October 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Symposium on Monitoring Strategies for Marine Mammal Populations - last announcement
by jspitz 17 Oct '08

17 Oct '08

LAST ANNOUNCEMENT : REGISTRATION *Symposium on Monitoring Strategies for Marine Mammal Populations, La Rochelle, France, November 21-23, 2008* Hosted by the *University of La Rochelle *(LIENSs / CRMM) http://marinemammal.univ-lr.fr/colloque2008En.html *Scientific invited speakers*: Aleta Hohn (USA) / Peter Evans (UK) / Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara (Italy) / Graham Pierce (UK/Spain) / Mark Tasker (UK) / Vincent Ridoux (France) Online registration are open until October 30th on the symposium website at: http://marinemammal.univ-lr.fr/colloque2008En.html Please, read the notice on the registration/submission home web page. For more information do not hesitate to contact us at: conference2008(a)univ-lr.fr <mailto:conference2008@univ-lr.fr> *Theme:* Marine mammals are important actors in marine ecosystems. Their position of top predators confers them a general value of indicators of marine ecosystem conservation state and exposes them to several types of pressures related to human activities at sea, including accumulation of contaminants along food webs and interactions with fisheries. Other sources of pressures and threats, independent of their role of top predators, include /inter alia/ disturbance, collisions with ships and acoustic pollution. In most European countries, marine mammals are protected by national, EU and international texts, which clarify the responsibility of governments in monitoring and conservation of these populations (Marine Protected Areas, national regulation on protected species, Habitat Directive, Common Fishery Policy, regional agreements ASCOBANS and ACCOBAMS, …). However indicators proposed to estimate the status of marine mammal populations are only defined in very general terms, with mainly two criteria that are fairly easy to express but difficult to document: abundance and distribution. Other approaches are empirically used but their value as monitoring tools has not been really assessed; they notably include acoustic monitoring, stranding schemes, coastal watch and at-sea sightings from platforms of opportunity. As a consequence, to elaborate properly a strategy for monitoring the conservation status of marine mammal populations in Europe, it is necessary to compare available methods and estimate the performance of potential indicators, in terms of their capacity to detect changes in wild populations and of their cost-effectiveness. The objectives of the meeting will thus encompass the following topics: **1. Expressing the societal demand in monitoring marine mammal populations *2. Converting the societal demand into measurable parameters *3. Existing practices of monitoring *4. Marine mammal population indicators and their performance *5. Examples of integrated monitoring strategies* Expected participants would include people in charge of public environmental policies, in particular as to the monitoring and conservation of marine mammal populations and habitats at national, EU and international levels, research groups in marine mammal biology and conservation and field correspondents or operators who collect and synthesize data relative to the state of conservation of marine mammal populations. It will thus be a unique opportunity to gather actors involved at all levels in monitoring marine mammal populations, from policy makers to data collectors. *The organizing committee:* The Ecology and Conservation of Marine Mammal research group of the University of La Rochelle (constituted of /Centre de Recherche sur les Mammifères Marins/ CRMM and /Littoral Environnement et Sociétés/ LIENSs, Joint Research Unit 6250 CNRS/ULR) will host an international symposium on strategies for monitoring marine mammal populations, from 21-23 November 2008 in La Rochelle, France. The symposium is hosted by: University of La Rochelle, France sponsored by: French Agency of the Marine Protected Areas, French Ministry of Environment, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Regional Council of Poitou-Charentes and supported by: ACCOBAMS, ASCOBANS For the organizing committee, Pr Vincent Ridoux, University of La Rochelle.

