November 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

EAAM's 2011 Annual Symposium (Barcelona - Spain, March 11-14, 2011)
by Elio Vicente 11 Nov '10

11 Nov '10

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of Dr. Jesus Fernandez, President-Elect of the EAAM - European Association for Aquatic Mammals (www.eaam.org) and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the EAAM's 2011 Annual Symposium, we would like to inform you that the Association's upcoming meeting will take place in Barcelona (Spain), between March 11-14, 2011. This special event will be hosted by Barcelona Zoo. As one can read in the "Call for Presentations", "All topics related to marine mammal science and husbandries (including conservation, education, veterinarian medicine, operant conditioning, et cetera) are acceptable. For the 39th Annual Symposium, the EAAM will especially encourage presentations dedicated to any fields of work related to the conservation of wild populations of marine mammals. Students are particularly encouraged to submit presentations, apply for sponsorships and enroll on the Award for the Best Student Presentation". For further information (including the relevant forms: "Call for Presentations" and "Registration"), you can check the following websites: - www.eaambarcelona2011.net/ - www.zoobarcelona.cat - www.eaam.org We do look forward to see you in fantastic Barcelona! Kind regards, E. Vicente

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Laterality in wild whales
by Yegor Malashichev 10 Nov '10

10 Nov '10

Dear Colleagues, please, find bellow a link to a recently published paper from my lab on laterality in whales. Actually, we are not all specialists in whale biology, but more interested in topics related to evolution of brain asymmetries and its ecological implications. Currently we are working with other mammals, too. Though, I am posting this short comment to the marine mammals list in a genuine belief, that the fact on laterality in calf-mother interactions in wild beluga whales might be of some interest to your community. Please, note, that I am not a regular subscriber to this list, so if you have any questions or specific requests, please address them to me directly. The paper is freely available (including pdf) at PLoS ONE web site: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0013787 Since PLoS ONE is a unique resource, which allows not only to download published papers, but also to discuss them, you may also wish to forward the link to others and/or leave your own critical comments on the paper page at the PLoS ONE web site to facilitate scientific discussion of the issues raised in our paper. Yours, Yegor Malashichev -- Dr. Yegor B. Malashichev, Associate Professor/Dozent Department of Embryology & Department of Vertebrate Zoology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab., 7/9, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia. Phone: +7(812)328-9453; -9689; Fax: +7(812)328-9569 e-mail: malashichev(a)gmail.com http://www.zp.pu.ru/rus/myb.htm http://www.neuroscience.spb.ru/i10n/ru/?page=cv&id=31&action=show P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

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Reminder: IMCC2 call for abstracts now open!
by Dori Dick 10 Nov '10

10 Nov '10

-----------------------Please see posting below!--------------------------------- The call for abstracts for oral presentations, speed presentations, and posters is now open for the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress/Making Marine Science Matter/, which will be held from 14-18 May 2011 at the Victoria Convention Centre, Victoria BC, Canada. The deadline for proposals is 1 December 2010. You can find the proposal guidelines on the IMCC web site: http://www.conbio.org/IMCC2011/. For additional information contact the program committee at IMCCprogram(a)gmail.com. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you on this very exciting conference. Sincerely, Dr. Ellen Hines Conference Chair IMCC2Chair(a)gmail.com Ms. Laura Joan Feyrer, Local Secretariat IMCC.Victoria(a)gmail.com cc: Dr. Chris Parsons and Dr. John Cigliano

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Entry-Level Marine Mammal Technician Postion Open
by Jonathan Scordino 09 Nov '10

09 Nov '10

To Whom It May Concern: The Makah Tribe is currently accepting applications for a Marine Mammal Technician. The Technician's primary responsibility will be to act as coordinator of the Makah Tribe's Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The Technician will also assist the Tribe's Marine Mammal Biologist with ongoing studies that focus on gray whales, Steller sea lion, California sea lion, and humpback whales. Tasks will include monitoring a phone line for the Makah Marine Mammal Stranding Network, responding to strandings, performing necropsies, data entry, processing sea lion scat samples, reviewing gray whale photos for body condition, and in assisting with ocean surveys. This position has a hiring preference for Native Americans, but all are encouraged to apply. The Technician will work in Neah Bay, Washington. Neah Bay is located on the northwest tip of Washington State. The rate of pay is $10.63 - $12.51 per hour, depending on experience. The Technician will receive medical and dental benefits. The position closes on November 19, 2010. If you would like more information please visit http://makah.com/pdfs/techiimm110510.pdf. Respectfully, Jonathan Scordino Marine Mammal Biologist Makah Fisheries Management (360) 645-3176

