January 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internships
by Jason Allen 23 Jan '08

23 Jan '08

Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Research Internships The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, is the world's longest-running wild dolphin research program. The program's goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit: www.sarasotadolphin.org. The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for the summer 2008 internship program. Several internship positions are available within five different research projects listed below. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Housing opportunities may be available (cost: $75/week). Scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process. Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: *Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; *A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology or a related field; *Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs; *Some field research experience preferred but not required; *Must be able to swim; *Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods; *A willingness to spend a minimum of 2 - 3 months working full time with our program. To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship interested persons should: 1) Fill out an application form by navigating to Mote Marine Laboratory's website (www.mote.org) and following the education links to the college intern page. Be sure to select "Center for Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Research" as your first choice; 2) Complete and provide to Mote's intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and curriculum vitae. Be sure to mention which project(s) from the list below interest you and why; 3) Send a brief email to the SDRP's Lab Manager (Jason Allen, allenjb(a)mote.org) stating your name, contact information, which project(s) interest you, dates available (please be specific) and that you have provided all of your application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by March 15th will be given first priority. Applicants may contact Mote's intern office (941-388-4441, intern(a)mote.org) with questions regarding the application process and Jason Allen (941-388-4441 ext. 452, allenjb(a)mote.org) in the SDRP with any questions regarding specific projects. The four research projects include: Juvenile Dolphin Behavior Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Social/juvenile_2008.asp) Supervisors: Katie McHugh, Jason Allen Number of intern positions: 4 Dates of internship: 2 June - 29 August 2008 This research project will study the behavioral development and survival strategies of juvenile bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay. While in the field, this work consists of boat based surveys for dolphin groups and detailed behavioral data collection on individual juvenile dolphins in our study population. While in the lab, work will mainly involve photo-identification of dolphins and data entry. Interns will also assist the Population Monitoring Project and Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project on a rotating basis (see below). Dolphin and Fisheries Interaction Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Human/depredation_2008.asp) Supervisors: Jessica Powell, Jason Allen Number of intern positions: 4 Dates of internship: 12 May - 18 July 2007 This research project will study fisheries interactions and depredation by bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay. While in the field, this work consists of boat and land based surveys for dolphin groups, detailed behavioral data collection on specific individuals with the Sarasota Bay population. While in the lab, work will mainly involve photo-identification of dolphins sighted and data entry. Interns will also assist the Population Monitoring Project and Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project on a rotating basis (see below). Sea Bird Ecology Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Health/redtide_2008.asp) Supervisor: Deb Fauquier Number of intern positions: 1 Dates of internship: 16 June - 18 September 2007 This study will look at the abundance, distribution and habitat use of sea birds in Sarasota Bay and the effects of red tide on those sea bird communities. Interns will also assist the Population Monitoring Project and Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project on a rotating basis (see below). Population Monitoring Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Ecology/monitor_2008.asp) Supervisors: Jason Allen, Aaron Barleycorn, Robin Perrtree Number of intern positions: 2 Dates of internship: 2 June - 19 December 2007. This project will use interns from other projects on a rotating basis from 2 June - 29 August. However, it is accepting applications for all or part of 2 September - 19 December 2007 (eight weeks minimum). This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin population in Sarasota Bay. While in the field, this work consists of boat based surveys for dolphin groups along survey routes. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in the lab, work will involve photo-identification of dolphins sighted, data entry, dolphin ID catalog maintenance and equipment maintenance. Dolphin Prey and Habitat Use Project (www.sarasotadolphin.org/Ecology/prey_2008.asp) Supervisors: Damon Gannon, Sandra Camilleri, Jason Allen Number of intern positions: 2 Dates of Internship: 2 June - 26 September. This project will use interns from other projects on a rotating basis. This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and random sampling of fish population through purse seining techniques to study predator-prey interactions and bioacoustics, specifically helping us to understand relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey, and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. -- Jason Allen Lab Manager Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Tel: 941.388.4441 ext. 452 Fax: 941.388.4223

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FW: Request for data on whale watching sites
by Dr. Carole Carlson 23 Jan '08

