April 2007 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Summer Internship Opportunity
by Wally Franklin 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Summer Internship Opportunity The Oceania Project is conducting during August-October 2007 vessel based fieldwork for a long-term study of the ecology & behaviour humpback whales in Hervey Bay. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m-power catamaran. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.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.oceania.org.au/footer_stuff/about_us.html ] The focus of the research being undertaken is a long term study of the social and ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V humpback group. In addition we are investigating genetic relatedness amongst humpbacks in Hervey Bay, the implications for social organisation and reproductive success and the extent to which social behaviour is determined by kinship. There is an opportunity for up to four Interns to participate in the research expedition each week 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 $1750 Australian (Approx. $1350 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. Fieldwork involved is 'sloughed skin' and faecal 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 ] A pdf with more detailed information about the Internship Program is available for download. 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. 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 ] or you can register online. Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University ........................................................................ .. 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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Marine Mammal Biologist, GS-12, Navy Pearl Harbor, HI
by Rivers, Julie A CIV NAVFAC PAC 19 Apr '07

19 Apr '07

The summary of duties sounds rather broad, but the office is primarily in search of a biologist with marine mammal and bioacoustics experience. This person will work for NAVFAC Pacific at Pearl Harbor, and provide technical support to the Pacific Fleet on marine mammal issues including monitoring programs, sonar analysis and consultations under MMPA and ESA. The program is growing and covers the Navy operating areas in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. ***************** Summary of Duties: Prepare and implement an integrated program for the identification, conservation, and enhancement of fishery and wildlife resources on behalf of Navy and Marine Corps activities in the geographical area supported by Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific) and Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT). Provide professional support and advice to those activities regarding specialized problems in marine mammal management, threatened and endangered species management, and environmental mitigation that affect Navy and Marine Corps training and exercises, shore operations, facilities planning and programming, design and construction. Provide expert technical assistance in reviewing proposed Navy and Marine Corps actions, including military operations and training, and MILCON and special projects, master plans, special studies and site approvals for potential impact to threatened and endangered species, marine mammals, wetlands, migratory birds, critical habitats, wildlife refuges, and other legally protected natural resources. Assist in the identification and conduct of technical studies to support the completion of environmental documents (CATEX, EA, EIS, biological assessments) in compliance with NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Job announcement is PAC-7-4XX-12 4B626587-DE, closes on 3 May 2007. https://chart.donhr.navy.mil/jobsearch/searchresults.asp?sType=9&kw=&sCo untry=1&sState=HI&sCity=Pearl%20Harbor&sSeries=&sPPlan=&sPLevel=&sClaime nt=&sSalary=&SortBy=2&sAN=&page=1

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Clarification on Eligibility for NFWF Marine Debris Funding Opportunity
by Susie Holst 18 Apr '07

18 Apr '07

As a follow up to our announcement for pre-proposals to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Program, we would like to clarify the eligibility requirements for potential applicants based on some questions we've received since posting our announcement on April 2nd. Work can be done internationally IF it can show a direct link to US/US Territorial waters. So for example, if the source of 20% of derelict fishing gear (DFG) on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands has been identified as likely coming from country X then a prevention program in country X would be eligible. Also, if an applicant was proposing an new gear technology to prevent loss but was testing it internationally, as long as they were working with a US PI for knowledge transfer this would also be eligible. Assessments and general implementation (clean-ups, etc.) in international waters would NOT likely be eligible as the link is indirect. A link to direct impacts on US/US Territorial waters is a minimum eligibility requirement, however competitiveness of your pre-proposal will depend on other pre-proposals received as well as how direct and how great the connection is for impacts to US/ US Territorial waters. Application deadline is May 18th, 2007. Please see the following link for more information about this program and the 2007 RFP: www.nfwf.org/marinedebris/. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Susie Holst Assistant Director - Marine Programs National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 202-715-0712 202-857-0162 (fax)

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Filicudi Dolphin Project eco-volunteer, Summer 2007
by monica blasi 18 Apr '07