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Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea
by Giovanni Bearzi 16 Oct '08

16 Oct '08

Dear list members the paper below has just become available online on Mammal Review: Bearzi G., Fortuna C.M., Reeves R.R. 2008. Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea. Mammal Review. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2008.00133.x Pdf copies can be downloaded from the link below: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/121452149/PDFSTART Best regards, Giovanni Bearzi --- Ecology and conservation of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Mediterranean Sea GIOVANNI BEARZI, CATERINA MARIA FORTUNA and RANDALL R. REEVES Copyright © 2008 Mammal Society/Blackwell Publishing ABSTRACT 1. Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are amongst the best-known cetaceans. In the Mediterranean Sea, however, modern field studies of cetaceans did not start until the late 1980s. Bottlenose dolphins have been studied only in relatively small portions of the basin, and wide areas remain largely unexplored. 2. This paper reviews the ecology, behaviour, interactions with fisheries and conservation status of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins, and identifies threats likely to have affected them in historical and recent times. 3. Whilst intentional killing was probably the most important cause of mortality until the 1960s, important ongoing threats include incidental mortality in fishing gear and the reduced availability of key prey caused by overfishing and environmental degradation throughout the region. Additional potential or likely threats include the toxic effects of xenobiotic chemicals, epizootic outbreaks, direct disturbance from boating and shipping, noise, and the consequences of climate change. 4. The flexible social organization and opportunistic diet and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins may allow them to withstand at least some of the effects of overfishing and habitat degradation. However, dolphin abundance is thought to have declined considerably in the region and management measures are needed to prevent further decline. 5. Management strategies that could benefit bottlenose dolphins, such as sustainable fishing, curbing marine pollution and protecting biodiversity, are already embedded in legislation and treaties. Compliance with those existing commitments and obligations should be given high priority. _______________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.cetaceanalliance.org/ _______________________________________

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Contract report available on satellite tagging of beaked whales
by Greg Schorr 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

A contract report regarding satellite tagging of beaked whales (citation and abstract below) is now available on Cascadia Research Collectives Website . The report can be found at: http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/hawaii.htm Additional information on satellite tagging can be found at: http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/robin/satellite.htm Schorr, Gregory S., Robin W. Baird, M. Bradley Hanson, Daniel L. Webster, Daniel J. McSweeney, and Russel D. Andrews, 2008. MOVEMENTS OF THE FIRST SATELLITE-TAGGED CUVIERS AND BLAINVILLES BEAKED WHALES IN HAWAII. Report prepared under Contract No. AB133F-07-SE-3706 to Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, WA from Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA Abstract: Studies on the movement patterns and habitat use of cetaceans are often constrained by numerous factors including ship time, logistics, and the ability to track individuals over time. Obtaining information on beaked whales is especially difficult both due to their habits and their low population densities. To better understand movements of beaked whales in Hawaii, Argos-linked satellite tags were remotely applied to the dorsal fins of three Blainvilles beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) and three Cuviers beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) in 2006 and 2008, representing the first time that beaked whales have been tracked by satellite. Transmissions for Blainvilles were received for 15, 16 and 23 days and for Cuviers for 2, 13 and 24 days. All six individuals were tagged west of the island of Hawaii. Five of the six individuals moved out of the study area but continued to remain associated with the island. All of the Blainvilles and one of the Cuviers moved into the Alenuihaha Channel, a site of naval anti-submarine warfare exercises that is difficult to survey due to unfavorable sea conditions. Movement patterns of tagged animals support the results of photo-identification studies which suggest the populations of both species are island-associated and that individuals exhibit strong site fidelity, both of which potentially increases the susceptibility of these small populations to anthropogenic impacts. Regards, Greg _________________ Greg Schorr Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 360.943.7325 Office 206.931.4638 Cell gschorr(a)cascadiaresearch.org www.cascadiaresearch.org

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New paper: Brevetoxins in dolphin prey fish
by Spencer Fire 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