23 Jan '08

Dr Carole Carlson Dir Research and Education Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown _____ From: Dr. Carole Carlson [mailto:science@whalewatch.com] Sent: 08.01.18 07:58 To: 'marmam-bounces(a)lists.uvic.ca' Subject: Request for data on whale watching sites Dear MARMAM Members, This spring an IWC-sponsored workshop will be held to develop a large-scale research design that considers multiple study areas and species in a comparable fashion. Helpful to this process would be a list of areas, with associated criteria, where whalewatching occurs, or is likely to develop in the near future. For those of you working in such areas, we would like to request that you review and fill out the questionnaire below (before 1 March) and email it to: Carole Carlson: science(a)whalewatch.com Or mail to: Carole Carlson PO Box 32 Provincetown MA USA 02657 We would greatly appreciate your help in this effort. Thank you, in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Carole Carlson On behalf of the workshop steering committee AREAS WHERE WHALEWATCHING OCCURS * LOCATION: * START OF INDUSTRY: year * NUMBER OF VESSELS: current * VESSEL SIZE: <10m; <20m; <30m; >30 * NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL VESSELS (i.e. pleasure craft, sport fishing, jet skis):<25; <50; <100; >100 * SEASON: months * TARGET SPECIES: * HABITAT USE: feeding; breeding; migratory; resident * RESEARCH ON TARGET SPECIES: species studied * DURATION OF RESEARCH: years * CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A SANCTUARY OR NON-WHALEWATCHING AREA?: yes; no * CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AREA SUITABLE FOR LAND-BASED OBSERVATIONS?: yes; no * REGUALATIONS/GUIDELINES/CODES?; R; G; C * IF R, G OR C- APPROACH DISTANCES?: in meters * IF REGULATION, IS THERE AN ALLOWANCE FOR EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES?: yes; no AREAS WITH POTENTIAL FOR WHALEWATCHING DEVELOPMENT * LOCATION: * OCCURRENCE OF NON-COMMERCIAL WHALEWATCHING?: yes; no * LIKELYHOOD OF INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN NEXT 5 YEARS: minimal; moderate; high * NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL VESSELS (i.e. pleasure craft, sport fishing, jet skis):<25; <50; <100; >100 * POTENTIAL TARGET SPECIES: species * HABITAT USE: feeding; breeding; migratory; resident * RESEARCH ON TARGET SPECIES?: species studied * DURATION OF RESEARCH: years * CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AREA SUITABLE FOR LAND-BASED OBSERVATIONS?: yes; no * IF INDUSTRY DEVELOPS, LIKELYHOOD OF NON-WHALEWATCHING AREA (OR SANCTUARY): minimal; moderate; high Dr Carole Carlson Dir Research and Education Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown

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New Publications
by antje.kakuschke＠gkss.de 23 Jan '08

23 Jan '08

Dear all, here are two new publications to harbour seals of the North Sea. Kakuschke, A.; Valentine-Thon, E.; Fonfara, S.; Griesel, S.; Rosenberger, T.; Siebert, U.; Prange, A. Metal-induced impairment of the cellular immunity of newborn harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). 2008. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. DOI: 10.1007/s00244-007-9092-3. abstract The cellular immunity of newborn harbor seals and the influence of pollutants are rarely investigated. This study evaluated the lymphocyte proliferation using a lymphocyte proliferation test (LTT) to understand the dynamics of immune response in seal pups of varying ages from the moment they arrived in a seal center after active beaching until their release into wildlife 3 months later after rehabilitation. Moreover, the effect of various metals (Ag, Al, Au, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, different Hg compounds, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Sn, Ti) on lymphocyte proliferation in terms of immunosuppression and hypersensitivity was investigated. First, a strong lymphocyte proliferation in newborns as a reflection of relative immunocompetence was found. Second, different metal-induced influences on lymphocyte proliferation such as specific inhibition by Be, Cd, Hg, and Sn as well as stimulation induced by Mo and Ni were determined. For seals tested repeatedly, the suppressive effect was detected in newborns but not found in the same animals when they were older and had become immunologically competent. Summarizing, the lymphocyte proliferation used as a marker in this investigation provided useful immunological information on these developing animals, and its application for toxicological studies on pollutants can be recommended. PDFs are available online at (online first): http://www.springerlink.com/content/100119/ Griesel, S.; Kakuschke, A.; Siebert, U.; Prange, A. Trace element concentration in blood of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the Wadden Sea. 2008. The Science of the Total Environment.DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.10.062 abstract Concentrations of 23 elements (Be, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Pd, Cd, Sn, Pt, Pb) were evaluated in whole blood samples of live harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from two different locations in the Wadden Sea, the Lorenzenplate in Germany, and the Danish island Rømø. Elemental blood levels were compared to data from literature of seals, other marine mammals and humans. While homeostatically controlled elements showed no differences, concentrations of As, Cr, Mn, Mo, Se, and V were higher than human levels. Furthermore, animals from both locations showed significant geographical differences in whole blood concentrations of Al, Mn, Cu, and Pt. These findings could be explained by differences in feeding areas. The element pattern was not affected by gender. In conclusion, these findings indicate an impact of the environment on biochemical blood parameters of the harbor seals. The significant differences of elements in blood samples of two groups of seals, which were associated with geographical variations of prey support the use of element pattern in blood as tool for investigation of environmental impact on seals. PDFs are available online at (article in press): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00489697 Please direct further questions to: Dr. Kakuschke, Antje Marine Bioanalytical Chemistry Institute for Coastal Research GKSS- Research Center Geesthacht Max-Planck-Strasse 1 D-21502 Geesthacht, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 4152 / 87 1839 Fax: +49 (0) 4152 / 87 1875 E-mail: antje.kakuschke(a)gkss.de http://www.gkss.de

