July 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Postings: Marine Ecologists/Mammalogists
by Mike Demarchi 18 Jul '08

18 Jul '08

Job Posting for LGL Limited, environmental research associates, Sidney, B.C., King City, Ont., and Anchorage, Alaska Marine Ecologist/Mammalogist LGL is accepting applications for Marine Ecologist/Mammalogist positions in our British Columbia, Ontario and Alaska offices. Available positions range from senior project managers to junior biologists. LGL conducts marine mammal research and environmental assessments for a wide variety of clients in Canada, the U.S.A., and elsewhere, with an emphasis on applied research and impact assessments relating to marine mammals and underwater noise. The successful candidates will work as members of our existing office-based teams to fulfill existing project obligations and to obtain new work in traditional and new project areas. These are full-time positions with fieldwork (travel) requirements. Qualifications: The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate abilities and experience consistent with the following minimum requirements: * Intermediate/Senior positions: M.Sc. or Ph.D. (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years experience working on projects involving marine biota, including substantial marine mammal work * Junior positions: B.Sc. with 2+ years working experience as noted above, or M.Sc. * Experience with marine mammal surveys, photo-id, disturbance assessments, acoustics, and mitigation measures is valued * Candidates for the Sidney and King City offices must be eligible to live and work in Canada (Canadian citizens or permanent residents). Preference will be given to those who are also able to work in the U.S.A.; biologists with Canadian (or U.S.) citizenship usually qualify for U.S. work * Candidates for the Anchorage office must be eligible to live and work in the U.S.A. * Willing to travel, including to remote areas * Work effectively alone and as part of a team * Senior positions require strong project management abilities including team building, task scheduling, client relations, and fiscal tracking (plus extensive marine mammal experience) * Consulting experience would be an asset * Strong analytical and technical writing skills with evidence of senior authorship on study proposals and reports, and ideally journal publications * Able to provide at least two references who will substantiate your qualifications. * Marine ecologists/mammalogists with qualifications similar to but not exactly matching the above will be considered. Salary & Benefits: LGL provides competitive salaries and benefits. Salary commensurate with position and experience. Closing date: Open until filled. Contact: Send via email a cover letter with career goals and objectives, specific LGL office(s) of interest to the candidate, citizenship/residency status, and a full CV to Ms. Kerry Stratton LGL Limited 9768 Second Street Sidney, B.C. V8L 3Y8 E-mail: <mailto:kstratton@lgl.com>kstratton(a)lgl.com or Ms. Amanda White LGL Limited Box 280, 22 Fisher Street King City, Ont. L7B 1A6 E-mail: <mailto:awhite@lgl.com>awhite(a)lgl.com or Ms. Julie-Ann Karsten LGL Alaska Research Associates Inc. 1101 East 76th Ave. Suite B Anchorage, AK 99518 E-mail: <mailto:jkarsten@lgl.com>jkarsten(a)lgl.com E-mail any enquiries. No phone calls please. This posting is also available at http://lgl.com/cont-employment.htm * * * LGL is an employee-owned, international environmental research and consulting firm with 38 years of experience conducting fish and wildlife research and monitoring projects in North America and around the globe (<http://www.lgl.com/>www.lgl.com)

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new paper on bycatch and California sea lions
by Manuela Gonzalez Suarez 18 Jul '08

