August 2008 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Waterborne Pathogens RFP
by Mina Innes 25 Aug '08

25 Aug '08

Members of the marmam community studying microbial pathogens may be interested in the request for proposals found at the link below. Deadline for proposals is October 8th. Regards, Bob Gisiner ------ Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) has just put out a new RFP, "Informing the Risk-Based Framework for Recreational Waters: Quantification of Microbial Pathogens and Indicators from Various Sources". The RFP can be found at http://www.werf.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Funding/OpenRFPs/default.htm We thought you might be interested or could forward it to whoever you think might be. For further information please contact Program Director Rhonda Kranz, 703-684-2470 x7147, rkranz(a)werf.org Water Environment Research Foundation Collaboration. Innovation. Results

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New publications week 27
by Jan Herrmann 24 Aug '08

24 Aug '08

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 27/ 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. Furthermore there will be links to the articles of the latest issue of Aquatic Mammals : 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 Branstetter, B.K. and J.J. Finneran (2008): Comodulation masking release in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124(1): 625-633. Gibson, Q.A. and J. Mann (2008): The size, composition and function of wild bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops sp.) mother-calf groups in Shark Bay, Australia. Animal Behaviour 76(2): 389-405. Gibson, Q.A. and J. Mann (2008): Early social development in wild bottlenose dolphins: sex differences, individual variation and maternal influence. Animal Behaviour 76(2): 375-387. Kastelein, R.A. and M. Verlaan (2008): Number and duration of echolocation click trains produced by a harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in relation to target and performance. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124(1): 40-43. Muller, M.W. et al. (2008): Time-frequency analysis and modeling of the backscatter of categorized dolphin echolocation clicks for target discrimination. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124(1): 657-666. Soldevilla, M.S. et al. (2008): Classification of Risso's and Pacific white-sided dolphins using spectral properties of echolocation clicks. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124(1): 609-624. Supin, A.Y., P.E. Nachtigall, and M. Breese (2008): Forward masking as a mechanism of automatic gain control in odontocete biosonar: A psychophysical study. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124(1): 648-656. PINNIPEDIA Hasselmeier, I. et al. (2008): Differential Hematology Profiles of Free-Ranging, Rehabilitated, and Captive Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) of the German North Sea. Aquatic Mammals 34(2): 149-156. Houser, D.S., D.E. Crocker, and J.J. Finneran (2008): Click-evoked potentials in a large marine mammal, the adult male northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 124(1): 44-47. Nielsen, O. et al. (2008): Use of a slam transfected vero cell line to isolate and characterize marine mammal morbilliviruses using an experimental ferret model. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 44(3): 600-611. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Keller, M. et al. (2008): Nephrolithiasis and Pyelonephritis in Two West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus spp.). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 44(3): 707-711. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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FW: Help with orphaned manatee!
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 23 Aug '08

23 Aug '08

Sorry for any cross-postings! Please forward this to anyone who you think might be interested in volunteering to spend a month or more in Belize, caring for an orphaned manatee; Sarteneja is a lovely place and you will love the folks at Wildtracks. Please contact Zoe directly at office(a)wildtracksbelize.org Cheers, Caryn Caryn Self Sullivan, Ph.D. Department of Biology Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA 30460-8042 Office: Biology 2202B Phone: 912-478-7164 Fax: 912.478.0845 http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu <http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/> _____ > From: office(a)wildtracksbelize.org > To: caryn_sullivan(a)hotmail.com > Subject: Re: Help with orphaned manatee! > Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:27:57 -0600 > > Hi Caryn > > Guatecita is nicely stabilized (touch wood!!)...she's lovely! A real > character! I don't know if you've seen the latest pictures on the Facebook > site. Ruby was excellent, and we hope to see her up here again during > weekends. > > We do, however, now have an urgent need for volunteers willing to spend a > month or more as orphan manatee carers - could you possibly circulate the > call for volunteers around manatee circles? We can provide accommodation, > but volunteers would need to be able to get themselves to Belize, have > travel insurance, and be able to contribute US$65 per week towards food > costs. I can provide more information to anyone interested. > > I hope the new job is going well, and that next time you are in Belize, I > see more than a fleeting glimpse of you on a passing boat!! > > Best wishes > > Zoe >

