August 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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First Call for Abstracts - Top Predator Session at 2010 Ocean Sciences Meeting (BO23)
by Daniel Palacios 06 Oct '09

06 Oct '09

The 2010 Ocean Sciences Meeting The upcoming Ocean Sciences Meeting will be held in Portland, Oregon, between 22 and 26 February 2010. The Ocean Sciences meeting, the world's largest gathering of ocean scientists, is jointly sponsored by the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), The Oceanography Society (TOS), and the American Geophysical Union (AGU). Scientific Session "BO23: Recent Technological Advances for Studying the Ecology of Top Marine Predators" Description: The use of sophisticated electronic devices and other advanced technologies for the study of marine top predator ecology is becoming routine, resulting in new insights into the physical and biological processes that influence predator behavior and distribution. This session seeks to bring together biologists, oceanographers, and engineers who are involved in the development and application of cutting-edge instrumentation or novel methods to study the ecology of predatory fishes, marine turtles, seabirds, pinnipeds, and cetaceans. Presentations on the use of technologies such as electronic tagging, hydroacoustics, bioacoustics, autonomous or remotely operated vehicles, and remote sensing are welcome. Contributions from outstanding students are particularly encouraged. This session is co-sponsored by AGU's Biological Oceanography and Marine Technology Sections. Conveners: Daniel Palacios, Mark Baumgartner and Steven Bograd Abstract deadline: 15 October 2009 Conference details: http://www.agu.org/meetings/os10/index.php For further information about this session please contact: Daniel Palacios NOAA/NMFS/SWFSC 1352 Lighthouse Avenue Pacific Grove, CA, USA 93950-2097 831-236-6905 daniel.palacios(a)noaa.gov Mark Baumgartner Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution MS #33, Redfield 256 Woods Hole, MA, USA 02543 508-289-2678 mbaumgartner(a)whoi.edu Steven Bograd NOAA/NMFS/SWFSC/Environmental Research Division 1352 Lighthouse Avenue Pacific Grove, CA, USA 93950-2097 831-648-8314 steven.bograd(a)noaa.gov

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2010 DCP College Courses Open
by Kelly Melillo 31 Aug '09

31 Aug '09

Dear MARMAM readers, The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP), a non-profit research and education organization, is offering two college-level courses for university students to learn more about cetacean ecology and delphinid behavior. Both topics present classes that are set within the frameworks of their parent disciplines of field ecology and animal behavior. Both of DCP's college courses offer field and classroom components with effort and hours per course equivalent to that of a three-credit university course. Each course is unique in location (international site) and scheduling. Bimini Cetacean Ecology - Professors coordinate with DCP's Bimini Research Manager to schedule one to two week courses at times convenient with that school's academic calendar. These classes typically include students from a single university and can be scheduled for any time during the year (though seasonal weather should be considered when scheduling dates). Learn more about our Bimini Cetacean Ecology Field Course at: http://tinyurl.com/pm7n6g RIMS Dolphin Behavior - This three-credit equivalent course is offered by DCP to interested students from different universities. DCP's RIMS dolphin behavior course runs from 4 - 25 January 2010 with a field component from 7 - 16 January 2010 in Roatan, Honduras at Anthony's Key Resort. The non-field portion of the course is held via distance learning through web connections. Learn more about our RIMS Dolphin Behavior Course at: http://tinyurl.com/q7lt79 If you would like to receive a copy of our one-page color flyer to post on campus and share with students, please let us know (info(a)dcpmail.org) We will then email the PDF file to you such that you can share it with other professors, interested students, and various offices on your campus. Or you can download the flyer from either of the links above. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you and to introducing your students to the experiences of scientific field work soon! For an abbreviated list of publications by DCP researchers, please see the end of this email. For a full listing, including student theses and dissertations, visit the publications section of our website: http://tinyurl.com/lymsf4 Cheers Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D Kelly Melillo, MSc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly Melillo Research Associate, Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org www.thedolphinpod.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Selected Refereed Publications: Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Paulos, R.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Kuczaj, S.A. 2008. The role of touch in select social interactions of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Ethology 26: 153-164. Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Ribic, C.A., Kuczaj, S.A. 2009. A comparison of pectoral fin contact between two different wild dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 80:182-190 Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291

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Seeking info on ingestion or entanglement of marine mammals in trash or derelict fishing gear
by Vicki Cornish 31 Aug '09

