February 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

PhD opportunity Australian sea lion disease investigations
by Rachael Gray 03 Feb '10

03 Feb '10

I wish to advise of a PhD scholarship opportunity for a project investigating hookworm disease in Australian sea lions. The successful applicant will be based at The University of Sydney, NSW Australia with field work in South Australia. Below is the link to the scholarship advertisement which is now available on The University of Sydney website. The deadline for applications is February 28th 2010. http://agile2.ucc.usyd.edu.au/ro/opportunities/scholarships/280 <http://agile2.ucc.usyd.edu.au/ro/opportunities/scholarships/280> Kind regards Rachael DR RACHAEL GRAY | Lecturer Faculty of Veterinary Science THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY JD Stewart Building/B01 | The University of Sydney | NSW | 2006 T +61 2 9351 2643 E rachael.gray(a)sydney.edu.au | W http://sydney.edu.au <http://sydney.edu.au/> CRICOS 00026A This email plus any attachments to it are confidential. Any unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and any attachments. Please think of our environment and only print this e-mail if necessary.

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Marine Mammal Commission Vacancy Announcement- Permit Analyst
by Mina Innes 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

The Marine Mammal Commission is currently seeking applicants for a biologist (GS-0401, grade 12/13) to review and evaluate applications for permits and incidental harassment authorizations involving marine mammals. The position is open to all applicants, both those in the federal service, and those in the private sector, but application procedures differ. Current federal employees should click here for additional information and application instructions. http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=86016138 <http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=86016138&JobTitle=Biologist&q= MM-10-02(MP)&sort=rv%2c-dtex&cn=&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&vw=b&re=134& FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&caller=advanced.aspx&AVSDM=2010-02-01+13%3a10%3a00#duties> &JobTitle=Biologist&q=MM-10-02(MP)&sort=rv%2c-dtex&cn=&rad_units=miles&brd=3 876&pp=50&vw=b&re=134&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&caller=advanced.aspx&AVSDM=2010-02-0 1+13%3a10%3a00#duties Control Number: 1786218 Interested persons who are not federal employees should click here <http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/Search.aspx?q=WA295311-JD&sort=rv%2c-dtex&cn=& rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&vw=d&re=134&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&caller=advanced .aspx> . http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=85983090 <http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=85983090&JobTitle=BIOLOGIST&q= marine+mammal+commission&sort=rv%2c-dtex&cn=&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50& vw=b&re=134&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&caller=advanced.aspx&AVSDM=2010-02-01+12%3a57% 3a00> &JobTitle=BIOLOGIST&q=marine+mammal+commission&sort=rv%2c-dtex&cn=&rad_units =miles&brd=3876&pp=50&vw=b&re=134&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&caller=advanced.aspx&AVS DM=2010-02-01+12%3a57%3a00 Control Number: 1799117 The deadline for submission of applications is 1 March 2010. If you have any questions about the application procedure please contact Cathy Jones at 301-504-0087.

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Voloubteers and Research Assistant poistion for Capricorn Cetacean Project
by Daniele Cagnazzi 02 Feb '10

