March 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

FW: Job vacancy - Research assistant.
by Lacey, Claire 17 Mar '09

17 Mar '09

Apologies for cross-posting The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. Song of the Whale (SOTW) is a 22m purpose built British registered sailing vessel designed to provide a flexible working platform for our onboard research team. Using passive acoustic and visual techniques, the team carries out studies of threatened and endangered marine mammals and their habitats, educates students, trains scientists and develops and disseminates non-invasive research techniques around the world. We seek an enthusiastic and well qualified RESEARCH ASSISTANT to join our multidisciplinary team on a 6 month Fixed Term Contract. Salary c. £22,000 (pro rata). The post holder will participate in the design, implementation, analysis and reporting of research projects from RV Song of the Whale in addition to taking part in outreach and advocacy work carried out by the team. For further information about the SOTW team and projects please see www.ifaw.org/sotw. Requirements · Education to university higher degree level in a relevant scientific/technical subject. · A broad knowledge of cetacean research techniques, such as passive acoustics, signal processing techniques and concepts, and statistics · A good working knowledge of computing including relational database design, and experience of a relational database system, preferably Microsoft Access, as well as preferably appropriate programming languages such as Matlab, Visual Basic and/or SPLUS. · Excellent communication and personal skills to work with a diverse team of colleagues often in challenging conditions; and to communicate with variety of audiences including media and general public. Multi-lingual skills an advantage. Experience · At least three years experience in the field of cetacean science or field research would be advantageous. · Experience and background knowledge of marine mammal acoustics and vocalisations both in the field and in analysis of acoustic data · Experience of working in a team and with researchers in other institutions both nationally and internationally. · Experience of working on and handling small boats would be very useful. How to apply Complete the application form which can be downloaded with the full job description from www.ifaw.org/uk/employment <http://www.ifaw.org/uk/employment> Return the application form together with your cv by: (a) email to recruituk(a)ifaw.org <mailto:recruituk@ifaw.org> or (b) post to RecruitUK, IFAW, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UD. CVs will not be accepted without the completed application form. Applications to be received no later than 4pm on the 31st March 09. Interviews will likely be conducted during the week 20th April. The successful candidate would be required to take up the post by the beginning of June 09. Please note that these posts do not necessarily qualify for a UK work permit. Claire Lacey Program Assistant Song of the Whale team International Fund for Animal Welfare www.ifaw.org/sotw --------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. This transmission is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential and/or legally privileged.

1 0

International Whaling History Conference EIGHTH COLOGNE WHALING MEETING, November 2009
by Klaus Barthelmess 17 Mar '09