18 Apr '07

Dear Marmam, We are pleased to announce that the Filicudi Dolphin Eco-volunteer Project will be held again this year. The goal of the project is studying the behaviour of a population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) in Filicudi island (Eolie archipelago, Sicily, Italy) and their interaction with artisanal fishery. The volunteers will participate to the research activity that will take place mainly on a boat. They will contribute with a fee to the project funding and they will have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful Filicudi island. The research project started in summer 2005 and very good results were achieved, presented in European Cetacean Society (ECS) 2006 and 2007 conferences. The programmes will be held in June and September and will last 6 days. The dates for June programmes are the following: Prog. Arrival Departure Fee Days FDP1 04/06/2007 09/06/2007 200,00 6 FDP2 09/06/2007 14/06/2007 200,00 6 FDP3 16/06/2007 21/06/2007 200,00 6 FDP4 23/06/2007 28/06/2007 200,00 6 The dates for September programmes will be announced soon. The fee for each programme includes: accommodation in a typical Eolian house on Pecorini gulf, boat trips (only for scientific purposes). Travel, food and additional costs are not included. The fees will be used to pay for the research (boat costs, fuel etc.). The volunteers will have time and opportunity to enjoy all advantages of Filicudi island. Boat surveys will occur everyday (if sea conditions allow). The boat can carry three people that will have precise roles. The volunteers will be a maximum of four for each programme. Cooking and housekeeping duties will be divided among participants. It is necessary to bring blankets and towels. A small baggage is suggested including: T-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, hat, k-way, swimming mask. Further information, can be found by e-mailing me at blasimf(a)yahoo.com. An e-mail or a phone call are sufficient for reservations. After booking you will have one week to confirm and pay the fee. For information and reservations please contact Monica Francesca Blasi: e-mail - blasimf(a)yahoo.com mobile - ++39-3494402021 info: www.coopmrn.com You can reach Filicudi: - by boat from Naples (Siremar lines); - by train to Milazzo (Sicily) and then by boat or hydrofoil (Siremar, Ustica Lines); - by plane to Palermo, Sicily (Alitalia, Air One, Windjet airlines) and then hydrofoil (Ustica LineBottlenose Dolphin Research Volunteers in Sicily (Filicudi Islann) No specific experience is required to work as a volunteer. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the research and survey techniques. Volunteers will help measure different aspects of the dolphins behaviour by using a variety of instruments, to identify individuals and record behaviours. The MRN (Monitoraggio Risorse Naturali) is an association cooperative private organisation founded in 2005 by a group of biologists, physicists and naturalists researchers in Italy, with the aim of supporting conservation of the nature and monitoring through applied scientific research. MRN activities include monitoring, conservation, ecology and management of wildlife and habitats, protected areas planning and management and environmental education and training. M.F. Blasi, E. Funari. Feeding behaviour of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and fishing activities in Filicudi island (Italy) (Poster). 21th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society. 22-25 April 2007 S. Sebastian, Spagna. M.F. Blasi, D.S. Pace. Interaction between bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and fishers in Eolian Archipelago (Poster). 1st European Congress of Conservation Biology, 22-26 August 2006 Eger, Hungary. M.F. Blasi, D.S. Pace. Interactions between bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the artisanal fishery in Filicudi Island (Italy) (Poster). 20th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society. 2-7 April 2006 Gdynia, Poland. Dr. Monica Francesca Blasi, PhD Cooperative MRN, Rome, Italy. Department of Quality of Aquatic Environment and Bathing Water, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy --------------------------------- --------------------------------- L'email della prossima generazione? Puoi averla con la nuova Yahoo! Mail

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Summer Field Course: Ecology and Behavior of Manatees and Dolphins in Belize
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 16 Apr '07