18 Jul '08

Dear colleagues, A new paper on estimating fishing and bycatch rates for California sea lions was recently published in Conservation Biology. You can send PDF requests to: jared.underwood(a)asu.edu Jared G. Underwood, Claudia J. Hernandez-Camacho, David Aurioles-Gamboa, and Leah R, Gerber (2008). Estimating sustainable bycatch rates for California sea lion populations in the Gulf of California. Conservation biology, 22 (3):701-710 *Abstract: *Commercial and subsistence fisheries pressure is increasing in the Gulf of California, Mexico. One consequence often associated with high levels of fishing pressure is an increase in bycatch of marine mammals and birds. Fisheries bycatch has contributed to declines in several pinniped species and may be affecting the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) population in the Gulf of California. We used data on fisheries and sea lion entanglement in gill nets to estimate current fishing pressure and fishing rates under which viable sea lion populations could be sustained at 11 breeding sites in the Gulf of California. We used 3 models to estimate sustainable bycatch rates: a simple population-growth model, a demographic model, and an estimate of the potential biological removal. All models were based on life history and census data collected for sea lions in the Gulf of California. We estimated the current level of fishing pressure and the acceptable level of fishing required to maintain viable sea lion populations as the number of fishing days (1 fisher/boat setting and retrieving 1 day's worth of nets) per year. Estimates of current fishing pressure ranged from 101 (0–405) fishing days around the Los Machos breeding site to 1887 (842–3140) around the Los Islotes rookery. To maintain viable sea lion populations at each site, the current level of fishing permissible could be augmented at some sites and should be reduced at other sites. For example, the area around San Esteban could support up to 1428 (935–2337) additional fishing days, whereas fishing around Lobos should be reduced by at least 165 days (107–268). Our results provide conservation practitioners with site-specific guidelines for maintaining sustainable sea lion populations and provide a method to estimate fishing pressure and sustainable bycatch rates that could be used for other marine mammals and birds. * * *Keywords: *bycatch, California sea lion, fisheries, gill-net entanglement, Gulf of California, population viability, Zalophus californianus Thanks Manuela -- "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education" Mark Twain Manuela Gonzalez SOLS Biology Graduate Program P.O Box 874601 ASU Tempe, AZ 85287-4601 http://www.public.asu.edu/~lrgerbe/manuela.htm

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Course Announcement - Dolphin Research Center
by Emily Guarino 16 Jul '08

16 Jul '08

Dolphin Research Center, a not-for-profit research and educational organization, would like to announce a late summer course in Cognitive and Behavioral Marine Mammal Research. The program is a seven-day, in-depth, hands-on immersion into the field of marine mammal science. The course material surveys a wide-range of knowledge, theories and ongoing research concerning dolphins. By working with staff on DRC research studies, students gain a greater understanding of dolphins' cognitive abilities and social behavior, as well as deeper insight into research concepts and methodology. Seminar Topics & Focused Activities Include: Review of Dolphin Anatomy & Physiology, Physiological Research, Research Project Design, DRC's Current Research, Marine Mammal Cognition, Research Law Requirements, Behavior & Ecology, and Research in Acoustics & Communication. Hands-On Activities Include: Assisting research staff in conducting current cognitive research sessions, learning and conducting observation sessions, participating in additional research activities. Cost: The cost of the course is $1700.00 (US). Tuition includes all seminars, activities, meals and lodging. Dates: August 30th - September 5th, 2008. For more information please visit <BLOCKED::http://www.dolphins.org/> www.dolphins.org. Click on the visit DRC bar, followed by the link to DolphinLab, or contact us at 305/289-1121 x 225 or <BLOCKED::mailto:education@dolphins.org> education(a)dolphins.org. DRC Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology.

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Last Call for Hawaii Spinner Dolphin Data Processing Opportunity
by aliza milette 15 Jul '08

