April 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Walrus bioenergetics postdoc opportunity
by Karen L Oakley 14 Apr '10

14 Apr '10

POSTDOCTORAL BIOENERGETICS RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY ? The USGS Alaska Science Center is looking for a highly qualified candidate to conduct postdoctoral research on walrus bioenergetics. The successful candidate will work with a team of scientists developing a comprehensive model, integrating information on walrus bioenergetics, population dynamics, and distribution and dynamics of benthic prey and sea ice, to predict walrus population responses to potential changes in their environment. This candidate will have the lead for development of a stand-alone model of walrus bioenergetics, and for its incorporation as a component in the comprehensive model. We anticipate the bioenergetics model will be based largely on parameter values that have been previously published for walruses or other marine mammals. This work will also be used to identify the most potentially productive areas of new research on captive or free ranging walruses to develop information for testing and refining the model. The successful candidate will have specific expertise in marine mammal physiology and quantitative bioenergetics modeling, and a Ph.D. in a related field. There is some flexibility in funding mechanisms for this work. We may advertise a term appointment for a GS-12 position to be filled at the Alaska Science Center (13 months minimum length of appointment), or depending on the candidate?s institutional affiliation, the work may be conducted under a contract or cooperative agreement. Work will begin as soon as possible, preferably within the next 3 ? 4 months. Interested candidates should email a curriculum vitae to Mark Udevitz at mudevitz(a)usgs.gov. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Karen Oakley U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center Marine & Freshwater Ecology, Branch Chief 4210 University Dr. Anchorage, AK 99508 907-786-7076 907-786-7150 fax koakley(a)usgs.gov +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Looking for the origin of rough-toothed dolphin sighted in the Israeli Mediterranean coastline
by scheinin 14 Apr '10

14 Apr '10

Shalom All, We would like to bring to your attention that in the past 10 years, IMMRAC -Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, has collected in its tissue bank 7 samples of rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) from the Mediterranean Israeli coastline. The species is considered rare in the Mediterranean as a whole and seemingly has a relatively high sighting rate in the Levantine Basin An interesting option is that individuals sighted here are Lessepsian (through the Suez Canal) migrants from Red Sea populations with Indian Ocean origin. We would like to examine this possibility using molecular analysis. So far we have samples from the East Mediterranean and from the East Atlantic Ocean (Canary Is.) and are therefore eager to contact laboratories which have access to samples from the West Mediterranean and Red Sea/Indian Ocean. Co-authorship on ensuing publications would be offered to providers of a substantial contribution. Any cooperation or suggestions would be appreciated. Aviad Scheinin and Dan Kerem Contact e-mail: scheinin(a)013.net.il IMMRAC - Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center __________________________________________________________________ Aviad Scheinin, Ph.D <mailto:scheinin@research.haifa.ac.il> scheinin(a)013.net.il <http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/> http://immrac.haifa.ac.il/ Chairman, IMMRAC - Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center ECS council member Home address: Tirat Shalom, P.B. 1356, Nes-Ziona 74052, Israel Tel 972-8-9406584 Mobile 052-3571193 __________________________________________________________________

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Pioneering Marine Conservation Organization Honored
by Wallace, Richard 12 Apr '10

