January 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

SEAMAMMS 2008 - Abstracts due February 1
by Lori Schwacke 28 Jan '08

28 Jan '08

Don't miss out - abstracts for the16th Annual Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) are due this *Friday, February 1, 2008*. SEAMAMMS 2008 will be held March 28-30 in Charleston, South Carolina. Authors will be notified by February 15th regarding the status of their presentation. Abstracts should be submitted to : seamamms08(a)noaa.gov <mailto:seamamms08@noaa.gov>. More information can be found at the SEAMAMMS website: http://www.musc.edu/mbes/seamamms/ Lori Schwacke Lori.Schwacke(a)noaa.gov

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New publications (Higham and Bejder 2008)
by Lars Bejder 27 Jan '08

27 Jan '08

Dear MARMAM Readers, The following paper has just been published: Higham, J. and Bejder, L. 2008. Managing wildlife-based tourism: Edging slowly towards sustainability? Current Issues in Tourism 11(1): 75-83. Abstract: It is increasingly acknowledged that cetacean-based tourism may not be as low in impact as many hope or presume, and that any long term and systematic human interactions with populations of wild animals need to be rigorously monitored and carefully managed. This paper reviews a series of recent developments in the management of tourist interactions with dolphins at Shark Bay (Western Australia). We argue that collectively these developments represent a paradigmatic shift in the way commercial tourism encounters with dolphins are managed. If so, they represent an important and long overdue advance in the general direction of sustainable management. However, the paper also strikes a note of caution. Shark Bay, a well managed site of relatively low level commercial dolphin-watching activities, carries important insights and austere warnings for the many high-intensity/low visitor management dolphin-tourism sites around the world. A PDF of the paper is available from the following website: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/> <http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/index.html> All the best, Lars Bejder __________________________ Research Leadership Fellow Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Murdoch University South Street, Murdoch, 6150 Western Australia Mob: ++ 61 0424 508 498 Fax: ++ 61 (0) 8 9360 6303 Email: l.bejder(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:l.bejder@murdoch.edu.au> http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/> <http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/index.html> <http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lb/lars.htm>

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Need for information regarding practical use of carrying capacity estimations (ecological).
by Lena Pettersson 27 Jan '08

27 Jan '08

Need for information regarding practical use of carrying capacity estimations (ecological). I am currently writing a master thesis with the preliminary title "Management tools to reduce direct environmental impact resulting from marine tourism. Case study: Con Dao, Vietnam". Within this topic I'm looking closer at the use of carrying capacity and also education (as an effecient way to increase the carrying capacity) as possible tools. It seems that carrying capacity estimations are seldom used in practical management plans (when focusing on marine mammals and tourism activities e.g. whale/seal-safari). Even after feedback from guides /managers, I have a problem finding locations that use limit in nr as a successful management tool. Is this the case? Or does anybody know of any marine reserve/MPA that actually incorporates cc estimations in their management plans, when conducting tourism activities focusing on marine mammals? If you have any kind of information/comments etc. – all inputs are very much appreciated at this point. Sincerely /Lena Pettersson ------------ Lena Pettersson Norwegian College of Fishery Science International Fisheries Management Tromsö, Norway Mail: lenah2o(a)hotmail.com lpe026(a)mailbox.uit.no _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/

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Masters in Marine Mammal Science- correction of URL
by Sonja Heinrich 26 Jan '08

26 Jan '08

Dear all, Apologies for the repeat posting. There are problems with the previously posted URL. Please try http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/mms. Many thanks, Sonja ************************************ One-year Master of Research in Marine Mammal Science We are accepting applications for the 2008/09 entry into the Master of Research (MRes) course in Marine Mammal Science based at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. This is a unique, one-year course intended to prepare students for a professional career in marine mammal research and conservation. The programme is tailored to address the scientific challenges of marine mammal physiology, behaviour and population biology with strong components of analytical methodology, laboratory work, and field study. The course is being taught by members of the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), with some modules jointly organised with the School of Biology and CREEM (Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling). Applications for the upcoming academic year (starting September 2008) must be received by Friday 4th April 2008. For further information on the course, entry requirements and how to apply see http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/mms. Best wishes, Jason & Sonja Dr Jason Matthiopoulos (Course Coordinator) & Dr Sonja Heinrich (Teaching Fellow) Email for enquiries: smrumasters(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St.Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK http://www.smru.st-and.ac.uk/ http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/

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USCG- Marine Protected Species Program Manager
by Moore, Katie 25 Jan '08

