October 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

reminder: Conference on Minimizing Risks for the Environment in Marine Ammunition Removal in the Baltic and North Sea
by S.Koschinski 08 Oct '10

08 Oct '10

Dear MARMAMers, please consider to attend the MIREMAR conference: The International Conference on Minimizing Risks for the Environment in Marine Ammunition Removal in the Baltic and North Sea (MIREMAR) will be held from 16th to 18th November 2010 in Neumünster, Germany (situated between Hamburg and Kiel). The deadline for registration is 31st October 2010. A registration form can be found here: http://schleswig-holstein.nabu.de/themen/meeresschutz/miremar/12717.html registration fee (90,-- Euro, students 70,-- Euro) During the first two days, thirty renowned experts on different aspects of ammunition removal are going to give presentations on legal aspects of marine ammunition, the situation in the Baltic and North Sea, mitigation measures for detonations, survey methods, sediments, ecotoxicology, safe recovery and destruction of ammunition, chemical warefare, ammunition and politics etc.. On the third day following workshops will be offered: Databases Funding of joint projects Combination of Technical Solutions, from Detection to Removal Nature conservation and ammunition Mitigation of Shock Waves from Detonations Chemical DMM - Still a WMD Threat? Participants can choose the workshops using the online registration form at www.miremar.de Practical demonstrations of water abrasive suspension cutting and salvage robots and explosion proof containers will be shown before the workshops. Alternatively, an excursion to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal "Gross Nordsee" can be booked at the conference. We offer you an interesting and diversified program. Please check it out in the attachment or at www.miremar.de . We are looking forward to welcoming you in Neumünster! On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Sven Koschinski Kühlandweg 12 24326 Nehmten Germany sk(a)meereszoologie.de

1 0

UNEP/CMS Press Release on Dugongs
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 07 Oct '10

