August 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Position announcement: Ocean Acoustician
by Michael Porter 23 Aug '09

23 Aug '09

We are seeking to fill a full-time position in support of our various programs in ocean acoustics, with particular emphasis on marine mammals. This includes the effects of sound on the marine environment, as well as passive tracking techniques. U.S. citizenship is required. Desired Education/Skills: Ph.D. in a field of engineering, math, or science (or comparable experience). Must have strong math and computer science skills and broad interest in the ocean sciences. Other desirables are familiarity with standard ocean acoustic models, oceanographic processes, sea- floor geology, Unix/Linux, Matlab, Fortran, GUI's, data analysis, signal processing. Participation in sea-tests may also be required. Location: La Jolla, California Interested candidates are requested to send a resume/vita to mikeporter(a)hlsresearch.com . Michael Porter Heat, Light, and Sound Research, Inc. 3366 N. Torrey Pines Court, Suite 310 La Jolla, CA 92037 858-HLS-0800 (858-457-0800) x101 http://www.hlsresearch.com/

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Job Announcement-Fisheries Research Scientist
by Aquatic Farms 21 Aug '09

21 Aug '09

Job Announcement: Fisheries Research Scientist Position: Scientist I working for a NOAA contractor on a temporary contract of approximately 1 year. Project Title: Antarctic Pack Ice Seals (APIS) analyses Education and Experience: PH.D degree in Biology or related science with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography or natural science. Three (3) years experience with marine mammal surveys, abundance estimation, and statistical analyses are required. Location: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Mammal Lab (NMML), Seattle, WA. Data processing and analysis will be done at NMML and no field work is anticipated. Duties: Full time position, 40 hours per week. Duties to be performed under this task order include but are not limited to conducting research on the abundance, trends, and distribution of Antarctic pack ice seals. The main focus will be to estimate the abundance of Antarctic pack-ice seals (crabeater, leopard, Ross, and Weddell seals) from three separate and disparate, but geographically overlapping, survey efforts (between 26oW and 4oE) in the Queen Maud Land region and South Atlantic sector of the Antarctic. Specific deliverables are required to be accomplished by due dates specified in work assignments and submitted to the NMFS Project Leader for approval and acceptance. The successful candidate will work as a member of a scientific team, but will have the lead for undertaking the data processing and analyses as agreed in consultation with the team. This work will involve evaluating scientific literature and compiling data from a wide variety of sources. Previous experience with marine mammal surveys, abundance estimation, and statistical analyses are required. Salary: based on $28.52 per hour plus paid 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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Request for sperm whale erupted upper teeth
by Gustavo Toledo 21 Aug '09

21 Aug '09

Dear Colleagues, We found a stranded female sperm whale (10 meters) in Paraíba, Brazil with some erupted superior teeth. We would like to know if the members could help us with references on those types of cases. Up to now we just found this paper: Gibbs & Kirk (2001). Erupted upper teeth in a male sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. Vol. 35: 325-327. Any information aswer to gustavoact(a)yahoo.com.br Thank you in advance, Gustavo. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Veja quais são os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com

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Available permanent position in ecotoxicology at the Norwegian Polar Institute
by Harald Roar Lind 21 Aug '09