16 Apr '07

Ecology and Behavior of Manatees and Dolphins in Belize DATES: June 26 - July 6 (inclusive of travel) INSTRUCTOR: Caryn Self-Sullivan Maximum class size: 10 This field course will be delivered at an introductory level, with a work load equivalent to a 2-hour university lecture course, 1-hour seminar course, and 1-hour lab. The course is divided into 4 major components: lectures (8 ~3-hour lectures), independent reading and assignments (~2 hours per day), data collection/reduction/analysis (8 ~3-hour field trips), and group discussion of reading materials (8 ~2-hour discussions). For independent study credit, a final written report will be required - details to be determined by your faculty advisor and course instructor. Topics to be covered include: 1. The Order Sirenia: Manatees and Dugongs of the World 2. The Order Cetacea: Whales and Dolphins of the World 2. Animal Behavior (Ethology): Understanding the Difference between Folk Psychology and Scientific Perspectives 3. Current Marine Mammal Research: Who's Who, What's What, and Where's Where? 4. Marine Mammal Husbandry: Marine Mammals under Human Care in Zoos and Oceanariums 5. Marine Mammal Science: Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Analysis of Data, and Interpretation of Results 6. Marine Mammal Conservation and Advocacy: What's the Status of Extant Marine Mammal Species Cost: $1950 US -- This fee includes all expenses (transportation, accommodations, meals) from your arrival at the PWG airport in Belize on June 26th to your departure on July 6th. You are responsible for your round-trip airfare to Belize (airport code BZE). In addition, you may want to purchase your own copy of one or more of the books to be used in the course. Also included is a Behind the Scenes Dolphin Encounter Training Session and a Field Trip to a Maya Archaeological Site. Credit: If you are interested in getting independent study credit for this course at your university, you must make arrangements in advance with BOTH your advising faculty member and the course instructor. Any credit hour fees must be paid directly to your university. A website with complete syllabus will be forthcoming. If you are interested in this course, please email caryn(a)sirenian.org For more information on the facilities, please visit http://www.belizeadventurelodge.com Caryn Self Sullivan, Marine Scientist Email: caryn(a)sirenian.org, caryn(a)hpfoundation.org Personal Fax: 540.907.4597 Belize Cell: ++501 660.9148 or 606.3696 USA Mobile: 540.287.8207 TAMU-WFSC Ethology Lab: 979.845.0495 Virginia Office/Home 540.373.8205 ======================================= Belize Spanish Lookout Caye: ++501.220.4024 Belize HPF(BDC) Office: ++501.223.2333 (BDC 223.4526) SkypeIN: 540.322.2207 (local to Fredericksburg) SkypeID: carynselfsullivan http://www.sirenian.org/caryn.html ================================== Texas A&M University, Ph.D. Candidate Sirenian International, President & Co-Founder Earthwatch Institute, Principal Investigator Hugh Parkey Foundation, Marine Science Advisor The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org. The Hugh Parkey Foundation is dedicated to keeping Hugh's legacy alive by increasing marine awareness and conservation through education, sustainable tourism and research. Our model focuses on marine stewardship within the Belizean society and facilitates international outreach.

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Positions at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory
by Robyn Angliss 16 Apr '07

16 Apr '07

The following three positions have just opened in the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle. All three positions are term positions. NMF-AKC-2007-0030: Research fishery biologist. ZP-III. Lead aerial survey projects as part of a new bowhead whale feeding study. NMF-AKC-2007-0041: Research wildlife biologist. ZP-II. Conduct photographic analysis of bowhead whales. NMF-AKC-2007-0044: General biologist or fishery biologist. ZP-II. Provide scientific support to the NMML Director and Deputy Director. These positions are in the NMFS demonstration project. To see how ZP positions relate to the pay at various GS levels, see: http://ohrm.os.doc.gov/Demo/DEV01_000104 (pull up the standard pay tables for 2007 & look near the bottom of the PDF file for SEAZP; it's on page 126). To see the announcements, visit USAJobs.opm.gov.

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Grant Opportunity
by SANDY ROSENBERG 16 Apr '07

16 Apr '07

This was just posted today on Philanthropy News Digest Royal Caribbean Cruises Ocean Fund Offers Support for Marine Conservation Work Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. <http://www.royalcaribbean.com/> , which operates Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, established the Ocean Fund in 1996 to support marine conservation organizations working to preserve the world's oceans. Ocean Fund grants are made to a variety of nonprofit groups and institutions conducting activities (e.g., research, education, and innovative technologies) directly related to marine conservation. Grants will average between $25,000 and $50,000 each, although there is no absolute maximum, and applicants must provide proof of their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The company will review funding requests by June 30, and will invite select organizations to submit a formal application by September 30. Grant recipients will be announced the following January. Visit the program's Web site for application information and a list of previous grant recipients. Contact: <http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ourCompany/environment/oceanFund.do> Link to Complete RFP Sandy Rosenberg (408) 526-9088 P please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.

