January 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

The Whale Center of New England: Marine Mammal Research Internships 2011-2012
by Kelly Slivka 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Marine Mammal Research Internships 2011-2012 (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/research-whales/whale-center-internships.html) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the Summer (May 23 - August 19) and Fall (August 15 - December 16) semesters of 2011, and Spring (January 30 - May 25) semesters of 2012. Please note: All positions are filled in the spring of each year. The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 42' research vessel The Mysticete, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, harbor seal surveys and attendance at conferences and meetings. There is often the possibility of paid seasonal employment by the Whale Center of New England for interns who particularly excel during the internship. The internship fee is $1250, and in return interns will receive housing in Gloucester within walking distance to the office and boats. A common apartment is used, where interns live together and share cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as this is conductive to open discussion and interaction between peers and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field. Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. International applicants are often accepted to the Whale Center's internship program, but it should be noted that there are ancillary visa fees for international exchange. Internship applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or office * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for an internship: please send our application (to be found at our aforementioned website), a resume or CV, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, two letters of recommendation, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during one of two weekends in March 2011 (to be determined at a later date). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2011. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Because of an increased work calendar during the summer session, volunteer positions are also available (please email the Intern Coordinator for more information). Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the following address: Intern Coordinator P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) interns(a)whalecenter.org

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Passive Acoustic Monitoring - Training Course
by Fiona Skilbeck 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

The use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is becoming an increasingly important tool in both marine mammal research and applied in industry. It is important that individuals using any passive acoustic monitoring software are properly trained to use the software to maximise its full potential. Feedback from users is also important in the ongoing development of such software. PAMGUARD is currently funded by the OGP E&P Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Program, and has been established to address the fundamental limitations of existing cetacean passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) software capabilities. PAMGUARD seeks to provide open-source PAM software based on a platform-independent (e.g. Windows or Linux), flexible, modular architecture. The open-source aspect of software development is facilitated through the project's presence on SourceForge, where a community of altruistic developers provides extra resources. This community currently includes developers with proven PAM experience from both the UK and the USA. Open development means that the software is free and access to the code is easy and assured. It also allows the code's copyright to be protected in perpetuity so that it cannot readily be closed and commercialised to the detriment of its users. It ultimately means that more people have access for development. This generally speeds up innovations and improves the performance and maintainability of the code. SMRU Ltd are running a PAMGUARD Training course on the 10th and 11th February in St Andrews. There are still some places available on this course. The course will be lead by Dr Doug Gillespie of St Andrews University, one of the principle architects of the PAMGuard software. If you are interested in attending the course please see the PAMGuard website for further details: http://www.pamguard.org/training.shtml or email info(a)smru.co.uk Fiona Skilbeck Office Manager SMRU Limited Scottish Oceans Institute New Technology Centre North Haugh ST ANDREWS Fife KY16 9SR T: + 44 (0)1334 479100 F: + 44 (0)1334 477878 E: fas(a)smru.co.uk W: www.smru.co.uk <http://www.smru.co.uk/> http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk <http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk> P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU LIMITED is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: 296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ.

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New publication- Guide of cetaceans of the Natural Park of Cape of Creus in Catalan language - Projecte NINAM
by Albert López i Larrosa 11 Jan '11