21 Aug '09

Research scientist in ecotoxicology The Norwegian Polar Institute is looking for a research scientist with expertise in the field of environmental contaminants and biological effects of these, particularly focusing on the effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals in marine organisms. Through the newly established Centre for Ice, Climate and Ecosystems (ICE) at the Norwegian Polar Institute, this field of research is being intensified. We seek to fill this permanent position as soon as possible. Tasks The Norwegian Polar Institute seeks a research scientist to work with research related to monitoring of persistent organic pollutants/heavy metals and the effects of these in Arctic organisms, sea birds and mammals. It is of crucial importance that the scientific focus and results, and also the projects the successful candidate will be involved in, are treated in an ecosystem perspective. The scientist is expected to work multidisciplinary and closely with biologists, oceanographers and sea ice researchers. The successful candidate is an expert in the field of environmental monitoring. The position includes laboratory work and field studies in Svalbard, in addition to serving as an adviser in issues of environmental management related to environmental contaminants in the Arctic. Qualifications We are looking for a candidate who holds a Ph.D. degree within relevant disciplines. Salary The salary will commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate, according to the Norwegian State salary code 1109 - 1183, scale 57 - 68 (NOK 435.500 - 533.300). General The work place is the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø, Norway. The position is open, and the successful candidate should be able to start as soon as possible. For further details please contact Section Head ecotoxicology Geir Wing Gabrielsen, tel. +47 7775 0529, e-mail jobb(a)npolar.no<mailto:jobb@npolar.no>, or Staff Manager Rita Brannfjell, tel. +47 7775 0613, e-mail jobb(a)npolar.no<mailto:jobb@npolar.no>. The Norwegian State Administration strives to mirror the diversity of its population and thereby achieve a balanced mix of age, gender and ethnic backgrounds among its employees. Hence, candidates with immigrant backgrounds and women are encouraged to apply for the position. The application deadline is 18 September 2009. Applications should include CV, names of at least two references, a list of publications and details of your relevant qualifications and experience. The NPI prefers electronic applications, submitted at www.jobbnorge.no<http://www.jobbnor.no>. If this is not feasible, printed applications may be submitted to the Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway. All applications can be handled confidentially until the application deadline. Thereafter, a public list of applicants will be prepared. Applicants who wish to reserve their applications from the public list must give reasons for this in their applications. In accordance with new public information laws, information about an applicant can be made public even if the applicant has requested not be included from the public list of applicants, cf. Freedom of Information Act, Section 25, 2nd paragraph.

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Post Grad Research Opportunities - New Zealand
by Stockin, Karen 20 Aug '09

