March 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

FW: Masters Scholarships- University of Exeter (UK)
by Godley, Brendan 08 Mar '08

08 Mar '08

Dear Colleagues The University of Exeter (UK) has a number of scholarships available for MSc study that I thought I would pass along. Many of these would support students doing environmental degrees such as those on these lists. Please disseminate further to other lists/individuals. A. MSc Biodiversity and Conservation - Scholarships (Africa, Asia, Latin America) http://www.exeter.ac.uk/cornwall/academic_departments/biosciences/postgradu… Deadline: May 1st 2008 The Centre for Ecology and Conservation is pleased to offer an annual fees-only (£11,655 GBP; $23460 USD) scholarship to a student from each of: * Africa * Asia * Latin America These are highly competitive awards: *Students must demonstrate an extremely high academic standard and must show prior commitment to the field of biodiversity conservation. *Evidence must be produced as to means of self-support during the one year period of study. All completed applications for the course will be considered. Short-listed candidates will then be contacted after the deadline and further information will be requested. For more information, contact c.h.guy(a)exeter.ac.uk B. University Wide Scholarships: China Scholarships of £5,000 towards international tuition fees for full-time Masters study within any of the University's academic Schools. Middle East Scholarships (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, UAE) of £5,000 towards international tuition fees for full-time Masters study within any of the University's academic Schools. In addition there are three awards linking countries and academic disciplines: India Scholarship of £5,000 towards international tuition fees for full-time Masters study on the MSc Biotechnology & Enterprise. Turkey Scholarships of £5,000 towards international tuition fees for full time Masters study within the School of Law; School of Geography, Archaeology & Earth Science; School of Arts Languages & Literature or the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Applications: http://www.admin.ex.ac.uk/academic/scholarships/postgraduate/intmasters.sht… With kind regards Brendan Godley

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Sound exposure and southern resident killer whales report
by Marla Holt 07 Mar '08

07 Mar '08

A new paper is available online: Holt, M. M. 2008. Sound exposure and Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca): A review of current knowledge and data gaps. U.S. Dept. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-NWFSC-89. Summary: This document reviews what is currently known about potential acoustic impacts on endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs). Killer whales (/Orcinus orca/) use sound for echolocation, social communication, and passive listening. Ambient noise, including that from natural and anthropogenic sources, has the potential to interfere with the reception and use of these important biological sounds. Significant sources of anthropogenic sounds that contribute to ambient background noise in critical habitats of SRKWs include sonar, acoustic harassment devices, vessel traffic, and construction noise. Most measurements of ambient sounds made in SRKW habitat are greatly influenced by vessel traffic that, at close ranges, raises noise levels significantly above ambient levels. In order to address potential acoustic impacts, particularly from anthropogenic sources, this document reviews parameters of sound that are pertinent to the auditory capabilities of killer whales and various studies on noise effects in killer whales and other dolphins. The latter includes auditory ramifications such as auditory masking or hearing loss and behavioral effects such as disruption of foraging events or avoidance of an area. With this information, the document then incorporates information on the soundscape of SRKW habitat and defines zones of audibility, responsiveness, masking, and hearing loss and addresses the likelihood of acoustic impacts on the SRKW population. Lastly, recommendations are made for future work in order to address gaps in information that, if available, would increase confidence in predicting the likelihood of acoustic impacts on SRKWs. PDF online at http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/publications/displayinclude.cfm?incfile=technical… Best Regards, Marla Holt -- __________________________________ Marla M. Holt, Ph.D. NRC Postdoctoral Associate Marine Mammal Program NOAA NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd East Seattle, WA 98112 Phone: 206.860.3261 Fax: 206.860.3400 Web: http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/

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Summer Internship
by Kuczaj Laboratory 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Summer Internship: Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab at the University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg , MS Period of Service: May August 2008 The University of Southern Mississippi Psychology Department is offering a Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates. College credits for the internship are awarded by the University of Southern Mississippi . Interns gain hands-on experience during boat surveys studying the Mississippi Gulf C oast bottlenose dolphin population. Interns assist with observations of wild dolphin behaviors and photo-identification. In addition, interns learn how to gather physical and biological data on board using a variety of scientific tools. In the research laboratory, at the USM Hattiesburg campus, interns learn about photo-identification, behavioral analysis, and acoustical analysis. Lectures given on topics in Experimental and Comparative Psychology may occur throughout the internship period. The internship is a full-time voluntary position, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements. Students interested in the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship are required to send: · an application form (found on website listed below) · a resume · a letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship (what you expect to contribute and gain from the internship) · an unofficial or official copy of your transcripts · a minimum of two letters of recommendation (preferably from college professors who know you personally) All materials should be sent to: Stan Kuczaj, Ph.D. Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025 Materials may arrive separately or together, but the complete application must be postmarked by April 1st For further information please contact Rachel at: Kuczaj_Laboratory(a)yahoo.com or visit: http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/internship.htm --------------------------------- Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