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University Students Antarctic Expedition 2011
by Sonja Heinrich 08 Nov '10

08 Nov '10

Students on Ice Antarctic University Expedition A few spaces are still available on the Students on Ice Antarctic University Expedition in February 2011. This unique educational experience is open to international undergraduate and graduate-level University students and offers the opportunity to enrol in one of several accredited field courses from Canadian and Scottish Universities. The students will be mentored by a team of 25 scientists, historians, artists, explorers, educators, and polar experts. Students will participate in both cross-disciplinary activities and in-depth studies in their selected field course, and will develop the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices that will help them to pursue their future careers. The expedition will serve as a powerful and unique international platform to inspire, educate, create change, and raise awareness around the world about polar science and research, the impacts of climate change and other issues facing Antarctica. The Antarctic University Expedition involves travelling to southern Argentina to board the ice-strengthened vessel for the trip south to the Antarctic Peninsula. The vessel will serve as floating home and class room. Expedition participants will conduct at-sea wildlife surveys during transit, explore Antarctic coastal waters from small boats and participate in shore-based activities (e.g. visits to wildlife colonies, research stations and historical sites). Participation in the expedition is open to University students with an interest in experiencing the unique Antarctic environment and requires payment of a substantial expedition fee plus travel costs. For further information about the expedition and how to apply see: http://www.uantarctic.org/ or contact: Niki Trudeau, Participant Coordinator Students on Ice Natural Heritage Building 1740 chemin Pink Gatineau, Québec J9J 3N7 Toll free: 1-866-336-6423 Tel: 1-819-827-3300 Fax: 1-819-827-9951 Email: apply(a)studentsonice.com http://www.uantarctic.org/

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The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is looking for a Research Associate/Necropsy Manager
by Heather Groninger 08 Nov '10

08 Nov '10

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY RESEACH ASSOCIATE / NECROPSY MANAGER The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer located in Sausalito, California, is seeking a Research Associate/Necropsy Manager to join our team. The Marine Mammal Center's mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals-their health and that of their ocean environment-and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. Reporting to the Research Biologist, the Research Associate/Necropsy Manager is a full time, exempt, position with competitive benefits. This position works closely with the Veterinary Science research team. Specific duties are as follows: Major Responsibilities: * Manage the post mortem laboratory and field necropsy response. * Assist veterinary staff in coordinating and conducting necropsies of dead and euthanized marine mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds), as well as field response to large whales. * Duties include, but are not limited to ordering of supplies, management of carcass disposal, writing necropsy reports, and compiling data for analyses. * Assist with training of visiting students in necropsy technique and sample collection. * Ensure the post mortem room is adequately supplied, clean, and safety procedures are established and followed. * Supervise sample and data collection and consistency at necropsies, and revising necropsy protocols as necessary. * Coordinate sample archiving, shipping, and tracking in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and Research Assistant. * Coordinate workflow with clinical Veterinary Science team. * Ensure compliance with all shipping regulations, including CITES. * Manage post-mortem specimen and sample data entry in the database, and work with Stranding Manager to ensure proper information is collected and available for monthly NMFS reporting * Promote collaborative and cooperative efforts with academic and government researchers, especially with other local Stranding Network participants. * Assist with and/ or lead selected research projects. Core Competencies -- Knowledge and Skills: * Ability to record, manage and analyze data, and perform statistical analyses. * Demonstrated knowledge of marine mammal anatomy. * Demonstrated ability to prepare specimens and equipment for post-mortem dissection. * Demonstrated knowledge of tissue fixation and archival methods including trimming for histology, preparation for photography of gross anatomy and lesions, and sample processing for cryopreservation. * Awareness of laboratory safety procedures. * Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Qualifications: * B.S. in Biology, Zoology or related field. * Minimum 2 years of necropsy experience and training. * Competence in MS Office and solid database experience (ex. Filemaker Pro or MS Access). * Basic understanding of the NOAA/ NMFS National Stranding Network. * Basic knowledge of marine mammal biology and diseases, and general laboratory procedures. * Enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated individual, able to work in laboratory as well as field environments. Comfortable hiking 5+ miles and lifting 50+ pounds. To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume attention Human Resources and Operations Manager to admin(a)tmmc.org<mailto:admin@tmmc.org>. Please put "Research Associate/Necropsy Manager" in the subject line. Deadline for applications is November 29th, 2010. Please no phone calls or faxed submissions. Heather Groninger Human Resources and Operations Manager The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965 415-289-7348 Fax: 415-754-4048 groningerh(a)tmmc.org<mailto:groningerh@tmmc.org> www.tmmc.org<http://www.tmmc.org>