02 Feb '10

The Capricorn Cetaceans Project is currently accepting applications for volunteers, interns and research assistants for the Australian winter season from June to September 2010. The Capricorn Cetacean Project started in 2006 as part of Cagnazzi Daniele PhD study. The primary aim of this project was to study inshore dolphin species primarily on two threatened species the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the Australian snubfin dolphin in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, from Gladstone to Shoalwater Bay, Queensland Australia. With the years this project evolved including studies more species. Field work include daily coastal surveys, coastal expedition and reef expeditions. Coastal daily surveys will be conducted on a 6m center console vessel, due to the extension of the study area launching points vary depending on the weather and surveys needs. Costal expeditions will be organized to survey the most remote areas, several hundred km away from any human activity. These expeditions will last between 4 and 5 days, during which we will sleep in a camp set up on unexploited beaches where with some luck we will fish our dinner. Reef expedition (50 miles away from the coast) will be done with a 13m long 5 star powered catamaran with all the comforts. Nights will be spent within the lagoons of breath taking coral islands (Lady Musgrove, Lady Elliot, Heron Island and Fitzroy Reef) that will be possible to explore during the afternoon at the end of the work day. Snorkeling is also possible and worthwhile, and as I am a diving instructor upon interest we can organize some dives too. During field work we will applied standard technique normally used in cetaceans studies and we will also collect skin samples using a biopsy pole and a PAXARM biopsy system. These are the major projects on which we will be working: . Modelling habitat suitability of coastal dolphins along the QLD coast . Population genetics and phylogeography of Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins in Australian waters: defining appropriate management units for conservation . Taxonomic status and ecology of a undescribed form of spinner dolphin "pigmy spinner dolphin" (Stenella spp) from the Capricorn Bunker group, Southern Great Barrier Reef. . Use of non-destructive toxicology biomarkers and residue analysis to assess the toxicology status of humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni) in Australian coastal waters . Estimating population size of inshore dolphins species in Central Queensland using DISTANCE techniques. Furthermore we will continue with the collection of data from all cetaceans species sighted during our surveys, such as dugongs, offshore bottlenose dolphins, inshore bottlenose dolphins, spinners dolphins, humpback whale, Minke whales and False killer whales. We will also continue collecting photo-id data on humpback and snubfin dolphins to increase accuracy of population estimates and to estimate population trend. While on land the team will share a house in Yeppoon a nice costal town in Central Queensland, accommodation including internet and power is free, while we will share the shopping costs for the food. The possibility of an internship will be evaluated directly with the interested person. Volunteers are not required to have any previous experience except for a profound interest in cetaceans and a background in marine studies or similar. Application from volunteers for less than 2 months will not be considered. One research assistant position is also available potential candidate are required to stay for the full four months. Research Assistant need to have previous experience with boat handling and field work studies. The successful applicant will have the food costs plus a weekly reimbursement to discuss directly with me. Interested applicants should forward a letter and their CV directly to me dcagna10(a)scu.edu.au For more detailed information do not hesitate to contact me Daniele Cagnazzi PhD Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University 2480 Lismore NSW Australia PH: +61 0266203815 FAX: +61 0266212669

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New White-Beaked Dolphin Project in Northumberland, UK
by Adrian Shephard 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

EXCITING NEW DOLPHIN PROJECT OFF NORTH EAST COAST Marinelife and Natural England launch a new project to monitor White-Beaked Dolphins and other marine wildlife in the waters off the Northumberland coast with Northern Experience Wildlife Tours. The White-Beaked Dolphin is a little studied species which occurs around the coast of the UK and is vulnerable to the effects of global warming. It lives in the cold waters of the northern Atlantic and its available habitat is thought to be shrinking. There is little detailed information on the status of the species around the UK and the charity Marinelife has been studying these dolphins as well as other marine mammal species and seabirds off the south west coast of the UK for a number of years. Now thanks to funding from Natural England (£17,700) and the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club (£1000), a new project starts this month to discover more about White-Beaked Dolphins and other species in the rarely studied Farne Deeps off the Northumberland coast. The partnership includes Marinelife, Natural England, the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club, the University of Aberdeen, and Northern Experience Wildlife Tours - who will coordinate the winter surveys in the Farne Deeps and surrounding waters. Dr. Tom Brereton, Research Director for Marinelife commented: “Our work along the coast of the south west has provided useful information on the distribution of White-Beaked Dolphins and their preferred habitats and this project will help complement and extend the existing work. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the area around the Farne Deeps will be important not only for White-Beaked Dolphins, but also for wintering seabirds”. As with the project along the south west coast, the aim is to engage the local community in the conservation work and the value of safeguarding this species. It is believed the work can also raise the profile of Northumberland as an eco-tourism destination. A sightings website and postcard survey will be launched for local fishermen, recreational dive and angling boats, and yachtsmen to submit any sightings of White-beaked Dolphin and other cetacean species. Dr. Catherine Scott, Marine Advisor for Natural England North East added: “Natural England is delighted to be supporting this exciting project. The survey will help us understand more about the importance of the sea off Northumberland for these little-known marine mammals, which are a priority species for wider marine protection. This is a great way for the North East to mark the start of the International Year of Biodiversity and it’s possible that this survey will discover that we have a nationally important stronghold for White-Beaked Dolphins off the coast of Northumberland. Through this new project, the North East is playing a vital role in identifying the areas which need protection to safeguard the future for this species around the UK.” Dr. Martin Kitching, lead surveyor from Northern Experience said: "We have been recording White-Beaked Dolphins and other wildlife along the coast of Northumberland for seven years, and now systematically investigating the off-shore waters during the winter months, and engaging with the local community, provides a real opportunity to define the North Sea off Northumberland as an important area for conservation efforts". The project also involves setting up a photographic database of dolphins that will help experts to identify individual animals. In future, the ‘photo fits’ taken of dolphins in waters off South West and North East England will help find out how wide ranging the animals are and whether the two populations are linked. White-Beaked Dolphins are a species limited in distribution to the colder waters of the Atlantic. The North Sea represents some of the coldest waters around the UK coastline and this new project will strengthen the scientific data about this and other species in this area and help support conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. For further information please contact: Adrian Shephard PR & Publicity Officer Tel: +44 (0) 7789 657617 E: adrian.shephard(a)marine-life.org.uk Dr Tom Brereton Research Director Tel: +44 (0) 7816 786173 E: tom.brereton(a)biscay-dolphin.org.uk Martin Kitching Northern Experience Tel: +44 (0) 1670 827465 E: martin(a)newtltd.co.uk Natural England David Hirst Press Officer, Natural England North East Tel: 03000 601720 E: david.hirst(a)naturalengland.org.uk

