September 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2010
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 28 Sep '09

28 Sep '09

Dear Fellow-Marmamers! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: "Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera" from 15-29 April 2010 The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification, data handling and more. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt" by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project "realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way". For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208&L=2 The price is 899.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership. (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Early bookings are accepted until 31 December 2008 at a price of 849.- € For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to info(a)m-e-e-r.de _____________________________________ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the "Deutsche Umwelthilfe" (Radolfzell/Germany) "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine" (Munich/Germany), and "Oceano Gomera" (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _____________________________________________ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. & Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. & Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. (2006): The Year of the Whale - Extraorbinary occurrence of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) off La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the 20th Annual Conference of the ECS in Gdynia, April 2006. Ritter, F. (2007): BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS TO A DEAD NEWBORN CALF. Marine Mammal Science, 23(2): 429-433 Carrillo, M. & Ritter, F. (2008). Increasing Numbers of Ship Strikes in the Canary Islands: Proposals for Immediate Action to Reduce Risk of Vessel-Whale Collisions. IWC Document SC/60/BC6. -- Fabian Ritter -Vorsitzender,President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin NEUE RUFNUMMER/NEW NUMBER!- T/F: +49-(0)30-644 97 230 www.m-e-e-r.org __ The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams)

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Workshop notice posting - second submission
by Lawson Jack 25 Sep '09

25 Sep '09

Good morning MARMAM readers. We would like to urge those interested that registration for the workshop "TNASS-SNESSA-CODA Surveys Review" that they do so as soon as possible. We are planning for refreshments and need to complete the order very soon. As background, here is the workshop description text as posted on the SMM workshop web site: The TNASS (Trans North Atlantic Sightings Survey), Southern New England to Scotian Shelf Abundance (SNESSA), and Cetacean Offshore Distribution and Abundance (CODA) surveys were large-scale international efforts to assess the abundance and distribution of various marine megafauna in many regions of the north Atlantic. These surveys were conducted in the summer and fall of 2007, and their effort collectively facilitates the first pan-Atlantic estimation of distribution and abundance for a number of marine mammal species, many of which exhibit transboundary migrations. Prior to the TNASS, the North Atlantic Sightings Surveys (NASS) were coordinated international surveys carried out using aircraft and vessel platforms. The NASS surveys were incomplete for the north Atlantic area by not having coverage in adjacent Canadian waters. The discontinuity is all the more striking since the National Marine Fisheries Service in the United States also conducted complementary surveys to the south of Atlantic Canada at the same time as the NASS. Further effort to the southeast of the TNASS studies in 2007 was the CODA survey of the western European shelf. This workshop will provide participants an overview of the rationale, methods, analytical approach, and results (with many anecdotes!) from the TNASS survey, along with summary presentations describing the results of the SNESSA, and CODA surveys as well. Workshop attendees will be invited to comment and contribute to further analysis and interpretation. It is planned that a report will be created from these deliberations that will summarize and perhaps integrate the results of the three surveys, and provide suggestions and solutions for further analyses and future surveys at similar scales. During the full-day workshop coffee, tea, and water will be available for attendees during the morning and afternoon breaks. Date: October 10, 2009 Time: 0830 - 1700 (registration starts at 0800; the workshop may end earlier if all topics are covered quickly) Location: Quebec City Conference Center RM 206A (conference location) Cost: $15 Canadian Funds Registration cost will include morning and afternoon coffee at the workshop. Payment will be by cash or check at the door. Space IS limited so please register early. If you are interested in the workshop or have any questions please email me at the address below (minus the embedded spaces). We hope to see you there. best regards, Jack Dr. Jack Lawson Marine Mammals Section Fisheries and Oceans Canada St. John's, NL Canada A1C 5X1 (709) 772-2285 (709) 772-4105 (FAX) Jack.Lawson(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/coe-cde/cemam/teams-equipes/Lawson/lawson-…

