November 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

NMFS proposes endangered listing for Hawaiian whale population
by Jasny, Michael 17 Nov '10

17 Nov '10

Dear All, I want to let the community know about some significant news from NMFS. The agency has just proposed listing the insular Hawaiian false killer whale, whose best abundance estimate lies somewhere between about 150 and 170 animals, as an endangered population under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The proposal was published in today's Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-28843.pdf. The proposal comes at the end of a year-long status review by an expert NMFS panel, following a petition for listing from NRDC. The panel found that the whales constitute a distinct population segment of false killer whales, and that the population is in danger of extinction (or extirpation) throughout its range - the standard for listing. Today's proposal affirms the panel's findings. NMFS' population viability analysis is particularly alarming: under most model runs, the whales were likely to decline within 3 generations to fewer than 20 animals, at which point the population was considered effectively irrecoverable. Under the Endangered Species Act, NMFS now has one year in which to make a final decision and, hopefully, list the population. With listing comes a recovery plan, resources, and greater attention to bycatch and other threats. The agency is taking comments through Feb. 15, 2011 on both the proposed listing and on areas to designate as critical habitat should the listing proceed. Again, more detail here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-28843.pdf. Cheers, Michael Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst, NRDC 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 t 604-736-9386 c 310-560-5536 mjasny(a)nrdc.org PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law as attorney client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communications. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication or other use of a transmission received in error is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify us at the above telephone number.

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AESS 2011 Annual Meeting - Call for Proposals Open
by Wallace, Richard 17 Nov '10

17 Nov '10

Dear Marmam folks: I am delighted to announce the initial call for proposals for the 2011 annual meeting of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences, to be held in Burlington, Vermont in late June 2011. This is the CFP for symposia, panel sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions. There will be a second call (in January) for individual abstracts for oral or poster presentations. More information below and through the links provided. We hope to continue to foster the participation of the marine science and conservation community, and especially the community of practitioners involved in marine mammal research and management. The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission was a major sponsor of the 2010 AESS annual meeting, and it is our desire to intentionally grow the marine content of the AESS forums, including the annual meeting and our new journal, to be published by Springer. We are aware that the 2011 AESS meeting comes close on the heels of the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress being held in British Columbia in May 2011, and hope that you perceive the AESS meeting as a viable alternative for (among other things) East Coast-based folks who are seeking a professional venue closer to home. Please contact me if you have questions, and apologies for cross-postings! Cheers, Rich Wallace -- Richard L. Wallace, Ph.D. Program Committee Chair Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Ursinus College rwallace(a)ursinus.edu<mailto:rwallace@ursinus.edu> P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences 2011 Annual Meeting "Confronting Complexity" June 23-26, 2011, Burlington, Vermont Hosted by the University of Vermont Call for Session Proposals Now Open!! Click here for more information on submitting a proposal<http://www.aess.info/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_id=85902…> [cid:image001.jpg@01CB864B.C620D220] Featuring Plenary Addresses by Climatologist Heidi Cullen and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (invited) [cid:image002.jpg@01CB864B.C620D220] More on the Conference Theme: AESS recognizes and embraces complexity as the hallmark of our field. Social, physical, biological and ideological factors in environmental problems are intricately linked, and environmental problems are so tightly interconnected that addressing one invariably affects others. This limits our predictive capacity and challenges the assumptions embedded in our models of natural and social phenomena. Engaging in dialogues about complexity presents challenges in both classroom and public sphere. Confronting complexity is critical to our ability to develop effective responses, thus this theme for the AESS 2011 annual meeting. About the Conference Host: The University of Vermont, the state's land grant institution, is one of the top green universities in the United States. It offers numerous environmental majors and is home to 10,000 undergraduates, 1,500 graduate students, and 1,300 faculty. Located in Burlington, Vermont, the campus and green conference venue are perched on a hill and look west across Lake Champlain to the Adirondacks and east to the Green Mountains. Downtown is a short shuttle ride or walk from campus with easy access to shops and restaurants. Burlington is the largest metropolitan area in Vermont and has received high ratings for livability, sustainability, and cultural engagement. To learn more about AESS or to become an AESS member, click here!<http://www.aess.info/> If you have questions, please e-mail: AESS Program Committee Chair Rich Wallace at rwallace(a)ursinus.edu<mailto:rwallace@ursinus.edu> or AESS 2011 Site Host Stephanie Kaza at Stephanie.Kaza(a)uvm.edu<mailto:Stephanie.Kaza@uvm.edu> ________________________________

