November 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Request for images of rorqual VGB (dead or alive)
by Nick Pyenson 23 Nov '09

23 Nov '09

Fellow marine mammalogists, As part of a project on the biomechanics of ventral groove blubber, I would like to send out a request for images of the throat pouch (i.e., ventral groove blubber) from any living rorquals (Balaenoptera spp. or Megaptera) and any dead ones as well. This request also includes very dead ones, especially those that are bloated, with a distended, balloon-like throat. (This request thus falls under the category of "dead, bloated, rotting whale.") Our research group, at UBC, is interested in the relative extension of the ventral groove blubber (VGB) from rest. Scale bars or objects of known size, while appreciated, are not necessary in the image. Please send images, along with appropriate permission authorization, and any attendant information (e.g., species, length, place, day, condition) to pyenson(a)zoology.ubc.ca Thanks, Nick -- ----------------------------------------- Nicholas D. Pyenson, Ph.D. Currently: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Department of Zoology 2370-6270 University Boulevard University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 CANADA Starting December 2009: Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals Department of Paleobiology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC

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INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
by Daniela Maldini 21 Nov '09

21 Nov '09

Okeanis, a non-profit organization located in Monterey Bay, California is seeking two interns for THREE months minimum and FIVE months maximum (January 2010 - May 2010) to work on data entry and analysis related to bottlenose dolphins and sea otters in the area. There is also some fieldwork mainly related to otters during this season. Data entry involves Excel, Access, GIS and analysis using statistical programs. The internship requires 30 hrs per week of office/field work which includes data entry, analysis, secretarial duties when necessary, web searches, organization of material, analysis of sea otter scat samples and field work collecting abundance and behavioral information, feeding ecology and himan disturbance parameters. Fieldwork occurs during a pre-set schedule that may include nighttime shifts.Some boat work may be involved. We offer: large room (shared with other intern) in household (no commuting to office which is in same building) and food. There is no stipend or travel money so interns would have to arrange for their own travel to Monterey Bay. The rest of the time the intern could seek employment in the area or have off. Candidates should have a minimum of a degree in Natural Sciences, data entry experience, computer skills and some field work experience. Selection of candidates is competitive. Please send a letter of interest and Resume. Contact: Daniela Maldini, Ph.D. President and Chief Scientist Okeanis 7981 Moss Landing Road, Unit A1 Moss Landing, CA 95039 dmaldini(a)okeanis.org www.okeanis.org Daniela Maldini, Ph.D. President and Chief Scientist Okeanis 7981 Moss Landing Road, Unit A1 Moss Landing, CA 95039 Phone: 831-731-5002 dmaldini(a)okeanis.org www.okeanis.org

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Intern Opportunities at the Marine Mammal Care Center
by Marine Mammal Care Center 20 Nov '09

20 Nov '09

The Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur is offering hands-on Veterinary and Husbandry internship opportunities. Spring rotations beginning in February are currently needed. Standard rotations are 10 weeks in duration, 30 hours per week, but alternate rotations can be accommodated. Duties may include cleaning, food preparation, water quality monitoring/maintenance, animal handling/restraint, recordkeeping, and assisting with husbandry, medical or facility tasks. Interns are responsible for their own transportation, housing and medical insurance. This is an unpaid position. Please submit application and necessary forms (available at www.marinemammalcare.org) as well as current cv via mail (no email) to: Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur 3601 South Gaffey St. San Pedro, CA 90731 Attn: David Bard

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Database/Data Management Specialist for Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program
by Charles Littnan 19 Nov '09