17 Mar '09

EIGHTH COLOGNE WHALING MEETING Cologne, Germany Friday, 13 – Sunday, 15 November, 2009 The triennial Cologne Whaling Meetings are one of only two regular international conferences on the cultural history of human-cetacean relations, worldwide, from prehistoric times to the present day. Presentations traditionally cover topics from mythology, literature, art, archaeology, music, law, technology of whale products and whaling methods, the history and maintenance of whaling collections and monuments, historical strandings, early cetology, whaling history, personal recollections of whaling veterans, to current whaling policy. In the past, they have attracted between 60 and 80 participants from up to 13 countries. The program customarily starts on Friday evening with the traditional „greasy gossip“, a casual warm-up reunion in a Cologne pub, where you can meet old friends and make new ones from all over the whaling world. Saturday will feature an all-day conference programme of eight presentations, with coffee and lunch breaks in between. There will be a Saturday night dinner (at participants’ own expense), followed by a concert of whaling-related music. Sunday morning will be devoted to four more presentations. The conference will close between noon and 1:30 PM. As usual, participants can expect to see a specially arranged exhibition. Current plans aim at compiling a pioneering, ambitious exhibition on „Tales of humans and whales as told by the Dieter Kuesgen collection of whaling postcards“. This year, speakers from seven European and overseas countries have volunteered to give the following presentations: 1. Matthias Bode, Marburg, Germany: “Mediterranean cetacean lore and whale use in Antiquity” 2. Susan A. Lebo, PhD, Honolulu, Hawaii: “Photographic evidence of whale bone architecture among Iñupiat communities of Arctic Alaska, 1880 – 1960” 3. Dr. Uwe Schnall, German Maritime Museum (retired): “Witches, sorcerers, and whales. The marine monsters of old Norse literature” 4. Prof. Bernhard Stonehouse, Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge: “Triumph and disaster: British whalers in Baffin Bay, 1817-1840” 5. Dinah Molloy Thompson, Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge: “Whalers forecasting our climate" 6. Dale Chatwin, Brisbane, Australia: “’A Trade so Uncontrollably Uncertain’. English whaling in the South Pacific, 1815-1860” 7. Thierry du Pasquier, Paris, France: “The last French involvements in whaling, 1860s – 1960s” 8. Seiji Ohsumi, PhD, Taiji Whale Museum, Taiji, Japan: “History and present status of dolphin fisheries in Japan” 9. Ole Sparenberg, University of Göttingen: “New research on German whaling in the 1930s” 10. Dale Vinnedge, Director, and past president of the Friends of the National Maritime Museum Library, San Francisco, California: “The Onassis connection to northern California whaling” 11. Dr. Rip Bulkeley, Exeter College, Oxford: “Cold War whaling: the origin and early deployment of the SLAVA flotilla” 12. Dr. Joost Schokkenbroek, Dutch Maritime Museum, Amsterdam: “Moving a whaling collection. The transfer of the Zuiderzeemuseum’s whaling artefacts and books to the Dutch Maritime Museum” Dinner talk: Nick Redman, Whales’ Bones Worldwide, London: “The whales’ bones of Germany” After-dinner concert: Sigrid Alvestad, Bergen, Norway: Tunes on the Hardanger fiddle. The CONFERENCE FEE will be 100 Euros per person, regardless of the duration of your participation, student status, personal, professional or institutional affiliation. The fee i.a. covers snacks and beverages during conference breaks, and conference lunch on Saturday, as well as your conference package with name badge, handouts, and a souvenir. Not included in this fee is the optional buffet-style dinner on Saturday night. PLEASE NOTE THAT PARTICIPATION IS BY PERSONAL INVITATION ONLY! If you are not already known to the convener, Klaus Barthelmess, you have to apply for an invitiation, outlining your interest in the history in human-cetacean relations, naming institutional affiliations & websites, giving references, etc., in an email without attachments. The convener reserves the right to refuse participation. Upon invitation, participants hitherto unknown may be expected to remit the non-refundable conference fee by bank transfer or Paypal (no checks, no credit cards). Upon receipt of payment, you will be sent directions, list of conference hotels, etc. Thank you for your understanding! Cheers Klaus Barthelmess Cologne, Germany barthval at t-online.de

1 0

Contract Research Assistant
by Gigi Wong 16 Mar '09

16 Mar '09

Contract Research Assistant The incumbent will be responsible for conducting the daily cognitive and behavioral research sessions with bottlenose dolphins. He/she will need to collect and analyze the acoustic and video data. He/she is also required to set up, maintain and conduct safety check on equipment and keep good record of all research inventories. Requirements: * Degree or above in animal sciences or related subjects * Experience in animal handling and training is preferable but not essential * Manual handling of research equipment (weighted 25 kg) required * Computer literacy in MS Office * Good command of both written and spoken in English and Chinese * Team player and able to lead a group of volunteers * Willing to work outdoor, on shifts and during weekends and public holidays Applications giving details of qualifications, working experience, present and expected salary, contact telephone number and address should be sent to the Human Resources Division, Ocean Park, Aberdeen, Hong Kong or via email: hrd(a)oceanpark.com.hk (Please quote reference) Ocean Park Website : www.oceanpark.com.hk <http://www.oceanpark.com.hk> Applicants not contacted within six weeks may consider their applications unsuccessful. Personal data collected will be used for recruitment-related purpose only. Thanks & With Regards Gigi Wong Recruitment & Employee Relations Human Resources Division Tel : 3923 2864 Fax : 25530777

