May 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Scientist and Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) Operational Technician Vacancies
by Nick Robinson 26 Oct '10

26 Oct '10

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and are a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As part of our continued growth there are immediate vacancies for the following positions: PAMS OPERATIONAL TECHNICIAN As a PAMS Operational Technician you will be responsible for the maintenance, despatch and receipt of all PAMS equipment. In addition, you will be expected to keep up to date with national and international development of PAMS and implement accordingly. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess a full comprehension with the technical composition and use of PAMS. Ideally the candidate would have an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and previous marine survey experience would be advantageous. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENTIST Reporting to the current Marine Wildlife Business Manager, you will be expected to undertaken and develop the application of marine mammal observations, monitoring and recording systems, the compilation and preparation of reports and the processing of observational data and possess a sound knowledge marine mammals, their biology and identification. Ideally you will be of degree calibre or equivalent, and demonstrate the ability to lead and develop projects from implementation to completion and illustrate sound commercial awareness. You will need to be a confident individual with a can do attitude and enjoy being challenged. Previous relevant marine oil and gas or renewable energy industry experience is advantageous. Both positions require the individual to spend in the region of 60 days at sea, dependent on project requirements, with the remaining time being office based (Great Yarmouth). As well as a competitive salary, these roles also include offshore allowances and a range of employee benefits, such as; personal and professional development, a further range of employee benefits and world wide travel opportunities. To apply for these positions please email your CV and covering letter to Allan Tucker, Recruitment Officer on recruitment(a)gardline.com. Closing date: 8th April 2009 Nick Robinson ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company.

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New paper - Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology
by Maddalena Bearzi 24 Jun '09

24 Jun '09

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce a new paper in the current issue of Contributions of Zoology entitled " Dolphins and African apes: comparisons of sympatric socio-ecology " co-authored by myself and Craig B. Stanford. Abstract Dolphins and African apes are distantly related mammalian taxa that exhibit striking convergences in their socioecology. In both cetaceans and African apes, two or more closely related species sometimes occur in sympatry. However, detailed reviews of the ways in which sympatric associations of dolphins and apes are similar have not been done. As fi eld studies of dolphins and apes have accumulated, comparisons of how the two groups avoid direct food competition when in sympatry have become possible. In this paper we review sympatric ecology among dolphins and African apes, and examine convergences in species-associations in each taxa. We review evidence for hypotheses that seek to explain avoidance of food competition, and consider whether ape-dolphin similarities in this area may be related to the way in which social groups in both taxa optimally exploit their food resources. For a free PDF copy please visit: http://dpc.uba.uva.nl/cgi/t/text/get-pdf?c=ctz;idno=7604a03 or send requests to: mbearzi(a)earthlink.net 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

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The Monachus Guardian 12 (1): June 2009
by William M. Johnson 30 May '09

30 May '09

THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN, JUNE 2009 Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Monk Seal This is to let you know that we have now published the June 2009 issue of The Monachus Guardian, the biannual electronic journal focusing on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. The site can be accessed at <http://www.monachus-guardian.org> HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CURRENT ISSUE: Guest Editorial: Monk seal metaphor for the Mediterranean ecosystem, by Ali Cemal Gücü... International News: IUCN World Congress votes overwhelmingly for monk seal action but will its own specialist group pay any heed? .... plus, Who are our seals? Moving towards a standardized population estimate approach for Monachus monachus a report on the ECS Workshop in Istanbul. Hawaiian News: Ecosystem healthy; monk seals plunging... Mediterranean News: Croatia: Comeback sightings... Greece: STOP PRESS | Artemis found dead on Skiathos... Turkey: Badem undergoes veterinary treatment... Mauritania: Open beach observations on the rise in Cabo Blanco... Cover Story: Freedom at last for KP2, the first successfully released hand-reared Hawaiian monk seal, by David Schofield... In Focus I: Artemis diary, by Eugenia Androukaki... In Focus II: Our monk seal ambassador, Desertinha¹, dies in Madeira, by Rosa Pires... Perspectives I: Our Sea, Our Life, by Konstantinos Mentzelopoulos... Perspectives II: The 1st International Conference for Marine Mammal Protected Areas: a long overdue workshop on both Monachus species, by Spyros Kotomatas, Vangelis Paravas, Harun Güçlüsoy and Rosa Pires... Letters to the Editor: Volunteering and internships in monk seal conservation... Recent Publications. The current and back issues of The Monachus Guardian are also available from the Monk Seal Library <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/library.htm> and may either be viewed on-line, or downloaded as PDF files. Should you have any comments on the web site or its contents, please contact us at: editor(a)monachus-guardian.org. For breaking or developing news stories between issues of the journal, please check out our TMG news blog <http://www.monachus-guardian.org/wordpress> and/or TMG Facebook page <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monachus-Guardian/41543542423> Our sincere thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have made this issue possible. William M. Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org PS. Don't hesitate to let us know if you appear to be on this email information list in error. _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor(a)monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________

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Right Whale Aerial survey Program, 2010: Aerial survey observer positions
by Ruth H Leeney 29 May '09