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Ruggedized laptop Review
by Tom Norris 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

Hello MARMAMers: I'm interested in getting feedback on your experiences with rugged-ized and semi-ruggedized laptops (e.g. Panasonic's toughbook, Amrel's Rocky Series, Panther laptops etc.). I'm sure there are lots of you who have used various laptops in difficult field conditions. I am particularly interested in how various laptops held up under field conditions such as working from small-medium sized boats in exposed or semi-exposed conditions (e.g. under canopy or on a flying bridge). Also important is how visible is the screen in the sunlight during use at sea. If you have had a good (or bad) experience with a particular model, I'd like to hear from you. I will compile and post information on MARMAM for others to use or comment on. I think this would be usefull information for our community. There are several sites with reviews (which I will include in my compilation of info), but none seem to be specific enough to evaluate these computers for our type of use on the water. Please reply directly to me and keep your info brief (although you can add anecdotal information if important). If possible, include the following information: Make/Model/year of laptop Was it a ruggedized model? How long did it last? Was it durable enough for field work? How often was it used in the field? (e.g. how many times a month) Was it exposed to vibrations or 'slapping' from use on a boat? Was it exposed to fresh or salt water spray? Was the screen easy to see in sunlight? Was the pointing device easy to use? How long was the battery life (if needed)? Would you buy or recommend this computer again for fieldwork? Additional comments/recommendations: Thank you, -Tom Norris Bio-Waves Inc. 517 Cornish Dr. Encinitas, CA 92024 tel./fax: 760-632-6344 mobile: 858-361-5656 thomas.f.norris(a)cox.net <http://www.bio-waves.net/> Bio-Waves Inc. http://www.bio-waves.net/

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Question concering coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Morphology
by Robert Clelland 22 Jan '08

22 Jan '08

I am currently working on my master's thesis on "Differences in energy expenditures of oceanic and estuarine bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)" and I am trying to track down any papers that have been published concerning morphological difference between the sub-ecotypes of the coastal bottlenose dolphins (estuarine vs. nearshore coastal bottlenose dolphins). If anyone could point me in the direction of any papers on that topic then your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Robert Clelland Department of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University reclella(a)coastal.edu

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Job Posting- Humpback Program, Research Assistant, Provincetown MA USA
by srichardson＠cape.com 21 Jan '08

21 Jan '08

The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown MA, USA) is seeking a research assistant for its Humpback Whale Research Program. PCCS is a private, non-profit institution committed to research, conservation, and education related to the marine environment (with an emphasis on marine mammals). Responsibilities include: field data recording, photo-identification and biopsy sampling, data processing, photographic matching, humpback whale catalogue maintenance, equipment maintenance and administrative tasks. Possible involvement when needed in other programs. Prerequisites: Bachelors degree in marine biology, zoology or another biological field, excellent computer and communication skills, strong attention to detail; ability to work at sea over extended periods in a wide range of weather conditions. Previous experience is desirable, but not required. This position is full-time, year-round. Generous benefits, salary commensurate with experience. Must be able to begin work as soon as possible; no later than April 1, 2008. Please submit letter of interest, resume and contact information for two references to the following address: Humpback RA Search Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 or email srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2008.