1 0

Navy Grant Opportunity
by Sarah Courbis 16 Mar '09

16 Mar '09

I wasn't sure if this opportunity had been posted on MARMAM. Deadline is coming up quickly. Thought it might be of interest to MARMAM subscribers. Title Infra-Red Detection of Marine Mammals From Ship-Based Platforms - ONRBAA09-015 URL for more info http://fedbizopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=20090312a5 <http://fedbizopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=20090312a5> Sponsor United States Department of Defense (DOD) Department of the Navy Office of Naval Research (ONR) Sponsor Type Federal, U.S. Amount Note Deadline Mar 23, 2009 Deadline Note Activity Location United States Citizenship or Residency United States Requirements Commercial Ph.D./M.D./Other Professional Small Business Abstracts ***Rapid deadline notice. The application deadline for this opportunity will expire within four weeks of its inclusion in the COS database.*** The ONR is interested in receiving proposals for research into the use of infra-red (IR) band technology as a potential means of detecting marine mammals. The goal is to evaluate the efficacy of IR imagery (still or video) for near-real-time detection of marine mammals from ship-based platforms. Ultimately IR detection might be optimized by use of high-incident angle views of the sea surface via unmanned aerial vehicles or other platforms. However, to minimize initial investment costs while ONR evaluates the potential of this detection technology ONR will not here invest in studies using a costly autonomous flying platform. Rather ONR seeks to invest in research using ship-based, more oblique-angle techniques coupled with visual observation of marine mammals, which offers validation opportunities. At the discretion of the proposer, ship-based measurements might utilize tethered balloons, kites or tall masts to increase incident viewing angles of the imagery system, and might be preceded by land (cliff)-based evaluations that could cost effectively develop and test the proposed technology. The interest is in developing and testing a small, light weight, low power IR imagery (still or video) system that may be adaptable to diverse platforms. Therefore the focus of this BAA is on uncooled (microbolometric) IR systems, and not cooled systems. Proposers should describe and defend the proposed sensors and imagery systems, the nature and stability of the deployment system as it relates to expected image quality, the sampling protocol for marine mammal detection, the time responsiveness and need for human control of the proposed systems, and goals for detection in terms of range and spatial resolution. Work funded under a BAA may include basic research, applied research and some advanced technology development. more.. <http://fundingopps.cos.com/alerts/117939?id=117939&if=alert#abstracts> Eligibility COS Keywords Marine Zoology Tracking or Detection Devices (Defense) Funding Type Research Sponsor Contact Info Angela Bruce-Dunson, Senior Contracting Officer more.. <http://fundingopps.cos.com/alerts/117939?id=117939&if=alert#sponsorcont acts> Address Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research Code 02 875 North Randolph Street Suite 1425 City Arlington Province/State VA Zip 22203-1995 Country United States Phone +1 (703) 696-2577 Fax +1 (703) 696-0066 Email angela.bruce-dunson(a)navy.mil <mailto:angela.bruce-dunson@navy.mil> Bookmark Url http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/fo2/getRec?id=117939 <http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=117939> Sarah Courbis Ph.D. Candidate Portland State University sarahc(a)rogue.com

1 0

"Don't Feed Wild Dolphins" animated PSA and website
by Stacey Horstman 16 Mar '09

16 Mar '09

Dear MARMAM readers, Last week, NOAA issued a press release on the official debut of the new "Don't Feed Wild Dolphins" animated Public Service Announcement (PSA) and website. The PSA provides an innovative approach to remind viewers that feeding wild dolphins is not only illegal but harmful to dolphins as well. This project was 4 years in the making and accomplished thanks to the hard work and perseverance of numerous folks at NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Region and Headquarters working in partnership with the Marine Mammal Commission, the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution's Protect Wild Dolphins License Plate fund, Mote Marine Laboratory, and members of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. The PSA can viewed at the following web site, which also has more information on wild dolphin conservation and responsible viewing: http://www.dontfeedwilddolphins.org. The press release can be viewed at: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090311_dolphinpsa.html. Please feel free to distribute this widely and use it as educational tool. Thank you! Best, Stacey Horstman -- *************************************************** Stacey C. Horstman Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation Coordinator National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-824-5312 727-824-5309 FAX ***************************************************

