January 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

SEACR Marine Research Intern Program Advert
by whale lab 17 Jan '11

17 Jan '11

*Please find attached and below information concerning Marine Research Internships for this summer run by the non-profit organisation SEACR* ** *Rianna and Jacqueline* *Whale Research Lab * * * *SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2011* The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a non-profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of near-shore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several long-term ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by members of the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/) INTERNSHIPS Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program! MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and marine ecology. Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard! We are offering internships throughout June 2011, with a 4 (1st -30th June) or 2 week option (1st-15th or 16th-30th June). There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis and spaces are quite limited. QUALIFICATIONS This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the field. Ideal candidates possess a personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research. Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long - though very satisfying! This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of wildlife. THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail, have beach campfires, and interact with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples. Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station. Flores Island's natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime. APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS To qualify as a candidate for the MRIP, see the pre-application process on our website: http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to MRIP. Two week Internship - $ 2200 Cdn Four week Internship - $ 3400 Cdn If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our website http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: whalelab(a)gmail.com **************************** Society for Ecological and Coastal Research P.O. Box 35052 Victoria, British Columbia CANADA V8T 5G2 whalelab(a)gmail.com

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Internships at the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center
by Shannon Prendiville 16 Jan '11

16 Jan '11

The University of New England's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center is currently accepting applications for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Internship Program. We are looking for highly motivated, dynamic candidates who will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals, cetaceans and/or sea turtles. Other responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, water quality testing, maintenance of daily food and medical records, necropsy, education/docent tours and computer entry of data. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. These positions are unpaid and interns are required to find their own housing and transportation. Interns should expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of weekday shifts, nights, weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills. The deadline for Summer Applications is March 1, 2011. Interested applicants can find all information and application materials at http://www.une.edu/research/msc/marc/internship.cfm Applications and questions can be submitted to MARCinfo(a)une.edu c/o Kristen Patchett, Volunteer Supervisor/Internship Coordinator Shannon Prendiville Animal Care and Lab Technician Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center University of New England 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, ME 04005 sprendiville(a)une.edu 207.602.2750

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25th ECS Conference in Cadiz
by European Cetacean Society Conference 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Dear friends The ECS Organising Committee is pleased to inform you that de Early Registration Date for the ECS Conference in Cadiz has been delayed to the next Friday 21st January. Next Tuesday 18 January, the workshop program will be displayed in the ECS conference webpage, as well as the preliminary programme. Grants and Financial Request will also be informed to the participants next Tuesday. Thanks a lot for your patience. Best Regards Renaud de Stephanis On behalf of the ECS organising Committee.

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Internships required for bottlenose dolphin research project in Sardinia Island, Italy
by Bruno Diaz 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Hi everyone, on behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI, I am pleased to announce that our centre is currently accepting internships applications for the Summer-Fall term (a minimum of 60 days of participation between June - November 2011) in Sardinia Island, Italy. BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild unrestrained bottlenose dolphins and the potential effects of human activities (fisheries, aquaculture and tourism) in their distribution and behaviour. An internship period with the BDRI offers an invaluable exposure to boat based field work,marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine biology. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could present their BDRI's personal research project as their Thesis if requested with the application. Internships can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammal research as research assistants in four diverse research projects: 1. Bottlenose dolphin's repertorie and communication use: Knowledge of how individuals within a population communicate and what they are communicating can generate information ranging from measures of habitat use, social relevance, geographical variation, cultural transmission to genetic fitness that can be applied to conservation. 2. Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins societies: We will take and analyse identification photos, study group structure and composition to refine details of dolphin societies and responses to human activities at sea. Volunteers assist with data collection onboard helping to locate, photograph and keep track of bottlenose dolphin groups. Back at the lab volunteers restock field supplies, analyse photos and transcribe data collected. 3. "Large whales & Dolphins off Sardinia Island" Data are collected from multiple platforms including shore and research vessel based platforms. The behaviour and distribution of large cetaceans (fin whales and sperm whales) observed off Sardinia is still unknown. While some animals could be in migration between the Ligurian and Thyrrenian Sea others could be mainly engaged in foraging activities in specific period of the year in this area. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research camp (Sardinia, Italy). As a number of students are unemployed people are unable to meet ourprogram and travel costs, BDRI has developed a financial resource to support some of them. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information at:www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf and the application from:www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.rtf Send cover letter or inquiries by email to the Research Chief, Mr. Bruno Diaz Lopez, at info(a)thebdri.com. Please indicate in your cover letter the dates you are available. Selected scientific publications by BDRI: 1. Díaz López B., in press. Whistle characteristics in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea: influence of behaviour. Mammalian Biology DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2010.06.006 2. Díaz López B. & Shirai, J.A.B., 2009. Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin's repertoire and communication use. In: Dolphins: Anatomy, Behavior, and Threats, A.G: Pierce & L. Correa (Eds.), Nova Science Publishers, New York. 3. Diaz Lopez B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus foraging around a fish farm: Effects of prey abundance on dolphins' behaviour. Current Zoology (Acta Zoologica Sinica) 55(4):243-248. 4. Diaz Lopez B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303. 5. Diaz Lopez, B., Shirai, J.A.; Bilbao Prieto, A. & M?ndez Fern?ndez, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K. 88(6): 1153-1157. 6. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62(6): 887-894. 7. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the noth-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K, 87, 113-117. 8. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32(3): 305- 310 pp. 9. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia. ICES Journal of Marine Science 63:944-951 pp. 10. Diaz Lopez, B., Marini, L., Polo, F., 2005. The impact of a fish farm on a bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas 2005, 21(2):53-58. Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com tel.+ 39 346 081 5414 tel. + 0789 183 1197