12 Apr '10

It is my pleasure to share the following news with the Marmam community: For its extraordinary contributions to marine mammal science, policy, and conservation, the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission has been awarded a 2010 Distinguished Service Award by the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB). SCB is the leading international professional society in the field of biodiversity conservation, with more than 10,000 members in 128 countries. The Marine Mammal Commission was created under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and over its nearly four decades has influenced countless marine mammal and habitat initiatives, including * Supporting and guiding research leading to groundbreaking discoveries in marine mammal population dynamics, behavior, physiology, and habitat use; * Helping to lead the scientific and diplomatic initiatives that resulted in the global ban on high seas driftnet fisheries; * Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the 1980s to create a new, interdisciplinary model of endangered species recovery team for the Florida manatee - a model now widespread in the U.S. for both marine and terrestrial species recovery teams; * Clarifying in its early years a balance between science and values in the development of the U.S. position favoring a global ban on commercial whaling - a position later adopted by the U.S. and the International Whaling Commission; * Supporting and promoting critical research on Antarctic ecology, and then playing an instrumental role in U.S. contributions to the establishment of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources; and * Making countless contributions to science and management initiatives in marine mammal programs in every corner of the U.S. and in many foreign countries. The Commission's contributions reflect the proactive approach and critical judgments and analyses of its staff, commissioners, and advisors over the entirety of its history. The Commission continues to be instrumental in advancing science-based conservation, and marine species and ecosystems have benefited greatly from such a stalwart champion. For more information on the Marine Mammal Commission, please visit www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov>. For more information on SCB, please visit www.conbio.org<http://www.conbio.org>. -- Richard L. Wallace, Ph.D. Associate Professor Environmental Studies Program Ursinus College P.O. Box 1000 Collegeville, PA 19426 (610) 409-3730 (610) 409-3660 fax rwallace(a)ursinus.edu<mailto:rwallace@ursinus.edu>

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FWRI Florida Manatee GIS Research Internship - Summer 2010
by Koslovsky, Stacie 12 Apr '10

12 Apr '10

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Manatee Geographic Information System (GIS) section is looking for a detail-oriented intern or volunteer to work in St. Petersburg, Florida. The intern's primary responsibilities will involve assisting staff members in GIS tasks such as digitization; creation and modification of shapefiles and geodatabases; database management and development; and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of spatial data. Other responsibilities may include data entry and special projects. Qualifications: * Working knowledge of ArcGIS 8.x or 9.x * Knowledge of GIS theories and methods, as demonstrated by coursework or training * Basic database knowledge; Microsoft Access literacy preferred * Ability to work independently and as part of a group Application Process: We are currently accepting applications for the summer of 2010 (May - August). Internships require a minimum two-month commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible; hours are also somewhat flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying. Send a hard copy of your resumé with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial copies are sufficient if not applying for internship credit), a list of three references, and contact information to the following address: Robin Allen Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applications may also be submitted as an e-mail attachment to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> This intern position is open until filled. All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided.

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JMATE new Issue
by Ceto News 12 Apr '10

12 Apr '10

New Issue of the Journal of Marine Animals and Their Environment. JMATE is available to the public free of charge and is electronically published by the Oceanographic Environmental Research Society (OERS). Current Issue Volume 2, Issue 2, December 2009 Variation in external morphology of resident Bottlenose dolphins in Bahia San Antonio, patagonia, Argentina Vermeulen E, Cammareri A Endocrine disruptors: an overview and discussion on issues surrounding their impact on marine animals. Zhou J, Cai ZH, Zhu XS

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Announcing the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress
by Dori Dick 11 Apr '10

11 Apr '10

Apologies for cross postings - Announcing the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress Victoria, Canada 14-18 May 2011 Making Marine Science Matter The Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology will be hosting the Second International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC2) from 14-18 May 2011 at the Victoria Convention Centre, British Columbia, Canada. New themes for this conference include: • Innovative techniques and technology for marine conservation; • The Human dimension for marine conservation; • Advancing marine conservation through International treaties; • The changing Arctic; • Marine conservation awareness and outreach; • Climate and the changing oceans; • Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; • Conservation at the land/sea interface; and • Effective Marine Spatial Planning. During interactive symposia and workshops, we will challenge participants to go beyond one-way communication. Each of these sessions will address specific topics within major themes and develop innovative solutions to current conservation challenges. Symposium organizers will invite a select group of speakers and devise creative ways to facilitate discussion. Workshops will consist of multi-disciplinary teams focused on crafting policy and management recommendations, briefings, conservation action plans, white papers or peer-reviewed publications. The Congress organizers can also assist agencies, NGOs and other groups to organize receptions and academic or social events with a variety of venues available, including rooms at the conference center, at the adjacent Empress Hotel or the nearby Maritime Museum. The Congress will open on 14th May with an evening reception at the Shaw Ocean Centre, Sidney BC, near Victoria. The event will close on the evening of 18th May with a final reception at the Royal BC Museum, Victoria. The first International Marine Conservation Congress was held on 20-24 May 2009 at George Mason University near Washington D.C. The meeting brought over 1,200 scientists, managers and policy-makers together, with over 16 simultaneous conference sessions, symposia and workshops, and over twenty associated events, training sessions and activities, making it one of the largest academic marine conservation conferences ever held. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the next step in this critical process! Important Deadlines and Dates: • 1 August 2010 – Deadline for symposium and workshop proposal submission • 1 December 2010 – Deadline for poster and spoken presentation abstracts Further announcements and details will be posted later. Please email imcc2chair(a)gmail.com for more information. A website and Facebook page are under construction. Stay tuned! See you in Victoria! Dori Dick Posted on behalf of the Marine Section, Society for Conservation Biology