25 Jan '08

The Coast Guard is hiring for its Marine Protected Species Manager position, based in DC. Please distribute to potential applicants. MARINE PROTECTED SPECIES MANAGER OPEN PERIOD: Friday, January 25, 2008 to Friday, February 15, 2008 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0401-14 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Career/Career Conditional DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Washington, DC WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Status Candidates (Merit Promotion Eligibles) JOB SUMMARY: Who May Apply: Open to all competitive status candidates, reinstatement eligibles, VEOA eligibles, and those qualifying under special appointing authorities or noncompetitive appointment authorities such as 30% or more compensably disabled veterans and persons with disabilities. This position is a Program Manager within the Coast Guard's Office of Fisheries and Marine Protected Species Enforcement (CG-5314). This position serves as the principal legal, policy, and biological expert regarding marine protected species (MPS) for the Coast Guard. This position will be responsible for program direction, oversight, administration, resource planning, technical leadership and execution of the MPS program within the Coast Guard. Additionally, the position includes establishing, developing and overseeing long-term national and regional partnerships and cooperative agreements for living marine resources with Department of State (DOS), Department of Defense (DOD), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW&S), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), international organizations, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, industry, and research institutions. KEY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. Citizenship is required. Application procedures are specific to this announcement. Selectee(s) must be able to obtain a secret security clearance. Recruitment incentives may be paid. Moving expenses will be paid in accordance to appropriate regulations. http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=67787383&AVSDM=2008%2D01%2D25… -------------------------------------------------- Katie Moore USCG- Atlantic Area Katie.s.Moore(a)uscg.mil *Note- I am not the hiring specialist, and questions regarding the job should be directed to the POC's listed in the advertisement.

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NOMINATIONS FOR THE ALDO LEOPOLD AND WILLIAM T. HORNADAY CONSERVATION AWARDS
by Daniel K. Odell 25 Jan '08

25 Jan '08

NOMINATIONS FOR THE ALDO LEOPOLD AND WILLIAM T. HORNADAY CONSERVATION AWARDS In 2002, the American Society of Mammalogists established 2 conservation awards to recognize outstanding contributions to the conservation of mammals and their habitats. The Aldo Leopold Award is awarded to a well-established individual who has made a lasting scientific contribution to the conservation of mammals and their habitats. Previous awardees are Edward O. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier, George B. Schaller, and Rodrigo A. Medellín. The William T. Hornaday Award is awarded to a current undergraduate or graduate student who has made a significant scientific contribution as a student to the conservation of mammals and their habitats. Previous awardees are Brent Sewall and Isabel Beasley. Nominees should have contributed substantially to (1) the conservation of 1 or more mammalian species, subspecies, or populations, (2) the conservation of mammalian assemblages and communities, or (3) advancing the field of conservation biology through focal research on mammals. Persons contributing to the conservation of land or marine mammals are eligible for consideration. We interpret ''contribution'' broadly to include (1) scientific research or political activism that has resulted in the preservation of an imperiled species; (2) development of protective management recommendations; (3) acquisition of new knowledge regarding the conservation status or causes for declines of mammalian species or populations; (4) the protection of significant mammalian habitat; or (5) promotion of the conservation of mammals through public education. All persons are invited to submit nominations for these awards. For each award, the nomination packet should include: 1. A brief narrative (2 pages maximum) that introduces and describes the conservation accomplishments of the nominee; 2. As an addendum to this narrative, a list of relevant journal articles, government and NGO reports, newspaper clippings, and other materials that chronicle and corroborate the conservation-related accomplishments of the nominee; 3. A current CV or résumé; 4. Contact information for the nominator and nominee; 5. Supporting material: For the Aldo Leopold Award, include letters of recommendation from 3 individuals familiar with the nominee's contributions to mammalian conservation; one of the letters must be from the nominator. William T. Hornaday Award-include letters of recommendation from 2 individuals familiar with the nominee's conservation activities. One of these letters must be from the student's research advisor. Electronic submissions of nominations and supporting documents are strongly encouraged. Completed nomination packets should be sent to ThoringtonR(a)SI.EDU or Richard Thorington, Division of Mammals MRC 108, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013-7012. The deadline for receipt of completed nominations is 14 March 2008. The recipients will be announced at the banquet at the ASM annual meeting in June 2008. ------------------- Submitted by: Daniel K. Odell, Ph.D. Senior Research Scientist Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute 6295 Sea Harbor Drive Orlando, FL 32821-8043 USA Phone: +407-370-1653 Fax: + 407-370-1659 Mobile: +321-480-6663 www.hswri.org "I am not at liberty to remember that at this point in time."