19 Nov '09

Aloha All- Below is the second announcement for a position open in the NOAA Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program. This is a non-Federal position so non-US Citizens are eligible for the job. We are re-advertising for this position as our candidate pool wasn't large enough after the first go. I would like to emphasize that this position is focused on database building and management, but also has a large component of dealing with computer/electronics needs for field work. There is also the potential to be involved with the field aspect of our program for qualified candidates who are interested. There is no GIS component to this job, though familiarity with GIS systems and geocoded data etc. is a plus. So if you are looking for a job related to spatial ecology etc. this is not the one for you. If you have any questions about job specifics please contact me (charles.littnan AT noaa.gov) For information specific to JIMAR or applying for this position use the contact information below in the job advertisement. I would also emphasize that the salary listed below is a MINIMUM, the actual salary will be based on experience and skills. THIS POSITION CLOSES NOVEMBER 24, 2009. Please pass this along to anyone you think might be interested. Cheers, Charles JIMAR PIFSC DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SPECIALIST – ID# 29505. Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: $3,222.00. DUTIES: Assumes lead role in monk seal application development team. Develops, implements, modifies and maintains application systems for data checking, viewing, editing, analyzing, summarization, and report generation. Develops, implements, enhances, and maintains new or improved data management systems and general program operating procedures for existing data and field data collection. Provides technical and non-technical assistance and instruction on the acquisition and use of computer hardware and database programs to other staff. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Computer Science. EXPERIENCE: Five to seven (5-7) years of work experience in the design of computer programs dealing with biological data, including design and programming of database applications. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Knowledge of system design, programming procedures, SQL, PL/SQL visual basic, FORTRAN or PASCAL, as well as third party libraries (Object Professional, B-Tree Filer, and other DOS Protected mode complaint data base applications.) Familiarity with networking personal computer conventions, various types of data storage media and file organization. Ability to prepare well-organized and complete documentation of developed systems and procedures. Working knowledge of personal computer peripherals running the MS WINDOWS family operating systems. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed. SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Database Design, or related field. Experience working in remote areas, deploying hardware and software into remote areas, or troubleshooting systems remotely. Proficiency with standard tools used in Unix/Linux environments. Experience using ORACLE, MSDE2000, MS Access and/ or other ODBC compliant software packages. Background in statistical and analytical programming, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) data and data communications protocols. INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-9465 (Oahu). APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment” and navigate to “Job Announcements/Apply for a Job.” However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. CLOSING DATE: November 24, 2009. EEO/AA Employer. ____________________________ Charles Littnan Lead Scientist, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA Fisheries 1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1100 Honolulu HI 96814 P: 808-944-2171 F: 808-941-0307

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Needs PhotoID catalogs on humpback whales in North Pacific
by Mamaev Evgeniy 18 Nov '09

18 Nov '09

Hi all, We have near 250 photoID humpback whales from waters of Commander I. and strong need for find breeding sites of it. For this work we need photoID catalogs of humpbacks from tropical zones of North Pacific (for example Gavayi I., Bonins I., Marians I. etc.). If anybody can help us it will be so beutifull. The photoID catalogs preferebly in pdf. Best wishes for all, Evgeniy G. Mamaev, PhD Commandors Biological Station Kamchatka Institute of Fishery and Oceanography Russia mail to: eumetopias(a)mail.ru

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Tourism impact on marine mammals (Antarctica) - Request for Information
by Anke Kuegler 18 Nov '09

18 Nov '09

Dear all, as a part of an university subject I have to do a talk on the topic "Antarctica and tourism" next week. Unfortunately the literature one finds is more on penguins and other birds than on mammals. I already searched the web of science as well as Cambridge journals and our university bibliographic database. Therefore I would like to ask if there are any papers or studies concerning the impacts of tourism (not necessarily whale watching) on seals and cetaceans in general and in Antarctica in particular. I would appreciate any help very much. Kind regards, Anke Kuegler

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Paper on beaked whale movements
by Greg Schorr 18 Nov '09

18 Nov '09

Hi all, A new paper on the movements and habitat use of satellite-tagged Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) has been published in the special theme section, Biologging Technologies: New Tools for Conservation, in Endangered Species Research. Schorr, G.S., R.W. Baird, M. B. Hanson, D.L. Webster, D.J. McSweeney, and R.D. Andrews. 2009. Movements of satellite-tagged Blainville's beaked whales off the island of Hawaii. Endangered Species Research DOI: 10.3354/esr00229. The paper and an animation of the movements can be found at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/tracking-vertebrates-ii/pp19 Additional information and copies of the paper can be found at Cascadia Research's website, www.cascadiaresearch.org Regards, Greg Abstract: ABSTRACT: Studies of movement patterns and habitat use in cetaceans are often constrained by factors such as ship time, logistics, and the ability to follow individuals over time. Obtaining this information on beaked whales is especially difficult, yet the information is critical to their management and conservation, particularly in light of their susceptibility to naval sonar. To better understand the movements of beaked whales around Hawai'i, Argos-linked satellite tags were remotely applied to the dorsal fins of 8 Blainville's beaked whales Mesoplodon densirostris in 2006 and 2008, representing the first time that beaked whales have been tracked by satellite. Transmissions from the tags were received for 15 to 71 d (mean = 48 d). All 8 individuals were tagged west of the island of Hawai'i, and moved out of the small-boat survey area, also making forays into naval training areas. Despite cumulative straight-line distances moved of up to 2383 km, maximum displacement from tagging location for any individual was only 139 km. Individuals utilized slope waters (mean depth = 1156 m) and remained relatively close to the island (mean distance = 16.9 km). No movements to the east side of the island were documented, despite the availability of similar deep-water habitat. Overall movement patterns suggest that the population is island associated and that individuals exhibit strong site fidelity, both of which increase the susceptibility of this small population to local perturbations. _______________ Greg Schorr Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 4th Ave W Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 943-7325 Office (206) 931-4638 Cell www.cascadiaresearch.org