20 Aug '09

POST-GRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AT MASSEY UNIVERSITY, NEW ZEALAND 20 Aug, 2009 2 post-graduate research positions (2PhD or 1 PhD/1MSc) are now available at Massey University's Coastal Marine Research Group under the supervision of Dr. Karen Stockin. Successful applicants will be based at Massey University's North Shore Campus (Albany) in Auckland, New Zealand. Position 1 - PhD: Fine scale habitat use and distribution of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand We seek a Ph.D candidate to investigate fine scale habitat use and distribution of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland over the next 3 years, with field research commencing in 1 Nov, 2009. The position includes a full-time scholarship for 3 years at NZ$22,000 per annum. Logistical support, equipment and an expense budget to cover fuel expenses of field work will also be awarded to the successful candidate. This project will be a vessel-based study focusing on distribution, habitat use and photo-identification of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf. The successful candidate will be working independently from a Massey University 5.7 m research vessel operating in Auckland coastal waters. Thus, the successful candidate will need to be a competent skipper of small research vessels, and thus should be able to demonstrate small boat experience in his/her application. Furthermore, the successful candidate should ideally have experience with GIS and statistical software. Position 2 MSc/PhD: Biology of New Zealand common dolphins We seek a M.Sc/PhD candidate to investigate the external morphology of New Zealand common dolphins. Growth, allometric relationships and sexual dimorphism will be assessed from specimens found beach cast or incidentally by-caught within New Zealand waters. This project will commence early 2010 and shall primarily be lab-based. However, the successful candidate will be expected to assist in the recovery and sampling of carcasses in the field. Experience in marine mammal necropsies and/or tissue collection would be advantageous, although not essential since training will be provided. Experience in teeth sectioning and aging is also preferred. At PhD level, this project will examine the skull morphology of the New Zealand common dolphin population, using skulls collected by the NZCDP over the past 10 years. Logistical support, equipment and research expenses will be available to the successful candidate. However, he/she will need to apply for a Massey University PhD/MSc scholarship during the Oct 2009 funding round in order to cover stipend/fees(details listed below). Note: At PhD level all international students are charged domestic fees only. Minimum Qualifications: 1. First or 2.1 Bachelor's degree with honours in a relevant field. 2. Well demonstrated boat experience (Position 1). 3. Ability to work effectively, both independently and cooperatively, as a member of a research team. 4. Ability to take responsibility as a research leader. 5. Ability to communicate and work effectively, responsibly, and respectfully with all stakeholders. 6. Ability to conduct physically demanding field work at sea (Position 1) and on land (Position 2). Position 1 - Boating experience, including a minimum of 6 months (750+ hours) working on commercial vessels and/or 2,000+ hours on recreational vessels is essential. Additional Preferred Qualifications: 1. Skipper Certifications: New Zealand MSA Boat Master, Local Launch Operator, Inshore Launch Master, or equivalent. 2. New Zealand Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate or equivalent 3. Water safety, first aid certifications. 4. Photo-identification experience and/or other high-speed SLR photography experience 5. Experience studying cetaceans from a research vessel. Preferred Qualifications: 1. Master's degree in a relevant field (Position 1 + 2 at PhD level) 2. Demonstrated academic excellence (Positions 1 + 2) 3. Experience with GIS (Position 1) 4. Experience with database and statistical software packages (Positions 1+2) 5. Experience in marine mammal necropsy and/or tissue collection (Position 2) 6. Experience with skull cleaning and morphometric analyses (Position 2) To apply, send an email with YOUR SURNAME within the subject line and the following attachments to: NZCDP(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:NZCDP@massey.ac.nz> 1. A letter which clearly states which position(s) you are interested in, and summarizes your academic and scientific background, work experience, research interests, and how you meet the qualifications listed above 2. A copy of your CV 3. A list of at least 3 professional references with contact information - preferably an email address 4. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts and/or a list of university courses taken and grades. These maybe alternatively posted to: Dr. Karen Stockin, Director - Coastal Marine Research Group New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP), Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore MSC, Auckland, New Zealand Deadline: 1 Sept 2009 - for expressions of interest Dr Karen A Stockin Director, Coastal-Marine Research Group Massey University, New Zealand Further Scholarship Information Massey University Vice Chancellor's Doctoral and Massey University Doctoral Scholarship: All applicants for the Massey University Doctoral Scholarships are considered for the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships. The Vice Chancellor's Scholarships are awarded on academic ranking to the top students. The Doctoral Scholarships are open to persons who are enrolled or eligible to enrol full-time for a research paper of 120 credits during a 12 month period towards a Doctoral degree at Massey University. Consideration will normally only be given to students with a GPA of 7.0 or better (on a 9 point scale), or an A- average or better in graduate level papers. Applicants who are completing Honours or Masters thesis or research report must be due to submit by the end of the year (for October applications). The value of the Doctoral Scholarship is $22,000 per annum to a maximum of 3 years. Recipients are responsible for the payment of their fees. The value of the Vice Chancellor's Doctoral Scholarship is$27,000 per annum to a maximum of 3 years. Recipients are responsible for the payment of their fees. Full regulations and application forms are available from http://awards.massey.ac.nz/ Applications close 1 October 2009. Massey University Masterate Scholarship: The scholarship are open to persons who are enrolled or eligible to enrol full-time for the thesis research component of their Masters degree at Massey University. The research component must be 90 - 120 credits (this may comprise two research papers studied in consecutive semesters that constitute a single project overall). Consideration will normally only be given to students with a GPA of 6.5 or better (on a 9 point scale), or a B+ average or better in graduate level papers. The value of the Masterate Scholarship is $15,000. Full regulations and application forms are available from http://awards.massey.ac.nz/ Applications close 1 October 2009. ========================================= Dr. Karen A Stockin Lecturer - Marine Ecology Coastal Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore MSC New Zealand Tel: + 64 9 414 0800 Ext 41127 Fax: + 64 9 443 9790 Email: k.a.stockin(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz> =========================================

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MANATEE BIOLOGIST PART-TIME POSITION
by Spellman, Ann 20 Aug '09