1 0

FW: Pufferfish and cetaceans
by Sue Gibbs 14 Mar '09

14 Mar '09

We have recently necropsied a dolphin that had a porcupinefish stuck in its mouth and I am looking for a reference for, report of, or anecdotal information regarding small odontocetes consuming puffer-type fish e.g porcupine fish, globe fish etc, particularly from the families diodontidae and tetradontidae. Apparently there is a reference to killer whale and dolphin predation in the book "Encylopedia of fishes" by Paxton etal. but I have been unable to access this book. Other references I have found are unclear if it is dolphins or dolphinfish. I would appreciate the list ' s help if you have any information . Thanks Sue <mailto:sue.gibbs@internode.on.net> Sue Gibbs, BSc, MEnvS PhD Candidate Marine Mammal Research Group Macquarie University Sydney, Australia Email: <mailto:sgibbs@gse.mq.edu.au> sgibbs(a)gse.mq.edu.au or <mailto:sue.gibbs@bigpond.com> sue.gibbs(a)bigpond.com If this e-mail was sent to you in error, please accept my apologies. I would appreciate a return e-mail so that I can prevent the rror occurring again. I ask that you do not distribute or print any part of this wrongly sent e-mail message, or take any action as a result of knowing its contents, but that you destroy all copies and any attachment(s). Your cooperation is appreciated.

1 0

New paper: Skin lesions and physical deformities of coastal and offshore common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Maddalena Bearzi 12 Mar '09

12 Mar '09

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce a new paper in the current issue of Ambio entitled " Skin lesions and physical deformities of coastal and offshore common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Santa Monica Bay and adjacent areas, California². Abstract Skin lesions and physical deformities on coastal and offshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were assessed during a photo-identification study conducted between 1997-2007 in Santa Monica Bay and adjacent areas, California. During 425 boat surveys, 647 individuals were identified based on marks on their dorsal fins. On 637 individuals examined for skin lesions and deformities, 79.0% exhibited at least one type of lesion. Offshore animals showed more lesions than coastal animals (offshore: 87.8%, n = 209; coastal: 73.4%, n = 270). Only one individual showed a physical deformity. Results show that skin lesions affect a large portion of the coastal and offshore dolphin populations in the study area. When considering that lesions and physical deformities can be a sign of disease and may be related to anthropogenic factors, their high presence on dolphins must be a cause of concern. For a PDF copy please visit Ambio: A Journal of the Human Environment at http://ambio.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request=get-toc&issn=0044-7447&amp ;volume=38&issue=2 or send requests to: mbearzi(a)earthlink.net Best Regards, Maddalena Bearzi ______________________________ Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 - USA ph.310.8225205, fax 310.8225729 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net http://www.oceanconservation.org

1 0

JOB POSTING-BIOLOGIST POSITION, NEWPORT, RI
by Campbell, Ryan J CIV NUWC NWPT 12 Mar '09