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Earthwatch call for proposals - Galapagos marine research
by Debbie Winton 14 Jan '11

14 Jan '11

Dear all, International environmental NGO Earthwatch is currently requesting proposals for marine research projects in the Galapagos. Funding will be for fielding starting in 2012. Details are on our website, and below http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/get_involved/research_grants/ Interested scientists must complete a concept note (http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/downloads/Earthwatch_Concept_Note.pdf) by February 28th. Please contact Samantha Burgess on sburgess(a)earthwatch.org.uk if you have any questions. Many thanks, Debbie Request for Proposals for Field Research: Ecosystems and Biodiversity of the Galapagos Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization with the mission to "engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment." Earthwatch is currently seeking proposals from field-based researchers to provide grants to address questions on the ecology and conservation of the unique marine and/or terrestrial biodiversity of the Galapagos. The research should focus on understanding ecosystem health and connectivity and/or species interactions with the aim of informing successful ecosystem based management. We are looking to support projects that improve our understanding of local anthropogenic and climate change threats and that inform management efforts to ensure functional ecosystems on a remote island archipelago. Of particular interest are species with high endemism or biodiversity value, those that are important as a human resource, and flagship or high-profile species. Earthwatch will only consider proposals for field research that have a strong rationale for requiring involvement of non-specialists (Earthwatch volunteers) in data collection, scientific observation, or a variety of research tasks. Earthwatch volunteers are highly motivated citizens from around the world who are dedicated to improving environmental understanding. A typical project would employ 6 to 12 volunteers each on 4 to 8 teams per fielding season. Each team normally spends 1 to 2 weeks in the field. Projects which would allow school groups to participate are desirable. All volunteers speak English, and projects must be conducted in English. Earthwatch encourages proposals that are interdisciplinary and/or transnational. Preference will be given to projects that directly contribute to environmental or social change on the ground and that have a strong community and/or educational component. Professionals from any nationality are eligible to apply. Concept Notes and Proposals Concept Notes for projects starting in spring or summer 2012 will be accepted Monday 28th February 2011. Invitations for full Research Proposals will be communicated in late March. Applications are to be submitted in English. Research topics that may be considered for funding include, but are not limited to: * Increasing understanding of the win-wins of biodiversity conservation and provision of ecosystem services by protected areas and surrounding landscapes to local communities, the region and internationally * Biodiversity and conservation of the marine environment, including research relating to sustainable fishing and protection of large migratory species such as sharks and tuna. * Development of effective adaptive ecosystem- based management for species and habitat conservation. Grants A minimum annual grant of $20,000 USD is available to cover research related costs, which can include the following if appropriate: equipment (under $1000 USD), tools, supplies, research permits, scientist transport to the field, support staff, staff and scientist food and accommodation while running volunteer teams. The grant cannot be used for scientist salaries, overhead, capital equipment, and other expenses not directly related to the project. Volunteer costs in the field (volunteer accommodation, food and transport in the field) will be funded by Earthwatch separately from the research grant. The field research grants are tenable for three years, and potentially renewable in the fourth year. Additional * Comfortable accommodations for the proposed project must be located a reasonable travel distance from the research site(s) in order to travel back and forth daily. * Time for scheduled recreational activities enabling volunteers to explore the surrounding area and experience cultural aspects are encouraged. For additional information about Earthwatch's application process see our website: http://www.earthwatch.org/aboutus/research/scientistopps/reqresprop/ All questions and Concept Note submissions should be directed to: Dr. Samantha Burgess (marine) sburgess(a)earthwatch.org.uk * Dr. Thomas Dietsch (terrestrial) tdietsch(a)earthwatch.org Debbie Winton Senior Research Officer Earthwatch Institute | Mayfield House | 256 Banbury Road | Oxford | OX2 7DE | UK Tel: 00 44 (0)1865 318805 | www.earthwatch.org/europe <http://www.earthwatch.org/europe> - Thank you for your support of Earthwatch in 2010. Donate now and together we can do more in 2011 > <http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/donate/> - The Amazon is an incredible ecosystem. Join a research expedition with us and help conserve it > <http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/exped/bodmer.html> *Save paper - think before you print* This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views, which are not the views of Earthwatch Institute Europe unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system, do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender immediately. Please note that Earthwatch Institute (Europe) monitors e-mails sent or received. Further communication will signify your consent to this. Conservation Education & Research Trust also known as Earthwatch Institute (Europe) is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales under company number 4373313 and charity number 1094467. The registered address is, Mayfield House, 256 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DE England.