31 Aug '09

Ocean Conservancy is reviewing and compiling information on ingestion or entanglement of marine mammals in ocean trash and/or discarded, lost, or abandoned fishing gear. We have compiled a fairly extensive bibliography, but would be very interested in any additional information that may be harder to find, such as information in theses/dissertations, "gray" literature, government reports, or other publications with limited distribution. We would also be very interested in any anecdotal information you would be willing to share. We would be happy to share the bibliography we have compiled so far with other interested researchers, conservationists, and educators. Thank you for your help, and I hope to see you in Quebec! Vicki Cornish Director, Marine Wildlife Policy Ocean Conservancy 1300 19th Street NW, 8th Floor Washington, DC 20036 Telephone: 202.351.0452 Facsimile: 202.872.0619 E-mail: vcornish(a)oceanconservancy.org <mailto:xname@oceanconservancy.org> www.oceanconservancy.org <http://www.oceanconservancy.org> 400,000 volunteers from around the world picked up 6.8 million pounds of trash at the International Coastal Cleanup. Learn more and sign up for the next cleanup. www.oceanconservancy.org/cleanup

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Job announcement: Stranding Technician
by Robert Young 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Stranding Technician- Research Specialist Coastal Carolina University invites applications for a Stranding Technician position to perform laboratory and field work related to marine mammal strandings in South Carolina. This is a one-year, grant-funded position in the Department of Marine Science, but the position will be primarily based in Charleston, SC, and will work closely with the Marine Mammal Strandings and Life History Program at the National Ocean Service Laboratory in Charleston. Laboratory and field duties include, but are not limited to: 1) assisting in the retrieval and necropsy of dead stranded marine mammals, 2) assisting in the archiving of marine mammal tissues, 3) marine mammal skeletal preparation, 4) data entry into existing marine mammal databases, and 5) education/public outreach. Salary is $30,000 and includes full benefits. Position begins immediately. Qualifications: The candidate should have a B.S. degree in biology, marine science, or a related field from an accredited institution, be available to work weekends and holidays to respond to marine mammal strandings, and be able to work in adverse weather conditions. Good communication skills are a must. Knowledge of boat operation and computers are required. Knowledge of life history methods, such as reproductive analysis, and marine mammal anatomy are preferred. Interested candidates should apply online at http://jobs.coastal.edu or in person at the Office of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity, Coastal Carolina University, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Coastal Carolina University is an EO/AA employer. _____________________________ Rob Young Coordinator, South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network Professor, Department of Marine Science Coastal Carolina University PO Box 261954 Conway, SC 29528-6054 ryoung(a)coastal.edu

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REQUEST FOR ARTICLES - SIRENEWS
by Cynthia Taylor 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

The editors of Sirenews, the newsletter of the IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group, would like to request articles for the upcoming edition. Updates on manatee and dugong research, management, education, and conservation activities from around the world are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is OCTOBER 1, 2009. Please submit articles to <BLOCKED::mailto:taylor@wildlifetrust.org> taylor(a)wildlifetrust.org. Thank you - Cynthia Taylor, Aquatic Conservation Program, Wildlife Trust, 941-232-4587, taylor(a)wildlifetrust.org James A. Powell Ph.D., Director, Sea to Shore Alliance, 941-322-8809 (office), 941-661-2941 (cell), <mailto:jpowell@sea2shore.org> jpowell(a)sea2shore.org, <http://www.sea2shore.org> www.sea2shore.org

