September 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust job vacancy
by education officer 03 Sep '10

03 Sep '10

Job Vacancy: Marine Biodiversity Officer The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of whales, dolphins and the Hebridean marine environment through research and education. HWDT is currently looking for a Marine Biodiversity Officer to be based on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. HWDT's marine biodiversity officer will work on its boat and land based projects and will undertake the running of the science programme. A substantial part of the job involves being the main monitoring officer onboard "Silurian": undertaking a variety of marine mammal surveys and overseeing land-based monitoring projects. He/she will work with and supervise volunteers on most projects. An additional role involves representing the Trust on local and regional forums. The appointee must be a qualified marine biologist with appropriate field and analytical experience. The successful applicant will be recruited early in 2011 however there may be an opportunity for suitably qualified early applicants to shadow the current Marine Biodiversity Officer onboard Silurian, HWDT's research vessel towards the end of the 2010 field season in late September. We are therefore interested in receiving early notices of interest, however the closing date for formal applications is 31 October 2010. To Apply: View the <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/cust_images/vacancies/HWDTMarineBiodiver sityOfficerjobdescription2010.pdf> Job Description for this post on our website. Please send your CV and a covering letter to admin(a)hwdt.org. For further information about HWDT, please see our website www.hwdt.org or contact the main office on 01688 302 620. HWDT is <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/about_hwdt/contact-us.asp> based in Tobermory on the Hebridean Isle of Mull. HWDT's research and education work takes place in and around the islands of the Hebrides and West Scotland. Using study techniques that neither harm nor seriously disturb the animals, HWDT conducts long-term studies into the distribution, behaviour and ecology of the cetaceans in our waters, as well as collecting detailed information about their environment. An important aim of the research work HWDT undertakes is to provide those who manage Scotland's wildlife and habitats with information they need to achieve effective conservation. The research also provides the materials for our work in environmental education, helping to raise public awareness around the UK and educate visitors to this outstanding area about the wildlife which exists right on our doorstep. HWDT is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotland's whales dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats. Specifically, HWDT: 1) conducts long-term research into cetacean distribution, abundance, behaviour and habitat use 2) educates a wide range of people about the marine environment with a focus on cetaceans 3) works within the local community to ensure long-term sustainability of the marine environment

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New publication: Why do bottlenose dolphins carry conch shells?
by Simon Allen 02 Sep '10

02 Sep '10

G¹day folks, We¹re pleased to announce the publication (online at this stage) of the following research note: ---------- Allen, SJ, Bejder, L & Krützen, M 2010. Why do Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) carry conch shells (Turbinella sp.) in Shark Bay, Western Australia? Marine Mammal Science DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00409.x Summary: Bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay exhibit a remarkable array of foraging tactics within a single population. Those described in some detail include: ³kerplunking,² whereby dolphins scare fish out from vegetative cover with a percussive, bubble forming tail slap in shallow waters; ³beaching,² involving intentional stranding on beaches in the pursuit of fish; and, ³sponging,² in which dolphins use marine sponges as protective shields over their rostra when foraging in the benthos. Here, we add a new behavior to this extensive list referred to as ³conching.² Over the last 13 yr, researchers in disparate locations in Shark Bay have observed individual dolphins lifting sizeable conch shells out of the water. The conches are lifted by the action of the dolphin¹s rostrum inserted into the shell¹s aperture. Determining the function of this unusual behavior has been difficult, largely due to its infrequent occurrence and the relatively fleeting glimpses obtained when it has occurred. Functional hypotheses include feeding on the flesh of the living conch mollusk, play behavior, and use of the conch as a socio-sexual display item. During surveys in the Western Gulf of Shark Bay, we obtained a photographic sequence that revealed the function of the conch-carrying behavior. ---------- Please drop one of us a line should you wish to peruse the PDF. Kind regards, Simon, Lars & Michael (s.allen(a)murdoch.edu.au; l.bejder(a)murdoch.edu.au; michael.kruetzen(a)aim.uzh.ch) Simon Allen Research Fellow, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University South St., Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Email: S.Allen(a)murdoch.edu.au Mobile: +61 (0)416 083 653 Web: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/simon_allen.html

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Sea Lion Research Technician position available, The Alaska SeaLife, Seward, AK
by Daniel Barth 02 Sep '10

