May 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Hawaiian Monk Seal Field Research Positions for 2010-2011 winter season
by Thea Johanos-Kam 07 May '10

07 May '10

The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works closely with The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii, and will be accepting applications for the upcoming 2010-2011 winter field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal at Laysan Island and possibly other locations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NMFS which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected. In addition, researchers will periodically handle, weigh, and administer de-worming medication to immature seals at Laysan, and possibly other sites in an effort to increase seal condition and survival by removing parasite loads. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ Employment will be from mid-July through May, or for a subset of this period (from mid-July through January). The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. The first weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Travel to Honolulu and food and lodging while in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation between Honolulu and the field site, and food and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by a 4 member team in a remote camp at Laysan Island. Researchers live in wall tents, and the site is accessible by ship (4 day travel; 1,300 km from Honolulu). Field work at other possible sites is accomplished by 2-4 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live in either wall tents or buildings. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. Employment will be provided by JIMAR, which hires its program and scientific staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH). To search and apply for RCUH positions, refer to the following website: http://www.rcuh.com/ **NO LATER THAN MAY 19 OR MAY 21, 2010 (DEPENDING UPON POSITION) BUT SOONER IS BETTER* * *IMPORTANT:* Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available, remote field experience, animal handling experience, and boating skills. The job postings for the JIMAR PIFSC Biological Research Assistant recruitment (for Field Camp Assistant) and JIMAR PIFSC Biological Technician recruitment (for Field Camp Leader) are below. Each position needs to be applied for separately. Please apply directly to RCUH Human Resources following the methods stated in the posting by the closing date. *JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT -- ID#10218.* Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (6) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. *MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: *$1,730.00/Mo. *DUTIES*: Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp, and collection of census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair, and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp and with the processing of field data. *PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION:* High School Diploma or equivalent. *EXPERIENCE:* One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience with handling of wildlife. *ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:* Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Good communication and team skills. Ability to perform data entry. *PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:* Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. *SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:* Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess prior experience operating small boats and/or the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. Possess NOAA certification for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training) to work at multiple-island atolls. *_INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-5018 (Oahu). _APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:* The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on "Employment" and navigate to "Job Announcements/Apply for a Job." However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022, mail, or hand-deliver to: Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. Online applications and faxed documents must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time). Mailed documents must be postmarked by the closing date. Hand-delivered documents must be received by our HR office by 4 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. *_CLOSING DATE: May 21, 2010._ *EEO/AA Employer. *JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN -- ID#10215.* Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (2) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. *MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:* $1,871.00. *DUTIES:* Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Required to lead other field personnel. Responsible for returning and storing all field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. *PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION:* Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography or other related field. *EXPERIENCE:* One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience conducting research on Hawaiian monk seals. Experience handling monk seals. *ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:* Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Good communications skills (both written and oral). Leadership and decision-making skills. Ability to perform data entry. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be NOAA certified for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training). Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. *PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:* Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. *SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: *Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. *_INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-5018 (Oahu). _APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: *The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on "Employment" and navigate to "Job Announcements/Apply for a Job." However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022, mail, or hand-deliver to: Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. Online applications and faxed documents must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time). Mailed documents must be postmarked by the closing date. Hand-delivered documents must be received by our HR office by 4 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. _*CLOSING DATE: May 19, 2010. *_EEO/AA Employer. -- Thea Johanos Lead, Monk Seal Population Assessment Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1110 Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 808-944-2174 office 808-941-0307 fax

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A possible 'echo flag'?
by AguaSonic Acoustics 07 May '10

07 May '10

Dear MARMAM, While researching ways to classify the clicks of Beaked whales, there appeared a curious feature in one of the metrics being plotted in wavelet space. The original clicks, those coming from the whale, were typically below '1' in this value. Echoes, reflections, were above '1', sometimes by three orders of magnitude. It is possible a new means may be available for distinguishing the original click from its echo(es). Detections supporting this hypothesis are detailed in: http://tinyurl.com/2c72zsb However, it is just a theory until it can be verified. Thus, I am seeking collaboration with someone who would like to take a look at this recording and determine which are the source clicks and which are echoes using existing, conventional methods (that is, polarity or cross-correlation, et cetera). Then we could compare results and see if this new method is useful. Sincerely, Mark Fischer // info(a)aguasonic.com