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new online series about cetaceans
by Chris Johnson 25 Jan '08

25 Jan '08

Hi all, We are pleased to announce a new series of online educational documentary programs on earthOCEAN.tv "Cetacean Investigation" - A series uncovering the science of whales, dolphins and porpoises around the world. All videos programs are 10-20 minutes in duration and are freely distributed online in a number of formats with teacher's guides and fact sheets via our internet channel including through iTunes. Our latest program is entitled - "Disappearing Dolphins". Here is the synopsis. "Common dolphins were once abundant throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Today they are declining rapidly, surviving only in portions of their former range. In western Greece, the sea around the island of Kalamos is their last stronghold, or at least it used to be. So why are the dolphins disappearing? We interview Giovanni Bearzi, the President of the Tethys Research Institute in Italy, and a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation. Giovanni has been studying coastal dolphins in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea for two decades. What began as a study on the ecology and behavior of common dolphins around Kalamos, became a systematic record of their demise. Only 30 kilometers away from Kalamos is the Amvrakikos Gulf where coastal bottlenose dolphins are thriving. Why is there such a drastic difference in the health of these two dolphin populations? We meet two local fishermen and discuss their relationship with dolphins and the state of sea around their community. Could what is happening to the common dolphins of Kalamos, also explain why they are disappearing throughout the Mediterranean Sea?" Video - http://www.earthocean.tv/whalesmed_part4.html Visit www.earthocean.tv for more information and to view previous documentaries. Any comments or interest in taking part in future programs, feel free to contact me at - cj(a)earthocean.tv Cheers, Chris Chris Johnson Filmmaker / Photographer earthOCEAN 95 Nelson Rd. South Melbourne, Victoria 3205 AUSTRALIA website: www.earthOCEAN.tv email: cj(a)earthocean.tv cell: +61 449 188 770 (australia) landline: +61-3-9917-2251 (australia) earthOCEAN produce documentary film and educational content for online distribution and for television. We develop partnerships with and highlight the efforts of, international and local NGOs, conservationists and scientists around the world in order to raise awareness about environmental issues to ultimately inspire change.

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Masters degree in Marine Mammal Science
by Sonja Heinrich 25 Jan '08

25 Jan '08

One-year Master of Research in Marine Mammal Science We are accepting applications for the 2008/09 entry into the Master of Research (MRes) course in Marine Mammal Science based at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. This is a unique, one-year course intended to prepare students for a professional career in marine mammal research and conservation. The programme is tailored to address the scientific challenges of marine mammal physiology, behaviour and population biology with strong components of analytical methodology, laboratory work, and field study. The course is being taught by members of the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), with some modules jointly organised with the School of Biology and CREEM (Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling). Applications for the upcoming academic year (starting September 2008) must be received by Friday 4th April 2008. For further information on the course, entry requirements and how to apply see http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/courses/mres_mms/. Best wishes, Jason & Sonja Dr Jason Matthiopoulos (Course Coordinator) & Dr Sonja Heinrich (Teaching Fellow) Email for enquiries: smrumasters(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St.Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK http://www.smru.st-and.ac.uk/ http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/

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Small business sources sought for conducting Marine Species Monitoring for the Navy in the Pacific
by Rivers, Julie A CIV NAVFAC PAC 24 Jan '08