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On-Line Lecture this Thursday: "New Findings on the Effects of Noise on the Behavior of Whales and Dolphins"
by Trevor Spradlin 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

The NOAA/NMFS Office of Protected Resources and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History (Department of Vertebrate Zoology in conjunction with the Office of Education and National Outreach Program) are pleased to announce that Dr. Brandon Southall (SEA, Inc., and UC-Santa Cruz) will be giving a lecture this week in Washington, DC on the research he and colleagues conducted last year for the "SOCAL-10" project to evaluate the behavioral responses of cetaceans to underwater human sounds. The lecture at the Smithsonian will be available to the public in real-time via live video stream on the Web, and will be archived for future viewing as well. Following, below, are the details about Dr. Southall's presentation and how to access it online. We hope you can join us and Dr. Southall via the Web! Trevor Spradlin and Amy Scholik-Schlomer Charles Potter Office of Protected Resources Collection Manager, Marine Mammals National Marine Fisheries Service National Museum of Natural History National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Smithsonian Institution ************************************ *New Findings on the Effects of Noise on the Behavior of Whales and Dolphins* */Brandon Southall, Ph.D. /*/President and Senior Scientist for Southall Environmental Associates, Inc., and Research Associate with the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)/ *Date:* Thursday, January 6, 2011 *Time:* 2 pm ET *Location:* Live video stream from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/smithsonian-national-museum-of-natural-histor… *Abstract* SOCAL-10 was a scientific research project conducted in Aug-Sept 2010 in important biological areas near southern California. It extended previous studies in the Bahamas (2007-08) and Mediterranean Sea (2009) of whether and how marine mammals change their behavior when they hear different sounds. Each of these efforts has integrated behavioral response studies to controlled sound exposures with ongoing research on diving, foraging, and social behavior. The overall objective was to provide a better basic understanding of marine mammal behavior, while providing direct scientific information for the Navy and regulatory agencies to estimate risk and minimize the impact of human sounds, particularly military sonar. SOCAL-10 was the first in a five-year dedicated effort to study a variety of marine mammal species in areas around the southern California coast and Channel Islands. SOCAL-10 involved an interdisciplinary collaboration of experts in marine mammal biology, behavior, and communication, as well as underwater acousticians and specialized field researchers. During a preliminary scouting phase and two research legs on several different research vessels, SOCAL-10 observed, photographed, and/or tracked in detail, individuals of 21 different marine mammal species. Sixty-two tags (of six different varieties) were successfully secured on 44 individual animals of nine different marine mammal species, including several which had never been studied using tag technologies previously. Scientists also conducted 28 controlled sound exposure experiments; in these experiments, animals were monitored with suction cup acoustic sensors, remote listening devices and specialized observers with high-powered binoculars. Sounds were then played under specific protocols and protective measures (to ensure animals were not harmed) and changes in behavior were recorded. Preliminary results based primarily on clearly observable behavior in the field and from initial data assessment indicate variable responses, depending on species, type of sound, and behavioral state during the experiments. Some observations in certain conditions suggest avoidance responses, while in other cases subjects seemed to not respond, at least overtly. Additional analysis and interpretation is underway of the nearly 400 hours of tag data from the project, as well as thousands of marine mammal observations, photographs, tissue samples, and acoustic measurements. For additional information, please see: SOCAL-10 website http://www.sea-inc.net/SOCAL10/ SOCAL-10 blog http://sea.typepad.com/sea-blog/ SOCAL-10 Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Behavioral-Response-Studies-of-Marine-Mammals…

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Florida Manatee Photo-identification Internship
by Johnson, Jennifer 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

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 * Apply by January 31st if you would like to be considered for the Spring or Summer internship. 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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SEAMAMMS 2011 Conference, April 1-3
by Robert Young 13 Jan '11