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FW: REMINDER: Watching Whales, Saving Whales Symposium
by Kristen Jule 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

Reminder regarding the 2010 Watching Whales, Saving Whales Symposium, Feb 13th-14th in Maui. This weekend symposium is presented by the Pacific Whale Foundation (www.pacificwhale.org) and will be held at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Ka'anapali. More information and an agenda for the symposium can be found at: (http://www.mauiwhalefestival.org/?q=content/watching-whales-saving-whal es-symposium ) Presentations will be held on Saturday, the 13th. The theme for the morning session will be "Using Science to Save Whales" and the afternoon session will focus on "From Watching Whales to Saving Whales". Dr. Kristen Jule Director of Research Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Road, Suite 211 Wailuku, Hawaii 96793 Tel. (808) 856-8318 Fax. (808) 243-9021 researchdirector(a)pacificwhale.org <mailto:researchdirector@pacificwhale.org> PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION: CELEBRATING 29 YEARS www.pacificwhale.org <http://www.pacificwhale.org/> Our Mission: To promote appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and our planet's oceans. We accomplish this by educating the public, from a scientific perspective, about the marine environment. We support and conduct responsible marine research and address marine conservation issues in Hawaii and the Pacific. Through educational eco-tours, we model and promote sound ecotourism practices and responsible wildlife watching. P please consider the environment before printing this email

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A new paper on the white-sided dolphin in the Faroes
by Dorete Bloch 01 Feb '10

01 Feb '10

Dear colleagues, Apologies for cross posting! The following paper has recently been published: Bloch, D. and Mikkelsen, B. 2009. Catch history and distribution of White-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus acutus, in the Faroe Islands. Fróðskaparrit 57: 190-199. Abstract Since 1872, the catch data informs about 9,435 whitesided dolphins taken in 158 drives, an annual average of 68.4 whales and 1.1 pod, and 168 whales and 2.8 pods for only the years containing a catch. The annual catch has ranged 0-774 whales in 1-10 pods. The pod size has ranged 1-544 (avg. 60 whales) with 74% < 50 whales/pod.Most white-sided dolphins were observed south off Suðuroy and 37% dolphins from20 pods has been killed in Vágur and Hvalba. The drives peak in September and none has occurred in March and December. Offshore the whale has been reported all year round. A discoloured whale occurred in two catches. If you wqnt a pdf copy, don't hesitate to aks me regards dorete bloch doreteb(a)ngs.fo NB: New phone numbers Dorete Bloch, Professor, PhD. Head of Zool. Dept. Faroese Museum of Natural History Fútalág 40 FO-100 Tórshavn Faroe Islands T: +298 35 23 09 M: +298 29 23 09 F: +298 35 23 21 M: +298 21 81 45 - private E: doreteb(a)ngs.fo Visit the Museum website: www.ngs.fo

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