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Volunteer field helpers - Marine mammals research
by simo_liste＠tiscali.it 07 May '10

07 May '10

PROJECT: Long term study of southern elephant seals breeding biology POSITION: Volunteer (unpaid) field helper DURATION: 3 months, September-November 2010 PLACE: Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands, Southern Atlantic DEADLINE: submit letter of interest + CV by 31st May 2010 Various volunteer field helpers are required for the 2010 field season of a long term project on southern elephant seals carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group. The field work site is Sea Lion Island (Falkland Islands). More details on the project are available on the research team web site: www.eleseal.org. Successful applicants will receive adequate training and will help with tagging, marking, counts, behavioral observations, handling of pups, and collection of biological sampling. Volunteers will be supervised by the PIs and/or by trained technicians. Previous experience of field work is appreciated but not essential. The field season runs for approximately 3 months, from the beginning of September to the end of November. Only applicants who can stay for the whole season can be taken into consideration. Applicants should pay all expenses required to get to the field work site, and telephone/Internet expenses while at Sea Lion Island. Accommodation at Sea Lion Island is rather basic and self-catering. Applicants will be required to work for the whole length of the day, seven days per week (with half day per week of rest). The work is physically demanding, and it is often carried out in rather bad weather conditions. People without a good tolerance to cold are discouraged to apply. The island is a wonderful place with a rich and tame wildlife. To apply please send a cover letter describing your interest in the position and a CV or resume to Filippo Galimberti at fil_esrg@eleseal. org, and copy to fil_esrg(a)prodigy.net.mx. Contact information for one or more references is appreciated but not essential. Thanks. The ESRG team www.eleseal.org Risparmia con Tutto Incluso Light: telefono + adsl 8 mega a soli 14,95 € al mese.Gratis la Sim Tiscali Mobile con 25 euro di traffico! L'offerta è valida solo se attivi entro il 06/05/10http://abbonati.tiscali.it/telefono-adsl/prodotti/tc/tuttoincluso_light/?WT.mc_id=01fw

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Re: [MARMAM] Dr. Jon Lien
by Tonya Wimmer 06 May '10

06 May '10

Hi everyone, I'm sure most of you have heard about the passing of Dr. Jon Lien on April 15th. For those of us who knew him, he truly was an inspiration. I just wanted to let you know there is public memorial website where you can read the wonderful stories and tributes people are posting about Jon and post some yourself: http://www.thanksjon.ca/ There is also a wonderful feature about him and his amazing work at: http://www.cbc.ca/nl/features/jonlien/ Jon inspired, mentored and supported many of us - he will be missed. Cheers, Tonya "From space, the planet is blue. From space, the planet is the territory, not of humans, but of the whale" - Heathcote Williams ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tonya Wimmer, MSc. Species Conservation Manager World Wildlife Fund Canada, Halifax 902-482-1105 ext. 32 & NS Marine Animal Response Society 1-866-567-6277 & Dalhousie University, Halifax http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/tw/tonya.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Demo-genetic history of European porpoises
by Michael C Fontaine 06 May '10