15 Jul '08

*Hawaii Spinner Dolphin Data Processing Opportunity.* The Dolphin Institute (TDI) is a non-profit marine mammal research and education organization based on Oahu, Hawai'i, USA. TDI's research focuses on whales and dolphins in Hawaiian waters. It is directed by Dr. Adam Pack, Assistant Professor at University of Hawai'i at Hilo, and Dr. Louis Herman, an emeritus professor at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. TDI has been conducting field research with spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) off Oahu and Maui for several years. TDI collects dorsal-fin identification photographs of individual dolphins and is a contributor to the Pacific Islands Photo-identification Network (PIPIN) Collaborative Photo-Identification Catalog. TDI is seeking skilled and dedicated dorsal matchers to assist in the processing and matching of our collection of identification photographs. Desired applicants should have at least six months of previous experience matching dolphin dorsal photographs or identification photographs from other cetaceans. Ideally an applicant has worked within a large (> 500 photographs) data set of digital photographs and has used computer-based photo-processing tools. Applicants should also have good organizational skills and be self-motivated. The ability to focus on a task for long periods is imperative. Employment will be part-time (~19 hours per week) for approximately 24 weeks starting on September 1, 2008 at our marine mammal science and learning center in Ko Olina on the island of Oahu. Salary is $ 9 per hour. Inquiries and applications should be sent via e-mail to Aliza Milette at AJMilette(a)gmail.com. Please send a cover letter, resume, and two professional letters of recommendation from references of previous matching experience. Further information on TDI can be found at http://www.dolphin-institute.org -- Aliza J. Milette Field Project & Education Coordinator Cetacean Project The Dolphin Institute AJMilette(a)gmail.com office: 808-679-3690

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[ECS-TALK] & MARMAM Summary of Cetacean news week 27-28 (July 2 - July 12, 2008)
by Catharina Clausen 13 Jul '08

13 Jul '08

Dear MARMAM and ECS subscribers, in the following please find a summary of Cetacean news in the media of the last 10 days. (July 2, 2008) NOAA and Partners Free Juvenile Dolphin from Life- Threatening Debris - http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/ stories2008/20080702_dolphin.html (July 3, 2008) Authorities plan to protect dolphins - http:// www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080703/STATE/ 80703055 (July 4, 2008) WWF comes to the rescue of to-be auctioned dolphin - http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C07%5C04% 5Cstory_4-7-2008_pg12_3 (July 4, 2008) Stranded: A whale of a mystery - http:// www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/33850/title/ Stranded_A_whale_of_a_mystery (July 5, 2008) Mother whale and calf beach themselves after shark attack - http://www.waltonsun.com/news/shark_1677___article.html/ whale_attack.html (July 5, 2008) Dolphin sanctuaries proposed - http://www.stuff.co.nz/ southlandtimes/4608003a6568.html (July 5, 2008) ENVIRONMENT: Profit in Watching - Not Hunting - Whales - http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=43083 (July 5, 2008) Whale rescue mission at Takapuna beach (+photos) - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10520098 (July 6, 2008) Baby finless porpoise born in Wuhan - http:// news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/06/content_8497635.htm (July 6, 2008) Fishermen blamed for surge in deaths of dolphins and whales - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4276461.ece (July 6, 2008) Study shows rise in Cornwall's dolphin, whale and porpoise deaths - http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/uoe- ssr070308.php (July 6, 2008) Cheers as young orca swims away [video: Orca whale rescued] - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm? c_id=1&objectid=10520161 (July 7, 2008) Aussie Humpbacks: Close Encounters With Gentle Giants - http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/07/07/5223_local-news.html (July 7, 2008) ScanMed the Launch of An Exciting Collaboration Between Marinelife & Maersk - http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/36648/ (July 7, 2008) Video: Dolphin deaths investigated - http:// news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7494401.stm (July 8, 2008) Bumpy Whale Fins Outperform Smooth Turbines - http:// www.sciam.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=005E4190-9DE4-32A2-015B43F0702189EA (July 8, 2008) Nevada: Dolphin dies at Mirage habitat - http:// www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl- flanatdig07080sbjul08,0,3361004.story (July 8, 2008) Humpback whale rescued - http://www.wickedlocal.com/ provincetown/news/x1743990322/Humpback-whale-rescued (July 9, 2008) Battle to save Cambodian dolphin - http:// news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7448013.stm (July 9, 2008) New study: Collisions between Sailing Vessels and Cetaceans - http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=441&L=2 (July 9, 2008) Mystery surrounds Eden Antarctic whale sighting - http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/09/2298722.htm? site=southeastnsw (July 9, 2008) New wind turbine blade inspired from shape of whale and dolphin flippers - http://www.freshnews.in/new-wind-turbine-blade- inspired-from-shape-of-whale-and-dolphin-flippers-31851 (July 10, 2008) Watch and wait for whales - http://www.cairns.com.au/ article/2008/07/10/5350_local-news.html (July 10, 2008) Man travels 5,000 miles to check out OC's whales - http://www.ocregister.com/articles/whale-blue-roffecy-2089971-boat-says (July 10, 2008) Myth-Making Dolphins - http://www.popmatters.com/pm/ column/60691/myth-making-dolphins/ (July 11, 2008) Whale Watching Industry Agrees On Guidelines - http:// www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/07/11/whale-watching-industry- agrees-on-guidelines (July 11, 2008) Whale skeleton to be displayed at university - http:// www.onlineathens.com/stories/071208/uganews_2008071200313.shtml (July 11, 2008) Charity creates life-size blue whale - http:// www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/07/11/ eawhale111.xml (July 11, 2008) Whalers found innocent, Greenpeace activists are charged with theft - http://www.newscientist.com/blog/environment/ 2008/07/whalers-found-innocent-greenpeace.html?DCMP=ILC- rhts&nsref=ts12_bar All best, Catharina Clausen ************************************************************************ ** baiji.org foundation Kanzleistrasse 127 CH-8004 Zurich Switzerland tel. (+41) 43 317 10 00 fax (+41) 43 317 10 09 mobil (+41) 79 281 18 65 catharina(a)baiji.org ************************************************************************ **

