July 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

MMO's required for mid-August in Nicaragua
by Hans Vink 14 Jul '10

14 Jul '10

Hi, I'm looking for MMO's to work on a 3D streamer project starting mid-August in Nicaragua. We have been selected to provide all QC personnel which includes MMO's. Mobilisation will most likely be in Houston area, project is set to last for approximately four months, rotation to be determined. Personnel is required to have a JNCC MMO certificate and to be a resident of Central / North America. Day rate will be 750 USD / day. If you are interested, please let me know ASAP and reply with your latest CV attached. I look forward to hear from you Best regards, Hans Vink Operations Coordinator Geophysical & Energy Consultancy <http://www.atlasgroup.nl/qc> Tel : +31 (0)235 555 450 Fax : +31 (0)235 560 449 Mob : +31 (0)655 191 150 Web : www.atlasgroup.nl <http://www.atlasgroup.nl/qc>

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Correction - FL Manatee Photo-identification Internships
by Johnson, Jennifer 13 Jul '10

13 Jul '10

Sorry for the reposting. Please note name and address changes highlighted below: Manatee Photo-identification Internships The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency of Florida. For more information about FWRI, please visit: http://Research.MyFWC.com<http://research.myfwc.com/>. FWRI's manatee photo-identification research focuses on the long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The primary goal of our program is to document individual manatees. These capture histories are used to estimate annual adult survival rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use, behavior, intra- and inter- specific associations, and reproductive parameters such as calving intervals and length of calf dependency. Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, database entry, and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based, however during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, data entry, special projects, and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency. Five positions are available each year: two positions in the winter (December-March), one position in the spring (March-May), one position in the summer (June-August), and one position in the fall (September-November). Start and end dates are flexible. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the Institute. Positions are open until filled. Qualifications: * Computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred; * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses preferred, but not required; * The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment; * A valid U.S. Driver's License; * Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of three months working four days per week with our program. Application process: Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and the contact information for three references via hardcopy to FWRI's Intern Coordinators, Janis Magee and Robin Allen, at the address listed below. Alternatively, application materials may be submitted via email to Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com>. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying and the dates you are available. Robin Allen Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applicants may contact FWRI's Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Rood, (Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Kari.Rood@MyFWC.com>, 727-896-8626 x1912) with questions regarding the internship.

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Sad news about Dr. Ken Marten
by Suchi Psarakos 12 Jul '10

12 Jul '10

It is my sad task to inform the marine mammal community that Dr. Ken Marten passed in his sleep in Hawaii on July 5, 2010. Ken was an experienced animal cognition researcher and former NMFS observer on purse-seine tuna boats. After witnessing first hand the "dolphin holocaust" aboard the tuna boats, Ken devoted himself to advancing scientific understanding--and public awareness--of the unique dolphin mind. Ken worked at UC Santa Cruz Long Marine Lab with Dr. Ken Norris and many others, before moving to Hawaii where he ran a research lab for many years, exploring dolphin self-awareness and studying Hawaiian spinner dolphin populations for the nonprofit organization Earthtrust. Ken's intellectual curiosity, unique personality, readiness to laugh, and passionate commitment to conservation of marine mammals will be remembered by anyone who worked with him. Please help spread the news to people who knew Ken, but who may not be on Marmam's list. A memorial will be held in Hawaii by the family sometime during the week of July 19. Suchi Psarakos suchi(a)lava.net

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Steller Sea Lion Foraging Energetics
by David Rosen 12 Jul '10