06 May '10

Dear MARMAMERS, I am happy to announce you the release of our new paper on harbour porpoises published in the Proc. R. Soc. B online before print May 5, 2010, doi:10.1098/rspb.2010.0412 : Genetic and historic evidence for climate-driven population fragmentation in a top cetacean predator: the harbour porpoises in European water Michaël C. Fontaine, Krystal A. Tolley, Johan R. Michaux, Alexei Birkun, Jr, Marisa Ferreira, Thierry Jauniaux, Ángela Llavona, Bayram Öztürk, Ayaka A Öztürk, Vincent Ridoux, Emer Rogan, Marina Sequeira, Jean-Marie Bouquegneau, and Stuart J. E. Baird Abstract: Recent climate change has triggered profound reorganization in northeast Atlantic ecosystems, with substantial impact on the distribution of marine assemblages from plankton to fishes. However, assessing the repercussions on apex marine predators remains a challenging issue, especially for pelagic species. In this study, we use Bayesian coalescent modelling of microsatellite variation to track the population demographic history of one of the smallest temperate cetaceans, the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in European waters. Combining genetic inferences with palaeo-oceanographic and historical records provides strong evidence that populations of harbour porpoises have responded markedly to the recent climate-driven reorganization in the eastern North Atlantic food web. This response includes the isolation of porpoises in Iberian waters from those further north only approximately 300 years ago with a predominant northward migration, contemporaneous with the warming trend underway since the ‘Little Ice Age’ period and with the ongoing retreat of cold-water fishes from the Bay of Biscay. The extinction or exodus of harbour porpoises from the Mediterranean Sea (leaving an isolated relict population in the Black Sea) has lacked a coherent explanation. The present results suggest that the fragmentation of harbour distribution range in the Mediterranean Sea was triggered during the warm ‘Mid-Holocene Optimum’ period (approx. 5000 years ago), by the end of the post-glacial nutrient-rich ‘Sapropel’ conditions that prevailed before that time. The full text is freely available at http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2010/04/30/rspb.2010.0… Best wishes, Michael -- PhD Michael C. Fontaine UMR CNRS/Universite Paris Sud/AgroParisTech 8079 Universite Paris-Sud, Bat. 360 F-91405 Orsay cedex FRANCE Phone +33169155662 Fax +33169154697 E-Mail: michael.fontaine(a)u-psud.fr Personal webpage: http://users.skynet.be/fb683753/michaelcfontaine/Home.html

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Dolphin Research Internship at Ocean Park, Hong Kong
by Rebecca Wellard 05 May '10

05 May '10

Internships Available at Ocean Park, Hong Kong Full-time unpaid internships are currently being offered by the Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore in collaboration with Ocean Park Hong Kong. The ARL conducts studies on the cognitive and sensory capabilities of bottlenose dolphins living at Ocean Park with a focus on echolocation and underwater acoustics. Interns receive intensive hands-on experience by participating in all aspects of the ongoing research and laboratory activities, including assistance in the daily research sessions with the dolphins, data processing and analysis, and also assisting with projects administrative and maintenance requirements. Interns should have at least two years of university experience. Individuals from all types of academic disciplines are welcome to apply. Selection is competitive and is based on the applicant's statement of interest, prior experience, academic record, and letters of reference. The Internship period begins September 2010 and ends December 2010. Starting and finishing time can be slightly adjusted for conflicting university schedules. Visa arrangements will need to be made for successful international applicants. There is no charge for the internship. Interns are responsible for their own room and board. For successful applicants a small stipend can be provided. To apply please submit the following: 1) Statement of Interest 2) Academic records 3) Three letters of reference 4) Curriculum Vitae Please send applications to rebecca.wellard(a)oceanpark.com.hk with "Dolphin Research Internship" in the subject line. -------------------------------- Rebecca Wellard Research Department Ocean Park Cooperation Aberdeen, Hong Kong Email: rebecca.wellard(a)oceanpark.com.hk Please think GREEN before printing this e-mail. Disclaimer: The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please delete it from your system. If you require assistance, please contact us at opc(a)oceanpark.com.hk Beginning 1 January 2006, Ocean Park raises its conservation commitment further by donating part of the admission to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (www.opcf.org.hk) to support its research projects and public awareness programmes for wildlife conservation in Asia.

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Looking for data on testes mass in marine mammals
by Ashford-Hodges, Natalie 05 May '10

05 May '10

Dear Marmammers, I'm a masters student at Imperial College in the UK looking for data for my research thesis. I'm investigating factors which influence interspecific variations in testes mass in marine mammals. In order to do this study I need information on body mass and testes mass during the breeding season from as many marine mammal species as possible. While I have data for some cetacean species from publications, I am having problems locating similar data for pinnipeds, sirenians and other marine mammals. As a result, I was wondering if anyone could suggest any data sources for these species (or any additional data from cetaceans), especially unpublished data or reports, which I could use to help with my project? Thanks very much for your help! Best wishes Natalie

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Dolphin Research Internships
by Emily Guarino 04 May '10