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New publications week 23
by Jan Herrmann 13 Jul '08

13 Jul '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 23/ 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 Agusa, T. et al. (2008): Interelement relationships and age-related variation of trace element concentrations in liver of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Japanese coastal waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin 57(6-12): 807-815. Normile, D. (2008): Panel to Take Closer Look at Scientific Whaling. Science 321(5885): 26. Viaud-Martinez, K.A. et al. (2008): Genetic isolation and morphological divergence of Black Sea bottlenose dolphins. Biological Conservation 141(6): 1600-1611. PINNIPEDIA Baylis, A.M.M., B. Page, and S.D. Goldsworthy (2008): Effect of seasonal changes in upwelling activity on the foraging locations of a wide-ranging central-place forager, the New Zealand fur seal. Canadian Journal of Zoology 86(8): 774-789. Davis, C.S. et al. (2008): Population structure of ice-breeding seals. Molecular Ecology 17(13): 3078-3094. Rijks, J.M. et al. (2008): Quantitative Analysis of the 2002 Phocine Distemper Epidemic in The Netherlands. Veterinary Pathology 45(4): 516-530. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Senior scientist position
by Jooke Robbins 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

SENIOR SCIENTIST, Right Whale Aerial Survey The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) is seeking a full-time Senior Scientist in the field of marine mammal research and conservation. Specific responsibilities include management of the long-term right whale aerial survey program and development of new research and conservation initiatives. The right whale aerial survey program conducts surveys of Cape Cod Bay and surrounding waters in winter to inform population monitoring and conservation efforts. Responsibilities include hiring and supervision of specially trained survey staff; intensive contract reporting; budget management and communication with state and federal managers. Candidates must have a doctoral degree and a strong background in marine mammal research. Experience with grant writing, project management and scientific publication is essential. Candidates must also value collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to their work. PCCS is a private, non-profit research, conservation, and education organization based in Provincetown, MA. To learn more about PCCS and the right whale aerial survey program, visit www.coastalstudies.org. Compensation commensurate with qualifications including a full benefits package. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume with references to: Sherry Crockett, Human Resources Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 scrockett(a)coastalstudies.org Email applications accepted. Consideration to begin immediately.

