February 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Internship Posting
by Jennifer Lewis 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

Internship: Behavioral Ecology of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Florida Keys Period of Service: May- August 2007. Need commitment of at least one month. Details of Position: Work will involve assisting doctoral student with field research on bottlenose dolphins in the Lower Florida Keys. Responsibilities will include assisting in collection of dolphin behavior and fish sampling. Off water duties will include data entry, management and analysis in addition to equipment maintenance. Interns will receive training in field and lab techniques used in cetacean research. Requirements: Must be upper division undergraduate or recent graduate from a scientific discipline. Prefer students with an interest in continuing education beyond Bachelors. Previous field experience a plus. Must be able to handle long hours (8+ per day) under extreme heat (up to 37 degrees Celsius). Positions are voluntary. All work conducted will be done under a Letter of Confirmation for Level B Harassment (MMPA 1972). For further information please contact Jennifer Lewis at: jennifer.lewis1(a)fiu.edu Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Miami, Florida -- Doctoral Candidate Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Miami, Florida 33199 305-348-7429

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Job Posting- Marine Mammal Outreach Specialist, St. Petersburg, FL
by Erin Fougeres 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

Greetings, The National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Region, in St. Petersburg, Florida is seeking an Outreach Specialist for the Marine Mammal Branch. This is a contract position through JHT Incorporated. Please see the following link on Career Builder.com for details regarding job duties and necessary qualifications: http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.aspx?job_did=J8H2VC6… Please feel free to distribute broadly. Erin Fougères Marine Mammal Stranding Program Administrator National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-824-5323 727-824-5309 FAX

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visual cortex in pinnipids
by Nina Eriksen 08 Feb '08

08 Feb '08

Dear Marmamers, We are interested in quantifying the total number of cells in the auditory and visual cortecies of seals and harbour porpoises for comparison. For that purpose, we are looking for information on the visual cortex in seals or other pinnipids. Most important is the location of the visual cortex. We have been able to find a single reference on the subject: Gruenau SP, Shurley JT. Visual evoked responses (VER) changes during maturation in the Weddel seals. Dev Psychobiol 1976; 9(5):477-93. If you can help us with this request, please send an email to: *nina.eriksen1(a)gmail.com* Sincerly, Nina Eriksen MSc (cand.scient) Research Lab Stereology & Neuroscience Bispbjerg University Hospital Bispbjerg Bakke 23 DK 2400 Copenhagen NV Denmark -- Please note new email: ***nina.eriksen1(a)gmail.com***

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Call for Proposals: Device for Collecting Data on Whale Entanglements
by Levenson, Jacob 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

My apologies for cross positing, however I wanted to ensure that this unique request for proposals reaches a wide audience. It would be great to see a variety of innovative applications. Please see the contact information below for any additional questions. Call for Proposals: IFAW and NMFS Seek Device for Collecting Data on Whale Entanglements - Up To $70,000 to be awarded International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and NOAA's Fisheries Service (NMFS) want to know more about the characteristics of fishing involved in large whale entanglements. Up to $70,000 in funds are available. Certain types of fixed fishing gear have been identified as an entanglement risk to large whales, however it remains unclear specifically what factors (e.g. gear component, location, depth and method of gear-setting) increase entanglement risk. This grant opportunity seeks to support research and development of a technological device to store such data. The information collected from marked gear involved in entanglement events could be used to help develop appropriate management measures to further reduce the risk of interaction between large whales and fixed gear fisheries. Preference will be given for proposals which incorporate field testing, and take into account durability of the device in harsh marine environments. Multiple proposals may be accepted, depending on availability of funding. Eligible applicants may include individuals, institutions of higher education, nongovernmental organizations, commercial organizations and foreign governments. Members of the fishing community, gear manufacturers and technological innovators are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals are due by March 31 and awards to be given by June. Work must be completed between June 2008 and July 2009. To view the full request for proposals and to apply, please visit: www.ifaw.org/RFP For more information regarding this granting program, contact: Kate Nattrass, (508) 744 2095; Knattrass(a)ifaw.org Media inquiries please contact Jacob Levenson, (508) 744 2235; Jlevenson(a)ifaw.org <<IFAW_RFP_INFO.pdf>> --------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. This transmission is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential and/or legally privileged.