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Job posting
by Adam Schaefer 17 Nov '10

17 Nov '10

Harbor Branch Oceanographic would like to post the attached job opportunity to the MARMAM list serve. Thank you for your assistance as this postion will be of particular interest to this group. Thank You. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Research Professor & Veterinary Scientist Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) seeks a highly motivated, qualified senior veterinary scientist with research experience related to the health of marine mammal populations. This scientist will be at the full Research Professor level and will play a leadership role in further developing the research program and academic mission of the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation (MMRC) program at HBOI/FAU. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong research program with internal and external collaborators and to participate in clinical programs including health assessments and stranding and rehabilitation activities. She/he will mentor junior scientists and faculty, participate in training of MS and PhD candidates and post-doctoral fellows and lead degree and non-degree educational programs in marine mammal research on the HBOI/FAU campus. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D., preferably in an area related to marine mammal health such as pathology, microbiology, toxicology, or epidemiology. A DVM is strongly desired. Substantial marine mammal experience and evidence of research productivity consistent with the rank of a full professor in the FAU system is desired. Training and experience in toxicology, risk assessment, environmental medicine, environmental science or related fields who have worked with marine mammal populations and the marine environment are preferred. To apply, please go to https://jobs.fau.edu and reference Job #980209. Candidates must apply electronically and include a CV, cover letter, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references. Supporting materials and letters of reference will be requested as needed. Get your plate today and support Ocean Science for a Better World TM Visit www.hboi.fau.edu <http://www.hboi.fau.edu/> or your tax collector. Gift certificates make great gifts for all occasions!

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REMEMBER: Second announcement of the 25th ECS Conference
by ECS ECS 17 Nov '10

17 Nov '10

This mail is just to remember you the Abstract dealine for the next ECS conference Second announcement of the 25th ECS Conference This is the *Second Announcement of the 25th Conference of the European Cetacean Society!* CIRCE, Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans and the "Estación Biológica de Doñana" of the CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) is proud to announce the 25th Conference of the European Cetacean Society (ECS), whose theme will be: *"Long-term datasets on marine mammals: learning from the past to manage the future"*. The conference will also host the *annual meeting of the Spanish Cetacean Society*. The conference will have as preliminary programme: Ø Workshops: 19-20 March 2011. Ø 25th ECS Conference 21-23 March 2011. Ø Annual Meeting of the Spanish Cetacean society: 21 March 2011. Ø Video Night: 22 March 2011. Ø Excursion to the Strait of Gibraltar: 24 March 2011. Submission of abstract is available on www.europeancetaceansociety.eu (please register to have access to the abstract submission form), and general information is already available on www.circe.info. Please note the following milestones: Ø Abstract submission and workshop proposal: 19 November 2010. Ø Answer to the Authors: 24 December 2010. Ø Early Registration 14th January 2011. Ø Late registration 18 February 2011. If you have any questions, please contact ecs2011cadiz(a)gmail.com We are looking forward to welcoming you in Cádiz in March 2011! Renaud de Stephanis on Behalf of the Organising Committee.

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Master's of Professional Science - Marine Mammal Science Track
by Richardson, Jill L 16 Nov '10

16 Nov '10

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to new, exciting graduate degree programs in Marine Science, including a Marine Mammal Science track, at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS): the Master's of Professional Science (MPS). The MPS is an innovative graduate degree at the University of Miami intended for students who seek advanced training in the marine science and conservation fields, as well as the development of workplace skills highly valued by employers. The MPS program prepares students for science careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations where employment demands are growing. The curriculum is structured to allow students to complete their degree in as little as 12-15 months, with the training and real-world experience necessary for employment in entry to mid-level positions in today's professional job market. The curriculum combines rigorous study in select areas of marine and atmospheric science with interdisciplinary coursework in business, public health, communications, law and other professional domains. In place of a research-based thesis, all MPS students complete a 3-9 month internship in a business, government, or public sector enterprise, where they learn to apply their skills in a "hands-on" setting. All MPS graduates must complete 30 credits, consisting of 24 credits of graduate coursework and 6 credits of internship training. Please be advised that this program is self-funded. Applications for Fall 2011 will be accepted starting February 1st, 2011 and will be evaluated on a rolling basis until June 1st, 2011. Tracks to be offered in the Fall 2011 include: * Marine Mammal Science * Integrated Coastal Zone Management * Fisheries Science * Aquaculture * Oceans and Human Health * Tropical Marine Ecology * Marine Conservation For more information regarding coursework, prerequisites, and application instructions, please visit our web page - http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/ Jill Richardson, Ph.D. Faculty/Director of Master's of Professional Science Department of Marine and Atmospheric Science RSMAS, University of Miami (305) 284-2180 jrichardson(a)miami.edu