12 Jul '10

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Steller Sea Lion Foraging Energetics The University of British Columbia Marine Mammal Research Unit (MMRU) invites highly motivated and experienced applicants to apply for the position of Post Doctoral Research Fellow. The appointment is to develop and manage a research program in the area of marine mammal foraging energetics. The research will focus on the foraging energetics and diving behavior of captive Steller sea lions as part of an integral component of the MMRU research goals. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing the science plan at the UBC Open Water Research Station. This facility allows researchers to study behavior and energetics of Steller sea lions using trained animals to carry out experiments in the open ocean environment. For more details see: www.marinemammal.org/research/openwater/index.php You must have a PhD in biological science and at least 2 years of experience in conducting and managing field- or lab-based research projects. This should include a proven ability to lead and motivate research teams. Experience with the practical and analytical techniques required to conduct behavioral and energetic studies would be advantageous. You must also have excellent writing, communication and networking skills, illustrated by a strong publication record and evidence of effective communication with the scientific community. The post will be based at the University of British Columbia’s Fisheries Centre in Vancouver. However, significant time will also be spent at the UBC Open Water Research Station located at a remote location away from the University campus. The position is under the direct supervision of the Dr Andrew Trites and Dr David Rosen with support from the Office Manager. They will directly supervise research technicians at the Open Water facility. The position will also work closely with Aquarium training and husbandry staff. The post is for 1 year and will start as soon as practical. UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Interested candidates should send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and list of referees to Dr Andrew Trites: consortium(a)zoology.ubc.ca by no later than MONDAY APRIL 12, 2010.

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Duke University Marine Lab undergraduate fellowship (spring 2011)
by Katie Wood 12 Jul '10

12 Jul '10

The Duke University Marine Laboratory is pleased to announce two undergraduate fellowships for a full semester of study in Spring 2011. Factors considered in the evaluation process include whether an applicant identifies with a group that is racially/ethnically underrepresented in marine science and has demonstrated interest in marine science and its impact on society. Complete fellowship information can be found at : www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/undergraduate/fellowship This is an all-expenses-paid semester (i.e., the fellowship includes tuition, room, board, fees, RT travel to the Duke Marine Lab, and costs for a Beaufort Signature Travel Course) for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a PhD in marine science.

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Reviewer needed for manuscript on dugong status in the Sulu
by Leela Rajamani 11 Jul '10

11 Jul '10

Dear All, I have written a manuscript on dugong status in the Malaysia side of the Sulu Sea. I'm requesting anyone who is willing to read my manuscript and provides a useful comments before I send it to a journal. Preferably this person has interests in interview surveys and has conducted such surveys in developing countries. There are not many dugong specialists in my country and I appreciate it if anyone has the free time. Thanking you in advance. Leela Rajamani, Borneo Marine Research Institute, University Malaysia Sabah.

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Online marine mammal course offering
by Renee Albertson 10 Jul '10

10 Jul '10

FW302 Conservation and Biology of Marine Mammals, an online undergraduate course, is being offered by one of the top programs in the United States.. This 4 credit course is currently offered Fall, Winter and Spring quarters by Oregon State University. Each week is centered on a different topic themed by a recent peer-reviewed journal article. Topics include an examination of the biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, and other marine mammals, adaptations of mammals to a marine existence; systematics and biogeography; reproduction; diving physiology; communication and echolocation; feeding and migratory behavior; the role of genetics in conservation, the effect of current whaling practices on cetacean stocks, marine mammal policy and current anthropogenic threats to marine mammals. The course incorporates a variety of technology components to illustrate contrasts in feeding behaviors, diving profiles, sound production, habitat use and locomotion of different species. Students synthesize a necropsy report from an investigation in a “Virtual Fieldtrip” to a recent stranding site of a baleen whale. Marine mammal policy and sustainability of current whaling practices are discussed after considering impacts of drive kills, fisheries bycatch and illegal whaling. Students use DNA to identify species; the same methods recently used to discover the identity of whale meat that was being sold illegally at a sushi restaurant in LA. Registration is now open for Fall 2010 at: http://catalog.oregonstate.edu/CourseDetail.aspx?subjectcode=FW&coursenumbe… Admission information can be found for domestic and international degree seeking and non-degree seeking students at: http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/services/admissions/ Additional questions or comments? You can reach the instructor at gibbg(a)onid.orst.edu.