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Associate Research Scientist vacancy at Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Agency
by Hines, Ellen 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Here is a marine mammal related opening, please do NOT reply to sender, but check webpage: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/logon.htm for further information, apologies for any cross postings Req No: 77072679-51197089-20080206094740 Agency Name: FWC - Fish&Wildlife Cons Comm Description: OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FMRI Broadband/Class Level: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS - Level 4 Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-04 Pay Grade/Pay Band: BB012 Position Number: 77072679 Closing Date: 3/4/2008 Location: ST. PETERSBURG County: Pinellas County Annual Salary Range: $1783.89 - $2272.02 Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: DESCRIPTION: JOB DESCRIPTION Designs and conducts research and statistical assessments on various aspects of marine mammal populations. Conducts statistical analyses and builds mathematical models of manatee and right whale populations in collaboration with other investigators within and external to FWRI, using available databases (e.g. mortality, aerial survey, telemetry, habitat, genetics, and photo ID) or obtaining additional data as necessary. Designs studies and monitoring programs for research on manatee and right whale populations and related habitat issues. Evaluates and recommends appropriate changes to data collection methods to correct for or reduce sampling bias and increase reliability. Ensures that all data and modeling undergo rigorous quality control and quality assurance. Consults with and advises government agencies in evaluation of manatee population data collected by FWC and other agencies. Prepares reports and manuscripts of findings from above studies for Florida's marine resource managers. Publishes data in refereed journals or peer-reviewed books and proceedings. Reviews and evaluates reports, proposals, and manuscripts pertaining to marine mammals. Seeks extramural funding. Serves on committees and working groups as assigned. Provides guidance to Imperiled Species Management on data interpretation. Provides leadership and participates in program planning. Responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel in a coaching and mentoring manner to maintain a team-oriented approach to section goals. Other duties include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee and ensuring compliance with FWRI rules, policies and procedures. Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units and with other sections in the Institute. Required Education and Experience: 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. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of wildlife biology, terminology, principles and techniques used in research on marine mammals or other wildlife species; statistical and simulation modeling methods, Bayesian statistics including hierarchical models; and aerial surveys, genetics, or other population survey techniques. Ability to collect and maintain scientific data related to population research, biology and modeling; to perform quantitative analysis and modeling of scientific data; to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; to publish manuscripts in refereed scientific journals; to work independently; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to effectively supervise people; to establish and meet work-related goals; to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, to access and formulate budgetary needs, policies, principles and procedures used in personnel & database management; use of statistical analysis software; use of word processing, spreadsheet and database software. This position is a State of Florida Full Time Employee (FTE) position, which provides a full benefit package. The state of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. Veterans' preference will be given to eligible veterans and their spouses in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes. Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility. $1783.89 - $2272.02 is the Bi-weekly salary upon experience. Requirements: Closest Major City Saint Petersburg Occupation FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS Job Type Full Time Region/County Pinellas County

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Tomilin 1957 translation
by Dag Vongraven 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Hi all Are there anyone out there who know of any translations of Tomilin 1957 chapter on killer whales from "Mammals of the USSR and adjacent countries, Volume 9: Cetacea"? Best regards __________________________________ Dag Vongraven Senior advisor Norwegian Polar Institute N-9296 Tromso Tel +47 77750638 Fax +47 77750501 mailto:dag.vongraven@npolar.no http://www.npolar.no

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New publications week 03
by Jan Herrmann 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 03 / 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 Amundin, M. et al. (2008): An echolocation visualization and interface system for dolphin research. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 123(2): 1188-1194. Anonymous (2008): Book Review. WHALING AND HISTORY II: NEW PERSPECTIVES. Jan Erik Ringstad (Editor). 2006. Sandefjord: Kommandør Chr. Christensens Hvalfangstmuseum (Publication 31). 192 p, illustrated, soft cover. ISBN 82-993797-7-6. Polar Record 44(2): 190-191. Doksæter, L. et al. (2008): Distribution and feeding ecology of dolphins along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Iceland and the Azores. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 55(1-2): 243-253. Klanjscek, T. et al. (2007): A model for energetics and bioaccumulation in marine mammals with applications to the right whale. Ecological Applications 17(8): 2233-2250. Miller, P.J. et al. (2008): Stereotypical resting behavior of the sperm whale. Current Biology 18(1): R21-R23. Nachtigall, P.E. et al. (2008): Shipboard measurements of the hearing of the white-beaked dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris. Journal of Experimental Biology 211(4): 642-647. Skov, H. et al. (2008): Small-scale spatial variability of sperm and sei whales in relation to oceanographic and topographic features along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 55(1-2): 254-268. PINNIPEDIA Castinel, A. et al. (2008): Humoral immune response to Klebsiella spp. In New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) and the passive transfer of immunity to pups. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 44(1): 8-15. Holmes, E.E. et al. (2007): Age-structured modeling reveals long-term declines in the natality of western Steller sea lions. Ecological Applications 17(8): 2214-2232. Kavtsevich, N.N. and A.S. Yurko (2007): Nucleolus organizer activity in lymphocytes of harp seals of different ages. Doklady Biological Sciences 416(1-6): 409-411. Zeno, R.L. et al. (2008): Development of foraging behavior in juvenile northern elephant seals. Journal of Zoology 274(2): 180-187. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Aguilar, A. et al. (2008): The distribution of nuclear genetic variation and historical demography of sea otters. Animal Conservation 11(1): 35-45. Jores, J. et al. (2008): Occurrence and Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens in Polar Bears from Svalbard, Norway. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 44(1): 155-158. Sundar, N. et al. (2008): Genetic diversity among sea otter isolates of Toxoplasma gondii. Veterinary Parasitology 151(2-4): 125. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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ECS - Solitary Dolphin Workshop/ 9th March 2008
by Liz Sandeman 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