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Fwd: new manuscript on home range of guiana dolphins in Brazil
by joshima 16 Nov '10

16 Nov '10

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Internship at Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center
by Shannon Prendiville 15 Nov '10

15 Nov '10

The University of New England's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center is currently accepting applications for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Internship Program. We are looking for highly motivated, dynamic candidates who will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals, cetaceans and/or sea turtles. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: Daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, water quality testing, maintenance of daily food and medical records, necropsy, education/docent tours and computer entry of data. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. These positions are unpaid and interns are required to find their own housing and transportation. Interns should expect to be scheduled to cover weekday shifts, as well as nights, weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills. The deadline for Applications has been extended to December 1, 2010. Interested applicants can find all information and application materials at http://www.une.edu/research/msc/marc/internship.cfm Applications and questions can be submitted to MARCinfo(a)une.edu c/o Anne Watson, Volunteer/Internship Coordinator Shannon Prendiville Animal Care and Lab Technician Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center University of New England 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, ME 04005 sprendiville(a)une.edu 207.602.2750

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IMMS Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Jamie Klaus 15 Nov '10

15 Nov '10

Marine Mammal Research Internship Program Description The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine mammal science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research and will participate in other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine mammal research. Principle Duties and Requirements Interns must: * Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. * Be available to work Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 4 PM and must be available for all boat trips. * Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. * Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. * Principle Duties include: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), and boat based field research. * Secondary Duties involve: Working with animal care staff, attending marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies, responding to strandings, assisting with educational tours. * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 ˚F in summer to 30 ˚F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur once or twice a week. May include overnight trips. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. To Apply Please visit http://imms.org/internship.php Jamie Klaus Research Assistant Institute for Marine Mammal Studies P.O. Box 207 Gulfport, MS 39502 Phone: (228) 701-1761 Fax: (228) 896-9183 Email: jamie(a)imms.org http://www.imms.org

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Right whale skin and fungi
by Desray Reeb 14 Nov '10

14 Nov '10

Dear Marmamers, These authors are pleased to announce the publication of two papers: Reeb, D., Best, P.B., Botha, A., Cloete, K.J., Thornton, M. and Mouton, M. 2010. Fungi associated with the skin of a southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) from South Africa. Mycology. 1(3): 155-162. ABSTRACT: Cutaneous fungi are known to affect parts of the outermost skin layers of mammals, including the epidermis, stratum spinosum and stratum corneum, as well as mucocutaneous membranes, genitalia or external ears. Relatively little is known about fungal infections of Mysticete cetaceans and studies are needed to determine the fungal diversity associated with these marine mammals. This case report was aimed at identifying the fungi associated with the skin of a diseased neonatal southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) found stranded in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Initial physical examination on site revealed hyperplasia of the follicular and epidermal epithelium. Preliminary examination of skin biopsies using scanning electron microscopy indicated that the skin was colonized by fungal hyphae. Isolation methods yielded a number of fungal isolates, which were identified using standard morphology and rDNA sequence data. These analyses confirmed colonization of the cutaneous layers by species belonging to the genera *Fusarium, Chaetomium *and *Penicillium*. Moreover, all isolates were capable of degrading keratin, indicating that skin may act as a natural substrate for these fungi. This study is the first report of the association of these fungi with southern right whale skin. Marnel M., Reeb, D., Botha, A. and Best, P.B. 2009. Yeast infection in a beached southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) neonate. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 45(3): 692-699. ABSTRACT: A female southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) neonate was found stranded on the Western Cape coast of southern Africa. Skin samples were taken the same day from three different locations on the animal’s body and stored at -20° C. Isolation through repetitive culture of these skin sections yielded a single yeast species, *Candida zeylanoides*. Total genomic DNA also was isolated directly from skin samples. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer region of the fungal ribosomal gene cluster revealed the presence of *Filobasidiella neoformans* var. *neoformans*, the teleomorphic state of *Cryptococcus neoformans*. Fungal infections in cetaceans seem to be limited when compared to infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. However, *Candida* species appear to be the most common type of fungal infection associated with cetaceans. To our knowledge this is the first report of a *C. zeylanoides* infection in a mysticete, as well as the first report of a dual infection involving two opportunistic pathogenic yeast species in a cetacean. PDF copies are available from Drs Mouton (marnel(a)sun.ac.za) and Reeb ( dreeblet(a)gmail.com)

