January 2010 - 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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Marine Wildlife and Conservation Volunteers required
by CBMWC 21 Apr '10

21 Apr '10

Please post the following advert for volunteers: Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, Wales www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Marine Wildlife & Conservation Volunteer opportunities Are you planning a career in the marine environment or conservation? Volunteer positions are available at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre. Volunteering is a great way to develop skills and gain essential experience! Reliable and enthusiastic people are needed to help with our ongoing research, education and interpretation programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. We primarily study the bottlenose dolphins through photo-identification and also monitor harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations. Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centres work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. Please note enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since training is provided. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and to gain knowledge and experience of the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay. It can be a great chance to gain experience of field work, research methods and public awareness and education programmes. Gain essential skills for a career in the environment or conservation such as developing your fundraising, interpersonal and data processing skills as well as meeting and socialising with people who share your interests. If you have any specific skills or experience such as in designing environmental education programmes, website creation, fundraising, the media, DIY skills, exhibition, interior or graphic design and would like to help with project development, please contact us. We also welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need boat support and office space to conduct their research projects. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas are feasible. For further information To find out more about the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre and what activities you would be involved in visit www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp. If you have any questions please email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on 01545 560032. Volunteering at CBMWC Desired skills An interest in wildlife and conservation is most important, along with reliability, enthusiasm and willingness to work in a conscientious and responsible manner. As you will be dealing with the public on a daily basis it is also important that you are fluent in speaking English. We welcome people with experience working with children, the public or in environmental interpretation or education, however this is not essential. Indeed this is a great opportunity to gain skills in these areas. Good verbal and written communication skills, IT, design and fundraising skills are likewise useful but not essential. Time commitment Volunteers are needed from April until November 2010. We ask for a minimum commitment of 4 weeks (due to training), ideally volunteers would be able to commit longer. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. Accommodation and expense arrangements Basic accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx £55 per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. How to get involved Its easy to get involved simply download a simple application form from our website www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp, complete it and email it to volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Volunteer application 2010 in your subject line or alternatively post your application form. Please make sure you fill in your availability. We look forward to hearing from you. Postal address: FAO: Laura Mears Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building, Glanmor Terrace New Quay, Ceredigion Wales, SA45 9PS As seen on: Iolos Welsh Safari, Autumn 2007 http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/nature/sites/behindthescenes/pages/newquay.shtml & BBC Natures Calendar Summer 2007 http://www.bbc.co.uk/naturescalendar/summer/coast/cardigan_bay/cardigan_acce ss.shtml Laura Mears Project Officer __________________________________________________________________ Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560032 E-bost/E-mail: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a Marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's Marine Wildlife through education, interpretation and research. Cynorthwyo i gadw Bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Aberteifi trwy addysg as ymchwil. __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are soley for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.

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Funding opps for small scale initiatives
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 31 Jan '10

31 Jan '10

> The Small-Scale Initiatives Programme run by the French Global > Environment Facility is designed to support civil society > organisations in Africa which are actively working on biodiversity > protection and climate change action. > > The programme has been set up to help civil society organisations to: > > undertake field projects in West and Central Africa, Madagascar and > Mozambique, > strengthen their technical, training, management and project > monitoring capacities, > strengthen a small-scale projects monitoring network in West and > Central Africa, > strengthen their capacities for influencing environmental policy > choices in the countries concerned, > share and disseminate their experiences and successes. > There’s a rolling programme of applications and full details are on > the website. Link below. > > Application deadline 2nd call for proposals: 15.02.2010 Decision 2nd > call for proposals: 30.04.2010 > Application deadline 3rd call for proposals: 15.09.2010 Decision 3rd > call for proposals: 30.11.2010 > Application deadline 4th call for proposals: 15.02.2011 Decision 4th > call for proposals: 30.04.2011 > http://www.ffem.fr/jahia/Jahia/cache/offonce/lang/en/accueil/pid/26806;jses… >

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2010 Field Course in Belize
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 31 Jan '10