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Dusky dolphin internship positions
by Vaughn, Robin Lea 24 Sep '09

24 Sep '09

Dusky dolphin internship positions I am seeking 2 volunteer interns to assist with analyses of dusky dolphin foraging behaviors/vocalizations. These positions will be through the Marine Mammal Research Program, Texas A&M University at Galveston, in Bernd Würsig’s lab. Positions are unpaid, and we are unable to provide housing. However, each intern will be included as a co-author on the resulting publication/s. Intern positions will be 30-40 hours per week. Intern (1) will assist with quantification of underwater foraging behaviors. Our objectives here are to a) describe prey herding and capturing behaviors, and b) examine relationships between these behaviors, dolphin party size, and prey ball size. This intern will quantify behaviors (e.g., numbers/types of prey capture attempts, duration of within 2-m passes by the prey ball) using Quicktime, and summarize temporal parameters using Microsoft Excel. Duration of this position is Jan. 5-May 7, with the potential option of continuing through summer. Intern (2) will assist with analysis of dolphin vocalizations during foraging. Our objectives with these analyses are to a) describe vocalizations, and b) examine vocalization functions (e.g., echolocation/communication) during foraging. This intern will identify vocalizations using Adobe Audition, quantify parameters for each vocalization using a custom Matlab script, and objectively categorize vocalizations. Duration of this position is Jan. 19-May 21, with the potential option of continuing through summer. To apply, please email a letter of interest, CV, transcript/s and 2 letters of recommendation by Nov. 27 to: Robin Vaughn Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Texas A&M University Galveston, TX 77551 vaughnrl(a)tamu.edu

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Job Opening: Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Data Management Systems Specialist
by Charles Littnan 23 Sep '09

23 Sep '09

Aloha All- A job is opening for anyone who has database savvy and marine mammal interests. The announcement follows below. This job is not limited to US Citizens. Please contact the people listed below if you have any questions. Cheers, Charles ____________________________ Charles Littnan Leader, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA Fisheries 1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1100 Honolulu HI 96814 P: 808-944-2171 F: 808-941-0307 JIMAR PIFSC DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SPECIALIST – ID# 29403. Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance and availability of funds. MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: $3,222/ Mon. DUTIES: Assumes lead role in monk seal application development team. Develops, implements, modifies and maintains application systems for data checking, viewing, editing, analyzing, summarization, and report generation. Develops, implements, enhances, and maintains new or improved data management systems and general program operating procedures for existing data and field data collection. Provides technical and non-technical assistance and instruction on the acquisition and use of computer hardware and database programs to other staff. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Computer Science. EXPERIENCE: Five to seven (5-7) years of work experience in the design of computer programs dealing with biological data, including design and programming of database applications. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Knowledge of system design, programming procedures, SQL, PL/SQL visual basic, FORTRAN or PASCAL, as well as third party libraries (Object Professional, B-Tree Filer, and other DOS Protected mode complaint data base applications.) Familiarity with networking personal computer conventions, various types of data storage media and file organization. Ability to prepare well-organized and complete documentation of developed systems and procedures. Working knowledge of personal computer peripherals running the MS WINDOWS family operating systems. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed. SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Database Design, or related field. Experience working in remote areas, deploying hardware and software into remote areas, or troubleshooting systems remotely. Proficiency with standard tools used in Unix/Linux environments. Experience using ORACLE, MSDE2000, MS Access and/ or other ODBC compliant software packages. Background in statistical and analytical programming, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) data and data communications protocols. INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-9465 (Oahu). APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment” and navigate to “Job Announcements/Apply for a Job.” However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. CLOSING DATE: October 12, 2009. EEO/AA Employer.