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2010 Aquatic Mammals holiday discount subscription offer
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 18 Nov '09

18 Nov '09

Please post to MARMAM, thank you. Please forgive cross posting to multiple lists. Aquatic Mammals Journal Offers a SPECIAL subscription Holiday discount. With each renewed or new subscription to Aquatic Mammals Journal, you receive: A summary 12-minute video (available as a download from the journal’s web site in keeping with our green policy) featuring commentary from Sam Ridgway, Bill Evans, Bill Perrin, Jerry Kooyman (and several other marine mammal scientists) discussing Climate change/ Global warming and its affect on marine mammals Visit the Aquatic Mammals Journal web site for details on our 2010 SUBSCRIPTION RATES for Volume 36 (January to December 2010) http://store.aquaticmammalsjournal.org Subscribe today as this special discount expires at midnight on 31 December 2009! Remember with Aquatic Mammals’ new Go Green policy, all papers will be available online as soon as they are reviewed, accepted and typeset. Print copies will be available only on-demand with hard copies published only twice a year. Subscriptions can be purchased by credit card online at http://store.aquaticmammalsjournal.org or payment can be made by check in US dollars to: Aquatic Mammals c/o Gina Colley Western Illinois University Document and Publication Services Macomb, IL 61455 USA GR-Colley(a)wiu.edu Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Co-Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal kathleen(a)dcpmail.org www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org to submit a manuscript, visit our: Manuscript Fast track web site at http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php

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volunteers needed for research on dolphins in Port Stephens, Australia
by Steckenreuter 18 Nov '09

18 Nov '09

Hi all, The Marine Mammal Research Group of Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, is currently looking for two volunteers during the summer season 2010. The boat-based surveys will be carried out in the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park, 200 km north of Sydney, from 15th February to 15th March 2010. Interns will participate in the field on a daily basis collecting behavioural and ecological data of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field training and analysis with experienced dolphin researchers. Prerequisites: Ideal internship applicants are at least undergraduates of a scientifically oriented university subject. Participants should have a motor boat driving license or at least very good boat driving skills. Volunteers must commit for the entire four weeks. Accommodation and food are provided during the stay but applicants are responsible for all travelling expenses to and from the field site. Interested applicants should contact Andre Steckenreuter: astecken(a)gse.mq.edu.au Regards, Andre Steckenreuter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PhD Candidate Marine Mammal Research Group Graduate School of the Environment Macquarie University 2109 NSW Australia Ph: 0410862189 Email: astecken(a)gse.mq.edu.au ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Sea Watch Foundation: Voluntary Education and Awareness Assistant required for 2010 field season
by Gemma Veneruso 17 Nov '09

17 Nov '09

Sea Watch Foundation – Voluntary Education and Awareness Assistant opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2010 The Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) is seeking an education and awareness assistant to take part in the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” in New Quay, West Wales which manages the conservation of a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, the largest in the UK. Monitoring of harbour porpoise and grey seal populations is also part of the project. This position will suit a volunteer that has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving the public. The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties: · Participate in presentations and create activities to take to local schools · Write news reports and articles · Assist in the organisation and participation of annual event, National Whale and Dolphin Watch · Come up with new educational initiatives · Talk to the public about the marine environment and conservation of cetaceans · Assist in the organisation of training courses The assistant will also have the opportunity to be involved in the research, helping the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer, and will be expected to take part in the following tasks: · Land-based surveys · Boat-based surveys · Photo-identification studies · Database entry · Acoustic monitoring · Behavioural studies The field season will begin in April until October 2010, which has been split into four separate periods of six weeks each. One assistant is required for each period however preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole six month field season. The assistant will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of approximately £55/week in a house sharing with marine research volunteers. The assistant is responsible for their own travel and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2010: Period 1 26/04 – 6/06, Period 2 7/06 – 18/07, Period 3 19/07 – 29/08, Period 4 30/08 – 10/10 Important skills/qualifications Essential: · a strong interest in marine conservation and education · confidence to interact with the public · good verbal and writing skills · must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position · strong commitment to volunteering work · an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner · an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: · a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar · a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans · good IT skills (Office package) · prior experience in public speaking · prior experience in boat-based survey work · willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather · Assistants also have the opportunity to learn about other research aspects such as cetacean observation and identification, line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. To apply: Please send your CV, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadline: 31st of January 2010. Please specify EDUCATION ASSISTANT APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2009. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. _________________________________________________________________ Have more than one Hotmail account? Link them together to easily access both http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/186394591/direct/01/

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