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BP oil spill an marine mammals
by William Rossiter 09 Jul '10

09 Jul '10

Regarding Craig Matkin's 9 July MARMAM post, "oil spills and cetaceans" and an earlier post I made seeking information, it appears that there is still no effective link or contact to coordinate matching volunteers with need in the area of potential impact from the BP oil spill. If there is please post it to MARMAM or contact the Marine Mammal Commission, which is seeking the best resource. Texas Audubon provides an example of a constantly updated website resource to maximize meaningful volunteer assistance, albeit strictly for the birds. While shore, marine and aerial surveys, stranding responses and rehab efforts are obvious needs, there are also several projects, underway since before the spill, which need help to make a maximum effort to establish baseline data prior to the oil reaching their research area. Special skills will be needed for many tasks, but many others require only a personal commitment to help. As examples, locals might provide food and lodging for specialists, volunteered RVs might provide a base for workers, or private pilots may volunteer their time and aircraft for directed surveys. All have been effective in previous events, and engaging the public serves the needs of the marine mammal community. Bill Rossiter Cetacean Society International

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oil spills and cetaceans
by marmamed＠uvic.ca 09 Jul '10

09 Jul '10

>From Craig Matkin (comatkin(a)gmail.com) Although the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is larger and may have more complex effects on the environment than the *Exxon Valdez* oil spill, the potential for similar impact on cetaceans is very real. I was intimately involved in studying the damages following of the *Exxon Valdez* spill in Alaska and have published a recent paper on the long term effects on killer whales. (see link at www.whalesalaska.org/publications.htm and abstract below). Unfortunately in a spill of any size, the great majority of the oil cannot be cleaned up no matter how large or numerous the skimmers. Although we cannot stand by and due nothing, the idea that a significant amount of the oil can be recovered is fallacy. Prevention is the only rational approach and must be taken extremely seriously. Cetaceans do not avoid oil, they are not equipped to deal with large oil slicks of any size, and their chances for deadly respiratory exposure can be high. I am extremely saddened when I consider all the humans and animal's that are dealing with the aftermath of this continuing spill. Our greatest hope from the Gulf of Mexico disaster is that regulations and oversight on oil production and transportation are seriously strengthened as they were for oil transport in Prince William Sound following the *Exxon Valdez* . Additionally the Minerals Management Service must revamped to serve the interests of the public rather than the oil industry. Finally a comprehensive energy policy that weans us from our need to continue these dangerous drilling practices is essential. *Ongoing population-level impacts on killer whales Orcinus orca following the 'Exxon Valdez' oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska* *C. O. Matkin, E. L. Saulitis, G. M. Ellis, P. Olesiuk, S. D. Rice* Marine Ecology Progress Series 356:269-281. ABSTRACT: Killer whales were photographed in oil after the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, but preliminary damage assessments did not definitively link mortalities to the spill and could not evaluate recovery. In this study, photo-identification methods were used to monitor 2 killer whale populations 5 yr prior to and for 16 yr after the spill. One resident pod, the AB Pod, and one transient population, the AT1 Group, suffered losses of 33 and 41%, respectively, in the year following the spill. Sixteen years after 1989, AB Pod had not recovered to pre-spill numbers. Moreover, its rate of increase was significantly less than that of other resident pods that did not decline at the time of the spill. The AT1 Group, which lost 9 members following the spill, continued to decline and is now listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Although there may be other contributing factors, the loss of AT1 individuals, including reproductive-age females, accelerated the population's trajectory toward extinction. The synchronous losses of unprecedented numbers of killer whales from 2 ecologically and genetically separate groups and the absence of other obvious perturbations strengthens the link between the mortalities and lack of recovery, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

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Identifying shark bite on dolphin
by Kelly Melillo 09 Jul '10

09 Jul '10

Hello all, At the Dolphin Communication Project's Bimini, Bahamas field site, we regularly observe evidence of shark attacks on resident Atlantic spotted dolphins. Currently, we are completing a study assessing the frequency, locations, etc. of bite scars. This past May, we observed a known juvenile Atlantic spotted with serious injuries to both sides of her body as well as her dorsal fin. Preliminary measurements taken from the photograph suggest the injuries are from a bull shark. The photo can be seen at: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/teethscar.jpg We are seeking any input as to the possibility that several of the shark's teeth may have actually become embedded in this dolphin's body, with scar tissue enclosing the individual teeth as the injury healed. If anyone has seen something similar, or would like to suggest an alternative, we would greatly appreciate the input (location, dolphin species, shark species, etc.). Please contact me directly at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Cheers, Kel _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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