February 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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New paper
by Phillip.Clapham＠noaa.gov 26 Feb '10

26 Feb '10

The following paper was just published: Zerbini, A.N., Clapham, P.J. and Wade, P.R. 2010. Assessing plausible rates of population growth in humpback whales from life-history data. Marine Biology DOI 10.1007/s00227-010-1403-y. ABSTRACT The rate of growth of any population is a quantity of interest in conservation and management and is constrained by biological factors. In this study, recent data on life-history parameters influencing rates of population growth in humpback whales, including survival, age at first parturition and calving rate are reviewed. Monte Carlo simulations are used to compute a distribution of rates of increase (ROIs) taking into account uncertainty in biological parameter estimates. Two approaches for computing juvenile survival are proposed, which taken into account along with other life-history data, resulted in the following estimates of the rate of population growth: Approach A: mean of 7.3%/year (95% CI = 3.5–10.5%/year) and Approach B: mean of 8.6%/year (95% CI = 5.0–11.4%/year). It is proposed that the upper 99% quantile of the resulting distribution of the ROI for Approach B (11.8%/year) be established as the maximum plausible ROI for humpback whales and be used in population assessment of the species. Possible sources of positive and negative biases in the present estimates are presented and include measurement error in estimation of life-history parameters, changes in the environment within the period these quantities are measured, density dependence or other natural factors. However, it is difficult to evaluate potential biases without additional data. The methods presented in this study can be applied to other species for which life history parameters are available and are useful in assessing plausibility in the estimation of population growth rates from time series of abundance estimates. Reprints (pdf) available from the first author (alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov) Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Leader, Cetacean Assessment & Ecology Program U.S. National Marine Mammal Lab Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

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error in posting
by William Perrin 26 Feb '10

26 Feb '10

In my recent posting, "A new report on cetacean taxonomy is available:" the url should include "http", not "https" Bill Perrin

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REQUEST FOR ARTICLES - SIRENEWS
by Cynthia Taylor 26 Feb '10

26 Feb '10

The editors of Sirenews, the newsletter of the IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group, would like to request articles for the upcoming edition. Updates on manatee and dugong research, management, education, and conservation activities from around the world are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is APRIL 1, 2010. Please submit articles to <BLOCKED::mailto:taylor@wildlifetrust.org> taylor(a)wildlifetrust.org. Thank you - Cynthia Taylor, Aquatic Conservation Program, Wildlife Trust, 941-232-4587, <mailto:taylor@wildlifetrust.org> taylor(a)wildlifetrust.org, <http://www.wildlifetrust.org> www.wildlifetrust.org James A. Powell Ph.D., Executive Director, Sea to Shore Alliance, 941-322-8809 (office), 941-661-2941 (cell), <mailto:jpowell@sea2shore.org> jpowell(a)sea2shore.org, <http://www.sea2shore.org> www.sea2shore.org

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Dispersive Bowhead up calls
by Mohammad, Bashar 26 Feb '10

26 Feb '10

Dear Marmammers, The subjective of my thesis is about detecting and characterizing dispersive North Atlantic Right whale up calls. I am writing the future work section and I am looking for other dispersive shallow-water calls from different species to validate the proposed technique. Does anybody have some examples ( sound files or spectrogram images) of dispersive low frequency calls ( for example from Bowhead whales)? Your help is highly appreciated Regards, Bashar Mohammad E-mail: mb41(a)hw.ac.uk -- Heriot-Watt University is a Scottish charity registered under charity number SC000278.

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Marine mammals & artificial recruitment reef relations
by stefan kolle 26 Feb '10

26 Feb '10

Hello, My name is Stefan Kolle and I am currently working with the NGO Archipelagos, Institute of Marine Conservation in Greece. We are currently running a feasibility study for site selection on artificial recruitment reef application in the eastern Aegean Sea. As we have several marine mammal populations in the area of interest, we are looking for literature describing the relationship between marine mammals and artificial reef projects. On the one hand our project is intended to help with rebuilding the local fisheries stocks, thereby increasing the availability of food fish for local monk seal and dolphin populations. Based on this we consider that it would be beneficial having an artificial recruitment reef in the distribution area of our local marine mammal populations. On the other hand, artificial reef programs in Scotland have explicitly avoided placing recruitment reefs in the main distribution of local cetacean populations. The OSPAR guidelines for artificial reef development mentioned that careful consideration should be given to “known migration routes of fish and marine mammals”, however not specifying any exact measures. We are therefore wondering if the placement of artificial recruitment reef systems in the distribution areas of marine mammal populations should be considered beneficial (increased food fish availability) or detrimental (possible displacement effects?), considering that the artificial reef structures in mind would serve as a protected areas with no direct fishing activity allowed at the sites. Best regards, Stefan Kolle.