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Recent Papers re Zoonoses
by Michael Moore 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

The following recent Open Access papers in Diseases Aquatic Organisms SPECIAL 3:Marine vertebrate zoonoses ** can be downloaded at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v81/n1/ Prevalence and characterization of /Salmonella /spp. among marine animals in the Channel Islands, California R. A. Stoddard^1,2, *, R. L. DeLong^3 , B. A. Byrne^2 , S. Jang^2 , Frances M. D. Gulland^1 ^1 The Marine Mammal Center, 1065 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, California 94965, USA ^2 Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA ^3 National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Bldg. 4, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, Washington 96115, USA <mailto:stoddardr@tmmc.org> ABSTRACT: /Salmonella enterica/ is a zoonotic pathogen that has been isolated from free-ranging marine mammals throughout the world, with animals in the Channel Islands of California (USA) showing the highest prevalence. The goal of this study was to determine prevalence, antimicrobial sensitivity and genetic similarity using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of /Salmonella/ in several non-domestic animal species on San Miguel and San Nicolas Islands. Fecal samples were collected from 90 California sea lion /Zalophus californianus/ pups, 30 northern elephant seal /Mirounga angustirostris/ pups and 87 western gulls /Larus occidentalis/ in the Channel Islands and 59 adult male sea lions in Puget Sound, WA (USA). /Salmonella/ were isolated, identified and serotyped, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PFGE. Of the California sea lion pups that were sampled on the islands, 21% (n = 19) were positive for /Salmonella/, whereas no adults males in Puget Sound were positive. Of the northern elephant seal pups sampled, 87% (n = 26) were harboring /Salmonella/. Only 9% (n = 8) of western gulls were shedding /Salmonella/, with one of these gulls harboring the only antimicrobial resistant isolate. The serotypes found in these animals were Enteritidis, Montevideo, Newport, Reading, and Saint Paul. The only serotype that showed variation on PFGE was Newport. The pinnipeds of the Channel Islands harbor /Salmonella/ at a higher prevalence than pinnipeds from other geographic areas observed in previous studies. Researchers and veterinarians should exercise increased caution when working with these animals due to the zoonotic potential of /Salmonella/. Victims or vectors: a survey of marine vertebrate zoonoses from coastal waters of the Northwest Atlantic Andrea L. Bogomolni^1 , Rebecca J. Gast^1 , Julie C. Ellis^2 , Mark Dennett^1 , Katie R. Pugliares^3 , Betty J. Lentell^4 , Michael J. Moore^1, * ^1 Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA ^2 Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA ^3 Cape Cod Stranding Network, a project of IFAW, 290 Summer Street, Yarmouthport, Massachusetts 02675, USA ^4 National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Observer Program, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA <mailto:mmoore@whoi.edu> ABSTRACT: Surveillance of zoonotic pathogens in marine birds and mammals in the Northwest Atlantic revealed a diversity of zoonotic agents. We found amplicons to sequences from /Brucella /spp., /Leptospira /spp./, Giardia /spp. and /Cryptosporidium /spp. in both marine mammals and birds. Avian influenza was detected in a harp seal and a herring gull. Routine aerobic and anaerobic culture showed a broad range of bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics. Of 1460 isolates, 797 were tested for resistance, and 468 were resistant to one or more anti-microbials. 73% (341/468) were resistant to 1–4 drugs and 27% (128/468) resistant to 5–13 drugs. The high prevalence of resistance suggests that many of these isolates could have been acquired from medical and agricultural sources and inter-microbial gene transfer. Combining birds and mammals, 45% (63/141) of stranded and 8% (2/26) of by-caught animals in this study exhibited histopathological and/or gross pathological findings associated with the presence of these pathogens. Our findings indicate that marine mammals and birds in the Northwest Atlantic are reservoirs for potentially zoonotic pathogens, which they may transmit to beachgoers, fishermen and wildlife health personnel. Conversely, zoonotic pathogens found in marine vertebrates may have been acquired via contamination of coastal waters by sewage, run-off and agricultural and medical waste. In either case these animals are not limited by political boundaries and are therefore important indicators of regional and global ocean health. Molecular characterization of /Giardia intestinalis/ haplotypes in marine animals: variation and zoonotic potential Erica Lasek-Nesselquist^1,2, *, Andrea