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Survey for users of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM)
by Peter Dobbins 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

Dear All I am conducting a survey as part of an ongoing study to investigate the state of the art in PAM systems and to find out where users consider the gaps in the available capability lie and where further research and development should be aimed to meet their requirements. If you are a user of PAM equipment, we should be extremely grateful if you would complete this survey. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes and the information will be used for statistical purposes only. Your name and contact details will not be associated with the results and will certainly not be passed on to any third parties. You can go directly to the survey via SurveyMonkey by using the link below: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=EpMS_2b7W2YaFypB6hbeGo9w_3d_3d Thank you in advance for your help. A summary of the results will be pasted to the MARMAM list in due course. Best Wishes Peter Dobbins Senior Consultant - Offshore Systems SEA, SEA House, Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1EJ Tel: +44 (0) 1373 852149 Mob: 07949 836503 Fax: +44 (0) 1373 852165 peter.dobbins(a)sea.co.uk www.sea.co.uk <http://www.sea.co.uk/> This email has been scanned for all known viruses by the MessageLabs Email Security System. Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd - Beckington Castle, 17 Castle Corner, Beckington, Frome, Somerset, BA11 6TA, UK is registered in England and Wales with the company number 2430846. The contents of this email (including any attachments) are confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this email any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of its contents is strictly prohibited. You should notify the sender immediately and then delete it (including any attachments) from your system. Please help out the environment by only printing this e-mail if absolutely necessary - Thank You.

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Dr. David Sergeant
by Laurie Murison 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

OBITUARY DAVID ERNEST SERGEANT Calmly at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal on Monday, June 30, 2008, at the age of eighty-one, due to complications of congestive heart failure. Predeceased by wife Johanne (nee Welsh) (1994), sister Linda Grace Marr (2006), and infant son Alan (1958). Beloved father of Christopher (Susan Davidson), Claire (John O'Neil) and Katherine (Howard Streight), cherished grandfather of Colin, Natalie, Wesley, and Linnea, and dear uncle of Lindsay and Graham Marr. He will be greatly missed by relatives and friends in many countries. David Ernest Sergeant was born in 1927 in Hangzhou, China, the son of a medical missionary. He obtained a Ph.D. degree in Zoology at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, England. In 1951, he began his career in Canadian east coast fisheries research, studying beluga whales and harp seals. Married in 1954, David and Johanne lived in Montreal and then settled in Hudson, Quebec in 1963. They were passionate about travelling, often including opportunities for birdwatching. After Johanne's death abroad in a car crash, which he survived, David continued his travels. In recent years, he stayed closer to home, indulging in reading and various cultural and ecological pursuits. After cremation, according to his wishes, a memorial service will be held at St. James Church in Hudson, Quebec on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the nursing services of NOVA Hudson (450) 458-5727, to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, or to the conservation charity of your choice. Published in the Montreal Gazette on 7/5/2008.

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Marine mammal position available at NMFS SE Regional Office
by Erin Fougeres 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

Please note that the following position is available at the NMFS Southeast Regional office in St. Petersburg, FL. Please visit USAjobs.gov for the full announcement and to apply: http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=73441898 * Fishery Biologist GS-0482-9/11-Term* *Duties: *Assist Team Leads for Atlantic Large Whale, Pelagic Longline, and Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Teams with meeting organization and take reduction plan implementation; assist with preparation of rulemaking and associated NEPA documents; serve as Contracting Officer's Technical Representative for fishery liaison position; promote gear research funding opportunities and assist in review of research proposals and reports. Prepare input into annual Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) List of Fisheries based on review of stock assessment information regarding incidental takes of marine mammals in Southeast fisheries; work with Marine Mammal Permit Specialist to implement the Marine Mammal Authorization Program; ensure integration of authorizations with Federal and state fishery permit programs. Develop and disseminate outreach and educational materials related to marine mammal conservation and management programs; prepare correspondence, briefing documents, and other written materials as needed. Erin Fougeres NOAA/NMFS/SER Stranding Program Administrator 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 erin.fougeres(a)noaa.gov

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