January 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on genetic differentiation in short-beaked common dolphins from southern Australia
by Kerstin Bilgmann 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

The following paper has been published in Animal Conservation. A pdf file is available at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117969966/home or by emailing me at kbilgman(a)gse.mq.edu.au Common dolphins subject to fisheries impacts in Southern Australia are genetically differentiated: implications for conservation. K. Bilgmann, L. M. Möller, R. G. Harcourt, R. Gales, L. B. Beheregaray Abstract Interactions between short-beaked common dolphins Delphinus delphis and the fishing industry of South Australia (SA) have lead to serious concerns over the long-term viability of the local dolphin population. Common dolphins are gregarious animals with high vagility and are expected to display limited genetic differentiation over large spatial scales. Here, we investigate population genetic structure of southern Australian common dolphins using mitochondrial DNA control region sequences and seven microsatellite markers. We found unexpected levels of genetic differentiation for short-beaked common dolphins over a distance of ~1500 km. Although no genetic structure was observed in common dolphins along the coast of SA, we detected marked differentiation between dolphins from SA and south-eastern Tasmania, suggesting a minimum of two genetic populations in southern Australia. We hypothesize that the ephemeral distribution of small pelagic fish enhances movement and dispersal between dolphin groups at a local level. However, clear differences in water temperature, habitat features and fish abundance between SA and Tasmania may contribute to the contemporary isolation observed between dolphin populations. Our findings have important consequences for developing conservation management strategies, because SA has the largest purse-seine fishery by weight in Australia, and substantial numbers of fatal common dolphin interactions have occurred. In 2004/2005 alone, an estimated 1728 common dolphins were encircled and 377 died over a 7-month period. If these impacts lead to a reduction in population size, it is unlikely that dolphins from the adjacent south-eastern Tasmanian population will replace the lost individuals. Recommendations for assessing the impacts of the fishery are presented. The information herein may also have implications for fisheries–marine mammal interactions in coastal and neritic habitats in other areas of the world. Moreover, we demonstrate that a species commonly thought to be wide ranging can show an unexpected degree of genetic differentiation. Dr Kerstin Bilgmann Scientific Officer Sea Water Facility Manager Biological Sciences & Marine Mammal Research Group Graduate School of the Environment Macquarie University, Sydney NSW 2109, Australia Email: kbilgman(a)gse.mq.edu.au Ph: + 61 2 9850 7982 Fax: + 61 2 9850 7972 http://www.gse.mq.edu.au/Research/mmrg/students.htm http://www.bio.mq.edu.au/molecularecology/kerstin.htm

1 0

LAST CALL: Papers for the EAAM's 2009 Symposium
by Elio Vicente 11 Jan '09

11 Jan '09

Dear Colleagues, As per request of Dr. Claudia Gili, President-Elect of the EAAM - European Association for Aquatic Mammals (and Chair of the Association's 2009 Annual Symposium), please find below the announcement to the upcoming international meeting, which it will take place in Malta between March 13-16, 2009. For further information (and related forms), you can check the following websites: - http://www.eaam.org/conference-2009/ - http://www.mediterraneo.com.mt/eaamconference We do look forward to welcome you in Malta and we thank you for your attention. Kind regards, Sabrina Brando, Secretary/Treasurer ________________________________ Dear Colleagues around the world, The European Association for Aquatic Mammals (E.A.A.M.), was funded in 1972 to congregate professionals and individuals interested in aquatic mammals, both in zoological environments and in the wild. EAAM stimulates people who devote a significant amount of time to maintenance and welfare of aquatic mammals through research, husbandry, training, education, conservation and related activities. One of the best opportunities to join our efforts is the Annual Conference and as President Elect of the EAAM, it is my great honour to announce the: 37th Symposium of the European Association of Aquatic Mammals Hosted by Mediterraneo Marine Park in Malta March 13-16, 2009 We strongly encourage everybody with an interest in this field, to participate with knowledge and share their experience with a presentation. Malta is a fantastic country and we'll certainly be spoiled by our hosts. Please check for general information and deadlines in January 2009 on the website of EAAM www.eaam.org and of our host www.mediterraneo.com.mt/eaamconference. I look forward to receiving your paper soon and to meeting you all again in the next EAAM conference in 2009 Sincerely, Claudia Gili, President-Elect of EAAM General Curator/Chief Veterinarian (Acquario di Genova - Italy)

