January 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking research assistants
by chiara bertulli 11 Jan '08

11 Jan '08

SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS BACKGROUND Faxaflói Bay is a bay facing Reykjavík city where daily tours are arranged to spot feeding minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, humpback whales and harbour porpoises. Reykjavik Whale-watching Company is running whale-watching trips since 1998, with special interest in all whales visiting the bay. The company is member of Green Globe 21 and tries to fulfil environmental standards as well as certain whale-watching guidelines. Since 2007, the Company started as well a Research project aiming to: - recognize individually minke whales and white-beaked dolphins photographed - investigate the distribution of minke whales and dolphins in association with underlying environmental variables - study the breathing patterns - analyse the feeding behaviour of minke whales and data collected on associated bird species - analyse the relation between the presence of whales, environmental variables and boat traffic CONDITIONS Research will begin on the last week of April and will extend to the end of August 2008. I am seeking 2 research assistants (April-May), and 3 assistants (June-August) to assist with the collection of behavioural data on minke whales and white-beaked dolphins in Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavík, Iceland. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate for the whole working period will be given preference. Two whale-watching motor vessels will be used as research platform: Elding and Hafsúlan each approx 30 m long. The project will cover accommodation and lunch during the working hours. Living space is located on a former fishing boat in the old harbour, with 1 double and 3 single rooms, bathroom, kitchen, living room and internet access (25 square metres); 10 min walking distance to the city centre. Volunteers will have to cover all travel and personal expenses on their own. DUTIES Applicants should be ready to work long hours(08:00 to 16.00 or to 20.00 hours depending on weather conditions) and be expected to participate in the following duties: - collect behavioural data on cetacean sightings - data entry for cetacean sightings - photo-identification work/fin matching Applicants should: have a strong background in Marine biology-Oceanography, with knowledge and experience of marine mammal behaviour and/or sea birds have previous field experience, photo-identification skills and ability to stand long working days, sometimes in rough sea conditions be computer literate with a working knowledge PC operating system and proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel. Familiarity with software including MS Access and Photoshop is very helpful. Possibility to bring your own Laptop is much preferred be enthusiastic, hard-working, team oriented, able to share small living space on board be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent have good English language skills bring your own digital camera, binoculars and GPS(useful but not a pre-requisite) If interested or got queries, please contact me sending: - CV or resume(please include also dietary choice for planning purposes: i.e. carnivore, vegetarian, vegan, etc.) - details of your availability - contact details of two referees - a brief description of yourself including your interest in marine mammals and what you hope to gain from this experience by Saturday, the 1st March 2008 Chiara Bertulli Marine biologist/Project leader c/o Reykjavík Whale-watching Company Ægisgardur 7 101 Reykjavík www.elding.is Phone:+39/340/6933102(mobile) +39/02/70000549(home until end February) Email: ciarabertulli(a)yahoo.it shakiara06(a)gmail.com --------------------------------- --------------------------------- L'email della prossima generazione? Puoi averla con la nuova Yahoo! Mail

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SEAMAMMS 2008
by Lori Schwacke 10 Jan '08

10 Jan '08

SEAMAMMS 2008 This is a reminder to submit your abstract and registration for the16th Annual Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS). SEAMAMMS 2008 will be held March 28-30, 2008 in Charleston, South Carolina. Abstracts for oral and poster presentations are due by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 1, 2008 but earlier abstract submission is encouraged! Authors will be notified by February 15th regarding the status of their presentation. The number of oral and poster presentations is limited; selection of abstracts for presentation will be made on the basis of anonymous peer review. Oral presenters will be allowed a 15 minute slot, and should aim for 12 minute presentations allowing time for questions. A designated poster session will be held on Saturday, March 29. Each individual may present only a single poster or oral presentation. Awards will be given for best student poster and best student oral presentation. Abstracts should be submitted to : seamamms08(a)noaa.gov <mailto:seamamms08@noaa.gov>. More details can be found on the SEAMAMMS website: http://www.musc.edu/mbes/seamamms/ We look forward to seeing you in March!! Lori Schwacke Lori.Schwacke(a)noaa.gov -- Lori Schwacke, PhD Hollings Marine Laboratory 331 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 Ph/ 843.762.8868 Fx/ 843.762.8737 Mo/ 843.693.5629 Lori.Schwacke(a)noaa.gov

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FWC Manatee Tracking Project Internship Opportunity
by Barlas, Margie 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