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Job Announcement: Science Director (Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust)
by HWDT Sightings 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) wishes to appoint a Science Director to manage its science programmes. The appointee will be a qualified marine scientist with a PhD in marine ecology or a related discipline and relevant field and programme management experience. Working as part of a team in a small but dynamic NGO, the Science Director will implement the Trust's multi-faceted programme of cetacean research, which emphasises long-term monitoring for cetaceans on the west coast of Scotland, investigation of cetacean habitats and matters of conservation concern. Location: HWDT is based on the Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland, and the Science Director will work from its offices in Tobermory. Salary: £25,000 p/a. The post is anticipated to be a 3-year contract, contingent on current funding proposals. More information , including a detailed job description, is available at http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/about_hwdt/documents/HWDTScienceDirector… or email biodiversityofficer(a)hwdt.org Laura Mandleberg Sightings Officer Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

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New publications week 05
by Jan Herrmann 04 Mar '08

04 Mar '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 05/ 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 Harley, H.E. (2007): Whistle discrimination and categorization by the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): A review of the signature whistle framework and a perceptual test. Behavioural Processes 77(2): 243-268. Mercado, E., 3rd., S.R. Green, and J.N. Schneider (2007): Understanding auditory distance estimation by humpback whales: A computational approach. Behavioral Processes 77(2): 231-242. Nigenda-Morales, S. et al. (2007): MHC DQB-1 Polymorphism in the Gulf of California Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Population. Journal of Heredity 99(1): 14-21. Simard, P., J.L. Lawlor, and S. Gowans (2006): Temporal Variability of Cetaceans near Halifax, Nova Scotia. Canadian Field-Naturalist 120(1): 93-99. Stavros, H.C. et al. (2007): Trace element concentrations in blood of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Influence of age, sex and location. Marine Pollution Bulletin 56(2): 371-379. PINNIPEDIA Stegall, V.K. et al. (2008): Discrimination of carbon and nitrogen isotopes from milk to serum and vibrissae in Alaska Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). Canadian Journal of Zoology 86(1): 17-23. Suzuki, M. et al. (2008): Localization of aquaporin-2, renal morphology and urine composition in the bottlenose dolphin and the Baird's beaked whale. Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology 178(2): 149-156. Moser, I. et al. (2007): Mycobacterium pinnipedii: Transmission from South American sea lion (Otaria byronia) to Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus bactrianus) and Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus). Veterinary Microbiology 127(3-4): 399-406. Yoshimura, K. et al. (2007): Scanning electron microscopic study on the tongue and lingual papillae of the adult Spotted seal, Phoca largha. Okajimas Folia Anatomica Japonica 84(3): 83-97. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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New publication: Mass balance models, top predators & aquaculture
by Bruno Diaz 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

The following publication is now available. Abstract is below. We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Ecological Modelling. Article title: Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model Bruno Diaz Lopez, Mandy Bunke, Julia Andrea Bernal Shirai The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI, Via Diaz 4, Golfo Aranci 07020, Italy. Ecological Modelling DOI information: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.10.028 Abstract: Marine aquaculture is an important growing worldwide industry. An ecosystem approach to study the effects of aquaculture on the Aranci Bay (Sardinia, Italy) was implemented by using a trophic mass-balance model in order to estimate the potential effects of finfish aquaculture and, therefore, to identify the species playing a key-role in ecosystem. Additionally, this study was used to evaluate the conflict between top predators and aquaculture. Mass balance models were built using Ecopath software to characterize and compare the present state of the ecosystem versus a reconstructed past model representing the bay before the start of aquaculture activities. This modelling approach to the study of the fish farm activities in Aranci Bay has shown its appropriateness to describe the modifications induced, at an ecosystem level, by the nutrient loading into the area. Increased nutrient loading into the fish farm area may result in greater biological activity and may induce a strong coupling between the pelagic and benthic subsystems. Based on the results, the possible effect of top predators in the fish farm activities is not substantial. Furthermore, the use of mass-balance models can provide important additional information, complementary to the normal environmental assessment impact studies, before starting fish farm activities in an area. We are pleased to inform you that our article is now available online via the following DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2007.10.028 or send requests to: bruno(a)thebdri.com, soon a copy will be available in our website 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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Post-Doctoral Positions in Marine Animal Bioacoustics
by Dorian Houser 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

I would like to request that the following be posted on MARMAM. Post-Doctoral Positions in Marine Animal Bioacoustics Multiple postdoctoral positions are available at the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program. APPLICATION TO THESE POSITIONS IS ONLY OPEN TO U.S. CITIZENS. Position 1: A post-doctoral position is available to study the hearing abilities of and effects of sound on marine animals. Projects include developing acoustic impact criteria and safe exposure guidelines for marine animals, conducting behavioral and electrophysiological studies of hearing, investigating behavioral responses of marine mammals to sound, and determining the physiological effect of noise on the marine mammal auditory system (e.g. temporary threshold shifts). The applicant should possess a Ph.D. in acoustics, engineering, physics, or experimental psychology (specializing in psycho-acoustics) or biology with a strong background in mathematics. Position 2: A post-doctoral position is available in environmental studies with a focus on the impact of sound on marine mammals. Projects include analyses of abundance and distribution data, development of acoustic impact models (individual and population level), evaluation and development of acoustic impact criteria, and evaluation and preparation of environmental impact assessments. The applicant should possess a Ph.D. in biology. Applicants with a strong background in modeling, population and abundance studies, and acoustics will be given preference. For more information contact Jim Finneran, U.S Navy Marine Mammal Program, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Code 2351, 53560 Hull St., San Diego, California 92152-5001. E-mail: james.finneran(a)navy.mil