29 May '09

Right whale Aerial Survey Observer positions at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies is seeking two aerial survey observers for the upcoming 2010 right whale survey season. Observers will work with the aerial survey team, which operates between January 1 and May 31 every year, flying aerial surveys over Cape Cod Bay to assess the abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay. The observers' primary responsibilities include: - Participation in aerial surveys, either as the data recorder or photographer. - Processing of aerial survey data: Entering data recorded during surveys, filling in data tables throughout the season, photo analysis, matching photographs taken on surveys to known, catalogued individuals, updating in--house identification website, helping to prepare data for submissions to the New England Aquarium. - Keeping up with current issues in right whale monitoring, particularly familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols. Other responsibilities may include: - Assisting program director and flight coordinator with relevant projects. - Updating in-house photo catalog - Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons. Requirements: * A degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences (required). * Experience with digital SLR cameras. * Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and matching of photographs (required). * Data entry; basic computer skills in programs such as Excel and Word (required). * Aerial survey experience. Must not suffer from air sickness. * Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable. * Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to learn. We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season. Observers are sometimes required to work on weekends and for long hours in a small plane. Applicants with a long-term interest in working in the field of large whale conservation research are encouraged to apply. Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This is a paid position. PCCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found at the following links: Habitat program: <http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm>http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm Aerial program: <http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm>http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm Application process: Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email to <mailto:scrockett@coastalstudies.org>srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org . The closing date for applications is July 15, 2009. No applications will be accepted after this date. Please use "Aerial survey observer position" in the subject line of your email. Ruth H. Leeney, PhD Director, Right Whale Aerial Survey Program Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue MA 02657 USA t: (508) 487-3623 ext. 111 www.coastalstudies.org www.namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney

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Re: [MARMAM] A request for a review of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity"
by Naomi Rose 29 May '09

29 May '09

In response to Eduardo Fernandez's May 27 request for a review of The HSUS/WSPA booklet "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity, a critical review is always welcome; among other reasons, it assists in improving future editions. However, I would like to note that the public display community has had (for decades) ample opportunity - including in U.S. law - to make the argument FOR holding marine mammals in captivity. The "pro" platforms are myriad and include "Shamu TV" in San Diego, the facilities themselves, and any number of web sites, travel articles in popular media, and so on. The purpose of The HSUS/WSPA booklet was and is to respond to and rebut the claims made from those platforms - I would think an open debate on this topic would be welcome by both sides. A common argument made by the public display community is that those who oppose holding marine mammals in captivity have only emotional support for their position. The main motivation for producing this booklet is simply to point out that, on the contrary, there are substantive and yes, even science-based arguments AGAINST holding marine mammals in captivity. The views expressed in the booklet are supported by factual events, by peer-reviewed literature, and by other science-based documentation, where it exists. The rest is based on logic and organizational ethics and beliefs. It's a position paper - rebuttals (that are equally substantive and supported by peer-reviewed and science-based documentation where possible) are encouraged. _______________________________ Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Senior Scientist International Policy Humane Society International 700 Professional Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA Ph 301 258 3048 Fax 301 258 3082 Eml nrose(a)hsi.org http://www.hsi.org <http://www.hsi.org> http://www.hsus.org <http://www.hsus.org/> NOTICE: This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately at the telephone number above. Thank you.

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Request for help: Pinniped photographs needed
by Shilpa Rajkumar 28 May '09

28 May '09

Hello. I am currently reviewing and updating the operational guide used by New South Wales Parks and Wildlife (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change) staff in the event of a seal haulout incident. I am hoping to obtain some good quality photographs showing phocids and or otariids at different stages of their life cycle. Ideally, I would like a range of photographs showing clearly the seals/sea lions: a) in good body condition, b) emaciated, c) have very obvious eye injuries, d) very obviously moulting (especially southern elephant seals) e) have extensive bite wounds f) a pup with its mother (to highlight size and colour differences; Species: Australian and New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions) g) adult males (Species: Australian and New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, leopard seals, Sub-antarctic fur seals) h) adult females (Species: Australian and New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, leopard seals, Sub-antarctic fur seals) i) thermoregulating The photographs will not be used for commercial purposes and the photographers will be clearly acknowledged in the final document. If anyone can help me, please contact me at Shilpa.Rajkumar(a)environment.nsw.gov.au. Your assistance will be deeply appreciated. Yours sincerely, Shilpa. --Shilpa Rajkumar, Project Officer, Major Programmes Major Programs Unit, Protected Areas Policy and Programs Branch Parks & Wildlife Group NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change P.O. Box 1967 HURSTVILLE 1481 Telephone: + 61 2 9585 6928 Cell phone: 0425 631 831 Fax: + 61 2 9585 6666 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This email is intended for the addressee(s) named and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and then delete it immediately. Any views expressed in this email are those of the individual sender except where the sender expressly and with authority states them to be the views of the Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW).