1 0

Comments sought for impact on mm by proposed geophysical survey in SE Asia
by JOHN WANG 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

Comments sought for impact on mm by proposed geophysical survey in SE Asia Dear All, Many if you may not have time to read the details of a proposal to NMFS (US) to ‘take’ marine mammals in SE Asia during a geophysical survey by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (Columbia University). Pasted below is a summary of the proposed survey but the US Federal Register notice is also attached for anyone desiring more details. You can also find the notice and additional documents related to this activity at the following NMFS web-pages: Federal Register notice: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/fr/fr73-78294.pdf Application: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_iha.pdf EA: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/taiger_ea.pdf Local and international marine mammal scientists, conservationists, eco-tour operators and other interested parties were recently made aware of this notice in the US Federal Register and are very concerned about the impacts of this geophysical survey on marine mammals in SE Asia where several highly endangered and sensitive cetaceans are found. The region already suffers from many threats at levels that are unknown in many developed countries, including the US. Furthermore, the understanding of marine mammal biology in this region is greatly inadequate. Once such a survey is permitted in one region where marine mammals are poorly understood (and with no evidence demonstrating it is safe to these animals), it is likely to be allowed in other regions that are similarly deficient of information about marine mammals. Marine mammal biologists have worked hard to avoid research that is destructive and even mildly intrusive to their subjects. These efforts could be wasted if other fields of research are allowed to harm these animals without the same level of care about the impacts of their activities and adequate consultation with marine mammal experts in the region. The impacts of seismic surveys do not seem to be limited to marine mammals. Other marine life including sea turtles and fish are also likely to be affected if adequate precautions are not taken. I would encourage anyone with concerns about or expertise in the potential impacts of the proposed geophysical survey in SE Asian waters on local marine mammals to send their comments and concerns to: Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910–3225. The mailbox address for providing email comments is: PR1.0648 XL89(a)noaa.gov or michael.payne(a)noaa.gov. Comments sent via email including all attachments, must not exceed a 10–megabyte file size. Note: The deadline for comments is 21 January (an extension for the commenting period has been requested but it is unknown yet if the request will be granted). Cheers, John Y. Wang, Ph.D. FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group Trent University (Adjunct Professor) George Mason University (Affiliate Professor) Summary: Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Marine Geophysical Survey in Southeast Asia, March–July 2009 US NMFS received an application from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, L-DEO (a part of Columbia University), for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to take marine mammals, by harassment, incidental to conducting a geophysical seismic survey in SE Asia between 21 March and 14 July 2009 to better understand mountain building processes but information gained from the surveys will allegedly also increase understanding of the nature of earthquakes. The 71.5m long R/V Marcus G. Langseth will be towing a large 36-airgun array (6,600 in3; the nominal source level is 265 dB re 1μPam, peak-to-peak) through 15,902km of track lines in waters that are bounded by 17o30’ and 26oN and 113o30’ and 126oE covering all waters of and surrounding Taiwan (from 25 to 6,585m of water depth). From March 21 to April 19, the Langseth will be operating airguns in the South China Sea. From April 20 to June 7, the Langseth will be operating in the Luzon Strait and Philippine Sea and from June 21 to July 14, the Langseth will be surveying the waters immediately around Taiwan. It will be operating in the EEZs of China, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines as well as adjacent high seas. The nearest approach to land masses will be within 1km of Taiwan’s coastline, within 10km of China’s coastline, within 16km from the Ryuku Islands and 32km from Luzon (but will be within 8km of some of the Babuyan and Batanes islands). According to NMFS, to avoid permanent physiological damage, cetaceans should not be exposed to received pulsed underwater noise levels of 180 dB re 1μPam (rms) or more. This would be ‘Level A Harassment’ whereas received levels above 160 but