ECS conference Solitary Dolphin Workshop Sunday 9th March 2008/ Netherlands Protection of sociable, solitary cetaceans Workshop Organisors: Dr Lissa Goodwin & Margaux Dodds The number of apparent solitary odontocetes which regularly engage in sociable interactions with people appear to be increasing within the UK, Europe and across the world. In the past a number of these animals have been the focus of scientific study, whilst the existence of others has been kept quiet, due to the often overwhelming response by members of the public when such an animal frequents a coastal region. Whilst these interactions appear to be sought out by the individual, on occasion management plans have to be considered for both the wellbeing of the cetacean and the human individuals involved in the interaction. Whilst relatively little information has been published on these individuals, even less protection is offered through statutory legislation. As such, when sociable, solitary cetaceans do occur and their welfare of safety is considered to be threatened, stakeholders often have to resort to innovative means of management, where specific protective legislation is often lacking. This workshop will bring together researchers, stakeholders and managers to share knowledge, information and experience of sociable, solitary cetaceans. It will also provide a discussion forum for evaluating current protective mechanisms and make recommendations for how future sociable, solitary individuals should be protected and, where necessary situations surrounding them managed to ensure their welfare. For further information or to register attendance, please contact margaux(a)marineconnection.org Please note there will be a small charge for attending the workshop. If you wish to present a paper or give a presentation, please send a short abstract (no more than 300 words) to margaux(a)marineconnection.org Liz Sandeman Director of Operations www.marineconnection.org Reg. UK charity no. 1062222 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.20/1261 - Release Date: 05/02/2008 20:57

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New paper on satellite telemetry of humpback whales
by Luciano Dalla Rosa 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

Dear Marmamers, The following paper has just been published online: Dalla Rosa, L., Secchi, E.R., Maia, Y.G., Zerbini, A.N., Heide-Jørgensen, M.P. 2008. Movements of satellite-monitored humpback whales on their feeding ground along the Antarctic Peninsula. Polar Biology DOI 10.1007/s00300-008-0415-2 Abstract Humpback whales were instrumented with satellite transmitters off the western Antarctic Peninsula in January of 2004-2006 to examine their movement patterns and habitat use. Whales were tracked from 4 to 80 days (mean = 36.5 days). Distance and travel rate estimates for nine individuals ranged from 223 to 4,356 km and from 17 to 75 km/day, respectively. Considerable individual variation was observed in direction, speed and range of movements. The overall pattern was characterized by short- and long-distance movements between presumed foraging areas with relatively short residency times. Travel rates were lower at these sites, characterized by erratic movements, than during traveling between them. Area usage for six individuals based on the 95% fixed kernel home range with least squares cross-validation ranged from 2,771 to 172,356 km2. The management boundary between the feeding grounds associated with Breeding Stocks G and A needs revision, as current available data suggest it should be located to the east of 50°W. This study is the first to present detailed information on the movements of humpback whales in the Southern Ocean. A pdf copy is available online for Polar Biology subscribers at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00300-008-0415-2 or upon request from dalla(a)zoology.ubc.ca Regards, Luciano Dalla Rosa ____________________________________________________________________________________ Luciano Dalla Rosa Ph.D. Candidate Department of Zoology & Marine Mammal Research Unit University of British Columbia Room 247, AERL, 2202 Main Mall Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 Canada E-mail: dalla(a)zoology.ubc.ca

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Whale Watch Internship, Bar Harbor, Maine
by Robin Sewall 06 Feb '08

06 Feb '08

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Research Assistant /Deckhand Position Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of the College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks Research Assistants for the 2008 summer field season. The RAs will assist with research and data collection on our long-term population studies of humpback and fin whales, as well as work as a deckhand aboard a local whale watch boat. Research responsibilities include photo identification of whales and data collection/entry. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, and passenger safety. Training will be provided. The applicant should have a college background in biology and/or zoology. Some knowledge of research methods is an advantage. Knowledge of marine mammals and seabirds is an asset. Previous experience in photography (conventional and digital) is helpful but not required. Applicants must be positive, flexible, able to work independently, and resistant to sea-sickness. This is an entry level research position designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. The position begins June 1st and applicants must be able to work through October with no other commitments (excluding College of the Atlantic students). Hours will vary depending on schedules and provided housing is mandatory for a fee. Application deadline is March 6, 2008. Please email a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two or more letters of reference/recommendation to rsewall(a)coa.edu, or mail to: Whale Watch R/A Apps Allied Whale 105 Eden St. Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

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