L. Bogomolni^3 , Rebecca J. Gast^3 , David Mark Welch^2 , Julie C. Ellis^4 , Mitchell L. Sogin^2 , Michael J. Moore^3 ^1 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, 80 Waterman Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA ^2 Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA ^3 Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA ^4 Department of Environmental and Population Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA <mailto:erica_lasek-nesselquist@brown.edu> ABSTRACT: /Giardia intestinalis/ is a microbial eukaryotic parasite that causes diarrheal disease in humans and other vertebrates worldwide. The negative effect on quality of life and economics caused by /G. intestinalis/ may be increased by its potential status as a zoonosis, or a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The zoonotic potential of /G. intestinalis/ has been implied for over 2 decades, with human-infecting genotypes (belonging to the 2 major subgroups, Assemblages A and B) occurring in wildlife and domesticated animals. There are recent reports of /G. intestinalis/ in shellfish, seals, sea lions and whales, suggesting that marine animals are also potential reservoirs of human disease. However, the prevalence, genetic diversity and effect of /G. intestinalis/ in marine environments and the role that marine animals play in transmission of this parasite to humans are relatively unexplored. Here, we provide the first thorough molecular characterization of /G. intestinalis/ in marine vertebrates. Using a multi-locus sequencing approach, we identify human-infecting /G. intestinalis/ haplotypes of both Assemblages A and B in the fecal material of dolphins, porpoises, seals, herring gulls /Larus argentatus/, common eiders /Somateria mollissima/ and a thresher shark /Alopias vulpinus/. Our results indicate that /G. intestinalis/ is prevalent in marine ecosystems, and a wide range of marine hosts capable of harboring zoonotic forms of this parasite exist. The presence of /G. intestinalis/ in marine ecosystems raises concerns about how this disease might be transmitted among different host species. Incidence of /Brucella/ species in marine mammals of the German North Sea E. Prenger-Berninghoff^1, *, U. Siebert^2 , M. Stede^3 , A. König^1,4 , R. Weiß^1 , G. Baljer^1 ^1 Institut für Hygiene und Infektionskrankheiten der Tiere der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Frankfurter Strasse 85–89, 35392 Giessen, Germany ^2 Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westküste der Christian-Albrecht-Universität Kiel, Hafentörn 1, 25761 Büsum, Germany ^3 Staatliches Veterinäruntersuchungsamt für Fische und Fischwaren Cuxhaven, Lentzkai 1, 27472 Cuxhaven, Germany ^4 /Present address:/ Landesuntersuchungsamt Rheinland-Pfalz, Blücherstr. 34, 56073 Koblenz, Germany <mailto:ellen.prenger-berninghoff@vetmed.uni-giessen.de> ABSTRACT: In this study, organ samples from 426 common seals /Phoca vitulina/, 298 harbour porpoises /Phocoena phocoena/, 34 grey seals /Halichoerus grypus/ and 10 other marine mammals were assessed for the presence of /Brucella/ species. Forty-seven common seals, 2 harbour porpoises and 1 grey seal were found to be positive for these bacteria. A total of 91 /Brucella/ strains were successfully isolated, due to the fact that /Brucella/ spp. were found in more than one organ sample in 15 animals. The primary organ in which the bacteria were present was the lung. In addition, 2 strains were isolated from lungworms (/Parafilaroides/ spp.). Forty-nine of the isolated strains were selected for further analysis using conventional phenotyping methods. Molecular characterisation was carried out by analysing the /IS711/ and /omp2/ loci. With respect to the distribution of the /IS711 /loci in the genome, the 49 field isolates differed strongly from the terrestrial /Brucella/ species and marginally from the marine /Brucella/ reference strain NCTC12890. Based on the results of the PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) investigation of the /omp2/ locus, the majority of the /Brucella/ field isolates were classified as /B. pinnipediae/, recently proposed /B. pinnipedialis/, possessing 1 /omp2a/ gene and 1 /omp2b /gene. Two field isolates revealed the presence of 2 /omp2a/ genes, as has been described for /Brucella ovis/. To our knowledge, these results confirm for the first time the presence of /Brucella/ species in the marine mammal population of the German North Sea. These findings highlight the need for additional research on the relevance of these /Brucella/ species for marine hosts and their environment. Herpes simplex-like infection in a bottlenose dolphin stranded in the Canary Islands F. Esperón^1, *, A. Fernández^2 , J. M. Sánchez-Vizcaíno^3 ^1 Animal Health Research Centre (CISA-INIA), Ctra Algete a El Casar s/n, Madrid, Spain ^2 Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Canary Islands ^3 Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UCM Madrid, Avda Puerta de Hierro s/n, Madrid <mailto:fernando@sanidadanimal.info> ABSTRACT: A bottlenose dolphin, stranded in the Canary Islands in 2001 exhibited non-suppurative encephalitis. No molecular detection of cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) was found, but a herpesviral-specific band of 250 bp was detected in the lung and brain. The sequenced herpesviral PCR product was compared with GenBank sequences, obtaining 98% homology (p-distance of 0.02) with /Human herpesvirus 1/ (herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV-1). This is the first report of a herpes simplex-like infection in a stranded dolphin. Viral and bacterial serology of six free-ranging bearded seals /Erignathus barbatus/ Paul P. Calle^1, *, Dana J. Seagars^2,6 , Catherine McClave^3 , Dennis Senne^4 , Carol House^5 , James A. House^5 ^1 Global Health Programs, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, New York 10460-1099, USA ^2 US Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, 1011 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, USA ^3 New York Aquarium, Wildlife Conservation Society, Surf Avenue & West 8th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11224, USA ^4 National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, Iowa 50010, USA ^5 Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, USDA, APHIS-VS-NVSL, Plum Island, New York 11944, USA ^6 /Present address:/ US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, 605 W. Fourth Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, USA <mailto:pcalle@wcs.org> ABSTRACT: Serum or heparinized plasma samples were obtained from 3 male (2 adult and 1 weaned calf) and 3 adult female free-ranging bearded seals /Erignathus barbatus/ in May of 1994, 1995, or 1996. Blood samples were obtained from animals taken in subsistence hunts near St. Lawrence Island, Alaska and screened for antibodies to a suite of bacteria and viruses potentially pathogenic for pinnipeds and/or humans. No samples had detectable antibodies to /Brucella /spp., Phocine distemper virus, influenza A virus or caliciviruses (San Miguel sea lion virus strains 1, 2, and 4 to 13, vesicular exanthema of swine serotypes A48, B51, C52, D53, E54, F55, G55, H54, I55, J56, K54, 1934B, and Tillamook and Walrus calicivirus). One seal had a low titer of 100 to /Leptospira interrogans/ serovar /grippotyphosa/. Health risks for marine mammal workers Tania D. Hunt^1 , Michael H. Ziccardi^1 , Frances M. D. Gulland^2 , Pamela K. Yochem^3 , David W. Hird^1,4 , Teresa Rowles^5 , Jonna A. K. Mazet^1,4, * ^1 Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, and ^4 Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA ^2 The Marine Mammal Center, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, California 94965, USA ^3 Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham Street, San Diego, California 92109, USA ^5 National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources (F/PR2), East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA <mailto:jkmazet@ucdavis.edu> ABSTRACT: Marine mammals can be infected with zoonotic pathogens and show clinical signs of disease, or be asymptomatic carriers of such disease agents. While isolated cases of human disease from contact with marine mammals have been reported, no evaluation of the risks associated with marine mammal work has been attempted. Therefore, we designed a survey to estimate the risk of work-related injuries and illnesses in marine mammal workers and volunteers. The 17-question survey asked respondents to describe their contact with marine mammals, injuries sustained, and/or illnesses acquired during their period of marine mammal exposure. Most respondents, 88% (423/483), were researchers and rehabilitators. Of all respondents, 50% (243/483) reported suffering an injury caused by a marine mammal, and 23% (110/483) reported having a skin rash or reaction. Marine mammal work-related illnesses commonly reported included: ‘seal finger’ (/Mycoplasma/ spp. or /Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae/), conjunctivitis, viral dermatitis, bacterial dermatitis, and non-specific contact dermatitis. Although specific diagnoses could not be confirmed by a physician through this study, severe illnesses were reported and included tuberculosis, leptospirosis, brucellosis, and serious sequelae to seal finger. Risk factors associated with increased odds of injury and illness included prolonged and frequent exposure to marine mammals; direct contact with live marine mammals; and contact with tissue, blood, and excretions. Diagnosis of zoonotic disease was often aided by veterinarians; therefore, workers at risk should be encouraged to consult with a marine mammal veterinarian as well as a physician, especially if obtaining a definitive diagnosis for an illness becomes problematic.