07 Oct '10

Note: Dugongs AND Manatees are the World's Last Remaining Mermaids. - CSS Press Release from UNEP/CMS http://www.cms.int/news/PRESS/nwPR2010/pressreleases/UNEP_CMS_Press_Release… International Efforts Save Dugongs, The World’s Last Remaining Mermaids UN Conference adopts a new conservation strategy to protect the sea cow Bonn/Abu Dhabi, 7 October 2010 - Dugongs are believed to have been at the origin of mermaid legends when spotted swimming in the water from a distance. Now the remaining populations of this seemingly clumsy sea mammal, commonly known as a sea cow, are at serious risk of becoming extinct within the next 40 years. At an international meeting this week on dugongs convened by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS) in Abu Dhabi, governments, International and Non-Governmental Organizations and experts discussed solutions to protect the world’s only herbivorous mammal living in marine waters. CMS Executive Secretary Elizabeth Maruma Mrema said: “Simple innovative tools and new incentives for local fishermen have been presented to the signatories to the CMS dugong agreement, which might prevent this rare species from becoming extinct.” A newly developed innovative toolbox to mitigate threats to dugongs includes incentives to replace harmful gillnets with alternative fishing gear to reduce bycatch and minimize the mortality rates. According to an assessment undertaken in 2008, the dugong is now extinct in the Maldives, Mauritius and Taiwan, and declining in other waters in at least a third of the areas where it is found. However, at present, information on the dugongs is too limited to even assess completely the threats. Manmade threats pose the greatest risk to the gentle sea cow. Illegal poaching, unsustainable hunting by local communities, severe injuries from ships and vanishing seagrass beds are accelerating a critical loss of habitat and threatening populations. The use of gillnets has led to the incidental entanglement in fishing gear, which is also a major threat. As fisheries become increasingly commercialized, bycatch will become even more frequent and serious. The second largest threat is unsustainable direct consumption which can result once a dugong is caught in 2 the nets. In addition, dugongs are also legally hunted by local communities in some countries for traditional consumption. Risks from manmade threats are exacerbated by the dugong’s low reproduction rates. Even the slightly reduced survival rate of adults as a result of habitat loss, disease, hunting or drowning in nets, can trigger a dramatic decline. Initiating and enhancing regional cooperation among the countries that host dugong populations is essential to ensure the survival of this unique marine mammal. Data from fishermen surveyed in 20 countries in the Pacific Islands, South Asia as well as the United Arab Emirates are now available and will be reviewed to assess the threat of fishing on the survival of the dugongs in parts of its migratory range. The data will be combined into a geographical information system to identify the trouble spots, provide crucial information on existing populations and map important habitat areas such as seagrass beds. The data from the surveys will also help complete missing information on areas where threats to the dugong might be very high and enable local communities to preserve critical habitat. In 2011, the survey will be extended to countries in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands, Northwestern Indian Ocean as well as South Asian regions. Other solutions that seek to protect valuable dugong habitat as well as breeding and feeding areas include establishing spatial closures as marine reserves and temporal constraints to fishing operations. Incentives, such as loans for buying new boats, for fishermen to use line-fishing gear were also discussed as were educational campaigns and measures to improve the livelihood of local communities as a way to complement conservation efforts. The meeting concluded that the conservation strategy should address the need for greater protection of marine biodiversity by combining different conservation tools. These tools are also necessary for reducing the entanglement in fishing gear of other marine species such as whales and dolphins, turtles and coastal sharks. Governments represented at the meeting will develop potential pilot projects to implement these new incentive based tools from which other marine species may benefit as well. Addressing threats to dugongs requires a multidisciplinary approach. The conservation strategy agreed at this meeting requires expertise and guidance from scientists specializing in dugong biology, marine resource management, coastal development, sustainable development, social sciences, economics, law and other relevant fields. At the meeting, Bahrain, Palau, Seychelles, Vanuatu and Yemen also signed the CMS Dugong agreement bringing the number of signatories to 18. More countries are likely to follow in the near future. The agreement provides a platform for cooperation among governments and regions to develop and implement conservation measures to ensure the long term survival of this unique marine mammal. Notes to Editors: The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, works for the conservation of a wide array of endangered migratory animals worldwide through the negotiation and implementation of agreements and action plans. At present, 114 countries are parties to the Convention. (www.cms.int) The UNEP/CMS Office in Abu Dhabi is co- located with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi. It aims to implement the agreements on dugongs and African-Eurasian migratory birds of prey. The CMS dugong agreement was concluded in 2007 and signed by 13 countries: Australia, Comoros, Eritrea, France, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates. For more information please contact: Veronika Lenarz, UNEP/CMS Secretariat, tel: +49 (0)228 815 2409, e- mail: vlenarz(a)cms.int Donna Kwan, UNEP/CMS Office - Abu Dhabi, tel: +971 56 6987830, e-mail: dkwan(a)cms.int

1 0

Proposed Steller Sea Lion Management Plan posted on SARA Public Registry
by Li, Michelle 06 Oct '10

06 Oct '10

The proposed Management Plan for the Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) has been posted on the SARA Public Registry. Please note that the comment period ends on December 5, 2010. The proposed management plan and the online comment form can be found here: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e.cfm?documentID=2107. Michelle Li A/Species at Risk Program Development Officer Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Pêches et Ocêans Canada 200-401 Burrard St / 200-401 rue Burrard Vancouver BC, V6C 3S4 / Vancouver (C.-B) V6C 3S4 T: (604) 666-2792 / F: (604) 666-3341 Michelle.Li(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

1 0

Volunteers needed for seal rehabilitation centre Pieterburen, the Netherlands
by Nynke Osinga 06 Oct '10

06 Oct '10

The Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre (SRRC) in Pieterburen, the Netherlands, is looking for: *Enthusiastic volunteers who are experienced in animal husbandry.* The seals in the rehabilitation centre need intensive care treatment due to their health problems (mostly lungworm infections). We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who will work together with the SRRC staff in the seals care department. The SRRC is expecting many seals to be admitted during this coming winter season. If you have experience with animal husbandry, and you are available in this coming winter, please send a letter to the SRRC (info(a)zeehondencreche.nl) We require a minimum period of six weeks, but prefer a longer period. We offer food and accommodation at the centre and the chance to work with seals in a motivated group of international colleagues. Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre Hoofdstraat 94a 9968 AG PIETERBUREN The Netherlands Phone: (31) 595 - 526 526 Fax: (31) 595 - 528 389 Email: info(a)zeehondencreche.nl Website: www.zeehondencreche.nl <http://www.zeehondencreche.nl/> English website: www.srrc.nl <http://www.srrc.nl/>

