August 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Funding Opportunity Deadline Extended - NFWF / Marine Mammal Commission
by Stephanie Pendergrass 04 Aug '09

04 Aug '09

Please share this announcement on your distribution lists about the updated pre-proposal deadline for funding through the Marine Mammal Commission (MMC) in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The MMC RFP pre-proposal deadline has been extended to August 19th, 2009. The Request for Proposals is available online at www.nfwf.org/marinemammals<http://www.nfwf.org/marinemammals>. Please note that matching funds are not required for this opportunity with the MMC. Simply enter the number zero (0) in the field for Matching Amount and you will be able to complete your pre-proposal submission. If you have additional questions do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Pendergrass at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (Stephanie.pendergrass(a)nfwf.org<mailto:Stephanie.pendergrass@nfwf.org>; 202-857-0166) and/or Bob Gisiner at the Commission (bgisiner(a)mmc.gov<mailto:bgisiner@mmc.gov>; 1-301-504-0087). Sincerely, Stephanie Pendergrass Assistant Director, Marine Programs National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1133 Fifteenth St., N.W. Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20005 202-857-0166 (main) 202-857-0162 (fax)

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ELEPHANT SEAL AND SALAMANDER VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (2) needed for winter on Southeast Farallon Island
by Derek Lee 04 Aug '09

04 Aug '09

ELEPHANT SEAL AND SALAMANDER VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (2) needed for winter on Southeast Farallon Island, 28 miles west of San Francisco, California. Daily duties involve observation of elephant seal breeding colony, reading flipper-tags, tagging and marking of cows and pups, keeping accurate data records of pup births and deaths, data entry and proofing. Additional work involves twice monthly cover board surveys of Farallon salamander (Aneides lugubris farallonensis), including photographing, measuring and weighing all captured salamanders. Matching photos of captured salamanders with photo database records of known animals will require many hours in front of the computer. Furthermore, RAs monitor the number and species of all birds on the island, conduct daily weather and oceanic observations. RAs also contribute to the upkeep, cleaning, and maintenance of the research station. RAs will work full-time, 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that sometimes includes long days. Field work requires rigorous physical activity as well as long hours of repetitive actions in cold, wet conditions. Excellent vision, possession of good quality binoculars, being comfortable in close proximity to large toothy mammals, and hand strength for tagging are required. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in field work and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and prior ecological field research experience, especially photo database work. Enthusiasm for field work in windy, wet, chilly conditions is essential. The ability to coexist on a small, isolated island with gulls and humans is important. Positions are 4 Dec through 15 March. RAs are volunteers, we provide training, great food, comfortable island housing, and a unique experience. To apply, please send a cover letter; resume/CV; and names, phone numbers, and email of 3 field work supervisors to Derek E. Lee (dlee(a)prbo.org<mailto:dlee@prbo.org>) Farallon Biologist, PRBO Conservation Science. Visit our website at: http://www.prbo.org/cms/index.php?mid=157&module=browse for more info.

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PAM Operators required
by Geomotive 04 Aug '09

04 Aug '09

Prominent agency providing Marine Seismic and Hydrographic personnel has immediate and ongoing requirements for experienced PAM Operators for offshore positions worldwide. Our goal is to promote the use of PAM and to raise the standard of mitigation. Attractive day rates for qualified personnel with a proven interest in conservation. Please email CVs detailing PAM experience to: mail(a)geomotive.net Geomotive Inc. General information: www.geomotive.net Environmental Services: http://www.geomotive.net/index.php?pageid=mmo_main&lang=EN&sec=mmo

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Disappearing Fin Whales in the Bay of Biscay - anybody know why?
by Dylan Walker 04 Aug '09

04 Aug '09

Hi Marmamers, This year, for the first time in 15 years of dedicated research, Fin Whales have failed to appear in the Bay of Biscay (waters between France and Spain in the eastern North Atlantic) for the late summer feeding season. A number of research organisations have been conducting long-term ferry-based monitoring programmes in the Bay of Biscay for 15 years now, including Marinelife http://www.biscay-dolphin.org.uk/ and ORCA http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/ . The information from these databases shows that although small numbers are seen throughout the year, a clear and predictable pattern of Fin Whale movement into the eastern part of the Bay of Biscay occurs annually from mid July onwards, with numbers building up to a peak in mid August, before declining steadily through until October. A typical ferry crossing at this time of year would involve between 50 and 100 Fin Whale sightings. This year, as of 2nd August, there are none! The reasons for this are unclear to us, and compounded by the fact that we know nothing about the distribution of these animals when they are not in the Bay of Biscay. We would be very interested, therefore, to hear from anybody in the eastern or western North Atlantic experiencing either unusually high numbers of Fin Whales, or Fin Whales that are remaining in their area longer than would normally be the case. Please email your comments to both of the following: Dylan Walker at: dylan(a)orcaweb.org.uk Clive Martin at: Clive.Martin(a)biscay-dolphin.org.uk We look forward to hearing from fellow Fin Whale watchers in the hope of solving this mystery!!

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2009 International Sirenian Symposium
by Margaret E Kellogg 03 Aug '09

03 Aug '09

Second announcement for the next International Sirenian Symposium to be held on 11 October 2009 during the upcoming SMM Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Quebec, Canada. If you would like to submit a presentation please send an electronic copy of your abstract to Nicole Adimey (nicole_adimey(a)fws.gov) by 15 August 2009. International Sirenian Symposium Exploring Issues Related to Sirenian Conservation, Rehabilitation, Monitoring, and Biology In conjunction with the 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals Quebec, Canada 11 October 2009 Second Announcement You are invited to participate in the Fourth International Sirenian Symposium on Sunday, 11 October 2009 from 12:30-5:00 PM in room 202. The aim of this 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 due August 15th, 2009. 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. Hope you will be able to attend. Please post and pass among you colleagues. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Margaret E. Kellogg, PhD Molecular Biologist U.S. Geological Survey Sirenia Project 7920 NW 71st Street Gainesville, Florida 32653-3701 Office: (352) 264-3484 Mobile: (303) 817-5792 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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Request for sperm whale faecal information
by Trish Lavery 02 Aug '09

02 Aug '09

Dear Colleagues, I would be grateful to hear from anyone who has information regarding the persistence of sperm whale faeces on the ocean surface. Specifically, I am looking for information regarding how quickly sperm whale faeces sink from the surface. I aim to use this information to calculate the turbulent dispersal of faecal material in the mixed layer. This information will be used for my PhD research examining nutrient transport by sperm whales. Any information would be much appreciated and fully acknowledged. Kindest thanks, Trish Lavery BBSc, BSci(MarBiol)(Hons), PhD Candidate School of Biological Sciences Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA, 5001 Tel: +61 8 8201 5234 Fax: +61 8 8201 3015 https://www.scieng.flinders.edu.au/biology/people/academic/mitchell_j/msl/ms website_ppl_lavery.htm

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