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Job Announcement
by Jenelle Gilding 21 Jan '08

21 Jan '08

The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: Seasonal Research Technicians These positions are responsible for assisting with the Chiswell Island Remote Monitoring Project at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): 1. Assists with remote monitoring of Steller sea lions by operating field cameras from an office setting. 2. Conducts behavioral observations and performs photo-identification of pinnipeds through remote video equipment or, when needed, in the field. 3. Collects data as required. 4. Ensures that appropriate record keeping is maintained and performs database management. 5. Assists with data entry and analysis as requested. 6. Assists with other research projects conducted at the Alaska SeaLife Center as requested. 7. Assists with studies in the field as assigned which may require extended stays in remote locations with few basic amenities. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, or related field with two years experience in a similar position preferred. Experience in biological field studies, scientific writing, remote monitoring equipment, and photo identification of marine mammals preferred. Ability to communicate effectively with people of all levels, be organized, self-motivated and posses a strong desire to see the completion of projects. Computer skills including MS Excel, Word, Access and Observer Pro. Knowledge of basic research methods, data collection techniques as well as knowledge of and ability to operate cameras and other video recording equipment. These are seasonal, full-time positions. Start Date: May 15, 2008 End Date: August 15, 2008 & August 29, 2008 Apply by: February 29, 2008 Send resume & application (downloadable at www.alaskasealife.org <http://www.alaskasealife.org/> ) to Human Resources, Alaska SeaLife Center, P. O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664-1329, or fax 907-224-6320, or email to HR(a)alaskasealife.org <mailto:human_resources@alaskasealife.org> . www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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American Cetacean Society/Puget Sound Chapter, 2008 GRANT
by Uko Gorter 18 Jan '08

18 Jan '08

American Cetacean Society-Puget Sound Grants for 2008 Request for Research Proposals The American Cetacean Society (ACS), the oldest whale and dolphin conservation organization (est. 1967) protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats and ecosystems through public education, research grants, and conservation actions. ACS has supported worthwhile research projects in past years and continues to do so today. The Puget Sound Chapter of ACS (ACS/PS) was re-established in the summer of 1999 and has more than 70 members. Despite being a newer chapter, we have already awarded one grant in 2000 and two grants in 2001, one in 2002, two in 2004, one in 2005, and two in 2007. This year we are offering one (1) $1,000 grant to be restricted to research of Southern Resident Killer Whales within the waters of Oregon, Washington or British Columbia, Canada. Eligibility The individual conducting the research must submit the proposal, in addition to a CV. Project Managers or Principal Investigators will oversee all fieldwork. Applicants must have obtained any necessary permits or authorizations for conducting the proposed research prior to any awards being disbursed. This grant is available to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a college or university and graduate students currently enrolled in, or accepted to, a masters or doctorate program who meet the evaluation criteria. The research must be conducted within the waters of Oregon, Washington State or British Columbia (Salish Sea). Researchers of any nationality are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted through 30 MARCH 2008, and letters of acceptance or denial will be issued no later than 30 APRIL 2008. Grant The grant award will be available on 15 MAY 2008. Funding for this year’s grant has been generously provided by the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest (WWOANW) and from the following whale-watch operators: Prince of Whales, Springtide Charters, and San Juan Safaris. Guidelines Please visit our website (www.acspugetsound.org) and click on “Research Grants”, then “Proposal Guide” for a full description of the guidelines for the research proposal and review process. Expected Deliverables There is no deadline for the completion of work; however, a brief report describing the progress/status of the research should be presented to ACS/PS no later than one (1) year after receipt of funds. This report will be featured in a future issue of our chapter newsletter, Whulj. In addition, the Salish Sea grant recipient will be invited to present a talk at one of our chapter meetings. Contact Information For submission of proposals or request for information, please contact: American Cetacean Society - Puget Sound Chapter P.O. Box 17136 Seattle, WA 98127 USA E-mail: acspsgrants(a)acspugetsound.org Uko Gorter,ACS/PS chapter president Stephanie Norman DVM, ACS/PS Grants chair