Manatee Tracking Project Research Intern or Volunteer The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mammal Research Group is looking for two motivated interns or volunteers to serve for the upcoming spring-summer session in St. Petersburg, FL. Position description: The intern's primary responsibility is to assist researchers in the Manatee Behavioral Ecology Program with tracking manatees in southwest Florida. The principle aim of this study is to characterize manatee response to watercraft in their natural environment using state-of-the-art multi-sensor digital acoustic recording tags and satellite-linked GPS technology. The successful applicant will record behavioral observations of individual tagged manatees and operational information of vessel traffic from small boats. Other duties include equipment maintenance, data entry, various office tasks, and public outreach as needed. Interns are expected to work Friday to Monday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; however, some morning and evening hours may be required to utilize daylight and maximize data collection. Applicants should understand that this job requires them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid; housing is not provided, and interns must provide their own transportation to and from the office. Lodging and transportation are provided while at the field site. Qualifications: * Must be college junior or senior for internship credit; volunteers do not need to meet this qualification * Must have basic computer proficiency * Some field research experience with animals preferred * Should be comfortable speaking to the public while in the field * Ability to trailer and operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desired, but training will be provided * Experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable, but training will be provided * Must be able to swim * Preference given to applicants who possess a valid US driver's license Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the spring-summer 2008 session (April- August). Internships, which ideally last three to four months, require a minimum ten-week commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying. Please send a hard copy of your résumé with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient if not applying for internship credit), a list three references and contact information to the following address: TO APPLY: Dr. William S. Arnold- Internship Coordinator FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3095 You can also send your application by e-mail to: ManateeInterns(a)myfwc.com For Information on FWRI: http://research.MyFWC.com/ For More Information on FWRI Internships: http://research.myfwc.com/education/category_sub.asp?id=5148

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Pinniped Rescue/Rehabilitation Internship Announcement
by Lanni Hall 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

PINNIPED RESCUE/REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, CA seeks applicants for a spring and summer internship working with stranded seals and sea lions. The spring internship starts April 2008 and the summer internship starts July 2008. Start and end dates are flexible with the chosen interns. This is an unpaid position and chosen interns are responsible for travel and housing may be provided for qualified applicants. Description: The internship is designed to give exceptional hands-on experience with stranded pinnipeds in a rehabilitation setting including Pacific harbor seals, Northern elephant seals, California sea lions and potentially Steller sea lions and Northern fur seals. The interns will work closely with NMMC staff and volunteers in all aspects of stranding response; assessments, rescue, transport, rehabilitation, medical procedures, necropsies, record keeping and research projects and education outreach. Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years or older. Undergraduates, veterinary students and recent graduates are encourage to apply. Internships for academic credit are the responsibility of the chosen intern. Interns must be willing to work a flexible work schedule which includes weekends and holidays. Interns should be in good physical health and strength and have the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. Interns must be able to work amongst a diverse group of new and veteran volunteers. Applying: Interested individuals should send a cover letter indicating spring or summer internship, and a resume including three references to be considered. Send to: Lanni Hall, Director Northcoast Marine Mammal Center 424 Howe Drive Crescent City, CA 95531 (707) 465-6265 or email to: lhall(a)northcoastmmc.org or fax to: (707) 465-6292 Application deadline for spring internship is February 15, 2008 and summer internship is March 14, 2008.

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Spanish translation of The Monachus Guardian now published
by William M. Johnson 09 Jan '08

09 Jan '08

Dear Colleagues We are delighted to inform you that, thanks to the support of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Spain, the June 2007 issue of The Monachus Guardian has been published in Spanish. The November issue will follow in due course. This, we believe, marks another significant step towards bringing the plight of the monk seals and their threatened habitats to a wider international audience. If you have Spanish-language friends or colleagues who you think might be interested in the publication, please forward them this email. The Spanish translation can be accessed at: <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/spanish> or through our ³home² page <http://www.monachus-guardian.org> via the linked flag. With kind regards William Johnson Editor _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________

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RFP for bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico
by Erin Fougeres 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

Please note that the following funding that has become available: The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, in partnership with the National Marine Fisheries Service, has announced a request for research proposals for projects aimed at enhancing conservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Up to $80,000 is available through this funding opportunity. Proposals must focus on innovative and practical ways to help dolphins survive in the wild. Research topics may include: · Characterizing various aspects of human interactions (i.e. dolphin tourism, feeding, harassment, etc.) with wild bottlenose dolphins; · Assessing dolphin depredation on recreational and commercial fisheries; or · Providing a comprehensive outreach strategy to inform the public of harmful interactions. The full funding announcement, including priorities and submission guidelines, can be viewed at http://www.masgc.org/funding/dolphinRFP.pdf. The deadline for proposals is Feb. 1. For details, contact Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Director LaDon Swann at (251) 648-5877 or swanndl(a)auburn.edu <mailto:swanndl@auburn.edu>. Erin Fougères NOAA/NMFS/SER Stranding Program Administrator 263 13^th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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VACANCY-Minerals Management Service seeking marine mammal expert
by Lewandowski, Jill 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

> MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE SEEKS MARINE MAMMAL BIOLOGIST- position closes 1/30/08 > > The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) is looking for a Biologist/Oceanographer to serve as a senior authority on marine mammal issues with an emphasis on marine mammal related research efforts. This position would work within the MMS Environmental Sciences Branch in Herndon, VA (outside of Washington, DC) and serve as the agency's lead authority on the coordination, planning, budgeting, and execution of all marine mammal-related studies funded or carried out by MMS. This includes providing technical reviews and oversight; coordination of diverse efforts within and outside of MMS and consistency of effort with MMS and Department national policies, resources, and priorities. > > MMS is the Federal agency charged with the safe and environmentally responsible regulation of offshore energy exploration, development and production, including traditional and renewable energy resources. More information about the MMS mission can be found at: www.mms.gov. > > Applications must be received no later than 1/30/08. Additional information on the duties of the position and application instructions can be found at: > > Job Announcement Number: > MMS-ANT-08-MM165845 > Main page for job site (searchable): http://www.usajobs.gov/ > Direct link: http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=66611611&jbf574=IN23&brd=3876… > > > >