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Marine Mammal Observer Training Course - Florida
by Denise Herzing 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

From: Dr. Denise Herzing, wdpdenise(a)earthlink.net To: MARMAM list Re: Marine Mammal Observer Training Course in Florida I would like to announce the upcoming Marine Mammal Observer Training Course being offered by Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc. to be held in West Palm Beach, Florida on October 9th and 10th. This two day course is designed to train personnel to become recognized observers. The seismic portion of our course has been reviewed by the Department of the Interior (DOI) Minerals Management Service (MMS) and deemed acceptable under the 2007-G02 NTL guidelines. Upon successful completion of this course, the attendee’s name will be added to a list of recognized observers by the MMS and they will receive a document stating successful completion of the course. Course details and registration can be found at: www.regonline.com/ MMO_Training. Thank you, Please use contact below or go directly to website to sign up Melany Larenas, P.G. CPE - Coastal Geology and Geomatics 2481 NW Boca Raton Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33431 Phone - 561.391.8102 ext. 167 Fax - 561.391.9116

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job posting for posting,
by Keith Matassa 22 Aug '08

22 Aug '08

Hi would you please post this job posting on MARMAM? thanks keith The Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (MARC) at the University of New England’s Marine Science Center (MSC) is seeking a qualified, dynamic, motivated candidate to fill the position of Water Quality/Animal Care Technician. This is a full time, 1.5-year grant funded position and eligible for full benefits. RESPONSIBILITIES: The person holding this position will work closely with the Rehabilitation Coordinator and Senior Animal Care Technician performing water quality analysis, maintenance, and upkeep on the center's water and filtration systems and assuring compliance with the MSC’s water discharge permit. Animal Care duties include assisting staff and veterinarians with the care of stranded animals in the center for rehabilitation; sharing responsibility for a 24-hour/day emergency pager; supervising and training teams of volunteers to assist in water quality analysis, equipment upkeep and animal care; creating and maintaining water quality and animal databases; working with other staff members in the formation and implementation of training sessions and other duties as assigned. SUPPORT: As this is a grant-funded position, the candidate is expected to help develop future extramural support for the position, including fringe benefits and University indirect costs. Several ongoing sources for program support are already being sought; the candidate will be expected to take over these projects and bring them to fruition. QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 3 years of experience either working with marine mammal in a rehabilitation setting, performing water quality analysis, or maintaining recirculating or flow-through seawater systems. Computer skills (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint), strong verbal and written communication skills, and experience working with volunteers are expected. The ability to lift 50 lbs, and to operate small boats are desirable. WORK AUTHERIZATION: Proof of United States citizenship or ability to lawfully work in the U.S. required before being employed. For general information on the facility, please go to UNE’s website http://www.une.edu/cas/msc/. Applications should include a cover letter, resume and references, and be submitted to: Human Resources, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Rd., Biddeford, ME 04005, or email applications to careers(a)une.edu . Review of applications will begin on August 16th and continue until the position is filled. The University of New England is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and strongly encourages the application of candidates of diverse backgrounds. Please see our website (http://www.une.edu) for additional information.