Dear Colleagues: The following paper is now available at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v368/ Fire SE, Flewelling LJ, Naar J, Twiner MJ, Henry MS, Pierce RH, Gannon DP, Wang Z, Davidson L, Wells RS (2008). PREVALENCE OF BREVETOXINS IN PREY FISH OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS IN SARASOTA BAY, FLORIDA. Marine Ecology Progress Series 368:283-294. ABSTRACT: Blooms of the brevetoxin-producing dinoflagellate Karenia brevis have been linked to high mortality of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus on Florida's Gulf of Mexico coast. A clear understanding of trophic transfer of brevetoxin from its algal source up the food web to top predators is needed to assess exposure of affected dolphin populations. Prey fish constitute a means of accumulating and transferring brevetoxins and are potential vectors of brevetoxin to dolphins frequently exposed to K. brevis blooms. Here we report results of brevetoxin analyses of the primary fish species consumed by long-term resident bottlenose dolphins inhabiting Sarasota Bay, Florida. Fish collected during K. brevis blooms in 2003 to 2006 were analyzed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and had brevetoxin concentrations ranging from 4 to 10 844 ng PbTx-3 eq g-1 tissue. Receptor binding assay (RBA) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis confirmed toxicity and the presence of parent brevetoxins and known metabolites. Fish collected in the absence of K. brevis blooms tested positive for brevetoxin by ELISA and RBA, with concentrations up to 1500 ng PbTx-3 eq g-1 tissue. These findings implicate prey fish exposed to K. brevis blooms as brevetoxin vectors for their dolphin predators and provide a critical analysis of persistent brevetoxin loads in the food web of dolphins repeatedly exposed to Florida red tides. For more information, please contact me at spencer.fire(a)noaa.gov Sincerely, Spencer E. Fire, Ph.D. Marine Biotoxins Program Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research NOAA/National Ocean Service 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 Tel: 843.762.8574 Fax: 843.762.8700 Email: spencer.fire(a)noaa.gov

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New publications week 32
by Jan Herrmann 15 Oct '08