1 0

Fsea otter conservation workshop VII save the date! March 25-27, 2011 Seattle Aquarium
by Traci Belting 04 Oct '10

04 Oct '10

The seventh International Sea Otter Conservation Workshop will be hosted by the Seattle Aquarium March 25-27, 2011. This biennial event brings sea otter biologists from the United States, Europe, Canada and Russia together with animal care managers from a variety of Zoos and Aquariums to network, share, strengthen partnerships and expand collaborations associated with sea otter biology and conservation. Register before February 11, 2011 for early bird rate of $150. Register by email b.bingham(a)seattleaquarium.org<mailto:b.bingham@seattleaquarium.org> or phone 206.386.4330. For information about presenting please contact Shawn Larson s.larson(a)seattleaquarium.org<mailto:s.larson@seattleaquarium.org> or phone 206.386.4360 Thank you! Traci Belting Curator of Mammals and Birds Seattle Aquarium 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59 Seattle, WA 98101-2015 206-310-7663 T.Belting(a)seattleaquarium.org Inspiring conservation of our marine environment [cid:image002.png@01CB1D1E.5560E930]

1 0

Position Announcement: Director of the School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware 31 Dec 2010 Deadline
by Jeremy Firestone 04 Oct '10

04 Oct '10

Hi all, Sorry for Cross-postings We are undertaking a search for a Director of our School of Marine Science and Policy in which I participate. Please feel free to contact me should you have questions. Please pass on to those you may be interested. Regards, Jeremy Jeremy Firestone Associate Professor, School of Marine Sciences and Policy Senior Research Scientist, Center for Carbon-free Power Integration University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716 USA 1.302.831.0228 (office) 302.831.6838 (fax) jf(a)udel.edu www.ceoe.udel.edu/windpower carbonfree.udel.edu http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/people/jf Position Announcement Director of the School of Marine Science and Policy The College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of Delaware invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Marine Science and Policy (SMSP). The position provides a unique opportunity to lead a premier marine organization into the coming decade. The Director is responsible for all teaching, research, and service activities within the School and reports directly to the Dean of the College. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of full professor. We seek an energetic scholar in any area of marine science or policy who has developed a nationally and internationally recognized body of scholarship with evidence of deep commitment to marine education, research, and academic leadership. Candidates should have administrative experience as a department chairperson, laboratory director, or equivalent leadership position in academia. This will include high achievement in teaching and service, as well as substantial experience in the conduct and administration of competitive research programs supported by funds from private sources, foundations, and government agencies. The School is composed of 41 faculty members, approximately 100 graduate students, and a growing undergraduate program. The SMSP is ranked among the top institutions for marine education and research in the United States, with facilities located on the Sharp Campus at the mouth of Delaware Bay in Lewes, Delaware and on the main campus in Newark, Delaware. The 64-acre Sharp Campus features over 100,000 square feet of modern laboratory, classroom, and office space. The Director is expected to maintain an active presence at both the Sharp campus in Lewes and the main University of Delaware campus in Newark. The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer which encourages applications from women and from members of minority groups. More information on the College and School may be found at <http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/> http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/ and <http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/academics/smsp/index.shtml> http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/academics/smsp/index.shtml. Applicants should submit a detailed statement of interest and qualifications along with curriculum vitae in electronic format, as well as contact information for at least three references. Applications and requests for information should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Patrick Gaffney, Professor of Marine Biosciences (302-645-4364; <mailto:pgaffney@udel.edu> pgaffney(a)udel.edu) Applications must be received by 31 December 2010.