lower than 180 dB re 1μPam (rms) would be considered ‘Level B Harassment’. The predictions of where 180 dB re 1μPam (rms) will be received vary between 710m and 3,694m from the source (36-airgun array) depending on the depth at which the array will be towed and the depth of water (the deeper tow depth and over shallower water, the farther the distance will be). For the 160 dB re 1μPam (rms) level, the distances varied from 4,670 to 8,000m from source. There are many species of concern in this region including: the western gray whale, N. Pacific right whale, blue whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, beaked whales, the ETS population of Sousa chinensis and others. The first two species have not been observed in the waters around Taiwan. However, at least the gray whale is suspected of passing through some of these waters during migration to and from their summer wintering grounds in Russian waters and a yet unknown wintering ground(s) in the South China Sea. A small population of humpback whales winter in the waters of the Babuyan Islands in the northern Philippines and they pass through Taiwanese waters during their migrations. Both Taiwan and the Philippines appear to have fairly high numbers of beaked whales (including the very rare Longman’s and ginkgo-toothed beaked whales) as evidenced by strandings and some recent sighting records (much of this information is unpublished). The ETS Sousa chinensis population was recently listed as Critically Endangered in the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, numbers less than 100 individuals (possibly fewer than 70 individuals based on recent preliminary photo-ID mark-recapture analysis), has been shown to be distinct from adjacent provisional populations in Chinese waters and is found in a very restricted and more or less linear distribution along the coastal waters of western Taiwan (spanning a distance of <200km and from the shoreline to at least 3km from shore, with a proposed 5km offshore boundary for major habitat designation having recently been approved by the newly established Eastern Taiwan Strait Sousa Technical Advisory Working Group). The proposed geophysical surveys will pass through waters in which these species are found. One of our greatest concerns is that the Langseth will also operate the airguns in and adjacent to the known distribution of the ETS Sousa with the predicted received levels exceeding 180 dB re 1μPam (rms), which will likely result in permanent damage to the auditory system even if the proposed mitigation measures are implemented fully – i.e., staying outside of 2km from the shoreline, the predicted received levels will far exceed 180 dB re 1μPam (rms) in all waters where the ETS Sousa reside. Furthermore, throughout the ETS Sousa distribution, there is no sizable area where animals can find shelter acoustically from any loud energy source. Finally, the proposed seismic surveys are during a period when calving appears to peak for this population. Given the small population size of the ETS Sousa, even a minimal ‘take’ will result in a heavy impact on the survival of this critically endangered population. The survey track lines to within 1 km from shore of Taiwan will also bring the Langseth over or very close to the continental shelf edge along more or less the entire east and large parts of the north and south coasts of Taiwan (there is a very narrow continental shelf along these coasts). The shelf edge is a structure that concentrates marine mammals in eastern Taiwan, where one of the fastest growing cetacean-based eco-tourism industries in the world has developed since the late 1990s. Off SW Taiwan, the waters in and around a deep trough/canyon that leads to an important upwelling area have also been reported to support many cetaceans but cetacean research is limited here. Off NE Taiwan, another important upwelling area, resulting from a steep change in the ocean floor bathymetry is an important fishing ground and where cetaceans appear to congregate in large numbers (as evidenced by past captures before legal protection). Many beaked whale strandings have been reported from Taiwan, including those from several recent unusual stranding events involving multiple species that are generally considered rare. Taiwan meets the criteria as a “key area” for beaked whales (as defined by MacLeod and Mitchell, 2006). The proposed survey in the spring is also the season when most calving occurs so females that are accompanied by their highly vulnerable neonates also become vulnerable to threats as well. Taiwan and its adjacent waters have a high diversity of marine mammals with known records of about 35 species from Taiwanese waters alone. Finally, all cetaceans are fully protected legally in at least some of these countries/regions/political entities/economies/etc. and some have been given the highest and strictest level of legal protection.