31 Jan '10

Ecology, Behavior & Conservation of Marine Mammals, A Unique Field Course in the Drowned Cayes, Belize DATES: May 26 - June 8, 2010 (inclusive of travel) INSTRUCTORS: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.1, 2, Bruce A. Schulte, Ph.D.4, Katherine S. LaCommare, M.S., ABD 2,3 LOCATION: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center at HP Adventure Lodge, http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ COSTS: $2595 includes, housing, meals, field trips, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees; DOES NOT include airfare, books, tips, or credit hours DEADLINES: Early Registration ($50 Discount) & and Deposit due March 1st, 2010 MINIMUM / MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8-24 students REGISTRATION: http://www.sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2010.html Want to be a Marine Mammal Biologist? Or a Behavioral Ecologist? Here's your chance to join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of Animal Behavior, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins in Belize! You will become totally immersed into island living, the study of ethology (animal behavior) and the biology of manatees and dolphins through lectures and learning activities, literature review, debate, projects, and field research. This unique field course combines an overview of the ecology, behavior, and conservation of sirenians and cetaceans with hands-on manatee & dolphin research in the Drowned Cayes, Belize. You'll spend 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the environment as we explore a labyrinth of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. You'll collect behavioral and environmental data and learn about photo-id techniques; you'll develop a Fact Sheet or Activity Booklet about a related topic to be published by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education and/or Sirenian International. Extra-curricular activities include diving or snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and exploring an ancient Maya City. This unique course has a work load equivalent to 4 university credit hours and is divided into 4 major components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~4 hours per day), project development (~1 hours per day) and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hours per day). Want credit towards your degree? No problem! Sign up for independent study with an advisor at your school and pay the appropriate fees. The course has 70 contact hours and is comparable to a 4 credit university course. Just have you advisor contact Dr. Self- Sullivan (cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu) to discuss the requirements for credit. Remember, if you are interested in getting independent study credit for this course at your school, you must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and the course instructor. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill any Study Abroad requirements at your school. COURSE CONTENT OVERVIEW (Lectures & Learning Activities) The Order Sirenia: Manatees and Dugongs of the World The Order Cetacea: Whales and Dolphins of the World The Local Research Project: Manatee & Dolphins of the Drowned Cayes Animal Behavior: Ethology and Behavioral Ecology - The Scientific Perspectives Ecology - Interactions between Manatees, Dolphins, and their Environment Marine Mammals under Human Care in Zoos and Oceanariums Marine Mammal Science: Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Analysis of Data, and Interpretation of Results Marine Mammal Conservation and Advocacy: The Status of Extant Marine Mammal Species RESOURCES We recommend two books (optional) as primary resources on manatees and dolphins: The Florida Manatee: Biology and Conservation, by Roger L. Reep and Robert K. Bonde, University Press of Florida The Bottlenose Dolphin: Biology and Conservation, by John E. Reynolds, Samantha D. Eide, and Randall S. Wells, University Press of Florida A selection of primary literature will be sent to you in electronic format in advance of the course. Students are required to print out these articles and bring them with them to Belize. There is also a library of books and archived journals, including Society of Marine Mammalogy, Animal Behavior, and Conservation Biology journals, in our library onsite in Belize. COURSE FEE & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The course fee of $2595 includes all transportation, course, field trip, and living expenses from your arrival at the PWG airport in Belize on May 26th to your departure on June 8th. You are responsible for tips, insurance, and round-trip airfare to Belize (BZE). REGISTER EARLY: SAVE $100 WHEN YOU REGISTER and PAY IN FULL BY March 1st SAVE $50 WHEN YOU REGISTER and PAY DEPOSIT BY March 1st To register for course, please visit http://www.sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2010.html For more information on the course, please email caryns(a)sirenian.org or cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu 1 Dr. Caryn Self-Sullivan is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University. 4 Dr. Bruce Schulte is a Professor and Department Head at Western Kentucky University. 3 Katherine LaCommare is a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and an instructor at Lansing Community College in Michigan. 2 Caryn and Katie are the co-founders of Sirenian International. 1, 4 For more information on the instructors, please visit http://sirenian.org/caryn.html and http://bioweb.wku.edu/faculty/Schulte/Default.asp For more information on the facilities, please visit http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ Download a Course Flyer at http://sirenian.org/CourseFlyer2010.pdf Cheers, Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. President & Co-founder, Sirenian International Visiting Assistant Professor, Georgia Southern University Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 540.242.9196 Email: caryns(a)sirenian.org or cselfsullivan(a)georgiasouthern.edu Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at www.sirenian.org The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations.