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Bottlenose dolphins society - New paper
by Bruno Diaz 08 Jan '08

08 Jan '08

The following publication is now available. Abstract is below. We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. For a PDF copy please visit http://www.springerlink.com/content/6q741jj6010567v3/ or send requests to: bruno(a)thebdri.com, soon a copy will be available in our website www.thebdri.com Title: Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) social structure Bruno Diaz Lopez & J.Andrea Bernal Shirai The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute - BDRI ABSTRACT In this study, we investigate association patterns of 249 bottlenose dolphin feeding groups off Sardinia Island (Italy) from January 2000May 2007 and describe how their association behaviour is related to their response to food patches created by a marine fin fish farm. We also tested the hypothesis that dolphins have different social structures with different feeding activities: Associations should decrease during opportunistic feeding behaviours as it is easier to capture prey, and cooperation is not as necessary. Sixteen individually identified bottlenose dolphins were observed participating in both opportunistic and not opportunistic feeding activities, with a mean of 30 ± 8 times and 9.6 ± 1 times, respectively. Bottlenose dolphins show non-random social behaviour during feeding and this behaviour differs depending on their specific foraging activity. Dolphin associations during feeding can be divided into three categories: acquaintances, affiliates, and feeding associates. Association behaviour during fish farm feeding is consistent with our hypothesis that during opportunistic behaviours, benefits from cooperation decrease, as it is easier to capture prey. Group size homogeneity in both feeding activities demonstrates that the number of dolphins engaging in foraging is not necessarily related with cooperation levels. Moreover, an adult dolphin may prefer to associate with a specific individual, independent of the sex, who shares the same foraging priorities. This study is the first to show how aquaculture is not only directly affecting marine predators but could also indirectly affect their social structure and behaviour. More information on this research can be found at www.thebdri.com Bruno Díaz López Research Biologist / Marine Zoologist Chief Researcher The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy http://www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com Tel: + (39) 346 0815414

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HUmpbacks whales sounds in the whales sounds
by Leandra Gonçalves 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

Hi all... My name is Leandra Gonçalves, I am the scientist on the Esperanza Greenpeace ship. We are here in the Southern Ocean, pacific side. Our primary task in the Southern Ocean is to find the fleet and stop them from whaling, but we are also playing our part in ensuring real whale science is done here. This my main role onboard. We are doing the humpbacks photo-id with the IFAW, who are the matching photos for us. And also we are doing some acoustic surveys and we have recorded some sounds. The Southern Ocean is a feeding area, and I know the humpbacks exhibit a variety of foraging behaviours, but neither they nor any baleen whale are known to produce broadband clicks in association with feeding, as do many odontocetes. But, we have heard some short sounds... I would like to know if anyone have more information about the humpback whales sounds in feeding areas on the southern ocean. And if yes, could send me the paper or the information??? I have did a search on the internet but I found some papers about ALASKA and CAPE COD and just one on the Southern Ocean (Thielle et al, 2004. International Whaling Commission Southern Ocean- GLOBEC/CCAMLR collaboration. Journal Catecean Res. Management) And I would like to know also, if any humpback sound recordings exist for the Southern Ocean area, mainly pacific side. thanks a lot And I am waiting the answers as soon as possible Leandra -- Leandra Regina Gonçalves Science officer on the Esperanza Greenpeace Brazil +47 514 079 86 (or 87) leandra.goncalves(a)br.greenpeace.org http://www.greenpeace.org.br/ Greenpeace Brazil Blog http://greenpeace.blogtvbrasil.com.br/oceanos ________________________________________________ Abra sua conta no Yahoo! Mail, o único sem limite de espaço para armazenamento! http://br.mail.yahoo.com/

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court decision on sonar mitigation
by Jasny, Michael 07 Jan '08

07 Jan '08

Dear All: Last Thursday, a federal court in California issued an order, to the U.S. Navy, requiring additional mitigation for mid-frequency sonar exercises off southern California. This ruling comes in response to a charge from the Court of Appeals last November, to prescribe mitigation that safeguards the environment while allowing the Navy to train. Among other things, the Navy is required to exclude sonar use from certain high-density marine mammal habitat; expand its shut-down zone; power down during surface ducting conditions; and employ additional monitoring measures. It is expected that the Navy will appeal. Please let me know if you'd like a copy of the decision. Cheers, Michael Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst Natural Resources Defense Council 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 tel. 604-736-9386 fax 310-434-2399 mjasny(a)nrdc.org PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law as attorney-client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communications. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication or other use of a transmission received in error is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify me at the above telephone number.

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