1 0

MM Field Course Summer 2009 Belize
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

Ecology, Behavior & Conservation of Manatees & Dolphins A Unique Field Course in the Drowned Cayes, Belize May 30 - June 12, 2009 Register Early - space is limited to 24 students! Instructors: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.1, 2 and Bruce A. Schulte, Ph.D.1 1Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University 2President & Co-founder, Sirenian International Want to be a Marine Mammal Biologist? Want to be a Behavioral Ecologist? Here's your chance to join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of Animal Behavior, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins in Belize! Become totally immersed into island living, behavioral ecology and marine biology through lectures and learning activities, literature review, debate, projects, and field research. This unique field course combines an overview of the ecology, behavior, and conservation of sirenians and cetaceans with hands-on manatee & dolphin research in the Drowned Cayes, Belize. Get out of the classroom! You'll spend 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the environment as we explore a labyrinth of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. You'll collect behavioral and environmental data and learn about photo-id techniques; you'll develop a Fact Sheet or Activity Booklet about a related topic to be published by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and/or Sirenian International. Extra-curricular activities include diving or snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and exploring an ancient Maya City. This unique course has a work load equivalent to 4 university credit hours and is divided into 4 major components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~4 hours per day), project development (~1 hours per day) and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hours per day). Want credit towards your degree? No problem! Sign up for independent study with an advisor at your school and pay the appropriate fees. The course has 70 contact hours and is comparable to a 4 credit university course. Just have you advisor contact Dr. Self-Sullivan (cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu) to discuss the requirements for credit. Remember, if you are interested in getting independent study credit for this course at your school, you must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and the course instructor. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill any Study Abroad requirements at your school. For more information start here: http://www.sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2009.html Credit: The course is hosted by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center as a non-credit course. The lecture and field lab hours are equivalent of a 4-credit hour academic course; instructor will work with your academic advisor if credit is desired. Location: Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge http://www.belizeadventurelodge.com; extra-curricular activities include snorkeling/diving on the reef, and exploring an ancient Maya City. Your Share of Costs: $2595 includes course materials, housing, meals, field trips, ground & water transfers fees DOES NOT include airfare, insurance, tips, or credit hours; students are required to have in place or purchase travel insurance equivalent to DAN Insurance, which costs $99/year. Instructor Links: Caryn Self-Sullivan <http://www.sirenian.org/caryn.html> , Ph.D. and Bruce A. Schulte <http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/bio-home/schulte/schulte-home.html> , Ph.D. Caryn Self Sullivan, Ph.D. Department of Biology 202 Georgia Avenue, P. O. Box 8042 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA 30460-8042 Email: cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu Office: Biology 2202B Phone: 912-478-7164 Fax: 912.478.0845 http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu Sirenian International, Inc. 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Email: caryns(a)sirenian.org Mobile: +1.540.287.8207 Personal Fax: +1.540.242.9196 http://www.sirenian.org ================================== The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at http://www.sirenian.org.

1 0

Humpback whale southern North Sea, help with individuall ID requested
by kees.camphuysen＠wxs.nl 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

1 0

Harbor seal/Rehabilitation Internship
by Lanni Hall 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

Harbor Seal and Pinniped Rehabilitation Internships The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, CA seeks applicants for two internships for Spring and Summer 2009. The Harbor Seal Internship starts April 2009 and the Pinniped Rehabilitation Internship starts July 2009. Start and end dates are flexible with the chosen interns. This is an unpaid, volunteer position and chosen interns are responsible for travel to and from Crescent City. Housing may be provided for qualified applicants. A small stipend is provided for groceries, etc. Description: The internships are designed to give exceptional hands-on experience with stranded harbor seal pups and pinnipeds in a rehabilitation setting. Interns will work with Pacific harbor seal pups, Northern elephant seals and California sea lions. The interns will work closely with NMMC staff and volunteers in all aspects of stranding response; assessments, rescue, transport, rehabilitation, medical procedures, necropsy's, record keeping, education outreach and assigned research projects. The internship is open to all applicants 21 years and older. Undergraduates, veterinary students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Internships for academic credit are the responsibility of the chosen intern. Interns must be willing to work long hours on a flexible and demanding schedule which includes weekends and holidays. Interns should be in good physical health and have the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. Interns must be able to take direction and work amongst a diverse group of new and veteran volunteers. Applying: Interested individuals should send a cover letter indicating the spring or summer internship, a resume and three references to be considered. Applications must be received by March 1, 2009 and no applications will be considered after the deadline. No phone calls please. Send to: Northcoast Marine Mammal Center Attn: Internship Program 424 Howe Drive Crescent City, CA 95531 or rescue(a)northcoastmmc.org subject: Internship www.northcoastmmc.org www.northerncalifornia.net

1 0

Job vacancies: UK Marine Wildlife Education Officers required
by Dylan Walker 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