1 0

Announcing a new journal
by Wallace, Richard 04 Oct '10

04 Oct '10

Dear Marmam folks: It is my great pleasure to share with you the initial announcement and call for papers for the new Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences (JESS). JESS is the official journal of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) and will be published by Springer. More information is available below, including a link to the JESS website, where you will find all relevant information. We are extremely excited about the journal and its potential impact on the dissemination of interdisciplinary and other content relative to environmental and natural resource problem solving. We believe that JESS fills a niche in environmental scholarship that has not before existed among academic journals, and hope you will take advantage of its format and content in considering outlets for your work. JESS seeks a much broader array of scholarly work than Marine Mammal Science, Aquatic Mammals, Conservation Biology, or other journals that frequently include marine mammal-related content. For those of you in the Marmam community whose work crosses disciplinary boundaries, is explicitly interdisciplinary, is applied or problem oriented in a disciplinary manner, or is otherwise broader than the scope of most natural science journals, JESS welcomes your submissions. More guidance is available in the journal's aims and scope and instructions for authors, on the JESS website. Formal questions about JESS should be addressed to Tony Rosenbaum, the journal's editor-in-chief (e-mail below), though I am happy to respond to informal inquiries as well (I am a member of the editorial board and have been involved in the development of the journal since the idea first took shape). Thank you! Cheers, Rich Wallace Environmental Studies Program Ursinus College rwallace(a)ursinus.edu<mailto:rwallace@ursinus.edu> p.s. apologies for cross-postings! The Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) is pleased to announce the launch of the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences (JESS), the official publication of the Association. The Journal will be issued quarterly in electronic and hard copy by Springer Publications beginning in early 2011. We invite you to submit articles for the Journal. AESS is an independent professional association designed to serve the needs of environmental scholars, scientists, practitioners and students who value interdisciplinary approaches to research, teaching, and problem-solving. We encourage you to join as a member and become an original subscriber to the Journal. To join or to find more information about AESS, please visit http://www.aess.info/. The AESS and Journal provide venues for the advancement of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the coupled human-nature systems. A major goal of AESS is to encourage this advancement by promoting related teaching, research and service and by facilitating communication across boundaries that may inhibit environmental discourse across traditional academic disciplines. This commitment also involves supporting the professional development of Association members and advancing the educational status of Environmental Studies and Environmental Sciences programs. The Journal, available to all AESS members, provides a peer-reviewed, academically rigorous and professionally recognized forum for the publication of explicitly interdisciplinary environmental research, policy analysis and advocacy, educational discourse and other related matters. Contributions are welcome from any discipline or combination of disciplines, any vocation or professional affiliation, any national, ethnic or cultural background. Articles may relate to any historical and global setting. The Journal provides several submission categories: * Research and Theory. * Research Briefs. * Environmental Education * Policy Analysis * Commentary and Opinion * Book Reviews and Review Articles * Special Issues and Symposia * Letters Additional information about submissions and instructions for authors are available at the Journal website: http://www.springer.com/environment/journal/13412 Dr. Walter (Tony) Rosenbaum of the University of Florida serves as the Editor in Chief. The Editorial Board includes a diverse range of scholars, policy practitioners, and related professions whose expertise extends broadly across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and other disciplines related to interdisciplinary environmental study, including Ellen Hines, Riley Dunlap, Daniel Kammen, Carolyn Merchant, Thomas Dietz, Michael Kraft, Paul Mohai, Miranda Schreurs, Jeffrey Stein, Stacy Vandeever, Stephen Hubbell and many others. Reviewers exemplify, as well, a regional and global diversity appropriate to the breadth of interdisciplinary environmental studies. Inquiries about the Journal should be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief: tonyros(a)ufl.edu<mailto:tonyros@ufl.edu>. Please also remember to mark your calendar for AESS's 2011 Annual Meeting and Conference, "Confronting Complexity" to be hosted by the University of Vermont on June 23-26, 2011. -- Richard L. Wallace, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Ursinus College P.O. Box 1000 Collegeville, PA 19426 (610) 409-3730 (610) 409-3660 fax rwallace(a)ursinus.edu<mailto:rwallace@ursinus.edu>

1 0

Effect of biopsy sampling on small delphinids - new paper
by Jeremy KISZKA 04 Oct '10