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NMFS Vacancy in Silver Spring, MD
by Tom Eagle 20 Aug '08

20 Aug '08

Vacancy for a Fishery Biologist, National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, MD. Job Announcement Number: NMFS-PR-2008-0019 SALARY RANGE: 58,206.00 - 90,698.00 USD per year SERIES & GRADE: ZP-0482-3/3 OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 to Wednesday, September 03, 2008 <>This position is in the Office of Protected Resources, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division. The incumbent will coordinate and lead all aspects of the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program in the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program. The incumbent will be responsible for drafting notices of availability of funding opportunities, managing the technical and merit reviews overseeing approval of the grants, and monitoring activities of grantees. The incumbent will be the Lead NOAA Official for Managing the Prescott Program. S/He serves as an integral team member in the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, assisting and supporting team members with lead responsibilities for coordinating marine mammal responses, responding to marine mammal stranding events, developing research strategies and protocols, and working with the Working Group on Unusual Marine Mammal Mortality Events.<> To see the entire vacancy announcement, go to: http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/?WT.svl=navsearch Enter the Job Announcement Number in the first search field.

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Pro-MMO Training Course
by Nick Robinson 20 Aug '08

20 Aug '08

Pro-MMO Training Course Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) are trained personnel who mitigate against potentially harmful impacts of noise on marine mammals. Gardline Environmental Ltd.s' Marine Wildlife Department provide & train MMOs for the energy and construction industries. The Pro-MMO course trains applicants to become fully qualified, JNCC approved, professional MMOs who gain exceptional field experience during their training. The next available dates for this course will be 25th - 28th September 2008 Prices will vary upon number of applicants, and is inclusive of all teaching materials, experienced staff (who all work as MMOs in the field), accommodation during the course, and support afterwards. Applications for the course can be obtained from nick.robinson(a)gardline.co.uk.

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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: North Atlantic Right Whale Habitat Studies Program seeking Research AssistantRESEARCH ASSISTANT, Right Whale Habitat Studies
by karen stamieszkin 19 Aug '08

19 Aug '08

RESEARCH ASSISTANT, Right Whale Habitat Studies The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS), a private, non-profit research, conservation, and education organization based in Provincetown, MA, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant for the 2009 winter/spring season (Jan. 2 – May 15) of the Right Whale Habitat Studies Program. The successful candidate will play an integral role in the rapid assessment and reporting of habitat characteristics that influence right whale distribution in the Cape Cod Bay Critical Habitat. Primary responsibilities include extensive time at sea conducting zooplankton sampling, microscopic identification and enumeration of zooplankton samples, right whale behavioral studies and photo-ID, and database management/data entry. Field work will likely occur in harsh winter weather conditions. Additional duties may involve assisting with field and laboratory operation of a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth profiler (CTD) and Optical Plankton Counter (OPC), and with the downloading and analysis of cruise data. Familiarity with the identification of Gulf of Maine zooplankton species is highly preferred, but not required. Experience with Microsoft Access and Excel, GIS software and biological oceanography software/data management techniques are preferred. Candidates must have a relevant 4-year college/university degree (B.A. or B.S.), should be highly motivated and independent, and should have strong attention to detail; completion of a Masters degree or equivalent experience is preferred. This position provides housing and a monthly stipend of approximately $2450. To learn more about PCCS and the Right Whale Habitat Studies Program, and to read field notes from last year's season, visit www.coastalstudies.org. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume with references to: Karen Stamieszkin Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Ave. Provincetown, MA 02657 kstamieszkin(a)coastalstudies.org Email applications accepted. Position open until November 1, 2008.