15 Oct '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 32/ 2008, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: <http://www.mmbib.com/news.php> Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Thanks to all of you who sent in reprints to be included in the weekly announcements. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Brown, S. et al. (2008): British Arctic whaling logbooks and journals: a provisional listing. Polar Record 44(4): 311-320. Glackin, S.N. (2008): Dolphin natures, human virtues: MacIntyre and ethical naturalism. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C: Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences 39(3): 292-297.Epub. Harms, C. et al. (2008): Bartonella species detection in captive, stranded and free-ranging cetaceans. Veterinary Research 39(6): 59. Lambert, O., G. Bianucci, and C. De Muizon (2008): A new stem-sperm whale (Cetacea, Odontoceti, Physeteroidea) from the latest Miocene of Peru. Comptes Rendus Palevol 7(6): 361-369. Laran, S. and A. Gannier (2008): Spatial and temporal prediction of fin whale distribution in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. ICES Journal of Marine Science 65(7): 1260-1269. Martin, A.R., V.M.F. da Silva, and P. Rothery (2008): Object carrying as socio-sexual display in an aquatic mammal. Biology Letters 4(3): 243-245. Cruwys, L. (2008): A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE: THE BIRDS AND MARINE MAMMALS OF THE ANTARCTIC CONTINENT AND THE SOUTHERN OCEAN. Second edition. Hadoram Shirihai. 2007. London: A&C Black. 544 p, illustrated, hard cover. ISBN 978-0-7136-6406-5. £35.00. Polar Record 44(4): 380-381. PINNIPEDIA Burton, R. (2008): SEAL FISHERIES OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS AND DEPENDENCIES: AN HISTORICAL OVERVIEW. A.B. Dickinson. 2007. St John's, Newfoundland: International Maritime Economic History Association (Research in Maritime History 34). viii + 202 p, illustrated, soft cover. ISBN 978-0-9738934-4-1. Polar Record 44(4): 371-372. Ducatez, S. et al. (2008): Stable isotopes document winter trophic ecology and maternal investment of adult female southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) breeding at the Kerguelen Islands. Marine Biology 155(4): 413-420. Mauck, B. et al. (2008): Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) can steer by the stars. Animal Cognition 11(4): 715-718. Pearson, M. et al. (2008): Sealer's sledge excavated on Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands. Polar Record 44(4): 362-364. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Anonymous (2008): Alaska's polar bears trigger lawsuit from industry. Nature 455(7209): 13. Krause, J. et al. (2008): Mitochondrial genomes reveal an explosive radiation of extinct and extant bears near the Miocene-Pliocene boundary. BMC Evolutionary Biology 8(): 220. Tripp, K.M. et al. (2008): Validation of a serum immunoassay to measure progesterone and diagnose pregnancy in the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Theriogenology 70(7): 1030-1040. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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MARMAM submission - two topics on dwarf minke whales
by Matthew Curnock 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Dear Sir/Madam, On behalf of the Minke Whale Project research team (James Cook University, Townsville, Australia), please accept the following submission (two notices) for posting to the MARMAM list: -------------------------------------------------- 1. Updated Code of Practice for swimming-with-dwarf minke whales in the GBRWHA now available online. ----- The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) recently published an updated Code of Practice for dwarf minke whale interactions in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. This Code of Practice has been developed collaboratively, based on the best available scientific information, with input from key stakeholders including swimming-with-whales endorsed tourism operators, Minke Whale Project researchers from James Cook University of North Queensland (Australia), staff from the GBRMPA and the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, and key national and international NGOs. Citation: Birtles, A., Arnold, P., Curnock, M., Salmon, S., Mangott, A., Sobtzick, S., Valentine, P., Caillaud, A. & Rumney, J. (2008). Code of Practice for dwarf minke whale interactions in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Australia. The Code of Practice is available in PDF format from the GBRMPA website: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/key_issues/conservation/natural_values/w… For more information about the Code of Practice or the Minke Whale Project (MWP), please contact: Dr Alastair Birtles (MWP Research Team Leader): Alastair.Birtles(a)jcu.edu.au OR Matt Curnock (PhD Candidate): Matthew.Curnock(a)jcu.edu.au -------------------------------------------------- 2. New paper on the 'Use of videogrammetry to estimate length to provide population demographics of dwarf minke whales in the northern Great Barrier Reef'. ----- The following paper was published recently in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: Dunstan, A., Sobtzick, S., Birtles, A. & Arnold, P. (2007). Use of videogrammetry to estimate length to provide population demographics of dwarf minke whales in the northern Great Barrier Reef. J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 9(3): 215-223. ABSTRACT Commercial swim-with-whale programmes, based on the dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), have been conducted in Great Barrier Reef waters since 1996 and under permit since 2003. Evaluating the effectiveness of management requires information on the biology of the whales, including possible impacts on their critical life stages, such as mating or calving. In this study, length measurements have been used as the best available proxy for age and thus state of sexual maturity. Underwater videogrammetry was used to estimate the lengths of dwarf minke whales interacting with boats and swimmers during June/July 2003 and 2004. The calibrations used to correct systematic biases in distance and length estimates are presented and other sources of error associated with the methodology and the behaviour of the whales are discussed. Mean lengths (from replicate measurements of individually identified whales) ranged 4.82-6.61m in 2003 (n=23, from five encounters) and 4.48-7.18m in 2004 (n=56, from 29 encounters). The overall mean length (2003: 5.90m, 2004: 5.73m) did not differ significantly between years. In both years, the mean lengths of the majority of whales (2003: 57%; 2004: 59%) were less than 6m, which is regarded as sexually immature based on available life history data. The size ranges within a single encounter were broad; no encounter was dominated by one size class. Segregation by size was not observed. This paper presents the first field measurements of dwarf minke whales on their tropical wintering grounds. While most whales interacting with vessels or swimmers were immature, adult whales, including cow-calf pairs, also were! involved. More information, especially on cumulative effects, is needed to assess the impact of these swim-with programmes. PDF copies are available on request: Susan.Sobtzick(a)jcu.edu.au -------------------------------------------------- Yours sincerely, Matt Curnock. -- Matt Curnock Research Officer & PhD Candidate Tourism & Environmental Sciences c/- School of Business, James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia Tel: +61 7 4781 5428, Fax: +61 7 4781 4019 Email: Matthew.Curnock(a)jcu.edu.au http://www.minkewhaleproject.org http://www.dugongturtletourism.org -- Latest MWP 2008 Research Newsletter now available online: http://www.minkewhaleproject.org/MWP_2008ResearchNewsletter10.pdf --

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New paper: Tursiops whistles
by Laura May-Collado 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