12 Mar '09

BIOLOGIST POSITIONS The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Rhode Island is seeking qualified candidates with outstanding marine biological research, written and oral communication, and Geographic Information System (GIS) skills to serve as biologists in support of U.S. Navy environmental planning projects. Individuals selected for these positions will directly support environmental planning for U.S. Navy testing and training. Individuals will team with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) within the Marine Resources Support Group (MRSG) to support the U.S. Fleet Forces and the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The MRSG is a group of Navy biologists, scientists, and environmental planners who have particular expertise or experience in environmental planning and regulatory compliance in the marine environment. The incumbents will prepare and review marine related documentation including endangered species and marine mammal consultation packages, Environmental Assessments (EAs)/Overseas Environmental Assessments (OEAs), Categorical Exclusions (CATEXs), mitigation and monitoring plans, and related special environmental studies or technical reports assessing the environmental impacts of proposed Navy actions involving at-sea operations, training, and testing. The incumbents selected will be expected to participate in consultations with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), coordinate projects with a multi-disciplinary team, and participate in project management for research and compliance documents. Experience or knowledge of the following is highly desirable: marine mammal, sea turtle, seabird or fisheries biology; research design for marine species monitoring programs; principals of underwater acoustics; statistical principles and methods; ESRI GIS products; environmental legislation and DoD/Navy policy. This is not a field biologist position, but there are numerous opportunities for travel. The positions are located onsite at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Rhode Island and are open to all U.S. citizens. USAJOBS links: http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=79225132, http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=79835853 If further information is needed, please do not hesitate to contact Carole James at 401-832-1020.

1 0

Request for help: heavy metal in variable, unmeasured blood
by Annett Finger 11 Mar '09

11 Mar '09

Hello, I'm in the first year of my PhD project "Toxicology of Little Penguins". And while not technically a marine mammal, the little penguin is a top preditor and as such is susceptible to bioaccumulation of toxins. Particularily, we are interested in heavy metals. The study colony is at St. Kilda pier in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Australia. The shipping channels within the bay are currently undergoing major dredge works which is thought to release toxins into the food chain. We plan to sample blood, feather, scats, eggs and carcasses. We are also very fortunate to have 150 pre-dredging blood samples from this colony from known-sex penguins, which were spare samples collected as part of a different project two years ago. Since the samples were not taken specifically for heavy metal determination we have the following challenges: - variable, unmeasured amount of full blood (around 60 to 80 microgram) stored in variable, unmeasured amount of 70% ethanol - stored in plastic vials at room temperature. - we know the sex and the ID of the donor penguin Does anyone in the Marmam community have any ideas on how to go about measuring the amount of blood in each vial within these constraints? My understanding is that it's not as easy as evaporating the ethanol and weighting the blood. Any help is greatly appreciated! Best regards, *Annett Finger* *PhD Candidate* Ecology and Sustainability School of Engineering and Science Victoria University PO BOX 14428 (St Albans Campus) MCMC 8001 Victoria, Australia Phone 61 3 9919 2601 Fax 61 3 9919 2465 Email Annett.Finger <Annett.Finger(a)live.vu.edu.au>*(a)live.vu.edu.au* Web www.vu.edu.au

1 0

Biennial conference of the SMM - Quebec City October 2009 - reminder to workshop/symposia proponents
by Lesage, Veronique 11 Mar '09

11 Mar '09

The deadline to submit workshop proposals for consideration at the 18th Biennial Marine Mammal Conference is fast approaching - it's less than a week away. We have received 11 workshop proposals so far, with additional expressions of interest. If you want us to consider your proposal for a workshop prepare your application and submit it soon! Application forms are available through the SMM website (http://marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id =74&Itemid=65). On the morning of March 16th 2009 the Committee will consider all of the proposals and make consensus decisions regarding approval, date, and venue. We will then notify successful proponents, and begun the process of confirming contacts, costs, and other logistics. I know that myself, and many of my colleagues, have enjoyed the workshops at previous conferences. I look forward to seeing another great ensemble in Quebec. Good luck, and don't miss the deadline! Jack Lawson, Workshop Committee Chairman (jack.lawson(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca) Veronique Lesage, Ph.D., Scientific program co-chair NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: Veronique.Lesage(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Chercheur, Cetaces/Cetacean research scientist Biologie et conservation des mammiferes marins/Marine mammal biology and conservation Peches et Oceans Canada/Fisheries and Oceans Canada Institut Maurice-Lamontagne/Maurice Lamontagne Institute C.P. 1000/P.O. Box 1000 850 Route de la Mer Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4 http://www.qc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/iml/en/sci/LesageV http://www.osl.gc.ca/mm/en/index.html TEL (418) 775-0739 FAX (418) 775-0740 Email: Veronique.Lesage(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

1 0