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Volunteers needed for fin/sperm whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar
by Pauline Gauffier 09 Apr '10

09 Apr '10

Volunteers needed for fin/sperm whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe.biz) is seeking applications from volunteers to help with fieldwork on fin and sperm whales in the Strait of Gibraltar. Fieldwork will take place from 30 May to 31 July 2010. Project: The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea while sperm whales’ sightings are mainly foraging activities. Both species are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 2 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and 3 with sperm whales, probably more remaining unknown. Therefore, we need to assess for this population the risk of collision with tankers or ferries. We will use theodolite tracking from a land station to find the main routes for the fin/sperm whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements. Volunteers should be prepared to long working days on the sun, as well as data entry when bad weather. Volunteers should be available at least for one week study (see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid… and http://circe-volunteers-2009.blogspot.com for last year project blog) but long period availability is preferred. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre in Tarifa (Cadiz), but once there, we will provide accommodation and transport to the land stations. Food will be at your own expenses but group shopping will keep the expenses low. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - speak fluently English and/or Spanish Preference will be given to those who: - have previous experience in theodolite handling, including whale tracking - have previous relevant marine mammal field experience Applicants should send an email introducing themselves. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV. Applications will be accepted until 1 May although early application is recommended as applications will be examined weekly. For more information, see http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid… (also available in Spanish and French) or contact me. All the best <°)))< Pauline GAUFFIER CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans), SPAIN http://www.circe.biz pauline-AT-circe.biz _________________________________________________________________ Consultez gratuitement vos emails Orange, Gmail, Free, ... directement dans HOTMAIL ! http://www.windowslive.fr/hotmail/agregation/

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Study wild killer whales this fall or next spring
by Scott Veirs, Beam Reach 08 Apr '10

08 Apr '10

Please forward this under/graduate field research opportunity to your students and friends: Get off-campus to study endangered killer whales and related environmental issues for 10 weeks next fall (2010) or spring (2011). Apply now to conduct your own research with the Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School. Beam Reach is for you if you want to: -- study endangered orcas and the salmon they eat -- use advanced bioacoustic tools in your own project -- network with experts in killer whale conservation -- learn to sail a biodiesel-electric catamaran -- explore the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest -- earn 18 credits from the University of Washington Learn more (audio/video/photos) at our brand new web site: http://www.beamreach.org?tmrm4/8/2010 Or hear all about it from the current students' blogs! http://www.beamreach.org/blog?tmrm4/8/2010 We are currently accepting applications for the fall 2010 program (August 23 - October 30) and the spring 2011 program (March 28 - Juen 3). To apply you should have completed your first year of college, be interested in the marine environment, and want to spend 10 weeks off-campus in an intensive field research experience. To start your adventure just complete this simple application form: http://www.beamreach.org/apply?tmrm4/8/2010 Upcoming reviews are May 5 and June 2. Let us know if you have any questions! Dr. Scott Veirs info(a)beamreach.org Recent publication: Holt, et al. (2009) Killer whales increase their call amplitude in response to vessel noise ______________________________________________________________ Beam Reach | Marine Science and Sustainability School www.beamreach.org | 206.251-5554 7044 17th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115 If you don't want to receive emails from us, please reply with unsubscribe in the subject line and we'll remove you right away.

