January 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Research Internship 2010-2011
by Jennifer Tackaberry 04 Jan '10

04 Jan '10

Marine Mammal Research Internships 2010-2011 (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the Summer (May 24 - August 20) and Fall (August 16 - December 17) semesters of 2010, and Spring (January 31 - May 27) semesters of 2011. Please note: All positions are filled in the spring of each year. The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 42' research vessel The Mysticete, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, harbor seal surveys and attendance at conferences and meetings. The internship fee for the 2010-2011 season is yet to be finalized (a fee of $1250 was charged for the 2009 season). Interns will receive housing in Gloucester within walking distance to the office and boats. A common apartment is used, where interns live together and share cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as this is conductive to open discussion and interaction between peers and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field. Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. Internship applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or office * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for an internship: please send a resume, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, one letter of reference, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during one of two weekends in March 2010 (to be determined at a later date). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2010. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Because of an increased work calendar during the summer session, volunteer positions are also available. Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the intern coordinator: Jenn Tackaberry Jennifer Tackaberry P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) jenn(a)whalecenter.org

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Certificate in Marine Mammal Behavior and Training
by Dave 04 Jan '10

04 Jan '10

Dolphin Research Center (DRC), a world-renowned marine mammal education and research facility on Grassy Key Florida, is pleased to announce a program leading to a college-issued Certificate in Marine Mammal Behavior and Training. Students who successfully complete a career-focused series of five different courses will receive the Certificate in Marine Mammal Behavior and Training from the Florida Keys Community College. For over 25 years, DRC has specialized in teaching individuals of all ages about marine mammal husbandry, behavior modification, and a wide range of related topics. Each seven-day course introduces students to Dolphin Research Center's resident pod of dolphins and includes hands-on and in-water interactive experiences as well as classroom seminars and workshops, live marine mammal demonstrations and observations, and discussions with expert trainers, researchers and educators. Course topics include, but are not limited to: marine mammal husbandry; marine mammal medical care and pathology; behavior modification and training; anatomy; physiology; maternity; population management; habitat and maintenance; environmental enrichment; cognitive and behavioral research methodology, design and implementation; dolphin acoustics; and communication; marine mammal law; and conservation. Animal experience includes but is not limited to: meal preparation; animal handling and behavior modification through operant conditioning; animal presentation and narration delivery; cognitive research design and implementation; behavioral observation and research; and animal enrichment design and implementation. The courses offered include: OCB 1301 Basic DolphinLab; OCB 1311 Dolphin Studies and Field Experience: Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training I; OCB 2313 Dolphin Studies and Field Experience: Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment II; and OCB 2310 Dolphin Studies and Field Experience: Cognitive and Behavioral Research with Marine Mammals; and EDG 1030 Dolphin Studies and Field Experience: Marine Mammal Education and Interpretation. Courses may either be taken consecutively or at different times throughout the year, depending on DRC scheduling. In order to qualify for college credit, students must participate in all activities and successfully pass an exam that is given at the end of each course. For further information please visit our website: www.dolphins.org <http://www.dolphins.org/> or contact the Education Department at education(a)dolphins.org or (305) 289-1121 ext. 225. Sincerely, Dave Walton Reservations Coordinator Education Department Dolphin Research Center (305) 289-1121 ext. 288 dave(a)dolphins.org "Dolphin Research Center...25 years of Teaching, Learning, and Caring for Marine Mammals and the Environment We Share." Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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Fourth Science Symposium on Bio-logging: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, March 14-18 2011
by Karen.Evans＠csiro.au 02 Jan '10

02 Jan '10

Dear all, On behalf of the Steering Committee and Organising Committee, it is my pleasure to announce that the Fourth Science Symposium on Bio-logging will be held in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, March 14-18 2011. Our website can be found at http://www.cmar.csiro.au/biologging4/ and you can follow updates for the conference also on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=200360067357 Key dates to keep in mind are: Call for workshops: Jan 2010 - June 2010 Acceptance for workshops Aug 2010 Call for abstracts Mar 2010 Deadline for abstracts Sept 2010 Acceptance of abstracts Nov 2010 Early bird registration opens Sept 2010 Early bird registration closes Dec 2010 Registration closes Feb 2011 We look forward to 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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Sea of Cortez mass strandings and earthquakes
by David Williams 01 Jan '10

01 Jan '10

My comments on the association between undersea earthquakes and two mass strandings of 56 sperm whales and 8 killer whales in the Gulf of California are posted on the following web page: http://deafwhale.com/stranded_whale/1978/sperm_whales_baja_dec.htm Any replies or questions concerning these mass strandings, or any other mass stranding, can be direct to me personally at david(a)deafwhale.com Warm regards and a Happy New Year to all. Dave Williams

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