02 Sep '10

The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization generating and sharing scientific knowledge that promotes understanding and stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems is seeking applications for the following: Sea Lion Research Technician This position is responsible for supporting a broad range of both captive and field related activities specific to the Research Program at ASLC. Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field with two years of field or animal handling experience. Individuals with pinniped experience preferred. Minimum of two years experience with boat driving and rigging. Experience boating with divers desired. Experience with boat maintenance beneficial. SCUBA certification (NAUI / PADI) to Advanced Open Water level preferred. Experience with permits or report writing beneficial. Position requires captive and fieldwork dealing with large, potentially dangerous animals. Essential Duties (include but are not limited to): 1. Participate in captive Steller sea lion research procedures, including preparation, scheduling, communication to offsite collaborators, and ensure collection completion. 2. Support the sea lion Chiswell and Transient Juvenile Programs under direction of the Principal Investigator or Research Associate, including preparation for, and participation in, fieldwork, scheduling research and related activities, skiff driving, and animal handling and sampling in coordination with Vet Services, Husbandry, and Facilities personnel. 3. Support boat operations for the program, and actively participate in selecting, purchasing, rigging, testing and operating assorted boats utilized in the program. Assist in safety training for vessel operators and crew. Assist Vessel Safety Officer (VSO) in ensuring ASLC vessels are seaworthy and safe. 4. Assist in drafting permit applications and reports for captive Steller sea lions and other permitting-related activities. 5. Assist with grant proposal submission to support various field and captive projects. 6. Support and assist in the design and construction of facilities or technologies for Steller sea lions. 7. Provide support for research that may include beluga, harbor seal, eider, sea otter, and other programs, and may include permitting, camera installation, and data collection, diving operations and physical plant activities. Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to speak and write effectively and be comfortable meeting and interfacing with new people with diverse interests. Ability to be organized and self-motivated, and possess a strong desire to see the completion of projects. Individual must be self-motivated and have the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels. Proficiency in computer skills, including the use of the most recent versions of the Windows operating system and MS Office. This is a regular, full-time position. ASLC offers a competitive wage (DOE) and benefits package. Start Date: October 14, 2010 Apply by: September 25, 2010 Send resume & application (downloadable at www.alaskasealife.org <http://www.alaskasealife.org/> ) to Human Resources, Alaska SeaLife Center, P. O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664-1329, or fax 907-224-6320, or email to HR(a)alaskasealife.org <mailto:human_resources@alaskasealife.org> . www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ Affirmative Action Employer.

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new publication on cetacean records in Brazil
by Marcos Santos 02 Sep '10

02 Sep '10

Dear Marmamers: A new manuscript on cetacean records in southeastern Brazil is available. Requests promptly attended at: sotalia(a)gmail.com Santos, M.C. de O., Siciliano, S.; Vicente, A.F. de C.; Alavarenga, F.S.; Zampirolli, E.; de Souza, S.P. & Maranho, A. 2010. Cetacean records along Sao Paulo state coast, southeastern Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 58(2): 123-142. Abstract: The São Paulo state (SP) coast (23°18'S, 44°42'W; 25°14'S, 48°01'W) is of approximately 600 km in length, bordering the Western Atlantic Ocean, in southeastern Brazil. Cetacean sightings and strandings have long been observed throughout this area. Scattered data from scientific publications, skeletal remains in museums, photographs and articles from newspaper files, universities and aquaria have been organized and updated since 1993. Field investigations on strandings and sightings have also been conducted. A total of 29 cetacean species have been recorded, including 7 baleen whales (Mysticeti) and 22 toothed whales (Odontoceti), as follows: *Balaenoptera physalus, B. borealis, B. edeni, B. acutorostrata, B. bonaerensis*, *Megaptera novaeangliae, Eubalaena australis, Physeter macrocephalus, Kogia breviceps, K. sima, Berardius arnuxii, Mesoplodon europaeus, M. mirus, Ziphius cavirostris, Orcinus orca, Feresa attenuata, Globicephala melas, G. macrorhynchus, Pseudorca crassidens, Delphinus capensis, Lagenodelphis hosei, Steno bredanensis, Tursiops truncatus, **Stenella frontalis, S. longirostris, S. coeruleoalba, Lissodelphis peronii, Sotalia guianensis *and *Pontoporia blainvillei*. Several species have been observed only once and include strays from their areas of common distribution, as well as species with known preferences for offshore distribution. Others, such as *P. blainvillei *and *S. guianensis*, are common coastal dwellers year-round. *Z. cavirostris, P. crassidens *and *L. hosei *are reported for the first time on the SP coast. -- Dr. Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos Projeto Atlantis, Laboratorio de Biologia da Conservacao de Cetaceos PROGRAMA JOVEM PESQUISADOR EM CENTROS EMERGENTES- FAPESP Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Zoologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Campus Rio Claro Av 24-A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, Brasil, 13506-900. Tel: 55-19-3526-4296

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Deadline extended for Research Director applications
by Jenny Atkinson 02 Sep '10