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Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustics Courses in UK and Australia
by Yvonne Miles 22 Sep '09

22 Sep '09

Hi All *Scanning Ocean Sectors – A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee – JNCC, recognised course for industry and research.* * * We have years of research behind the *EFFECTIVE* training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. With fully trained and experienced MMOs teaching. *WE do NOT offer just a **ONE** day course*. Our training is to ensure INDUSTRY gets the MMOs they pay for, that they are HIGHLY trained, EFFIECNT and EFFECTIVE in the job, and are prepared for all necessary actions. We do not take your fees and run, we will support you throughout your working career as an MMO or PAM operator! Only you will know the difference between the courses! Our Passive Acoustic Monitoring course is run by professionals in the Acoustics field for *over 25 years*. The course is specialised for *ALL** *aspects of working as a PAM operator NOT just one system. WE teach you how to be a PAM operator not just how one PAM system works and we are *non-biased*towards any one working system. If you have requirements to one particular system we can train you in that area, we have the technology and the right people! Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the *quality standard * of the MMO industry is gaining. *PLEASE NOTE * * * *The next Marine Mammal Observer Courses are* * * *UK*** *OCTOBER 19TH – 21ST 2009** at the * *ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION - COLLEGE * *POOLE** - **DORSET** – **UK*** * * * * *AUSTRALIA*** *NOVEMBER 16TH – 18TH 2009** at * *HERVEY BAY – **QUEENSLAND** – AU* * * * * *The next Passive Acoustic Monitoring courses are* * * *UK*** *OCTOBER 22nd – 23rd 2009** at the * *ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION - COLLEGE * *POOLE** - **DORSET** – **UK*** * * * * *AUSTRALIA*** *NOVEMBER 19TH – 20TH 2009** at * *HERVEY BAY – **QUEENSLAND** – AU* * * * * *The courses book up quickly so don’t leave it late, we still have places available * Please visit our website for more information and to register for all courses *Note * *When you register for a course the course prices will be sent directly to you* * * If you wish to receive the course cost* before* you register please fill in the information request form first BEFORE YOU REGISTER *Note – There are limited numbers for each course so please book early to avoid disappointment. This is a 3 **FULL** day INTENSIVE course * If anyone is interested in advertising in our newsletter please contact us for the next issue www.scanningoceansectors.org info(a)scanningoceansectors.org -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org

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Research Assistants Needed for Marine Ecology Project in Australia
by Shannon McCluskey 22 Sep '09

22 Sep '09

CALL FOR VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS WHAT: Volunteer assistants are requested to partake in a PhD project investigating diet and foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins. WHERE: Bunbury, South Western Australia (180 km south of Perth). A beautiful coastal town with easy access to Perth, the Margaret River wine region, surfing and bush walking. WHEN: January to March 2010; and June to September 2010. DUTIES: Relative composition and abundance of prey species in the Koombana Bay region will be sampled using beach seine nets, fish traps, and gillnets. Volunteers will be required to manually deploy and retrieve fish traps, seines and gillnets, assist in the operation of a research vessel, identify, count, weigh, and measure fish and invertebrate species. Stomach contents of stranded dolphins and scat samples will be analysed for prey content. This will involve separating and identifying hard parts in scat and stomach samples. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist with post mortem examinations of stranded dolphins. Spatial analysis to determine foraging "hot spots" will be carried out using point observational data. Assistants will be required to assist in the creation of data layers by entering data into an ArcGIS format and learn to use some basic GIS tools. Fish, invertebrate, and marine plant samples will be collected and prepared for stable isotope analysis. Volunteers may also be required to assist in the biopsying of dolphins for stable isotope work. Data entry and management, equipment maintenance, and other office and lab tasks will be required. QUALIFICATIONS: Mandatory -Primary requirement is a good attitude, work ethic, and ability to work in a physically demanding environment. This can include long hours in extreme weather conditions and long days on the water. Hauling fish traps and nets is physically demanding work. Volunteers must be able to repeatedly lift over 23 kg (~51 lbs). -Must be able to commit to a minimum of one month. People able to commit for longer periods will be preferred. Preferred, but not mandatory -Undergraduate degree in the biological sciences -Previous field work experience, specifically with fisheries or marine mammals -Experience using ArcGIS or similar spatial analysis software -Experience managing large datasets -Experience operating vessels up to 7 meters in length COMPENSATION: Regrettably volunteers will be required to arrange their own transportation to Bunbury, accommodation and all living expenses. (Backpackers and rooms in shared houses are available for approximately AU$90/week). Schedules may be flexible to allow volunteers to work on a part-time basis if legally able in Australia (e.g. possession of a working holiday visa). Academic credit may be earned if arranged through your local institution. Valuable field and lab experience in the ecological sciences will be gained through participation in this project. HOW TO APPLY: Please send a CV, letter of interest, and at least one letter of reference to: Shannon McCluskey Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit c/o Dolphin Discovery Centre Bunbury, Western Australia 6230 or electronically to: S.McCluskey(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:S.McCluskey@murdoch.edu.au> LINKS OF INTEREST: Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ Dolphin Discovery Centre: http://dolphins.mysouthwest.com.au/ <http://dolphins.mysouthwest.com.au/> Information on Bunbury: http://www.mybunbury.com/ <http://www.mybunbury.com/> or http://www.travelau.com.au/wa/bunbury/ <http://www.travelau.com.au/wa/bunbury/>