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Civilian job opportunity with the US Navy in Hawaii
by Hanser, Sean F CIV NAVFAC Pacific, EV 08 Apr '10

08 Apr '10

There is an opening for a Marine Resources Specialist with a specialization in marine mammals at Naval Facilities Engineering Command at Pearl Harbor. The level is about GS-11 or GS-12. The position responsibilities will include: - participating in marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring and mitigation during Naval exercises - being a liaison between Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific's Natural Resources group and the offices of Pacific Fleet's Environmental group - assisting in reviewing and creating NEPA documents generated by the Navy, such as Environmental Impact Statements, Marine Resource Assessments, Biological Assessments, and responses to designation of Critical Habitat - providing input as a subject matter expert on marine mammals - overseeing Navy contracts for monitoring and conservation actions associated with Naval facilities and exercises - assisting in generating reports summarizing the results of the Navy's marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring program for compliance with the Navy's Letter of Authorizations to operate issued by NOAA's Office of Protected Resources Applicants should have: - experience in the field with some aspect of marine mammal and/or sea turtle research - strong writing and communication skills - willingness to develop strong interpersonal skills - at least a Masters level of education - some knowledge of NEPA, MMPA, ESA, and other Federal policies - GIS skills would be a benefit The position is responsible to anywhere the Navy (and any other branch of the armed forces) operates in the area outlined by the West Coast of North and South America over to Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean and from pole to pole. The position can expect travel up to ~25% of the time. The position is based in Pearl Harbor. Please send resumes or CVs and a cover letter to sean.hanser(a)navy.mil. We will starting reviewing and interviewing soon after 16 April 2010. Thank you, Sean F. Hanser, PhD Natural Resources Management Specialist Naval Facilities Engineering Command 258 Makalapa Dr., Suite 100 Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134 phone: (808)472-1388 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.800 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2786 - Release Date: 04/02/10 23:32:00

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new publication on dolphins, marine food web and fishing impact
by Chiara Piroddi 08 Apr '10

08 Apr '10

The following paper is now available: Piroddi, C., Bearzi, G., Christensen, V. Effects of local fisheries and ocean productivity on the northeastern Ionian Sea ecosystem. Ecol. Model. (2010), doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2010.03.002 Abstract: To better understand the effects of fisheries and ocean productivity on the northeastern Ionian Sea we constructed an Ecopath with Ecosim model with 22 functional groups. Data on biomass, production/biomass, consumption/biomass, and diet for each group were estimated or extrapolated from the literature. Fisheries landings and discards were also included. Temporal trajectories were simulated using Ecosim. The model was fitted with time-series data for the most important groups from 1964 to 2006. Simulations highlighted a decline of top predators and of most of the commercial species since the late 1970s. The model shows that the decline of fish resources was mainly caused by an intensive fishing pressure that occurred in the area until the end of the 1990s and also by changes in primary production that impacted the trajectories of the main functional groups. In particular, simulated changes through time in PP impacted the abundance trends of all the commercial species, showing a cascade-up effect through the ecosystem. The application of Ecopath with Ecosim was a useful tool for understanding the trends of the main functional groups of the northeastern Ionian Sea. The model underlined that management actions are needed to restore and protect target species including marine mammals, pelagic and demersal fishes. In particular, measures to reduce overfishing, illegal fishing activities and to respect existing legislations are in need. Moreover, the adoption of marine protected areas could be an effective management measure to guarantee prey survival and to sustain marine predators. Keywords: Ionian Sea; Food web model; Ecopath with Ecosim; Fishing impact; Primary production It can be downloaded from the following link http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2010.03.002 or a pdf can be obtained from the author (email: c.piroddi(a)fisheries.ubc.ca) All the best, Chiara

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