JOB VACANCIES: Organisation: ORCA – Organisation Cetacea Posts: Wildlife Education Officers (ferry-based) Number of posts:Five Closing date: 9 February 2009 (interviews start week beginning 16 February) Website: www.orcaweb.org.uk JOB TITLES, LOCATION AND PAY Five ORCA Wildlife Education Officers (WO’s) are required to work on three UK ferry routes operating throughout summer 2009. The posts are: 1. One WO required to work onboard DFDS Seaways Newcastle – Amsterdam (Holland) ferry from 1st April – 30th September. Full-time contract. £14,000 - £15,000 per annum, pro rata (depending on experience). Food included onboard the ferry. 2. Two WO’s required to work onboard DFDS Seaways Harwich - Esbjerg (Denmark) ferry from 1st April – 30th September. Unsalaried, commission-based only, to be advised. Food included onboard the ferry. 3. Two WO’s required to work onboard Brittany Ferries Plymouth – Santander – Portsmouth ferry from 1st April – 30th October. Unsalaried, commission-based only, to be advised. Food included onboard the ferry. Responsible to: ORCA and the relevant ferry company Hours: Two week shifts out of every four. ORCA AND THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR WILDLIFE OFFICERS ORCA is a whale and dolphin conservation charity that has been promoting wildlife watching and research onboard ferries since 1996, developing a network of whale and dolphin survey routes and educational platforms to raise awareness of the importance of the marine environment. ORCA has been working in partnership with DFDS Seaways and Brittany Ferries for several years, developing research, education and conservation projects. ORCA’s WO’s are at the very heart of the charity’s work, working with the general public to promote a sustainable future for whales, dolphins and marine habitats. DETAILS OF THE POST Each WO will aim to: 1 Provide an educational service that will encourage a better understanding of the living sea as an environment and resource, the ferry company and the importance of its partnership with ORCA. 2 Provide a new dimension to the entertainment available for both adult and child passengers. 3 Create significant additional publicity by alerting press and the public to this innovative resource, providing blog stories, and reporting any unusual wildlife encounters that will result. 4 Enhance the green credentials of the ferry company. 5 Promote membership of ORCA, donations, and sales of merchandise. This will be achieved by offering the following opportunities available daily during all seasons: 1 Auditorium presentation: Enlivened and fun talks about whales, dolphins and seabirds, with a strong emphasis on audience participation. Three separate one hour presentations will be shown during each cruise. 2 Children’s story-telling and activities: An opportunity to enthral the younger generation with stories about the sea, and activities using recycled materials. 3 Wildlife watching (weather dependent): Assist the public with spotting, identifying and discussing the birds, whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals present on the route. 4 The Hands on Experience: The WO will provide a range of ‘sea creatures’ for passengers to touch, pick up, and discuss. Bones, whale baleen, shells etc are an instant attraction to children. This pioneering idea for a ferry will be the ideal mobile presentation, luring people from around the ship and out on deck. REQUIREMENTS ORCA is keen to hear from candidates who can energise and enthuse the general public. Experience of sales, and a knowledge of the marine environment, particularly, whales, dolphins and/or seabirds, is considered an advantage. The post-holder should be confident of being able to work at sea and alone, and outside of normal working hours. Knowledge of the language of the destination country for each ferry (Danish, Dutch or Spanish) is considered an advantage, though not essential. Good English language and written skills are essential. HOW TO APPLY Please send your CV with a covering letter describing why you are interested in the post of ORCA Wildlife Education Officer, and which ferry routes interest you, by email to: Dylan Walker Project Development Manager ORCA - Organisation Cetacea 17 Embassy Court Kings Road Brighton BN1 2PX Tel: +44 (0)1273 739284 Email: dylan(a)orcaweb.org.uk Web: www.orcaweb.org.uk End.

1 0

Summer Residential Volunteers with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
by laurasmith＠blueyonder.co.uk 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

Summer Residential Volunteers with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society WDCS Wildlife Centre in Scotland is looking for 5 enthusiastic Summer Residential Volunteers. WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Volunteering at the wildlife centre will provide you with a wide range of experience in interpretation, including guiding nature walks and boat trips; environmental education; shore and boat-based research into the residential population of bottlenose dolphins in the NE Scotland, including photo identification; event organisation; practical conservation on a nature reserve and customer service. This diversity of work will provide volunteers with a breadth of experience of working for an international conservation organisation and may also open doors to other opportunities within WDCS as it continues its development and growth. Volunteers are provided with shared onsite accommodation and a budget of £30 per week for food. WDCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin. Candidate Requirements Fluency in English. Must be 18 years or over Ability to work effectively alone or as part of a team Ability to work well under pressure. Effective communication with various audiences. How to Apply To get a full job description and application pack, go to http://www2.wdcs.org/hych/volunteer/morayfirth.php Or contact Laura Smith on laura.smith(a)wdcs.org or 01343 820 339 Please send completed application forms to Laura Smith at: laura.smith(a)wdcs.org Or WDCS Wildlife Centre Spey Bay Fochabers Moray IV32 7PJ CLOSING DATE 5pm 23rd January