02 Sep '10

Position: Research Director Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA RE: Application Deadline extended until Sept. 13 The Whale Museum is seeking a Research Director. Year-round FT. Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum promotes stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. While The Whale Museum has conducted a large amount of research on killer whales and other marine mammals, there is ample room for the Museum's research program to grow. The main focus of our work are the endangered Southern Resident killer whales but there are other marine mammal species of importance in our region, including Minke whales, harbor porpoise, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and other species. Current department projects focus on: acoustics, vessel effects and marine mammal health. Partnerships with other organizations and researchers are critical to our work. Current partnerships include, but are not limited to, NOAA-NWR (regional marine mammal sightings database), The SeaDoc Society (the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network and marine mammal diseases), and Beam Reach Marine Science & Sustainability School (SeaSound and www.orcasound.net; includes maintenance of a significant hydrophone array on the westside of the Island). The Research Director is expected to actively engage in research as well as track research in the region in order to translate scientific work into public educational exhibits for display in The Whale Museum. The Research Director reports to the Museum Executive Director, overseeing a department which includes one part-time staff member, summer interns and volunteers. The Research Director maintains an in-town office as well as one at the Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse Research Facility. The successful candidate will have understanding of and experience with research priorities related to the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The Research Director is expected to grant write for a portion of their salary. Qualifications: Ph.D. in a relevant field, demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publication, excellent technological skills (i.e., database management, ARC-GIS), grant writing, and department & project management experience. Electronic submissions are encouraged. It is suggested that a PDF compiled with the requested information be submitted. Send cover letter, resume and up to five references (either reference letter or contact information for each reference) by Sept. 13 to: Jenny L. Atkinson Executive Director The Whale Museum (voted <http://best.king5.com/winners/northwest-escapes/4261/arts-and-entertainment /museum> Best Museum in the Northwest 2009) P. O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 office: (360) 378-4710 ext. 26 fax: (360) 378-5790 website: <http://www.whalemuseum.org> www.whalemuseum.org

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New article - A Bigger, Better Brain
by Maddalena Bearzi 02 Sep '10

02 Sep '10

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce a new feature article in the current issue of American Scientist entitled "A Bigger, Better Brain² (M. Bearzi and C. Stanford) Observations of animals as different as chimpanzees and dolphins are producing evidence of parallel types of intelligence in both, despite their vastly different morphology and native environments. One thing they have in common are uncommonly large brains when compared to their body sizes, a trait that is even more extreme in humans. The authors argue that these observations suggest that convergent evolution may have played a role in the development of humanlike intelligence in more than one recent evolutionary lineage. The article is available on the journal site: http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/feature/2010/5/a-bigger-better-brain Regards, Maddalena Bearzi ______________________________ Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 - USA ph.310.8225205, fax 310.8225729 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net http://www.oceanconservation.org

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Vacancy for Charity Director
by David Smith 02 Sep '10

02 Sep '10

Hi all, Details of the Director role are provided below. The role is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and we have secured monies for salary, payroll and some expenses for the next three years. (We have also secured 2 years worth of funding for an Administration Manager - the post of which will be advertised shortly). ............................................... Charity Director ORCA (Organisation Cetacea) Location Portsmouth Full Time Contract Salary £38-40k dependent on experience ORCA is the marine conservation charity dedicated to forging links between people and the sea. ORCA is committed to the study of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and promoting their conservation through enthusing, inspiring and educating others. We are seeking a Director, based in Portsmouth, to build on the successful growth over the last few years and to take the Charity to the next level. A wide range of skills will be required, including strong leadership, strategic planning, project management, communication, grant funding experience and general management. As the main ambassador of the Charity, they will provide support to the Board and manage a small team to ensure high quality delivery, robust financial management and growth through the achievement of strategic goals and objectives. The ideal candidate will; • be a creative self-starter, a motivator with proactive entrepreneurial skills, capable of building on established successes • be a strong communicator, able to liaise successfully at all levels with Charity stakeholders including conservation partners, funders, staff, members and volunteers, as well as the wider community • possess the business and management acumen required to manage a growing charity through an exciting period of change • have proven project management and fundraising success as well as experience of managing budgets • ideally have experience of the voluntary sector and be a committed conservationist with an interest in the marine habitat A full Job Description and Application form can be downloaded at http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/vacancies.htm To apply please complete the Application Form and e-mail it along with your CV and a covering letter outlining why you are the ideal person to fill this role to information@.... Please state ORCA Charity Director in the subject line. All applications will be acknowledged, but feedback can only be given to those called for interview. The closing date for completed applications is 9am on Monday 13th September 2010, with interviews being held week commencing October 4th 2010. Thank you.