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Two PhD Positions Dolphin Genetics and Dolphin PVA Australia
by Lars Bejder 19 Aug '08

19 Aug '08

To Marmam Readers: Two PhD Positions Dolphin Genetics and Dolphin PVA Australia PhD Position: Genetic estimates of dispersal of bottlenose dolphins. Murdoch University (http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/) is studying ecology, threats, and demography of Bunbury (WA) bottlenose dolphins. The study population is continuous with other waters, so to model its demography we must know the dispersal in and out of the Bay. The PhD student at UNSW will estimate this dispersal using genetic methods that we have already successfully applied elsewhere. The student will be supervised by Sherwin (UNSW) Bryant (U Murdoch) Kruetzen (U Zurich). There would be field-trips to Bunbury. Research expenses (eg fieldwork and laboratory costs) will come from an external grant to Bejder et al. from Murdoch University. REQUIREMENTS: BSc(Hons 1) or Masters, or equivalent, in molecular sciences, or population genetics. Solid research and communication skills. Eligibility for full NSW driver's license is desirable. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS: To do a PhD in Australia a student requires a scholarship to cover two costs: Living allowance ("stipend"), and Fees (unless you are an Australian resident). Before preparing an application, applicants should send CV, academic record, and details of two academic referees by email to A/Prof Bill Sherwin (W.Sherwin(a)unsw.edu.au ). For further information phone: (61)2-9385-2119. There are three basic scholarship options, with different closing dates (1) Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for APA/UPA awards which cover the fees and stipend http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/localschols/unswlocalschols.html <http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/localschols/unswlocalschols.htm l> Fuller information will be available Sep 2008 for session 1 2009 entry. (2) Those who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for EIPRS awards which covers fees and stipend. http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/intschols/unswintschols.html <http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/intschols/unswintschols.html> Applications are due 29 August 2008 for Session 1 2009 entry (3) Those who are marginally unsuccessful for an EIPRS may be offered another scholarship (TRS) which covers fees but not stipend. Such students will only be awarded the TRS if they can demonstrate that they can provide the stipend from their own resources. For example, the student could provide written documentation of another grant which will provide the stipend. ************************************************************* PhD Position: Forecasting demography of bottlenose dolphins Murdoch University is studying ecology, threats, and genetics of Bunbury (WA) bottlenose dolphins. The PhD student at UNSW will use these data in existing or novel programs, to evaluate population viability with different management and threats. There would be field-trips to Bunbury. Research expenses (eg fieldwork costs) will come from an external grant to Bejder et al. U Murdoch. REQUIREMENTS: BSc(Hons 1) or Masters, or equivalent, in mathematics, physics, computing, molecular sciences, population genetics or ecology. Solid research and communication skills. Eligibility for full NSW driver's license is desirable. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS: To do a PhD in Australia a student requires a scholarship to cover two costs: Living allowance ("stipend"), and Fees (unless you are an Australian resident). Before preparing an application, applicants should send CV, academic record, and details of two academic referees by email to A/Prof Bill Sherwin (W.Sherwin(a)unsw.edu.au ). For further information phone: (61)2-9385-2119. There are three basic scholarship options, with different closing dates (1) Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for APA/UPA awards which cover the fees and stipend http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/localschols/unswlocalschols.html <http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/localschols/unswlocalschols.htm l> Fuller information will be available Sep 2008 for session 1 2009 entry. (2) Those who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for EIPRS awards which covers fees and stipend. http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/intschols/unswintschols.html <http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/intschols/unswintschols.html> Applications are due 29 August 2008 for Session 1 2009 entry (3) Those who are marginally unsuccessful for an EIPRS may be offered another scholarship (TRS) which covers fees but not stipend. Such students will only be awarded the TRS if they can demonstrate that they can provide the stipend from their own resources. For example, the student could provide written documentation of another grant which will provide the stipend. ************************************************************* _________________ Lars Bejder, PhD. Research Leadership Fellow Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Murdoch University South Street, Murdoch, 6150 Western Australia Mob: ++ 61 0424 508 498 Fax: ++ 61 (0) 8 9360 6303 Email: l.bejder(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:l.bejder@murdoch.edu.au> http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/> <http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/index.html> P Please consider the environment before you print my email

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