1 0

Summer Internship
by Sue Rocca 08 Jan '09

08 Jan '09

Marine Mammal Internship with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society WDCS North America (NA), headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is accepting applications for internships. WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDCS (NA) offers a volunteer / intern program to qualified applicants throughout the year in a uniquely designed rolling internship program, allowing each participant / student to customize their learning experience based on their interest. Although all accepted interns would be expected to fulfill basic training in research, education and conservation of marine mammals; WDCS will also provide more detailed training and provide oversight for specific projects of interests. WDCS is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The program typically requires minimum commitment of 3 months, with the possibility of extended the term. All interns are trained in photo-identification, data-collection and management, identification catalog maintenance, public speaking, and marine mammal policy. Based on time of year (due to field season constraints and the varying conservation / management duties), and the motivational level of successful applicants; the intern program may include all or some portion of the following: Education and Outreach Whale Watch Naturalist Training. Outreach to local schools and the general public. Assisting with and learning about the importance of ecotourism and best practices. Writing up a synopsis of the work you conduct while interning with WDCS Helping to plan and execute fundraising events. · Attendance at conferences and meetings. Research Cataloging individually identifiable humpback whales. Collection of distributional data of marine mammals in, and around, the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Researching and submitting grant applications. Preparing a report of the previous season¹s whale sightings with historical analysis, risk issues and the impact of cumulative developmental threats. Attendance and participation in stranding training and events. Conservation Supporting WDCS personnel at key conservation meetings. Literature research for written and oral comments submitted to federal agencies. This type of diversity will provide interns with breadth of experience of working for an international organization in the conservation arena. It may also open doors to other opportunities within WDCS as it continues its development and growth. There is no compensation for these internship positions and each volunteer is responsible for providing their own food as well as $500 per month housing fee. Interns share a house in Plymouth, each intern having their own room. WDCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin. No prior experience is necessary, training will be provided. However, preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Candidate Requirements Fluency in English. Must be 18 years or older, preference given to students matriculated in appropriate graduate or under graduate degree programs. Must be able to show proof of valid health insurance. Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor. Ability to work effectively as a member of a close-knit team. Open to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or lab. Good computer skills familiarity with operating PC¹s and MAC¹s. Good verbal and written communications skills. Familiar with literature research protocols, and research methods and design Ability to work well under pressure. How to Apply Email a covering letter, the completed Volunteer application form <http://www.wdcs-na.org/submissions_bin/wdcsinternapplication.doc> , two letters of reference, along with a resume of no more than 3 pages along with a supporting document of no more than 500 words on one of the following subjects Do whales die through human¹s knowledge or ignorance? Preservation or conservation. Which offers the best route to a sustainable population of an endangered species and why? How do you convert apathy into interest and then into action? Please submit your application by email only to sue.rocca(a)wdcs.org <mailto:sue.rocca@wdcs.org> making sure you clearly indicate your availability. -- Sue Rocca sue.rocca(a)wdcs.org Biologist Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, North America 7 Nelson St. Plymouth, MA 508.746.2522 http://www.wdcs-na.org

1 0

Thanks for photo submissions
by Christoph Richter 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

Dear Marmam Friends, Thank you so much for submitting your beautiful photographs for publication in our book on Antarctica. It has been a while and we appologise: nothing happens as quickly as we would like it!!! We have been sailing in Antarctica for the last two months without means of contact. We have received your submissions, sorted through them, and made the first selection. Those of you that have sent photos that we would like to use, we will contact you separately. For those that were not selected, we thank you so much, and will delete the photos from our computer to ensure that they are not circulated further. The book text is now being edited in english and will be translated into spanish in the next few months. Then a few months for layout and printing... We are so grateful for such a response! Sincerely, Sebastian Arrebola and Shoshanah Jacobs (shoshanahjacobs(a)gmail.com)

1 0