04 Oct '10

Dear colleagues, The following article was recently published: Kiszka, J., Simon-Bouhet, B., Charlier, F., Pusineri, C. & Ridoux, V., 2010. Individual and group behavioural reactions of small delphinids to remote biopsy sampling. Animal Welfare, 19: 411-417. Biopsy sampling is an effective technique to collect cetacean skin and blubber samples for various biological studies. However, determining the impact of this research practice is important, as impact may vary among sites, species and gear used. We examined the short-term behavioural reactions of four small (160-278 cm in length) delphinid species (Stenella longirostris, Stenella attenuata, Tursiops aduncus and Peponocephala electra) to remote biopsy sampling around the island of Mayotte (12o50’S, 45o10’E, SW Indian Ocean). Two scales of behavioural reactions were considered: 1- the behavioural reaction of the individual, and 2- the reaction of the focal group to which the targeted individual belonged. Three main categories of behavioural responses were defined on the basis of the character and duration of behavioural response: low, moderate and strong. This study underlines that biopsy sampling induces moderate reactions of individuals. No inter-specific variations of responses, at the scale of individuals or focal groups, were observed. In other words, smaller delphinids were not more reactive than larger ones. No effect of group size was observed on the strength of behavioural reactions. However, it was clear that biopsy success during sampling sessions was higher in species with large group size. Finally, in the spinner dolphin (S. longirostris), we investigated whether initial behavioural state affected the level of reaction. Resting and socialising groups showed a stronger response than milling and travelling groups. This study confirms the limited impact of remote biopsy sampling in small delphinids, especially in the spinner dolphin. However, as a precautionary approach, in situations where it is possible, biopsy sampling of milling and travelling dolphins may be preferred. Please send requests to jeremy.kiszka(a)wanadoo.fr or jeremy.kiszka(a)univ-lr.fr Best wishes, Jeremy Kiszka Jeremy Kiszka (PhD) Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) IRD-UMR 212 EME (Exploited Marine Ecosystems) & Université de La Rochelle. Lab. LIENSS (Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés). UMR 6250 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle. Institut du Littoral et de l'Environnement. 2 rue Olympe de Gouge. 17000 La Rochelle. Tel.: +33 (0)5.46.50.76.48; GSM: +33 (0)6.81.43.20.09. Skype: jeremy.kiszka

1 0

Field assistant opportunity, Tursiops and Delphinus, Bay of Plenty-New Zealand, November 2010-April 2011
by Meissner, Anna 30 Sep '10

30 Sep '10

KiaOra! A position is open for volunteers to assist with bottlenose and common dolphin field surveys in the East Coast Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, from November 2010 to April 2011. PROJECT BACKGROUND: Growing interest in observing and swimming with free-ranging cetaceans has contributed to a rapid growth of dolphin-based tourism operations. The present study aims to assess the effects of interacting activities on common and bottlenose dolphin behaviour within the East Coast Bay of Plenty waters. FIELD WORK: Observations and data collection will mainly be conducted from a 5.5m research boat equipped with an outboard engine. Surveys will be carried out in the coastal waters of the East Coast Bay of Plenty, starting from Tauranga. Fieldwork will be weather dependent and may vary between weekdays and weekends, so volunteers should be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. Aboard the research boat assistants will be required to assist in boat handling and data collection (photo-identification, behaviour monitoring). Volunteers are also expected to participate in data entry and database/catalogue maintenance duties. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioral observations, and improve practical skills. PREREQUISITES: - Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. - Be prepared to work long days with early start in a small vessel. - Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - A background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related field - Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access) + ArcGIS - Field research experience with marine mammals (preferred but not required) - Must be able to swim - A full driving license (manual transmission) - Boat operation experience (preferred but not required) - An ability to work, live and communicate well with others Priority will be given to volunteers available for a minimum of 2 months, however all applicants will be considered. This is a volunteer position, so there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. Volunteers will be responsible for travel to Tauranga and their own living expenses. Pick up from Auckland may be possible but will be dependent on arrival time. If you are interested, please send a letter of interest, a CV (with photo) and contacts for referees to a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:a.m.meissner@massey.ac.nz> Cheers, Anna ------------------------------------------------- Anna M. Meissner PhD student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 9 414 0800 ext 41520 Cell: +64 22 603 6646 Fax: +64 9 443 9790 Email: a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:a.m.meissner@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz<http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/> -------------------------------------------------

1 0