The following paper is available at http://www.asmjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-toc&issn=1545-1542 Journal of Mammalogy, 89(5):1229Ð1240, 2008 A COMPARISON OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN WHISTLES IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN: FACTORS PROMOTING WHISTLE VARIATION LAURA J. MAY-COLLADO* AND DOUGLAS WARTZOK George Mason University, Department of Environmental Science & Policy, MSN 5F2, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA (LJM-C) Florida International University, Department of Environmental Science, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA (DW) Whistles are narrowband, frequency-modulated sounds produced by many cetaceans. Whistles are extensively studied in delphinids, where several factors have been proposed to explain between- and within-species variation. We examined factors associated with geographic variation in whistles of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) by assessing the role of ambient noise, noise from boats, and sympatry with other dolphin species, and reviewing and comparing whistle structure across populations in the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean. Whistles of adjacent populations differed, particularly in frequency parameters. A combination of factors may contribute to microgeographic whistle variation, including differences in ambient noise levels (dolphins produced relatively higher frequency whistles in the noisiest habitat), and differences in number of boats present (when multiple boats were present, dolphins whistled with greater frequency modulation and whistles were higher in maximum frequency and longer than when a single boat was present). Whistles produced by adjacent populations were relatively similar in structure. However, for clearly separated populations, the distance between them did not relate directly to whistle structure. We propose that plasticity in bottlenose dolphin whistles facilitates adaptation to local and changing conditions of their habitat, thus promoting variation between populations at different geographic scales. Key words: ambient noise, boat traffic, Costa Rica, Panama, Sotalia, sympatry, Tursiops -- Laura J. May-Collado, Ph.D. Affiliate Assistant Professor Department of Environmental Science & Policy George Mason University Email: lmaycollado(a)gmail.com Personal Home Page: www.delphinids.com

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New Education Programs and Online Videos - WHALE TRACKERS
by Christopher Johnson 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

Dear Marmam Readers, I am pleased to announce two new educational media programs produced by earthOCEAN. We recently launched a new website dedicated to sharing stories of the science of whales, dolphins and porpoises around the world and highlight the people studying these animals in the wild – Whale Trackers. http://www.whaletrackers.com The programs include - 1.) “The Search for the Desert Porpoise” - An online documentary film and behind the scenes blog from the field documenting the Vaquita. In October and November 2008, we follow international scientists on expedition in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico in their search to study the Vaquita – the desert porpoise. We follow this unique collaborative effort between the Instituto Nacional de Ecologia in Ensenada, Mexico (INE) and NOAA Fisheries - Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, CA to implement long-term strategies to help save this population of 150 animals from extinction. We will meet the people living and working in local communities while discovering more about the planned conservation efforts for the region by the Mexican government. In early December, we will post a special 30 minute online documentary program in English and Spanish with educational materials for teachers. During the expedition, read the latest updates from the field and watch behind the scenes videos. Today, we posted interviews with research scientists Jonathan Gordon of the Sea Mammal Research Unit in Scotland and Jay Barlow of NOAA Fisheries - Southwest Fisheries Science Center. http://www.whaletrackers.com/blogs/expedition-vaquita/listening-for-vaquita… 2.) The five-part documentary film series “Whales of the Mediterranean Sea” is now available with subtitles in 6 additional languages. "Whales of the Mediterranean Sea" highlights the latest research into whales and dolphins as well as the heroic efforts to conserve them and their habitat in the Mediterranean. In addition to English, the films are now available with subtitles in French, Spanish, Arabic, Italian, German and Greek. The project to translate and implement the language versions was sponsored by WDCS - the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and OceanCare, with the help of the other NGOs featured in the films including Oceana, Tethys Research Institute, Alnitak, Pelagos Research Institute and WWF. We welcome the efforts of schools, local communities, scientists and NGOs interested in showing the videos to raise awareness about cetaceans in the Mediterranean. Groups can link to, and use the multi- lingual online materials or download high-resolution versions via iTunes (e.g., for use in classrooms). http://www.whaletrackers.com/whales-mediterranean-sea/ cheers, Chris CHRIS JOHNSON Director - earthOCEAN media A production company uncovering stories of our natural world through exploration and education. www.earthOCEAN.tv Filmmaker / Cinematographer - "Whale Trackers" A series exploring whales,dolphins and porpoises around the world. www.whaletrackers.com Board of Directors - Filmmakers for Conservation www.filmmakersforconservation.org email: christophe.johnson(a)mac.com chris.johnson(a)whaletrackers.com cj(a)earthocean.tv cell: +61 409-695-943 (australia) skype: chris.earthocean