04 May '10

Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Fall term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral and cognitive research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Specific job duties include: * Collecting observational behavioral data * Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for cognitive research sessions * Operating video equipment * Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis * General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is *** June 1st***. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Research", and then "Internship Information". The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be mailed to DRC. -------------------------------- Emily Guarino Administrative Director of Research emily(a)dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key, FL 33050 www.dolphins.org

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Post-doc position
by Sheri Woods 03 May '10

03 May '10

4/8/2010 Postdoctoral Position in 'Genomic Diversity of Endangered Whales', Marine Mammal Institute and Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Oregon State University The Marine Mammal Institute offers a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term position as a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Cetacean Conservation and Genetic Laboratory, under the direction of Prof. Scott Baker. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the senior scientist and graduate students in developing methods for 'reduced representation', genomic sequencing of individual right whales using Illumina (short-read, pair-end reads) or similar next-generation technologies. The project requires laboratory skills for preparing genomic DNA for the reduced-representation sequencing and bioinformatics skills for de novo assembling and alignment of orthologous contigs. The resulting high-resolution, 'genomic profiles' will be used to estimate the effective size of this critically endangered population and to identify individuals harboring unique genetic diversity or that might represent currently unknown subpopulations. To avoid depletion of valuable tissue samples, the project will evaluate the use Whole Genome Amplification (WGA) in preparation for the genomic sequencing. In addition to the primary research responsibilities, duties will include mentoring of graduate students, preparation of manuscripts for publication and the organization and curation of large datasets. The applicant is required to have a Ph.D. in biological sciences with expertise in population genetics, molecular ecology or bioinformatics. Experience with the Linux operating system and computer programming is desirable. Salary will be commensurate with experience and there is potential for annual renewal depending on funding. To apply for this position: please send (by email, with subject header "Genomic diversity postdoc application") a cover letter describing previous training and research interests, a CV, copies of publications and the names and contact information for 3 professional references to: Sheri Woods OSU Marine Mammal Institute Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365 Email: sheri.woods(a)oregonstate.edu Web site: http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/ Closing date: June 15, 2010 or until the position is filled Position available July 1, 2010 ----------------------------------------------------------- Sheri Woods Program Assistant Marine Mammal Institute OSU-HMSC 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365 Ph: 541-867-0133 Fax: 541-867-0128 email: sheri.woods(a)oregonstate.edu http://mmi.oregonstate.edu

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Deadline - Comparative Nutrition Society meetings
by David Rosen 03 May '10

03 May '10

REMINDER - ABSTRACT DEADLINE 15 MAY 2010 EIGHTH BIENNIAL SYMPOSIUM OF THE COMPARATIVE NUTRITION SOCIETY Westward Look Resort, Tucson, Arizona, USA, 6-10 August 2010 The eighth biennial meeting of the Comparative Nutrition Society (CNS) is scheduled for 6-10 August, 2010 in Tucson, AZ. CNS is a society created to foster communication among laboratory and field scientists from various disciplines with interests in comparative nutrition. The interests represented in the society include, but are not limited to, the disciplines of nutrition, physiology, metabolism, biochemistry, animal science, wildlife and marine biology, ecology, and all taxa including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. CNS meetings are a unique experience, bringing together a rare mixture of scientists and professionals from a variety of fields. The collegial nature of the meetings also makes it a perfect experience for graduate students. Our entire meeting – talks, meals, and social events – will be in a group setting, so that we will have plenty of time for in-depth discussions, renewing old friendships, and establishing new collaborations. This year’s symposium will be held in the unique location provided by the Westward Look Resort set at the base of the striking Santa Catalina Mountains (www.westwardlook.com) in Tucson, Arizona. This unique location provides a wealth of outdoor activities before and after the sessions. Please see our website (www.cnsweb.org) to register and submit abstracts. Students should click on “Student competitions” for information on travel and presentation awards. To make lodging reservations, please call the reservations department at the resort directly at 1-800-722-2500, and identify yourself as from “The Comparative Nutrition Society”. Sorry, on-line reservations are not available. Deadline for abstract submission is 15 May 2010. We look forward to seeing you in August!

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