May 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Master's of Professional Science - Marine Mammal Science Track
by Richardson, Jill L 03 May '10

03 May '10

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to new, exciting graduate degree programs in Marine Science (Marine Mammal Science) that will be offered this Fall (2010) at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS): the Master's of Professional Science (MPS). The MPS is an innovative graduate degree at the University of Miami intended for students who seek advanced training in the marine science and conservation fields, as well as the development of workplace skills highly valued by employers. The MPS program prepares students for science careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations where employment demands are growing. The curriculum is structured to allow students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months, with the training and real-world experience necessary for employment in entry to mid-level positions in today's professional job market. The curriculum combines rigorous study in select areas of marine and atmospheric science with interdisciplinary coursework in business, public health, communications, law and other professional domains. In place of a research-based thesis, all MPS students complete a 3-6 month internship in a business, government, or public sector enterprise, where they learn to apply their skills in a "hands-on" setting. All MPS graduates must complete 30 credits, consisting of 24 credits of graduate coursework and 6 credits of internship training. Please be advised that this program is self-funded, and standard University of Miami tuition rates (i.e. per credit) apply. The deadline for applications for the Fall semester is June 1, 2010. Tracks to be offered in the Fall 2010 include: Marine Science * Marine Mammal Science * Coastal Zone Management * Fisheries Science * Aquaculture * Oceans and Human Health * Tropical Marine Ecology For more information and application instructions, please visit our web page - http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/

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Biomass removal by dolphins and fisheries in a Mediterranean Sea coastal area: Do dolphins have an ecological impact on fisheries?
by Giovanni Bearzi 03 May '10

03 May '10

The following article has just become available online: Biomass removal by dolphins and fisheries in a Mediterranean Sea coastal area: do dolphins have an ecological impact on fisheries? Bearzi G., Agazzi S., Gonzalvo J., Bonizzoni S., Costa M., Petroselli A. 2010. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.1123 ABSTRACT 1. Dolphins are often claimed to compete with fisheries, including through removal of substantial biomass. To calculate the biomass removed by fisheries and the degree of resource overlap with dolphins in a coastal area of Greece, estimates of dolphin abundance based on photographic capture-recapture were combined with an assessment of fishing effort and catch. 2. The estimated total biomass consumed annually by local dolphin populations - 15 short-beaked common dolphins and 42 common bottlenose dolphins - was 15.5 and 89.8 tonnes, respectively. The total biomass removed by the local fishing fleet (307 fishing boats) was 3469.2 tonnes, i.e. about 33 times greater than that removed by dolphins. 3. Dolphins removed 2.9% of the total biomass, fisheries 97.1%. Nine purse seiners (representing only 3% of the active fishing fleet) were responsible for 31.9% of biomass removal. Similarity of biomass composition between dolphins and fisheries was expressed by a Pianka index of 0.46 for common dolphins and 0.66 for bottlenose dolphins. 4. Overlap differed according to fishing gear. Common dolphin overlap was higher with purse seiners (0.82), and lower with beach seiners (0.31), bottom trawlers (0.11) and trammel boats (0.06). There was virtually no overlap with longliners (0.02). Bottlenose dolphin overlap was higher with trammel boats (0.89) and bottom trawlers (0.75), and lower with longliners (0.38), purse seiners (0.24) and beach seiners (0.18). There was minimal overlap (0.12) between the two dolphin species. 5. This study suggests that ecological interactions between dolphins and fisheries in this coastal area have minor effects on fisheries. Conversely, prey depletion resulting from overfishing can negatively affect dolphins. Fisheries management measures consistent with national and EU legislation are proposed. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123394774/abstract or from me: giovanni.bearzi(a)gmail.com _____________________________________________________ Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy http://www.tethys.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm http://www.tethys.org/ _____________________________________________________

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Portable echosounder for blue whale research in Sri Lanka
by Asha de Vos 02 May '10

02 May '10

Hi Everyone I am just wondering if anyone knows of a PORTABLE echosounder to look for krill patches and trace blue whale movements underwater? This is for my PhD research off Sri Lanka where I will be working off small boats. Any help will be amazing and much appreciated. Thank you Asha -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Asha de Vos 0094 77 302 1711 Sri Lanka The tropics 0061 450 140 192 Australia The subtropics

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Dolphin research courses in Slovenia
by Tilen Genov 01 May '10

01 May '10

Dear list members, apologies for cross-posting. Summer Dolphin Research Courses in Slovenia Morigenos – marine mammal research and conservation society is organizing Summer Dolphin Research Camps in July, August and September 2010, where you can assist in the research programme of the Slovenian Dolphin Project. Morigenos is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organization, dedicated to the research and protection of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and conservation of the marine environment. More information on Morigenos can be found at www.morigenos.org. The list of scientific publications by Morigenos can be seen at http://www.morigenos.org/index.php?path=Publications Slovenian Dolphin Project is a long-term research, monitoring and conservation programme, focusing on bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus *) in Slovenian and adjacent waters (north Adriatic) since 2002. Research activities focus on dolphin distribution, abundance, social structure, habitat use, feeding habits, fishery interactions and tourism impact. Summer Dolphin Research Camps offer interested people to join Morigenos team for 10 days and participate in research activities. This includes boat surveys, land watches, theodolite tracking, photo-identification, behavioural observations, lectures and training. Food and accommodation are provided at Morigenos research base. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise. No previous experience is required. Apart from research activities, the participants share everyday duties and chores with the team members. Detailed information on Summer Dolphin Research Camps can be found at http://www.morigenos.org/index.php?path=Raziskovalni_tabori_delfini Applications There is no selection. Applications are treated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Please send an e-mail to morigenos(a)morigenos.org for registration, preferred dates and possible questions. ********************************************* Tilen Genov Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a SI-1000 Ljubljana Slovenia morigenos(a)morigenos.org www.morigenos.org

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Cetacean Identification Workshops
by Emma Webb 01 May '10

01 May '10

Cetacean & Seabird Identification Workshops LAST FEW PLACES REMAINING MARINElife is delighted to announce that we still have a few places remaining for our June 2010 Cetacean & Seabird Identification Workshops on the P&O cruiseferry Pride of Bilbao travelling across the fantastic Bay of Biscay. Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) has been conducting whale, dolphin and seabird surveys of the English Channel and Bay of Biscay each month, year-round continuously since 1995. BDRP is an award-winning project within the established charity MARINElife that aims to further the conservation of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life through scientific study and educational activities. Because of the work we have undertaken, the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay is now recognised as one of the most important areas in the world for whales and dolphins! Come and join some of the most experienced cetacean and seabird researchers in the UK for a fully interactive workshop where you will learn all the basic skills needed to observe and identify these fantastic animals at sea. This workshop is ideal for anyone with a general interest in marine wildlife, students studying Marine Biology or similar subjects, people who want some firsthand experience of field work as well any prospective Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs). Workshop Dates: 3-6 June 2010 12-15 June 2010 18-21 June 2010 Cost is £145 per person based on two people sharing a 2 bunk inside cabin. For more information or to book a place, please visit our website at www.biscay-dolphin.org.uk/blueoceansafaris/biscay.php#IDWorkshops or email us on <mailto:info@biscay-dolphin.org.uk> info(a)biscay-dolphin.org.uk or call Emma on 01621 856536. Kind Regards Emma Webb Community & Operations Officer marine_life_logo Conserving Marine Wildlife through Research & Education Marinelife Ltd Email: emma.webb(a)marine-life.org.uk Visit us at: www.marine-life.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1110884

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