards from the dock. This new living arrangement makes the office and boat both extremely accessible, eliminating the requirement for transportation. We also offer flexible hours so that interns can obtain part-time jobs if needed. Interns are also encouraged to receive either undergraduate or graduate credits for their internships with CORE. We will help students design and implement a project through their school or with two local schools with whom we are affiliated (Endicott College, Beverly, MA and Wheelock College, Boston, MA). Application deadline for the summer internship session is March 24th, with interviews being conducted during the first week of April. The deadline for the fall internship session is July 24th, with interviews during the first week of August. We also accept limited applicants for spring. To apply for an internship, please complete an application and send your resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying, and two letters of recommendation to the below address. The Center for Oceanic Research and Education internship applications can be found on our website at: www.coreresearch.org/intern form.htm. You may then use your browser's print function to print it out. We will contact applicants to schedule an interview as soon as we receive the above materials. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at core(a)coreresearch.org. Sarah Podleski, Assistant Director Center for Oceanic Research and Education 2 Julian Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 --------------------------------- Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Yahoo! Answers. Try it now.

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Bernardo Villa
by hperez 22 Feb '07

22 Feb '07

Dr. Bernardo Villa-Ramirez died Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at the age of 96. Dr. Villa started his academic career teaching children in a small community near Teloloapan Guerrero where he was born, there he taught in Spanish and in Nahuatl (Aztec language). He later joined the National University of Mexico UNAM where he was a student, professor, researcher and professor emeritus. He devoted his life to scientific research and to the National University. His work focused on various groups of mammals and his doctoral thesis on Mexican bats is now a classic. Dr. Villa directed countless theses on Mexican mammals, from bats to gray whales, from biology to legal status. He was particularly attracted to the Gulf of California where he helped establishing the Reserva Islas del Golfo de California that now harbors more than 900 islands, particularly Isla Rasa where he was the key stone for its conservation; thanks to his efforts, two species of sea birds are no longer in the brink of extinction. Dr. Villa organized and took part in the first scientific projects working with marine mammals in Mexico studying gray whales, sea lions, manatees, and vaquitas among others. He is considered the father of Mexican mammalogy. During his lifetime he received various awards, public recognitions and was an honorary member of various organizations and societies. He was the honorary life president of the Mexican society for marine mammalogy (SOMEMMA) and the Mexican society of mammalogists (AMMAC), Full Charter Member and Honorary Member of the society for marine mammalogy, and most notably, his name appears under the honorary members section in every single issue of Marine Mammal Science published to date. Former students and friends share this announcement with great sadness. Rest in peace Bernardo Villa Ramirez. Hector Pérez-Cortés M., Juan Pablo Gallo-R., Alberto Delgado E., Joel Ortega, Irelia López. Héctor Pérez-Cortés M Director del Centro de Estudios Costeros The School for Field Studies San Carlos, Baja California Sur, México Tel. + 52 (613) 136 0548 fax: + 52 (613) 136 0008 HYPERLINK "http://www.fieldstudies.org"www.fieldstudies.org -- Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.17.25/669 - Release Date: 04/02/2007 09:58 p.m.

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JOB OPPORTUNITY: Executive Director, American Cetacean Society
by ACS-ED_search 21 Feb '07

21 Feb '07

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Executive Director Save the whales! World's oldest whale, dolphin, and porpoise conservation organization seeks a dynamic non-profit leader. If you have a bachelor's degree and two years of leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, are adept at raising money and managing fundraising programs, and have good fiscal management skills, the American Cetacean Society needs you! For a full job description and application instructions, visit the ACS website at: www.acsonline.org <http://www.acsonline.org/> . Application deadline: March 18, 2007. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Executive Director Search Committee American Cetacean Society Website: www.acsonline.org e-mail: acsedsearch(a)acsonline.org

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