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URGENT - Red Sea Dolphin Project: Field assistants for Jan/Feb 2011
by maddalena＠hepca.com 14 Nov '10

14 Nov '10

The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) is a leading NGO in Egypt working in the field of marine and land conservation (www.hepca.com) In 2010, Hepca started a three-year research campaign in the Red Sea waters of Egypt south of Marsa Alam. One of the aims of the research project is to understand more about the abundance and spatial distribution of cetaceans in order to identify their critical habitats. Moreover, international eco-volunteers and eco-tourists have the chance to join the team on board, making the project an important educational tool to promote awareness. HEPCA is offering four internship positions on the research expeditions that will take place at the beginning of 2011, scheduled from the 15th of January to the 13rd of February 2011. Interns must be available for the entire survey. Successful candidates will be responsible for their own travel expenses to Hurghada and travel insurance. Successful candidates are expected to arrive at the base 2-3 days before the start of the expedition and will be responsible for accommodation and food. During the expedition accommodation is provided on board the Red Sea Defender in double cabins, interns will contribute to living and research expenses with a total amount of 300 Euro. Research activities may include, but are not limited to: - Visual observation and use of hydrophone to investigate presence, abundance and distribution of marine mammals in relation to environmental variables; - Use of photographic identification to estimate population size of cetaceans with a focus on sociality and site fidelity of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in selected areas; - Vomit and/or scat collection to study spinner dolphin feeding ecology; - Coral reef survey to assess coral and fish biodiversity mainly in offshore sites; - Collection of data about megafauna, such as dugongs, sharks, turtles and manta rays; - Data entry, management and analysis. Applicants should be ready to work long hours (from sunrise to sunset, and occasionally also during night-time navigation), 7 days a week and are expected to participate in the following duties: - Actively and independently contributing to the research activities, being able to run his/her shift of observation, acoustic detection, data entry, photo-ID, coral reef survey; - Assist in running the research vessel with chores including maintaining common spaces, equipment and laboratory; - Actively participating in lectures or activities scheduled by the research team; - Assist in the development and implementation of education and awareness tools: interns are encouraged to propose and develop topics of common interest to promote discussion and debate. Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: - Able to work independently and with limited supervision after the training period; - Interns must be patient, adaptable and flexible as fieldwork is highly weather-dependent; - Proficiency in English, good writing and public speaking skills are a must; - Proficiency in swimming is required; - SCUBA diving license is preferred but not required; - Current enrolment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required; - Previous wildlife field experience is preferred; - Basic computer literacy with a working knowledge PC operating system and proficiency with MS Office, especially Word, and Excel is required. Familiarity with software including Microsoft Access, Pamguard, Distance, GIS, Photoshop would be very helpful but not required. Successful interns are encouraged to bring their personal laptop computer. To apply for a Red Sea Dolphin Project internship, interested persons should send a brief email to maddalena(a)hepca.com stating name, contact information, availability and attach an updated and relevant CV. Deadline for applications is December 3rd, 2010. Maddalena Fumagalli Marine Biologist HEPCA - Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation association. Hurghada New Marina - Building B2 Hurghada- Red Sea- Egypt Tel:+2 065 344 50 35/ 065 3447728 maddalena(a)hepca.com www.hepca.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com What can On Demand Business Solutions do for you? http://link.mail2web.com/Business/SharePoint

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