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Latest Issue of Sirenews Available Online
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 08 Nov '10

08 Nov '10

The latest issue of Sirenews is now available online at http://sirenian.org/sirenews/54OCT2010.pdf Table of Contents 1. Report from the 1st Official Meeting of the Signatory States: UNEP/CMS Conservation of Dugong MoU 2. Historic Technical Meeting on Dugong Research and Conservation held in Madagascar 3. USGS Survey News Release: Manatee subspecies genetically confirmed, but diversity challenge looms: Two Belize populations offer opportunity in a desert of genetic diversity. 4. Sirenian Action Plan in Brazil & Aquatic Mammal Stranding Network in Brazil 6. Sirenian Workshop During Latin American Aquatic Mammal Meeting 7. Local News Australia: Distribution and abundance of dugong in the Kimberly Region, North Western Australia Sirenews is the Official Newsletter of the IUCN SSC SSG. However, it is an informal forum, not to be considered citable, formally-published literature. Sirenews is NOT "peer-reviewed", and contributions to it should not be quoted without the written permission of the author. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of IUCN or other organizations. Sirenews (ISSN 1017-3439) appears twice a year in April and October and is edited by Cynthia R. Taylor, Wildlife Trust, 1601 3rd Street S., Suite F, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 USA, and James A. Powell, Sea to Shore Alliance, 200 2nd Ave. S., #315, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. It is supported by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Submission deadlines are April 1 and October 1. Material may be submitted by e-mail to: Cynthia Taylor (taylor(a)wildlifetrust.org) Archives of all back issues are available online at http://sirenian.org/sirenews.html Cheers, Caryn Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. Email: caryns(a)sirenian.org President & Co-Founder, Sirenian International, Inc. 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-2110 Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 888.371.4998 Visiting Assistant Professor Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences College of Natural Resources & Environment Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321 Phone: 540.231.7740 | Email: caryns(a)vt.edu Office: 315B Cheatham Hall Office Hours: TBA 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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6-8 environmental faculty positions at all levels at the University of Delaware
by Jeremy Firestone 06 Nov '10

06 Nov '10

Sorry for cross-postings. Jeremy Jeremy Firestone Associate Professor, School of Marine Sciences and Policy College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment 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 Environmental Faculty Positions at the University of Delaware One of the oldest institutions of higher education in this country, the University of Delaware today combines tradition and innovation, offering students a rich heritage along with the latest in instructional and research technology. The University of Delaware is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution with its main campus in Newark, DE, located halfway between Washington, DC and New York City. Please visit our website at <http://www.udel.edu> www.udel.edu. As part of its Path to Prominence Strategic Plan, the University of Delaware has launched its Initiative for the Planet. The goals of this initiative are to promote sustainable practices and to support multidisciplinary efforts in research and education needed to develop solutions to significant, time-critical issues in energy, the environment, and resource sustainability. Our overarching objective is to make the University of Delaware a national and international resource for environmental research, technology, education, and policy - today and into the future. To attain this goal, we seek 6-8 outstanding faculty at all academic ranks in environmental science, engineering, and policy. Faculty can have appointments in multiple departments and colleges. To complement these hires we are conducting a search for the Howard E. Cosgrove Chair in Environment. This internationally renowned scholar will further enhance the prominence of the University's environmental interdepartmental teaching and research programs, and assist in building the Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) to a position of national and international prominence. The University of Delaware provides an outstanding environmental research base through existing strengths in a number of areas including biogeochemistry, soil and environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental microbiology, environmental genomics and bioinformatics, geomicrobiology, land/coastal dynamics, land use, nutrient management, environmental modeling, hydrology, environmental forecasting and restoration, ecosystem health and sustainability, and environmental policy, economics and education. These activities are carried out across the University's seven colleges and in a number of well-regarded institutes and research centers. More details on our environmental programs can be found at <http://www.environmentalportal.udel.edu/> www.environmentalportal.udel.edu/. The desire to better utilize the strengths in the colleges, institutes, and centers, and to foster collaboration and enhance competitiveness in attracting outstanding faculty and students, led to the creation of the Delaware Environmental Institute in 2009. DENIN's goals are to initiate interdisciplinary research projects, support interdisciplinary academic programs, and forge partnerships among government agencies, nonprofits, industry, policymakers, and the public to address environmental challenges and coordinate and sponsor University-based interdisciplinary initiatives. More details on DENIN can be found at <http://www.udel.edu/denin> www.udel.edu/denin. Other recent actions which reflect the University's commitment to the environment and sustainability include an aggressive Climate Action Plan and the creation of new undergraduate majors in Environmental Studies and Energy and Environmental Policy. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to help shape and grow these new majors. Candidates for the faculty positions are expected to hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in their area of expertise and have a demonstrated record of excellence in environmental scholarship commensurate with appointment to a faculty position in one or more departments of the University. Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically to Environmental Cluster Search Committee Chair at <mailto:environmental-hire@udel.edu> environmental-hire(a)udel.edu. Application materials should include a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, description of research and teaching interests and accomplishments, and the names and contact information of at least four references. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2010 and will continue until the positions are filled. The UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members and Women.