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URGENT - Bottlenose dolphin research assistants required for end September through October
by CBMWC 02 Sep '10

02 Sep '10

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, Wales www.cbmwc.org Two positions have unexpectedly become available for bottlenose dolphin research and wildlife centre assistants at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Wales, UK from the end of September until the end of October. The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting public awareness of the marine species, habitats and conservation of the marine wildlife in Cardigan Bay through research and education. We are looking for committed volunteers available between 27th September and the end of October 2010 for a minimum of 4 weeks. Volunteers need to be reliable and enthusiastic to help with our ongoing research, education and interpretation programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. We primarily study the bottlenose dolphins through photo-identification, and also monitor harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations. Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centres work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. Please note enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since training is provided. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and to gain knowledge and experience of the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay. Its also a great chance to gain experience of field work, research methods and public awareness and education programmes, equipping you with essential skills for a career in the environment or conservation. There are also opportunities to develop your fundraising, interpersonal and data processing skills as well as meeting and socialising with people who share your interests. Accommodation is available in a shared house for £55/week Volunteers are required to assist with: Boat-based work: * Photo identification surveys * Collection of data on marine mammals & other wildlife in Cardigan Bay * Act as a marine mammal lookout * Educate passengers about the wildlife in Cardigan Bay * Assist with other ongoing projects at our centre including opportunistic jellyfish surveys and sunfish surveys amongst others * Help crew research vessel, Sulaire. Land-based work: * Day-to-day operation of our Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife visitor centre, including staffing the front desk, taking boat bookings and answering enquiries * Advise visitors to the centre and the public about the marine wildlife in Cardigan Bay and the work that is being conducted * Help develop the facilities at the Marine Wildlife Centre * Regular updating of our website pages with sightings and other information * Conduct land-based surveys from New Quay in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council * Record sightings information, update sightings boards in our centre and central database with information gained from our boat and land based research surveys * Assist with analysis and cataloguing of photo identification of the bottlenose dolphins * Assist with research and production of our education programme and interpretational materials Essential skills/qualifications: * Fluency in English * Ability to work in a conscientious, responsible and reliable manner * Enthusiastic and hard working * An interest in wildlife and conservation * Experience working with the public * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * IT skills Desirable skills/qualifications: * An interest and knowledge of British cetaceans * A background in biology, particularly marine biology/environmental science * A background in environmental interpretation or education and experience working with children To apply: Either download an application form from our website or email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org to request a form. Completed applications should be returned to volunteer(a)cbmwc.org or post to: Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales (UK) For more information please visit our website www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> , call Laura on +44 (0)1545 560032 or email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org __________________________________________________________________ Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560032 E-bost/E-mail: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, check out our website, follow us on Twitter or become a fan of our Facebook page www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC http://facebook.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a Marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's Marine Wildlife through education, interpretation and research. Cynorthwyo i gadw Bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Aberteifi trwy addysg as ymchwil. __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are soley for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.

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Field Intensive opportunities in Puerto Rico
by Mithriel MacKay 01 Sep '10

01 Sep '10

We would like to announce a 10 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. Join our research team studying Humpback Whales *(Megaptera novaeangliae)* Wintering off Puerto Rico. This field intensive training program is well suited for students (undergraduate and graduate) of all skill levels interested in cetacean behavioral ecology, and conservation. The field intensive culminates in a certificate acknowledging training including: research experience in data collection and recording, photographic techniques under a variety of conditions, photo identification of individual humpbacks and dolphins, theodolite tracking and computer interface, passive acoustic sampling, scanning for marine mammals from a land based field station, estimating group size, distinguishing between calf, juveniles and adults, assessing environmental factors including sea state, permit requirements for marine mammal research involving endangered species, and overview of ecology on this island bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The price is $1500.00 per student and includes travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, scientific supervision, room and board at the project base station, reference materials related to the project, including field methods, and a certificate of completion. Fees do not include travel to and from the base station in Puerto Rico and compulsory insurance. 100% of fees support this research project and associated lectures. To apply for this field intensive, send a request for an application and information packet to mithriel.mackay(a)gmail.com. The application packet includes a description of the project, dates for each field intensive 10 day session, the base station where students will sleep during this field intensive, and an application check list. Space is limited to 2 interns for each 10 day field intensive. Sessions begin January 2011 and continue through the end of March 2011. -- Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Student Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston

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Deadline extended for 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress workshop, symposia and focus group proposals to 14 September
by Dori Dick 01 Sep '10

01 Sep '10

-------------See Below----------------- The deadline for proposals for symposia, workshops, and focus groups for the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress/Making Marine Science Matter/, which will be held from 14-18 May 2011 at the Victoria Convention Centre, Victoria BC, Canada, has been extended. All proposals must be submitted by 5pm (GMT) on 14 September 2010. You can find the proposal guidelines and link to the electronic submission page on the IMCC web site: http://www.conbio.org/IMCC2011/. For additional information contact the program committee at IMCCprogram(a)gmail.com. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you on this very exciting conference. Sincerely, Dr. Ellen Hines Conference Chair IMCC2Chair(a)gmail.com Ms. Laura Joan Feyrer, Local Secretariat IMCC.Victoria(a)gmail.com cc: Dr. Chris Parsons, and Dr. John Cigilano Scientific Programme Chairs

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