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FWC Manatee Photo-identification Internship
by Johnson, Jennifer 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

Manatee Photo-identification Internships The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency of Florida. For more information about FWRI, please visit: http://Research.MyFWC.com. FWRI's manatee photo-identification research focuses on the long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The primary goal of our program is to document individual manatees. These capture histories are used to estimate annual adult survival rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use, behavior, intra- and inter- specific associations, and reproductive parameters such as calving intervals and length of calf dependency. Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, database entry, and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based, however during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, data entry, special projects, and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency. Five positions are available each year: two positions in the winter (December-March), one position in the spring (March-May), one position in the summer (June-August), and one position in the fall (September-November). Start and end dates are flexible. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the Institute. Positions are open until filled. Qualifications: * Basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred; * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses preferred, but not required; * The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment; * A valid U.S. Driver's License; * Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of three months working four days per week with our program. Application process: Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and the contact information for three references via hardcopy to FWRI's Intern Coordinator, Dr. William Arnold, at the address listed below. Alternatively, application materials may be submitted via email to ManateeInterns(a)MyFWC.com. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying and the dates you are available. Dr. William S. Arnold - Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Applicants may contact FWRI's Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Higgs, (Kari.Higgs(a)MyFWC.com, 727-893-9860 x1912) with questions regarding the internship.

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New paper on marine otter
by juliana vianna 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

This paper has been published recently: Animal Conservation, Volume 11 Issue 1 Page 57-64, February 2008 Coastal–marine discontinuities, critical patch size and isolation: implications for marine otter conservation G. Medina-Vogel, L. O. Merino, R. Monsalve Alarcon & J. de A. Vianna Abstract The consequences of habitat fragmentation include reduced habitat availability, increased isolation and patch extinction. This study investigates the occupancy patterns of Lontra felina, a little known and endangered marine otter, on naturally discontinuous habitat and the relationship between otter occupancy and rocky seashore patches, patch size and isolation and human influences. Marine otter occupancy was determined through direct sightings and the presence/absence of spraints, and measured by logistic regression and general linear models. The study was conducted in Chile between 28°S and 40°S, and consisted of eight study sites. Within these sites, a total of 23 rocky seashore patches, 2.3–63.8 km long, were surveyed from January 2005 to March 2006. The strongest predictors of marine otter occurrence were rocky seashore patches larger than 5 km long and <6 km apart. These networks should be no farther than 20 km from contiguous (without sandy beaches) rocky seashore patches over 15 km long. Regards, Juliana A. Vianna Escuela Medicina Veterinaria Unversidad Andrés Bello Republica 252, Santiago, Chile jvianna(a)unab.cl _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/

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first appeals court ruling on sonar
by Jasny, Michael 03 Mar '08

03 Mar '08

On Friday night, the U.S. Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Navy sonar off southern California. This is the first ruling by a U.S. appeals court on the merits of this issue; and it came down on the same day as a lower court decision on Hawaii sonar training, which Paul Achitoff summarized.in a recent posting. In January (as many of you know), a federal court issued an order that required additional mitigation of the Navy while allowing it to continue training off southern California. Within two weeks, the White House issued "waivers" that would have effectively exempted the Navy from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), the two laws that the Navy was found to have violated. This new 108-page ruling from the Court of Appeals affirms that the Navy had violated the law, that the mitigation the district court prescribed was reasonable and in the public interest, and that the White House NEPA waiver was illegal. (The lower court also found the President's CZMA waiver to be constitutionally suspect, but both courts declined to rule on that issue since the case could be resolved on narrower grounds.) The mitigation measures required under the order include geographic restrictions (i.e., exclusions on sonar use within 12 nm of shore and within the Catalina Basin, which lies between Santa Catalina and San Clemente Islands); an expanded safety zone provision, requiring shut-down if marine mammals are detected within 2200 yards; a provision requiring the Navy to power down by 6 dB during significant surface ducting conditions; and enhanced monitoring requirements (including dedicated aerial surveillance before exercises, training of visual observers by NMFS, and use of the Navy's range instrumentation for passive acoustic monitoring to the extent practical). In its decision, the Court of Appeals upheld the injunction, but temporarily modified the safety zone and surface-ducting provisions to allow the Navy time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. As always, please let me know if you'd like a copy of the ruling. 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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