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New catalogs of European whale bone monuments - re cetacean osteology, etc.
by Klaus Barthelmess 06 Nov '10

06 Nov '10

Dear MARMAMers, Those of you interested in osteology, osteometrics, articulated skeletons, fossil large-whale remains in museum collections, and a host of other aspects regarding the bones of large whales, will be intrigued by the cataloguing work by Nick Redman from England. For in 2004, Redman started publishing the results of his unrelentless and painstaking research conducted since the early 1980s on the functional and decorative uses of the bones of large whales all around the world. In practise, this research has meant that he went in person to every location, where sources or rumor reported a whale bone monument - a very time-consuming and costly undertaking! After his pioneering books on whale bone monuments in the British Isles (2004, 414 pp), in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic & Switzerland (2009, 205 pp), (see the online reviews at: http://www.cetacea.de/artikel/review/2010/redman_whales_bones.php and http://www.cetacea.de/artikel/review/2004/redman.php) ... he just published Whales¹ bones of the Netherlands & Belgium. Teddington: Redman Publishing, 2010. xx + 161 pp. And Whales¹ bones of the British Isles, supplement 2004-2010. Teddington: Redman Publishing, 2010. vi + 53 pp. Some statistics may give you an idea of the scope and depth of the project as it now is in print: In total, on more than 800 pages, over 1,500 large-whale bone monuments and displays in almost 1,000 locations are meticulously described. Many of them are documented visually, amounting to several hundred illustrations. Over 2,100 written sources are listed in the bibliographies. In addition, several hundred local people were interviewed concerning the wherefroms of existing bones and the whereabouts of dislocated or lost ones. Each volume contains up to almost 40 indices of useful sub-categories, such as mounted skeletons, bone remains originating from stranded whales (the oldest ones from the 13th century), shoulder blades as inn signs, jawbone arches, cattle rubbing posts, whale bones in building structures (rafters, supports, bridges, well posts, fences, stepping stones, etc.) and furniture, whale bones at town halls, castles, forts, churches, monasteries, and cemetaries, in museums, zoos, entertainment parks, commercial exhibitions of skeletons, whale bone monuments in lore, legend, literature, song, toponymy, in the visual arts; and in many other categories. In the hardbound volumes there are maps showing every location of a whale bone monument. The author's care thus makes the volumes extremely reader-friendly reference works, superbly printed and durably bound into the bargain. The first four published volumes form a breathtakingly comprehensive catalogue of a very unique manifestation of humankind's perennial fascination with the great whales. All the hardbound volumes are avaiable for 30 Pounds Sterling each, plus shipping, the softcover supplement is 10 Pounds plus shipping, and all can be ordered directly from the author nick.redman(a)hotmail.com or through his website http://www.whalebones.co.uk/index.html And Redman's quest continues. In preparation are volumes on the whale bone monuments of the Nordic countries, of the Romance countries, the Slavic countries including Western Russia and the Baltic states, and the Middle East countries. Australia's, New Zealand's and Japan's whale bones have been hunted down by him, and forthcoming on the agenda are the Americas and the other Asian countries. Which means that MARMAM readers - especially from the last-named areas - are cordially invited to report whale bone monuments to Nick Redman through his website, see above; they will be given proper credit in his meticulous works. Buy, and enjoy, a unique, multi-volume catalogue! Cheers Klaus Barthelmesss Cologne, Germany barthval at t-online.de

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American Cetacean Society Conference Program
by Cheryl M. McCormick 05 Nov '10

05 Nov '10

Dear colleagues, The final program for the American Cetacean Society's 12th International Conference, which will be held at the Embassy Suites in Monterey, CA, November 12th-14th, is available at the ACS website at www.acsonline.org. I think you will find the program intellectually stimulating, very forward-looking in scope, and an excellent opportunity to network among friends and colleagues. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. Hope to see you there! Cheryl Cheryl M. McCormick, Ph.D. Executive Director American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 (office) (310) 293-4613 (mobile) c.mccormick(a)acsonline.org "People protect what they love." Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997)

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