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proposals for workshops associated with Bio-logging IV now open
by Karen.Evans＠csiro.au 29 Jan '10

29 Jan '10

Dear all, The Steering Committee of the Fourth International Science Symposium on Bio-logging is inviting proposals for workshops to be held in association with the conference which is to be held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, March 14-18 2011. Associated workshops should be aimed at increasing the level of scientific discussion across the bio-logging community, interactions with international experts and to encourage participation by early career scientists. If you are interested in submitting a proposal for an associated workshop please email us at bio-loggingIV(a)csiro.au to obtain a proposal form. Proposals will need to clearly state: (i) the relevance of the workshop to Bio-logging IV (ii) the need within the bio-logging community for the workshop (iii) the workshops objectives, intended outcomes and outputs (iv) proposed dates for the workshop (v) the resources required (vi) funds available to support the workshop Proposal forms and information for workshop conveners will also be made available on our website http://www.cmar.csiro.au/biologging4/ shortly. We look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing you in Tasmania in 2011. Dr. Karen Evans On behalf of the Steering Committee and Organising Committee for Bio-logging IV

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Abstract submission extended for 2010 International Congress for Conservation Biology
by Dori Dick 29 Jan '10

29 Jan '10

Apologies for cross postings - The abstract submission deadline has been extended to 15 February 2010 for the 2010 International Congress for Conservation Biology. The Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology encourages anyone involved with marine conservation research to submit an abstract to the 2010 International Congress for Conservation Biology to be held from 3-7 July 2010 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Abstract are due 15 February 2010 For more information about the conference, go to the conference website: http://www.conbio.org/Activities/Meetings/2010 For more information about the Society for Conservation Biology, see: http://www.conbio.org For more information about the Marine Section, see: http://www.conbio.org/Sections/Marine See you in Edmonton! Dori Dick On behalf of the Marine Section Board Society for Conservation Biology

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New publication
by Touhey Moore, Katie 29 Jan '10

29 Jan '10

Dear colleagues, The authors would like to share the following recently published article: Bogomolni AB, Pugliares KP, Sharp SM, Patchett K, Harry CT, LaRocque JM, Touhey KM, Moore M (2010) Mortality trends of stranded marine mammals on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts, USA, 2000 to 2006. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 88: 143-155. ABSTRACT: To understand the cause of death of 405 marine mammals stranded on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts between 2000 and 2006, a system for coding final diagnosis was developed and categorized as (1) disease, (2) human interaction, (3) mass stranded with no significant findings,(4) single-stranded with no significant findings, (5) rock and/or sand ingestion, (6) predatory attack, (7) failure to thrive or dependent calf or pup, or (8) other. The cause of death for 91 animals could not be determined. For the 314 animals that could be assigned a cause of death, gross and histological pathology results and ancillary testing indicated that disease was the leading cause of mortality in the region, affecting 116/314 (37%) of cases. Human interaction, including harassment, entanglement, and vessel collision, fatally affected 31/314 (10%) of all animals. Human interaction accounted for 13/29 (45%) of all determined gray seal Halichoerus grypus mortalities. Mass strandings were most likely to occur in northeastern Cape Cod Bay; 97/106 (92%) of mass stranded animals necropsied presented with no significant pathological findings. Mass strandings were the leading cause of death in 3 of the 4 small cetacean species: 46/67 (69%) of Atlantic white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus, 15/21 (71%) of long-finned pilot whale Globicephala melas, and 33/54(61%) of short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis. These baseline data are critical for understanding marine mammal population health and mortality trends, which in turn have significant conservation and management implications. They not only afford a better retrospective analysis of strandings, but ultimately have application for improving current and future response to live animal stranding. Please note that the full article is available open access at the following link: http://www.int-res.com/articles/dao_oa/d088p143.pdf (thus there is no need to request a PDF or reprint). The individual case data are also available open access at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/suppl/d088p143_app.pdf Kind regards, Katie Moore Katie (Touhey) Moore Manager Marine Mammal Rescue & Research International Fund for Animal Welfare 290 Summer Street Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 508.744.2276 (office) 508-744-2099 (fax) 508.743-9548 (Emergency Stranding Hotline, 24 hrs.) kmoore(a)ifaw.org www.capecodstranding.net <http://www.capecodstranding.net/> --------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. This transmission is intended only for use by the addressee (s) named herein and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential and/or legally privileged.