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Invitation to submit to special issue of Aquatic Mammals on Monk Seals
by Alexandros A. Karamanlidis 26 Feb '10

26 Feb '10

Dear Marmamers During the 18th Biennial Conference of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Quebec/Canada, 12-16 October 2009, a workshop was held focusing on the study and conservation of the critically endangered Monk seals. The workshop, entitled "Research, Management, Conservation and Policy in Monk seal recovery: A global Perspective" provided an excellent opportunity for monk seal researchers and conservationists from around the world to meet and discuss latest advances and achievements in the field. Overall, more than 15 presentations and posters were made, being evidence of the growing efforts to understand and protect these endangered species. Moving in the direction of promoting monk seal recovery through the widest possible dissemination of information and in cooperation with the peer-reviewed, scientific journal Aquatic Mammals, we are launching an effort to prepare a special issue of the journal dedicated to all species of monk seals. We would therefore like to invite monk seal researchers and conservation practitioners interested in contributing to this issue to contact us, no later than April 30, 2010. Prospective authors would then have six months time to prepare a manuscript and submit to Aquatic Mammals, indicating that the manuscript is for consideration in the special issue on monk seals, for peer-review by October 30, 2010. According to a tentative time plan, the special issue would be published early in 2011 - publishing procedures would follow the general guidelines of the journal. In order to speed the process, authors interested in submitting an article related to either the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) or the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) should contact Dr. Alexandros A. Karamanlidis (akaramanlidis(a)gmail.com) authors interested in submitting an article related to the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) should contact David Schofield (David.Schofield(a)noaa.gov) We look forward to hearing from you! On behalf of the organizers: Dr. Alexandros A. Karamanlidis Scientific Coordinator MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal & David Schofield, M.Sc. Marine Mammal Response Network Coordinator NOAA/NMFS/PIRO

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Belize: Early Registration Deadline March 1
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 25 Feb '10

25 Feb '10

Behavior, Ecology & Conservation of Marine Mammals: A Unique Field Course in Belize INSTRUCTORS: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.1, 2, Bruce A. Schulte, Ph.D.4, Katherine S. LaCommare, M.S., ABD 2,3, Jessica R. Young, Ph.D.5 DATES: May 26 - June 8, 2010 (inclusive of travel) Become totally immersed into island living, the study of animal behavior, ecology, and conservation 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, and other marine animals, 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 conduct a mini-research project on the behavior of an animal easily observed on our remote mangrove island and 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. LOCATION: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center at Hugh Parkey's Belize 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-$100 Discount) due March 1st, 2010; Regular Registration due April 1st, 2010 MINIMUM / MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8-24 students REGISTRATION: http://sirenian.org/RegistrationForm2010.pdf Detailed Syllabus: http://sirenian.org/CourseSyllabus2010.pdf Course Policy and Liability Form: http://sirenian.org/CoursePolicy2010.pdf Course Briefing Document: http://sirenian.org/CourseBriefing2010.pdf 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. 5 Dr. Jessica Young is a Professor at Western State College of Colorado. 2 Caryn and Katie are the co-founders of Sirenian International. For more information on the instructors, please visit http://sirenian.org/caryn.html and http://bioweb.wku.edu/faculty/Schulte/Default.asp and http://www.western.edu/faculty/jyoung/ For more information on the facilities, please visit http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ Download a Course Flyer at http://sirenian.org/CourseFlyer2010.pdf

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Report on cetacean subspecies
by William Perrin 25 Feb '10

25 Feb '10

A new report on cetacean taxonomy is available: Perrin, W. F., J. G. Mead and R. L. Brownell, Jr. 2009. Review of the evidence used in the description of currently recognized cetacean subspecies. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS NOAA_TM_NMFS-SWFSC-450, 38pp. A pdf is available at https://swfsc.noaa.gov/publications/TM/SWFSC/NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-450.pdf Corresponding author is Bill Perrin (william.perrin(a)noaa.gov)

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