24 Jan '08

Posted by Julie Rivers, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific. Statements of interest should not be sent to me, but to the point of contact listed in the last paragraph below. ******************* THE PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE IS TO SEEK POTENTIAL SMALL BUSINESS FIRMS AND TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE FOR THIS PROJECT. This is not a Request for Proposal, but a sources sought for information and planning purposes only. The proposed contract is a potential small business set aside procurement. The small business size standard classification is NAICS 541690, Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services, ($6.5million in annual receipts). The Government will first review Qualification Statements from small businesses, and if three highly qualified Small Business firms cannot be identified, then Qualification Statements from Large Businesses will also be reviewed. Therefore it is encouraged that both small and large businesses respond to the requirements of this notice. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific is conducting market research to identify interested sources for information and planning purposes only. We are seeking qualified and experienced sources to conduct marine mammal and sea turtle field research and implement a monitoring program for discreet oceanic areas where the U.S. Navy trains in the Hawaiian Islands, the Mariana Islands, and Southern California. Field work may also be required in the Pacific Northwest, Gulf of Alaska, Japan, Okinawa, and Atlantic Ocean training areas. All qualified and experienced contractors, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions are encouraged to respond. Each particular operational area/range has specific baseline and monitoring needs depending on the current level of knowledge and data availability. Monitoring plan implementation and research studies are anticipated to include aerial and small vessel surveys, passive acoustics in the form of autonomous devices and towed arrays, photo identification and behavioral studies. Monitoring may be implemented before, during, and after Navy training exercises. The candidate must provide or contract all equipment and research personnel for concurrent field studies in several geographical areas; and perform program administration, budgeting, data analysis and reporting of results. Program administration is anticipated to consist of, but not be limited to, coordination with Navy representatives on monitoring of training exercises, selection and oversight of field researchers in several geographical areas, analysis of field data, consolidation of field data to meet overall program goals, and preparation of monthly and annual reports. Successful candidates will possess high levels of experience in both program administration and field research and will have access to a pool of field researchers and equipment to meet the program needs. The resultant contract will be a Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Quantity/Indefinite Delivery type, where the work will be required on an as-needed basis during the life to the contract. The contract will be for a one year base period and the Government reserves the option to extend the contract for an additional four years, or to the extent that the determined maximum contract total is not exceeded. Interested firms are requested to submit their Qualification Statement addressing the following items: (1) Firm's capabilities and related experience in marine mammal and sea turtle research, field monitoring, and data analysis; (2) The qualifications and experience of the principal investigator(s), team leader(s), and key personnel in marine mammal and sea turtle research, field monitoring, and data analysis; (3) Any other specific or pertinent technical information that would enhance the understanding of your qualifications and abilities; (4) Company or organization name and address; point of contact name, telephone and facsimile number, email address; DUNS Number, Cage Code, and indicate whether you are a small business, small disadvantaged business, woman-owned business, etc; (5) Firm's number of employees; number of years in business; average annual revenue and total in-house workforce for the past 3 years; and firm's present workload. The Government utilizes the following software suite: Microsoft Office 2003 Professional (Word 2003, PowerPoint 2003, Excel 2003, Access 2003). In preparation of documents and correspondence, the contractor shall ensure compatibility with the government's software. Contractors should mark any data that is proprietary or has restricted data rights as appropriate. The Government will not pay for any effort or materials expended in response to this announcement. All information submitted shall become the property of the Government. This announcement does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract for any items for which information is voluntarily submitted for assessment. Submit one hard copy of your Qualification Statement plus one electronic copy (CD-ROM) to the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Acquisition Department, Environmental Contracts Division (AQ12:VW), 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 96860-3134, no later than 3:00 pm, (HST), February 6, 2008 and marked for N62742-08-R-1921, Marine Resources Compliance Support for Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific. Facsimile transmissions and late submissions of Qualification Statements will not be accepted. A forthcoming synopsis will indicate whether the project will be a restricted or unrestricted procurement action. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation.

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conference: Acoustic Communication by Animals (Oregon, USA, August 2008)
by Dave Mellinger 24 Jan '08

24 Jan '08

Acoustic Communication by Animals Second International Conference August 12-15, 2008 Corvallis, Oregon USA This conference will bring together senior scholars, mid-career researchers and teachers, young investigators, and students to share ideas, data, and methods in the growing and exciting field of animal acoustic communication. The emphasis in the conference will be to share information across animal taxa and to enable young investigators and students to meet and share ideas with more established investigators in the field. Toward this end, the keynote speakers at the conference will be Dr. Peter Marler Dr. Peter Slater who will provide insights from their lifetime of studying animal communication. Topics ------ Some of the special sessions we plan to have include · Development and evolution of animal communication · Communication in noisy environments · Modern techniques in measuring and analyzing complex animal sounds · Sound production mechanisms · Effects of anthropogenic sounds on animals · Cognition and language · Echolocation · Hearing and sound discrimination · Signal design · Mimicry · Physiology and anatomy · New equipment and software Other topics are welcome too. Invited speakers ---------------- The following invited speakers will attend: Whitlow Au: Sound detection and echolocation by dolphins Andrew Bass: Communication in fishes Eliot Brenowitz: Vocal communication in songbirds Robert Dooling: Bird hearing Richard Fay: Fish hearing and sound production Albert Feng: Neural basis of sound communication in complex environments Tecumseh Fitch: Mammalian sound communication Ronald Hoy: Communication strategies in insects Dave Kastak: Pinniped hearing Peter Narins: Vertebrate seismic communication Caitlin O'Connell-Rodwell: Elephant low frequency and seismic reception Kazuo Okanoya: Evolution of signal complexity in birds and humans Arthur Popper: New ideas on evolution of hearing Robert Seyfarth: Primate communication and social behavior Andrea Megela Simmons: Chorus dynamics in frogs James Simmons: Sound detection by bats Joseph Sisneros: Neural mechanisms of fish AnnMarie Surlykke: Bat echolocation Terry Takahashi: Hearing and localization Sophie Van Parijs: Pinniped hearing Student funding --------------- We will have funding for some students to travel to the conference. More details will be released shortly. Further information is available at the conference web site: http://oregonstate.edu/conferences/animalcommunication2008/ Hope to see you there! The conference scientific committee: Whitlow W.L. Au, Co-chair, University of Hawaii Andrea Megela Simmons, Co-chair, Brown University David K. Mellinger, Co-chair, Oregon State University Arthur N. Popper, University of Maryland Richard R. Fay, Loyola University of Chicago Charles Schmid, Vice-Chair, Acoustical Society of America

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