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New paper on the behaviour of a solitary dolphin
by Sonja Eisfeld 29 Jan '10

29 Jan '10

Dear colleagues, Apologies for cross posting! The following paper has recently been published: Eisfeld, S.M., Simmonds, M.P., Stansfield, L.R. (2010). Behavior of a solitary sociable female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) off the coast of Kent, SE England. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 13: 31 - 45. Abstract This article provides a report of the behavior of a solitary sociable dolphin studied on the southeast coast of England in 2007. This is the first study of its kind in which behavior of such a nonhuman animal was systematically studied. By the time of this study, this young female was highly interactive with people in the water. People accompanied the dolphin for 18.4% of the 100 hr of observation, and their presence changed her behavior. The study recorded 39 different behaviors; feeding and resting behaviors declined in frequency in the presence of people. In addition, the dolphin exhibited behavior possibly hazardous to people in the water, which included preventing swimmers from leaving the water. The dolphin received several wounds, at least one of which was life-threatening. This article discusses the welfare implications for such animals. You can download the paper at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10888700903369263 Any questions, please contact me at sonja.eisfeld(a)wdcs.org Kind regards, Sonja Eisfeld Conservation Officer WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Brookfield House 38 St Paul Street Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 1LJ sonja.eisfeld(a)wdcs.org <mailto:sonja.eisfeld@wdcs.org> T: 01249 449 516 F: 01249 449 501 http://www.wdcs.org <http://www.wdcs.org> **** Since commercial whaling was 'banned' more than 30,000 whales have been killed. Help us Stop Whaling. www.whales.org <http://www.whales.org> Please consider the environment before printing this email. **** WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS. Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society ("WDCS"): Registered in England and Wales No. 2737421 WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN!5 1LJ. Registered Charity No. 1014705. Tel: 01249 449500 Fax: 01249449501 WDCS Shop is a trading name of WDCS (Trading) Limited (Registered in England No. 2593116) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (Charity No. 1014705) and gift aids all post tax profits to the charity. WDCS Wildlife Centre: Spey Bay, Moray, IV32 7PJ. Tel: 01343 820339 Fax: 01343 829065 WDCS Australasia: WDCS, PO Box 720, Port Adelaide Business Centre, South Australia, Australia 5015. Tel: 1300 360 442 Fax: 08 8242 1595 WDCS Deutschland: WDCS, Altostraße 43, D-81245, München. Tel: 089 6100 2393 Fax: 089 6100 2394 WDCS (North America): 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: 1.888.MYWHALE (1.888.699.4253) WDCS (South America): Potosi 2087, B1636BUA, Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel-Fax +54 11 47963191

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new paper on dolphin toxicology
by Martina Duras Gomercic 29 Jan '10