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New paper on the feeding behaviour of bowhead whales
by Malene J. Simon 21 Sep '09

21 Sep '09

Dear Collegues The following paper has recently been published in Proceedings of the Royal Society Simon, M., Johnson, M., Tyack, P. and Madsen, P.T. 2009. Behaviour and kinematics of continuous ram filtration in bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). Proceedings of the Royal Society. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2009.1135 Abstract Balaenid whales perform long breath-hold foraging dives despite a high drag from their ram filtration of zooplankton. To maximize the volume of prey acquired in a dive with limited oxygen supplies, balaenids must either filter feed only occasionally when prey density is particularly high, or they must swim at slow speeds while filtering to reduce drag and oxygen consumption. Using digital tags with three-axis accelerometers, we studied bowhead whales feeding off West Greenland and present here, to our knowledge, the first detailed data on the kinematics and swimming behaviour of a balaenid whale filter feeding at depth. Bowhead whales employ a continuous fluking gait throughout the bottom phase of foraging dives, moving at very slow speeds (less than 1 m s^-1), allowing them to filter feed continuously at depth. Despite the slow speeds, the large mouth aperture provides a water filtration rate of approximately 3 m^3 s^-1, amounting to some 2000 tonnes of water and prey filtered per dive. We conclude that a food niche of dense, slow-moving zooplankton prey has led balaenids to evolve locomotor and filtering systems adapted to work against a high drag at swimming speeds of less than 0.07 body length s^-1 using a continuous fluking gait very different from that of nekton-feeding, aquatic predators. All best, Malene Simon Department of Biological Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark. MaSi(a)Natur.gl

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Dolphin Research Internship, Charleston, SC
by Todd Speakman 21 Sep '09