20 Aug '09

PART-TIME (20 hrs/wk) MANATEE RESEARCH BIOLOGIST COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: $11.00/ hr, no benefits DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This position, located in Melbourne, participates in Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's manatee research program in a six-county area along inland and central east coast Florida. It is designed as a part-time position (approximately 20 hrs/week), working mostly on weekends. Duties include: fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the general public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees; verification of manatee mortalities and distressed manatees, potentially in need of rescue; recovery of manatee carcasses and transportation of those carcasses to the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (in St. Petersburg) for necropsy; participation in rescues and transportation of sick and injured manatees to appropriate facility; performing and assisting with field necropsies of manatees when appropriate; photographing and sketching manatees at winter refugia and known warm weather habitat areas on the east coast; using a computer and software such as Arcview, Excel, Access and Word; completing paperwork including time sheets, manatee carcass and rescue reports, and technical reports; assisting with manatee outreach programs such as presentations for local groups and agencies; general cleaning of office and equipment, vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance, data entry and other tasks assigned by supervisor. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the biological sciences or a combination of relevant coursework and job-specific experience. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The ability to safely operate and trailer boats less than 28 feet in length is highly desired. Applicant must obtain boater safety certification within the first six months of employment. Knowledge and the ability to use personal computers, field gear, and cameras are also highly desired. Applicant must be able to swim proficiently. Field work is highly physical and applicant must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must have the ability to work both as a team member as well as independently in various field situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; effectively communicate verbally and in writing; and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Marine mammal stranding-response experience is preferred. Must be able to work weekends and holidays, potentially nights, and often under adverse field conditions. Submission deadline: 28 August 2009 Submit resume with references to: Ann Spellman FWC-Indian River Field Lab, 1220 Prospect Ave., Ste 285, Melbourne, FL 32901 or Ann.Spellman(a)MyFWC.com

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Invitation - Mark-recapture workshop - University of Pretoria - Feb 2010.
by Mark Recapture 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

Dear receiver, please send this invitation on as widely as possible, all participants are welcome. __________________________________________________________________ Dear interested participants. The Mammal Research Institute of the University of Pretoria will be hosting a workshop on mark-recapture techniques to be run by Dr Trent McDonald of WEST Inc. Dr McDonald is a leading researcher, author and practitioner of mark-recapture theory applied to populations of wild animals. http://www.west-inc.com/personnel.php#trent *WORKSHOP STRUCTURE:* 1. Day 1 morning: Lectures on Closed population models 2. Day 1 afternoon: Hands on exercises and consultations 3. Day 2 morning: Lectures on Open population models 4. Day 2 afternoon: Hands on exercises and consultations 5. Day 3 all day: Applications and consultations *DATE:* 16-18th Feb 2010 *WORKSHOP COST:* *R1000* Includes: Morning and afternoon coffee breaks, light lunches, venue hire, computer availability (if needed). Costs go towards covering Dr McDonald's travel costs from the USA. *EXTRAS:* 1) We *highly *recommend purchasing a copy of: "*Handbook of capture-recapture analysis"* Steven Amstrup, Trent McDonald and Bryan Manly (Eds) Dr McDonald will make available copies at the authors discount price of * US$50* (which is considerably cheaper than the book is available directly in SA). These *must *be ordered in advance, when signing up for the workshop. 2) Analysis using R software and Dr. McDonald's MRA package will be emphasized during the workshop. Equivalent analyzes in MARK software will be illustrated. Microsoft Excel will be used occasionally to illuminate calculations. Dr. McDonald is proficient at MARK and will consult with participants on use of MARK as needed. 3) The final day will consist of short presentations and group discussion of participants projects, followed by one-on-one collaboration with Dr. McDonald. As such, participants are encouraged to email abstracts of their projects to Dr. McDonald prior to the workshop, and to bring their data sets ready to analyze. *HOW DO I APPLY?* If you would like to apply for this workshop, please cut out the following text, fill in as appropriate and email to: mark.recapture.workshop(a)gmail.com <mark-recapture-workshop(a)gmail.com> Please send one email for each person who wishes to attend Attendance must be *confirmed by the 15th November* and* paid for by the 1st Dec 2009*. Places are limited. ________________________________________________________________________ Name: Institution: Contact phone number: I would like to order a copy of the "*Handbook of Capture-Recapture Analysis*" - YES / NO _________________________________________________________________________ We look forward to hearing from you. Regards Simon Elwen and Nico de Bruyn Post Doctoral Fellows Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria

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Workshop on DARWIN: a software program to assist in matching dorsal fins prior to Marine Mammal Conference in Quebec City
by Shannon Gowans 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