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Job Announcement: Florida GIS/database research scientist
by Reinert, Tom 14 Oct '08

14 Oct '08

ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Position Number: 770071759 Closing Date: 11/07/08 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG County: Pinellas County Annual Salary : $51,045.54 Announcement Type: Open Competitive Position Description: The Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) is seeking candidates for the position of Associate Research Scientist. Job duties include: Integrates GIS methods and analytical techniques with spatial databases resulting in applications and spatially explicit models and analyses of marine mammals including North Atlantic right whales and Florida manatees primarily to provide information to natural resource managers. Works to develop models of marine mammal movements, distributions, risk assessments, and effectiveness of proposed management strategies using empirical data on spatial distribution, habitat variables, and vessel traffic patterns. Provides statistical inference from existing spatial databases, and assists in the development of efficient sampling designs for the collection of future data. Prepares written reports regarding interpretation and analysis of GIS and biological data for manatees and right whales. Publishes data in refereed journals or peer-reviewed books and proceedings. Reviews and evaluates reports, proposals, and manuscripts pertaining to marine mammals. Participates in editorial review of scientific manuscripts written by other researchers. Works as a member of dynamic section teams as an analytical consultant. Consults with and advises government agencies in evaluation of manatee and right whale biological data collected by FWC and other agencies. Provides guidance to the FWC Imperiled Species Management on interpreting and using marine mammal data. Seeks extramural funding. Education: A master's degree and 4 yrs. of professional experience as described above; or a doctorate with 2 years of experience. Candidates with PhD may be given preference. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of research principles and techniques for wildlife and habitats, Knowledge of marine mammals and wildlife biology. Ability to collect and manage data; plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; a demonstrated ability to supervise assigned personnel in a coaching and mentoring manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and to work in excess of 40 hours per week if needed. Skill in use of ArcGIS including programming (such as Python or other scripting languages) and experience with ArcGIS Model builder, statistical software, and database management. This position is a State of Florida Full Time Employee (FTE) position which provides a full benefit package. THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS AN EEO/AA EMPLOYER. PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 295 FLORIDA STATUTES VETERANS AND SPOUSES OF VETERANS MAY RECEIVE PREFERENCE IN EMPLOYMENT AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. APPLY ON-LINE at: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/

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DENSITY DEPENDENCE - A REVIEW
by Salvador Herrando-Perez 11 Oct '08

11 Oct '08

Dear listers and colleagues, WHO: I am a PhD student reviewing the concept of density dependent (DD) in ecology, under supervision of Corey Bradshaw and Barry Brook at the University of Adelaide (South Australia). REQUEST: I am gathering an audience of respondents to a fairly simple questionnaire dealing with regulation of population size and demographic density dependent (DD) feedbacks. The results of the questionnaire will be incorporated in a manuscript in which I am reviewing the use of DD across taxa and ecosystems in the ecological literature (1980-present). AIM: Given that many authors have stated that a main cause of the regulation debate has been terminology, my goal is not to produce new definitions (which would do nothing but add more unnecessary rhetoric to the debate), but to assess the degree of consensus in the conceptualization of DD and of related terms.    QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN: a list of closed questions on 4 topics. It should take you not more than 20 min. to complete.   HOW: If you are interested in filling the questionnaire, please send me an e-mail (to me not to the list). Questionnaires will be distributed next week and would need to be completed within 1 week from reception. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please the survey is directed to people who have some empirical/theoretical experience in demographic studies and is aware of the regulation/limitation paradigms as initiated by John Nicholson versus Herbert Andrewartha in the 1930s or followed by authors like Alan Berryman, Charles Krebs, Robert May, Anthony Sinclair or Peter Turchin in the last two decades. Looking forward to hearing from you, and many thanks for your time on this request.  Sincerely, Salva Salvador Herrando-Pérez  School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Office phone: +61 8 8303 5254 / Office fax: +61 8 8303 4347 / Mobile phone: +61 406049010  https://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/salvador.herrando-perez / salvador.herrando-perez(a)adelaide.edu.au

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