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Research assistant needed for cetacean surveys in the Strait of Gibraltar
by Sergi Pérez 16 Apr '07

16 Apr '07

Dear all, apologies for cross-posting CIRCÉ (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans) is a non-profit organization which objectives are to conduct research on cetaceans, and to actively participate in increasing awareness and education of the public on the marine environment. We invite you to join CIRCE research team for 12 days, to work with the scientific staff studying cetaceans in the Strait of Gibraltar. For your comfort, a maximum of 4 research assistants per voyage will accompany two to four scientists. The projects aims are to investigate the cetacean populations inhabiting the Strait of Gibraltar; they include studying genetic and diet of different species. These surveys will be visual and acoustic surveys, and the target species are common, striped and bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, fin whales and killer whales. The research assistant wil participate in the field and laboratory activities of the projects. Main tasks: -Conduct boat-based surveys. -Collect data on cetacean sightings. -Data entry for cetacean sightings. -Assist with photo-ID work and analysis. No specific training is required, you just need to be 18 or over, have a willing hand and a keen interest so everyone has an enjoyable and convivial experience. Detailed information of CIRCE can be found in the following web page: www.circe-asso.org Dates of trips for 2007: 7th - 18th May, 21st May - 1st June, 4th - 15th June, 18th - 29th of June, 2nd - 13th July, 16th - 27th July, 30th July - 10th August, 13th - 24th August, 27th August - 7th September. To apply: If you want to get more information about the last places available, prices or booking please contact us by email at philippe(a)circe-asso.org or cv(a)circe-asso.org Some publications of CIRCE: Guinet, C., Domenici, P., de Stephanis, R., Barrett-Lennard, L., Ford, J. K. B. and Verborgh, P. In Press. Killer whale predation on bluefin tuna: exploring the hypothesis of the endurance-exhaustion technique. Marine Ecology Progress Series. De Stephanis, R., Verborgh, P., Pérez-Jorge, S., Esteban-Pavo R., Guinet, C. Submitted. Temporal and spatial distribution of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) along the year in the Strait of Gibraltar. Canadian Journal of Zoology Verborgh, P., de Stephanis, R., Pérez, S., Barbraud C., Guinet, C. Submitted. Abundance and residency of long-finned pilot whales between 1999 and 2005 in the Strait of Gibraltar. Marine Mammal Science Sincerely yours, Sergi _____________________________________________ Sergi Pérez CIRCE Conservación Información y Estudio de Cetáceos C/Cabeza de Manzaneda 3 Pelayo Algeciras-11390 España. www.circe-asso.org _____________________________________________

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Megavertebrate Week at Deep Sea News
by Etnoyer, Peter 15 Apr '07

15 Apr '07

This week is Megavertebrate Week at Deep Sea News http://www.scienceblogs.com/deepseanews Over the course of the next few days April 15-22 the blog will explore deep diving behavior in whales, turtles, and elephant seals, tune in to some important conservation happenings, and tap into new research. Please tune in for new and original material from field researchers boradcasting online. ************************* NEW ADDRESS Peter Etnoyer Graduate Research Associate Harte Research Institute Texas A&M - Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5869 Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5869 P 361-825-2000 F 361-825-2050

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internship opportunity
by Amanda Shaffer 15 Apr '07

15 Apr '07

Internship available The intern program in the Rocky Shores Tundra habitats at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is designed to provide participants with practical learning experience and knowledge in the field of animal husbandry and training (with an emphasis on marine mammals). The program focuses on care of animal habitats, nutrition and diets, environmental enrichment, public presentation/interpretation, water quality and filtration, and animal training and husbandry. This is an unpaid, full time position requiring a minimum of 10 weeks and 400 hours. Positions are available year round. Deadlines for applications are as follows: Summer - March 1 Fall - June 15 Winter - November 1 Spring - January 1 To request more information or an application packet, contact: Education Department Attn: Stacey Luhring 5400 N Pearl St Tacoma, WA 98407 volunteer(a)pdza.org Thank you, Amanda Shaffer Intern Coordinator Rocky Shores Tundra Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium amandas(a)pdza.org

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