Workshop announcement: Learning to effectively and efficiently use DARWIN The DARWIN Research Group at Eckerd College announces a workshop/tutorial "Learning to effectively and efficiently use DARWIN," to be held Saturday, October 10, prior to the 18^th Biennial Conference on Marine Mammals, in Quebec City, QC, Canada. Workshop participants will learn to install and use DARWIN, a freely available photo-identification software package, to create a catalog of dorsal fins images and then compare images of newly sighted individuals against the catalog. We will also introduce the use of various software features that facilitate the sharing of data between or within research groups and enable the output of sighting data for input to other software packages. As a part of this workshop, copies of the current DARWIN software will be distributed and installed on the laptop computer of each participant. The hands-on workshop will provide step-by-step instruction on the most important features of the software, and pointing out various tips and tricks to get the best performance from it. There will be time at the end of the workshop when participants can experiment with what they have learned and have an opportunity to have questions answered, as they arise. We anticipate that this workshop will be useful to researchers interested in training others or in using the software themselves to facilitate the photo-identification process. For more information about the software: http://darwin.eckerd.edu To register for the workshop: http://www.marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&i… <http://www.marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&i…> The cost of the workshop is $30 (USD). Please feel free to email questions to darwin(a)eckerd.edu Kelly Debure and John Stewman

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Symposium on SPLASH and other Ocean Basin studies of humpback whales planned prior to Marine Mammal Conference in Quebec City
by John Calambokidis 19 Aug '09

19 Aug '09

Ocean basin studies of humpback whales: a Symposium highlighting the results of the SPLASH Project A one-day symposium is planned for 11 October in Quebec City focusing on the results of SPLASH and other ocean-basin studies of humpback whales. SPLASH (Structures of Populations, Levels of Abundance and Status of Humpbacks) is a large international effort to cooperatively assess the status, trends, and population structure of humpback whales across the entire North Pacific and to identify potential human impacts to this population. The project represents an unprecedented collaboration of over 400 whale researchers from 50 organizations working cooperatively to study and protect an endangered species whose broad movements cross many international borders. In part this will be a way project participants to see "their" results, and share them with other interested parties, including; scientists studying other humpback populations and/or other Oceanic species with similar distributions and logistical challenges. We are soliciting presentations from some of the participants involved in SPLASH including more regionally focused analyses as well as from other complementary humpback studies involving ocean-wide collaborative studies. In addition, the group intends that these findings, along with potential recommendations for future actions be shared, not only with the scientific community, but also with managers and policy-makers. The format of the Symposium would primarily be a series of speakers at a podium, with projected PowerPoint presentations. However, there will be a panel at the end of the presentations, to address questions and identify key recommendations arising from the findings. There is no cost for attending and please register for the conference through the Marine Mammal Society Conference Workshop Registration (http://www.marinemammalscience.org then select Conference, then Program, then Workshops and Symposia). There is some travel support available thanks to funding from NOAA's Office of Marine Sanctuaries, and the tri-national Commission for Environmental Cooperation for SPLASH participants from the countries involved. This will be prioritized for SPLASH participants especially those involved in analyzing results and planning to present their findings at the Symposium. Please submit proposed titles of presentations to David.Mattila(a)noaa.gov. Requests for travel support should be sent to Calambokidis(a)CascadiaResearch.org with a CC to David.Mattila(a)noaa.gov, john.k.ford(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca, and jurban(a)uabcs.mx. Please include name, participation in SPLASH, brief reason for attending including if proposing a presentation, and estimated support sought (can include best coach airfare at advantageous-restrictive classes, local transportation at $120 for the entire trip, hotel accommodation for up to 2 nights at one of the less expensive off site conference hotels, and daily expenses of $75/day for food and incidentals for max. of 3 days).

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greenland humpback whale in Dominican Republic info request
by pepe malaret 18 Aug '09

18 Aug '09

hi, my name is Jose Malaret.I work for the Dominican Republic Marine Studies Foundation. The foundation president and founder is Idelissa Bonelly, and also founder of Dominican Republic Marine Mammal Santuary. We work with the conservation of Dominican Republic coastal water and it wildlife but our main purpose if conservation of marine mammals. Well I would like to know if there is any information about humpback whales from Greenland that had been resighted in reproductive ground in Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic just had been included as a member of International Whaling Commission. So whe want to defend against the statetment of Greenland of killing a total of 10 humpback whales. So to do this whe need prove that some of the greenland humpback are born in dominican republic waters so whe can defend then. If anyone have information about it please let us know. thank.

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