21 Sep '09

The Marine Mammal and Protected Resources (MMPR) Program in Charleston, South Carolina is recruiting to fill two Dolphin Photo-identification Internship positions for the winter of 2010. The MMPR is organized within NOAA’s National Ocean Service and is located at the Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) laboratory in Charleston, SC. The intern position involves a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 14 week period from January 11, 2010 to April 16, 2010. There is some flexibility in these start and end dates. Interns will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution Project (CDAD). Three useful sources of information about the CDAD project are: 1) Zolman, E. 2002. Residence patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Stono River estuary, Charleston County, South Carolina. Marine Mammal Science 18:879-892. 2) The Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution (CDAD) Project: Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) for Field and Photographic Analysis Procedures. 3) Speakman, T., E. Zolman, J. Adams, R.H. Defran, D. Laska, L. Schwacke, J. Craigie, and P. Fair. 2006. Temporal and spatial aspects of bottlenose dolphin occurrence in coastal and estuarine waters near Charleston, South Carolina. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 37. You can download pdf versions of these documents at the web sites listed below. The CDAD project carries out boat-based photo-identification surveys in the coastal and inland waterways of the Charleston SC area. This research is designed to provide an understanding of the population characteristics, including temporal and spatial aspects, of the distribution of Charleston area Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. There is no compensation for this internship position and the successful applicant will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. During the internship, interns must have a personal vehicle to allow them to travel to and from the laboratory and to some of the local field sites in the Charleston area. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in the behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and be an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and research literature in this field. Preference will be given to the selection of interns with well developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The internship application will consist of a letter of interest, transcripts of university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits. Interested applicants should first correspond with Todd Speakman by email before preparing and submitting application materials. We anticipate filling this internship position by the end of November, 2009. Interested applicants should correspond by email to Todd Speakman Email: Todd.Speakman(a)noaa.gov <mailto:Todd.Speakman@noaa.gov> Zolman .pdf download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Zolman2002.pdf CDAD SOP .pdf download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/CDAD_Internsh… Speakman et al. pdf download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Speakman_et_a…

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Last Call for Posters and Registration for Monk Seal Workshop at 18th Biennial Conference - Deadline Sept. 24
by Monk Seal 20 Sep '09

20 Sep '09

Aloha Marmam Readers- We would like to announce the last call for registering for the Research, Management Conservation, and Policy in Monk Seal Recovery: A Global Perspective workshop taking place before the18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. The deadline for workshop attendance and poster submission is Thursday, September 24. The workshop will allow conference participants to learn about the different ecological, sociological and political aspects of monk seal recovery. Monk seal experts will give presentations on a number of topics including conservation genetics, disease research and prevention, impacts of climate change, and enhancement activities. Much of the discussion will focus on current research and management gaps to encourage collaborations and future research/management plans between workshop participants. We invite anyone that might be interested in endangered species research and management, collaborating on future projects, or curious about the plight of these two species to attend. The tentative agenda includes the following: Presentations on the biology and ecology of, and threats to, each species. Special Topic 1: Conservation Genetics in the Endangered Monk Seals Special Topic 2: Monk Seal Health and Disease: Threats, Research, Surveillance and Prevention of Disease Outbreaks Special Topic 3: Human and Seal Interactions: Fisheries, problem behavior, and public perception. Special Topic 4: Translocation, captive care and other techniques to enhance survival and manage monk seals. Topic 5: Climate Change and monk seals: Conserving into the future There will also be a poster session during lunch that will cover a wide variety of topics. Date: October 10, 2009 Time: 830 - 5pm (registration starts at 8 AM) Location: Quebec City Conference Center RM 207 (conference location) Cost: $40 US Registration cost will include morning and afternoon coffee and lunch at the workshop. Payment will be by cash or US check at the door. Space IS limited due to room size so please register early. If you are interested in the workshop or have any questions please email us at: monachusworkshop @ gmail.com This is the last call for poster submissions for the workshop. If you have a poster that you feel would be relevant to this workshop (monk seal related or a technique that could be valuable for monk seal research or management) please let us know no later than Thursday September 24. Hope to see you there. Charles Littnan, Alexandros Karamanlidis, Pablo Fernandez de Larrinoa, and Lisa Van Atta.

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workshop on acoustic ecology of marine mammals - registration closed
by Kate Stafford 19 Sep '09

19 Sep '09

Hi all Due to greater than anticipated interest and limited room size, registration for the upcoming workshop on the acoustic ecology of marine mammals prior to the MMC in Quebec is now closed. Kate ******************** Kate Stafford, Ph.D. Applied Physics Lab University of Washington 1013 NE 40th St Seattle WA 98105 USA 1-206-685-8617 stafford(a)apl.washington.edu ***********************

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