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IOA Underwater Noise 2008 conference
by Peter Ward 18 Jan '08

18 Jan '08

>Dear all, >Following a change in circumstances completely beyond our control we >have had to change both the date and location of >the Institute Of Acoustics Underwater >Noise 2008 conference. This has allowed us to move the deadline for abstract >submission to the 1st February 2008. > >Below is the revised Call for Papers for the >conference. We look forward to seeing you there. > >Simon Richards >Chair, Organising Committee >+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > >Thanks, >Simon > >-- >Dr Simon Richards CSci CPhys FInstP FIOA FASA >QinetiQ Fellow, Maritime Platforms & Equipment > >QinetiQ >Building A22, Winfrith Technology Centre >Winfrith Newburgh >Dorchester, DT2 8XJ > >Tel: +44 (0)1305 212327 >Email: >[EMAIL PROTECTED] >Web: www.QinetiQ.com > >QinetiQ - The Global Defence and Security Experts. Underwater Noise Measurement, Impact and Mitigation 14 15 October 2008 Novotel Hotel, Southampton, UK The Institute of Acoustics is holding a conference on underwater noise, its measurement, impacts and mitigation. The meeting is organized by the Underwater Acoustics Group of the IOA with the support of QinetiQ. The marine environment is subject to both natural, ambient noise and man-made noise from sources such as shipping, offshore oil and gas platforms, renewable energy generators, seismic surveys, piling, sonar, fisheries and marine aggregate extraction. Environmental impact assessments for all of these activities require an understanding of the radiated noise from the activity and the background ambient noise, together with the means to assess the impact of the anthropogenic noise on receptors in the marine environment and instigate appropriate mitigation measures. This conference is intended to address all of the issues from the methods used to characterize the ambient and radiated noise fields quantitatively, through to the means for assessing the impacts of noise on marine fauna and steps required for mitigation. The range of topics will therefore include: Underwater noise measurement techniques Noise modelling Noise generation and coupling mechanisms Propagation of underwater noise Impact assessment methodologies Hearing in marine species Behavioural impacts Physiological impacts Impacts on other acoustic users Mitigation methods Mitigation technologies Intended audience Sonar developers / operators Seismic survey industry Marine construction industry Marine renewables industry Offshore industry Underwater research community Environmental researchers / consultants Marine biologists Abstract submission Authors are invited to submit an extended abstract of not more than 800 words via the conference website: http://underwaternoise2008.lboro.ac.uk Key dates 1 February 2008 Extended abstract deadline 22 February 2008 Notification of acceptance 18 April 2008 Manuscript submission deadline and registration for authors 11 July 2008 Final submission 14 15 October 2008 Conference dates Peter D. Ward QinetiQ Unit, Rm. 251/08 National Oceanography Centre, Southampton University of Southampton, Waterfront Campus Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK E-Mail: Peter.Ward(a)noc.soton.ac.uk. (http://www.noc.soton.ac.uk/OTHERS/QinetiQ) Phone: +44 (0) 23 8059 6325 Fax : +44 (0) 23 8059 6142 ________________________________________________ The Information contained in this E-Mail and any subsequent correspondence is private and is intended solely for the intended recipient(s). For those other than the recipient any disclosure, copying, distribution, or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on such information is prohibited and may be unlawful.

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Seeking Past Research on Captive Pinniped Social Dynamics
by Sarah Newcomer 17 Jan '08

17 Jan '08

Dear all, I am looking for publications/studies of pinniped social dynamics in zoological conditions in a multi-animal collection. Research/publications based around mixed collections containing Phoca vitulina and Zalophus californianus would be most beneficial, but any publications/studies based on captive pinniped social dynamics that I can refer to would be incredibly helpful for my thesis. I am currently creating an ethogram data sheet of behaviors observed in a collection of seals and sea lions at the facility I am interning at. I am going to be completing a research project with a presentation at a symposium in March and I am seeking publications to aid in my research thesis. I can be reached at: Sarahnewcomer(a)hotmail.com Kindest Regards,Sarah NewcomerPsychology Ohio State University sarahnewcomer(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser!! http://biggestloser.msn.com/

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