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Update on the Biennial Conference of the Society for Marine Mammalogy
by Lesage, Veronique 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Our apologies for cross-posting Message from the Conference Chair We are moving into the panic phase of the conference organization, where everything comes together at the same time. We are finalizing the conference program, and have also filled in those little boxes on the website that all say to be announced!! You can find out about the general schedule of the conference and major social events by visiting the conference website. As this is the first year we've done online payment for registration fees, we also encourage you to confirm that you have registered and completed payment successfully by visiting (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/program) If you have footage or images that you feel would be of interest to attendees, don't forget to submit them for pre-screening by the video night committee no later than 20 September, 2009 (yes, we have postpone the deadline a bit). Instructions for submission of your videos can be found on the conference webpage (http:/marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=203&Itemid=214). We have received over 1200 abstracts, just a few less than in San Diego. For those of you presenting orally, time and date of your presentation are now available through your user profile under the tab 'Abstracts'. For those presenting posters, your poster will be on display for the entire week. However, you will be asked to attend your poster during two of the sundowner poster sessions. Evenings of attendance and poster number will be available shortly through the same interface. We will also have a feature on the website (referred to as the personal scheduler), where you will be able to look at the presentation and poster schedules and build your own program that fits your particular interests! For more information, please visit (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl…) Early-bird registration is now closed, but registering now still represents a saving versus onsite registration, and will help us all to reduce the line-ups as we are expecting a big attendance, based on the number of attendees that have registered so far. We have exceeded our minimum for the dinner cruise, and can go to as many as 200 people! Right now we have the boat to ourselves, so it will be a wonderful opportunity to spend time with old friends, or maybe to make contact with a new researcher outside of the crowd! We have lined-up great entertainment for the Banquet supper and evening, so please do not forget to buy your banquet ticket if you have not done so already. As a reminder to our American colleagues, we will let you into Canada without a passport, but unfortunately your government will not let you home without one!! So make sure you have an up-to-date passport. To our colleagues from the Czech Republic and Mexico, unfortunately our government has put in place new visa requirements. Please see the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs (http://www.voyage.gc.ca/index-eng.asp) or Canada Border Services (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/) or embassy in your country for more information. Looking forward to seeing you all in Quebec City! À très bientôt! Mike Hammill Chair-Québec 2009

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Arctic Frontiers 2010 - second call for papers
by Arntraut Götsch 28 Aug '09

28 Aug '09

Arctic Frontiers 2010 - Second call for papers The scientific conference of Arctic Frontiers 2010 (27-29 January 2010 in Tromsø, Norway) consists of three parallel sessions. The topic for Session II will be social science and health research relating to the economy, self-governance and well-being in Arctic communities. Sessions I and III will be on the effects of ongoing climatic changes on sea-ice and marine biodiversity. . Session I: Ice and climate, including paleo climate . Session II: Sustainable communities in the High North . Session III: Marine Biodiversity under change We kindly invite you to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations on these topics. DEADLINE for submission of abstracts: 19 October 2009. For full details and instructions on submitting an abstract please see the Arctic Frontiers homepage: www.arctic-frontiers.com. With best regards Arntraut Götsch (arntraut.gotsch(a)akvaplan.niva.no) and Marianne Frantzen (marianne.frantzen(a)akvaplan.niva.no) Local organizing committee

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Job Announcement: Fisheries Bio Tech I
by Aquatic Farms 27 Aug '09

27 Aug '09

Job Announcement: Fisheries Bio Tech I Position: Bio Tech I working for a NOAA contractor on a temporary contract of approximately 6 months. Project Title: Bibliographic Technician for literature pertaining to Alaska seal populations Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related science with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography or natural science. At least one (1) year of experience with scientific literature searches, database management and the use of database software for organizing references. The successful candidate must be meticulous and efficient. Previous experience and knowledge of pinniped behavior and ecology literature and management of literature and imagery data bases is desirable. Location: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Mammal Lab (NMML), Seattle, WA. Duties: Full time position, 40 hours per week. The Bio Tech I's primary duties will be to search online literature databases, collect electronic and hard-copy references, and add bibliographic records to the Polar Ecosystem's reference library. Experience with database software, especially those designed for organizing references, is essential. The contractor may occasionally be required to assist with organizing the aerial survey image database and to enumerate seals from aerial survey photographs of coastal and/or sea ice habitats. Literature research, database organization, and scanning imagery for seals all require attention to detail and ability to stay focused during repetitive tasks. Salary: based on $17.21 per hour plus medical and dental plan Please email resumes to the attention of Cal Goo at officeafl(a)hawaii.rr.com Position start date currently scheduled for October 1, 2009 Calinda "Cal" Goo Aquatic Farms 49-139 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe, HI. 96734 (808) 239-2929 FAX: (808) 239-8436

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Proposed Harbour Porpoise Management Plan posted on SARA Public Registry
by XPAC Species at Risk 26 Aug '09

26 Aug '09

The proposed Management Plan for Harbour Porpoise has been posted on the Species at Risk Act (SARA) Public Registry for its 60-day comment period. Please note that the comment period ends on October 24, 2009. The proposed management plan and the online comment form can be found here: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e.cfm?documentID=1781. Michelle Li Species at Risk Program Development Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Pêches et Ocêans Canada 200-401 Burrard St / 200-401 rue Burrard Vancouver BC, V6C 3S4 / Vancouver (C.-B) V6C 3S4 T: (604) 666-2792 / F: (604) 666-3341 Michelle.Li(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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