29 Jan '10

Dear colleagues, The following paper has been published: J. Pompe-Gotal, E. Srebocan, H. Gomercic, A. Prevendar Crnic (2009): Mercury concentrations in the tissues of bottlenose dolphins (/Tursiops truncatus/) and striped dolphins (/Stenella coeruloalba/) stranded on the Croatian Adriatic coast. Veterinarni Medicina 54: 598-604. ABSTRACT: The concentrations of total mercury in muscle (17 samples), liver (16 samples) and kidney tissues (16 samples) of both bottlenose /(Tursiops truncatus) /and striped dolphins /(Stenella coeruloalba) /were analyzed by cold vapour atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy. The dolphins were found dead at different locations along the east Adriatic over a 10-year period starting in 1990. In this study, the magnitude of mercury contamination of dolphins which are indicators of contamination of the Adriatic as well as the Mediterranean Sea was determined. Our results represent the first investigation of heavy metal concentrations in dolphins sampled along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Total mercury levels were high, ranging from 1.51 to 136.7 mg/kg in muscle, from 2.04 to 143.1 in kidney and from 10.35 to 1 833 mg/kg in liver tissues (expressed as wet weight). These results were examined for differences based upon age and tissue type. A high correlation was observed between total mercury concentration and age, and adult dolphins (10 samples) contained statistically significant higher concentrations of mercury compared to juvenile (seven samples) dolphins. Mercury concentrations were generally the highest in liver tissue. The presence of high mercury levels in dolphins is attributed to natural as well as anthropogenic sources. You can download the paper at: http://vri.cz/docs/vetmed/54-12-598.pdf or contact: Prof. dr. Hrvoje Gomercic Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb Heinzelova 55 10000 Zagreb Croatia e-mail: hrvoje.gomercic(a)vef.hr Best regards, Hrvoje Gomercic

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Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-Id Internship for 2010
by Jessica Weiss 28 Jan '10

28 Jan '10

Hi, Could you please post the following announcement? Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Internship Position for 2010 The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch is currently accepting applications for the 2010 summer season. One internship position is available. The research season is May 15 – September 30. Successful applicants must be able to commit through the end of August. The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks, NC. Our program’s goal is to gain an understanding of the population size, movement patterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the sounds and coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR currently conducts a photo-identification monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via dedicated small boat surveys as well as opportunistically from a local dolphin watch. This study is a continuation of the long-term study initiated by the Nags Head Dolphin Watch in 1997. Information from the current long-term study will provide a basis for initiation of studies involving habitat utilization, social associations, and anthropogenic effects on the dolphins. For more information about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org The internship position will consist of field research, photo-identification, and environmental education. Responsibilities include: • Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of bottlenose dolphins, including operating small vessel during surveys, collecting environmental, location, and behavioral data for dolphin groups • Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, including photo sorting, sighting data entry, assist in maintenance of long-term photo-id catalog using the program FinBase • Mate/naturalist duties aboard a local dolphin watch, including educating the general public on dolphins and the sound/marine environment, collecting opportunistic photo-id data, and additional mate duties This internship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly salary for performing ecotours on the dolphin watch. From May 15- June 11 and August 18- September 30, the intern will conduct mate/naturalist duties and opportunistic photo-id aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch for 4-5 days per week. From June 12- August 17, time commitment to the dolphin ecotours will be 2 days per week. During this time, the internship requires a minimum of 30 hours per week, consisting of ecotours, dedicated field surveys, and lab photo-id. The rest of the week, the intern may seek employment in the Outer Banks or have the time off. Housing: A studio apartment is available for rent in Kill Devil Hills for the duration of the research season ($50 per week), however transportation to and from the Outer Banks as well as to and from the field site is not provided. The successful applicant would ideally have the following qualifications: • Minimum of 18 years of age and currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field • Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation • Ability to swim • Basic computer proficiency in MS Office Access • Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, and works well on a team • Field research/small boat operation experience preferred but not required • First AID/CPR certification preferred but not required NOTE: The United States Coast Guard requires all passenger vessels to be drug free work environments. In order to work aboard the dolphin ecotours, the intern will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test and to participate in random drug testing during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to: obxcdr(a)hotmail.com Use “Dolphin photo-id internship” in the subject line of the email. All applications will be reviewed; those received by April 1st will be given priority. Jessica Weiss, M.E.M. Coastal Environmental Management Scientific Advisor, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research 7517 Virginia Dare Trail Nags Head, NC 27959

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