13 Jan '11

SEAMAMMS: Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina April 1-3, 2011 The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium will be held at Coastal Carolina University from Friday, April 1 to Sunday, April 3, 2011. SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented scientific marine mammal meeting. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US or conducted by students in the same region. Other topics will be considered as space is available. Detailed information can be found on the conference web site: http://bccmws.coastal.edu/stranding/seamamms/seamamms2011.htm. The deadline for abstract submissions will be February 15th (midnight), and notification of acceptance should take no more than a week. Accepted abstracts and the presentation schedule will be posted on this site prior to the conference. You may register for the conference at any time, but to get the early registration discount, registration forms must be postmarked by March 10th. Thanks, Rob Young _____________________________ Rob Young Interim Associate Provost for Grants and Sponsored Research Professor, Department of Marine Science Coastal Carolina University PO Box 261954 Conway, SC 29528-6054 843-349-2277 ryoung(a)coastal.edu<mailto:ryoung@coastal.edu>

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Volunteer required for common dolphin research project in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
by Dwyer, Sarah 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

VOLUNTEER NEEDED TO ASSIST WITH BOAT-BASED FIELDWORK IN THE HAURAKI GULF, NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND A volunteer is needed to assist with fieldwork for a PhD study investigating the distribution and density of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) The field season runs year round and the next vacancy is for the period 1st February - 16th March 2011, with further opportunities available from July 2011. The primary role of the volunteer is to assist on a 5.5m research vessel, which operates in the Hauraki Gulf, North Island. Surveys are undertaken when weather and sea conditions are favourable and as such, a minimum or maximum number of research days per week cannot be guaranteed. On adverse weather days volunteers assist with data entry and other tasks. Prior experience working on small research vessels is preferred but not essential. Those with no experience should demonstrate their willingness to learn. Volunteers must be comfortable spending long days at sea on a small open boat. Unfortunately this is not a paid position. Food and accommodation are not provided and volunteers are responsible for their own travel to Auckland. Assistance will be provided to find suitable accommodation in the area. A minimum commitment of one month is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. For more detailed information about the project please do not hesitate to contact me. To apply please send a CV and cover letter to Sarah Dwyer: s.l.dwyer(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:s.l.dwyer@massey.ac.nz> Thanks, Sarah ----------------------------------------------- Sarah Dwyer PhD Student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City 0745 Auckland New Zealand Tel: +64 (0) 9 414 0800 EXT 41196 Mob: +64 (0) 21 035 4749 Fax: +64 (9) 443 9790 Email: S.L.Dwyer(a)massey.ac.nz http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz

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Biotelemetry graduate course offering - May 2011
by Kit Kovacs 12 Jan '11

12 Jan '11

University Studies on Svalbard (UNIS) will offer a graduate course in Biotelemetry and Biologging in May 2011 (for MSc & PhD students) in Longyearbyen (High (!) Arctic Norway) Applications must be received by 15 February - contact Ane Hammervoll Bjørsvik [Ane.Hammervoll.Bjorsvik(a)unis.no] for details or visit the UNIS home page www.unis.no<http://www.unis.no> Norway encourages foreign student participation (& tuition is free in Norway - UNIS is highly international and classes are in ENGLISH). Course in Biotelemetry and Biologging (with strong marine mammal components) Topics including: 1) Basic principles for radio signal transmission & antenna theory 2) Telemetric technology, regulations and management of frequencies 3) Ethics (animal welfare) in biotelemetry/biologging 4) Introduction to VHF-based telemetry andGPS-positioning systems in biotelemetry -transmitters applications and limitations 5) Telemetry & biologging equipment - a manufacturers perspective 6) User "issues" - another manufacturer's perspective - trouble shooting 7) Maps, mapping and GPS technology - Practical applications 8) Acoustic telemetry - Methods & Science questions 9) Range size, habitat use etc. (Storage, and retrieval of data and the integration of animal tracks and terrestrial environmental data) 10) An introduction to GIS tools 11) Design considerations/limitations in marine mammal biotelemetry 12) Biotelemetry and biologging with Svalbard's marine mammals - case studies 13) Linking marine mammal telemetry & the environment - MAMVIS & statistical tools 14) Remote methods in sea bird research - transponders, photographic & case studies 15) Fish tracking 16) Physiological telemetry -applications and potential 17) Looking into the future.... Students will go into the field on several day-long expeditions during the course in boats and on snowmobiles (safety training is provided at the start of all course offerings at UNIS :)) Kit M. Kovacs, Prof. Biodiversity Research Section Leader Norwegian Polar Institute 9296 Tromsø Norway

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