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Fall Internship Opportunity
by Kuczaj Laboratory 28 May '09

28 May '09

The University of Southern Mississippi Psychology Department is offering a Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates for the fall of 2009. College credits for the internship are awarded by the University of Southern Mississippi. Interns will work with faculty and graduate student researchers and will have an opportunity to help in the analysis of data from USM’s Mississippi Wild Dolphin Project, a boat-based research project surveying the Mississippi Gulf Coast bottlenose dolphin population. Interns may assist in the analysis of environmental, behavioral, and acoustic data, as well as photo-ID. In the research laboratory, interns will gain experience in different areas, such as behavioral analysis using video and ethogram data and acoustic analyses of a variety of cetacean species, including killer whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, and bottlenose and rough-tooth dolphins. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist graduate students in the collection of behavioral data of captive rough-tooth dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Interns are also encouraged to complete a small personal research project on a topic relevant to their research interests. The internship is a full time voluntary position, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements. Students interested in the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship are required to send: a resumea letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship (what you expect to contribute and gain from the internship)an unofficial or official copy of your transcriptsat least two letters of recommendation (preferably from college professors who know you personally) All materials should be sent to: Internship Coordinator Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025 Materials may arrive separately or together, but the complete application must be postmarked by July 1st. We encourage interested applicants to become familiar with the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab. For more information, please visit our website at www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj or you can email the internship coordinator at kuczaj_laboratory(a)yahoo.com.

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International Sirenian Symposium announcement
by Margaret E Kellogg 28 May '09

28 May '09

Dear Colleagues, You are invited to participate in the Fourth International Sirenian Symposium: Exploring Issues Related to Sirenian Conservation, Rehabilitation, Monitoring, and Biology on Sunday, 11 October 2009 from 12:30-5:00 PM. This symposium is held in conjunction with the 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Quebec, Canada. The aim of the International Sirenian Symposium is to foster communication between researchers, managers, and policy makers. Scientists and managers representing countries from all over the globe are invited to submit a brief abstract to speak at the symposium. All presenters will be given 10 minutes, including time for questions. Presentation topics will be limited to four per session and should relate to one of the discussion areas listed below: I - Conservation/Management - Conservation, Regulations, Laws, Modeling, Recovery, Survey Techniques II - Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release - Programs, Capture, Husbandry, Medicine, Health Assessment III - Monitoring Applications - Carcass Recovery, Aerial Surveys, Radio Tagging, Photo ID, Genetics IV- Biology/Research - Anatomy, Physiology, Habitat, Ecology, Behavior To register for this workshop, please follow the instructions on the web site at: http://www.marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&i… There will be a small registration fee of $10.00/US collected at the door for this symposium. If you would like to submit for a presentation please send an electronic copy of your abstract to Nicole Adimey ( nicole_adimey(a)fws.gov) by 15 August 2009. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Margaret E. Kellogg, PhD Molecular Biologist U.S. Geological Survey Sirenia Project 7920 NW 71st Street Gainesville, Florida 32653-3701 Office: (352) 264-3484 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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DEADLINE 4th DCL Workshop and 1st DE Workshop, University of Pavia, September 2009
by Gianni Pavan 28 May '09

28 May '09

As we received some requests to accept abstracts later than the original deadline set on June 1st, the workshop committee agrees in extending the deadline to June 8th. September 2009, 10 - 12 : 4th International Workshop on Detection, Classification and Localization of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics September 2009, 13 : Linked Workshop: 1st International Workshop on Density Estimation of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics The workshops web page is available on the CIBRA website at <http://www.unipv.it/cibra/DCLWorkshop2009.html>http://www.unipv.it/cibra/DCLWorkshop2009.html A short presentation of the workshops can be downloaded here: <http://www.unipv.it/cibra/DCLWorkshop2009.html>http://www.unipv.it/cibra/Workshop2009.pdf For any additional information please write to gianni.pavan(a)unipv.it Deadlines & Important Dates May 1, 2009: Registration and Abstract submission opening June 8: Deadline for abstract submission June 15: Notification of Acceptance June 22: Deadline for Registration, Payment and Accomodation Booking September 30: Deadline for presenting full papers for the Proceedings Program September 9: 17 PM, Registration opening and welcome buffet September 10 to 12: DCL Workshop September 12, afternoon: Technical discussion, Round Table and introduction to DE Workshop September 13: Density Estimation Workshop Scientific Committee Gianni Pavan (Univ. of Pavia, Italy); Walter Zimmer (NURC, Italy); David Moretti (NUWC, US); Bob Gisiner (MMC, US); John Potter (Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore); Olivier Adam (NAMC, Paris University, France); Len Thomas (Univ St Andrews, Scotland; convenor of the DE workshop). Organizing Committee Gianni Pavan, CIBRA (DCL Workshop); Len Thomas, StAndrews (DE Workshop)

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Fourth edition of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity"
by Eduardo Fernandez 27 May '09

27 May '09

Hi all, If anyone, particularly scientists and those who work in captive animal facilities, is interested in writing a review of this book, please contact me directly. I'm particularly interested in addressing reasons for having marine mammals and other endangered species in captivity, as well as addressing some of the suggested reference claims, such as that captive animals do not facilitate education and support of conservation. Thank you, Eduardo J Fernandez, Ph.D. NSF Postdoctoral Fellow/Visiting Research Associate Department of Psychology University of Washington Box 351525 Seattle, WA 98195 http://faculty.washington.edu/eduferna/

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