11 Jan '11

Hi MARMAMMERS We are proud to present our first and recent publication Last week, Projecte NINAM presented the First Cetacean guide of the Mediterranean Sea, in catalan language. Reference: Lopez i Larrosa, A. & Gonzalez i Potrony, G.; Guia dels Cetacis del Parc Natural de Cap de Creus: Manual d'albirament i bones pràctiques marineres per a la protecció dels Cetacis a Catalunya (Guide of Cetaceans of the Natural Park of Cape Creus: Handbook of sightings and seamanship good practices to protect Cetaceans in Catalonia). EBE Eds. Figueres (Girona), 2010. Abstract: The result of 6 campaigns, 23.000 miles, and thousands of desk hours, of Projecte NINAM's staff. The Guide provides information about the cetaceans that people can find in Mediterranean Sea, specifically at the Cape Creus Natural Park (included in the NATURA 2000 network), at the north east of the Iberian Peninsula, near the French border. The area sustains a very large recreational boat fleet, especially in the summer. The aim is to give, in an accessible language, information about the cetaceans, and how to proceed during the sighting. Also includes information about the Spanish cetacean protection laws. The edition is in chlorine free paper, from controlled logging. Soybean ink. Uses printers without volatile solvents. Nine full colour drawings from Toni Llobet. Large full colour photos Projecte NINAM is the only permanent field based platform for the study of cetaceans and seabirds in the North of Catalonian country, near the French border. Operating since 2005 on the Natural Park of Cape of Creus, Projecte NINAM has developed several annual campaigns focussed on the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) pass and Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) photo ID catalogue. Projecte Ninam has been working in the elaboration of several rapports on other cetacean presence for the authorities of the Natural Park. Projecte NINAM is working, as well, with the Catalonian Government: Fauna Service of the Environment Dept. controlling the Cape of Creus/Roses Bay I.B.A. (Hydrobates pelagicus, Puffinus yelkouan, Puffinus mauretanicus, Calonectris diomedea and Phalacrocorax aristotelis), and the CADS (Assessor Committee for the Sustainable Development). Since the beginning, the project has included the collaboration of most of the Catalan Universities: U. of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona and U. of Girona, to offer the possibility for students to practice in field work at sea, developing their own projects or involved in a cetacean research. Since 2010 Projecte NINAM is member of ACCOBAMS. The next step will be the publication of their results and to be able to collaborate with foreign scientists. We have been accepted to present our project in the ECS congress, next March at Cadiz. Now, this guide will not be for free of charge, to be able to support the cost of the editing. We are working to re-edit the Spanish and English versions. Thanks to you all Best regards Albert Albert López i Larrosa Cap de Recerca Projecte Ninam Tel: +34 607824569 mail: albert(a)projecteninam.org web: www.projecteninam.org Port Esportiu de Roses Av. de Rhode s/n 17480 Roses ----><))))º>____-----____----____----__ ><))))º> Estima la mar .... Love the sea <º(((((><

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orca predation on other whales
by L.A. Holmes 10 Jan '11

10 Jan '11

Dear Marmamers, I am looking for articles, data and observations of killer whales attacking other whales and/or eating whale carcasses. In the summer of 2008, while engaged in killer whale research for North Gulf Oceanic Society, we observed killer whales attacking adult humpback whales and later feeding on carcasses. I am collecting articles as background/research for a paper on this event and have attained the items one can access for free on the web. If you have other relevant data, or wish to discuss such incidents please contact la(a)otterworks.biz (If you responded to this request earlier, your correspondence was lost due to a computer backup problem - please resend.) Thank you, L.A. Holmes

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Job Announcement: Veterinarian for Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (Federal FTE)
by Charles Littnan 10 Jan '11

10 Jan '11

Aloha All- We would like to announce an employment opportunity with the NOAA Fisheries Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP; Honolulu, HI). The HMSRP is hiring a Veterinary Medical Officer (Veterinarian) to oversee its Health and Disease Program (HDP). The HMSRP studies all aspects of the biology and ecology of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and develops tools to enhance the survival of the species across its range. The HDP investigates the role of infectious disease, parasites, and toxins (anthropogenic and naturally occurring biotoxins) in Hawaiian monk seal population is an ongoing investigation. Veterinarians conduct studies including gross necropsy and histopathology, parasitology, hematology, serology, morphometrics, microbiology, epidemiology, scat and spew analysis, population abundance/survival assessment, and reproductive rates. The following is a list of some of the job responsibilities of the selected candidate: 1. Conducting a risk assessment of infections and implementing adaptive sampling protocols (AILSA) 2. Analyzing existing data to enable decisions about prioritizing future work etc. 3. Determine what analyses can be done with existing data and samples (~ 50,000 biological samples are in our archives) 4. Refining all protocols, including but not limited to: i. Necropsy ii. Sedation and Anesthesia iii. Clinical Intervention iv. Biological sample archiving v. Disease Surveillance vi. Which diagnostics tests to continue 5. Serve as the inter-agency liaison relative to HMS health and disease issues: connect with USGS, coordinate local veterinary groups, identify potential collaborators and veterinarians to provide occasional emergency care or capture and immobilization experience; contact for emerging threats, risks and more. 6. Participate in field studies and survival enhancement activities Additional Requirements: - Must be a U.S. citizen - Suitable for Federal employment - Registered for Selective Service if applicable (www.sss.gov) To apply for this position please: 1. Visit www.usajobs.gov 2. Search for job announcement NMFS-PIC-2011-0010 (qualified applicants with Federal employment status) or NMFS-PIC-2011-0012 (all qualified US citizens) The job announcement is now open and will be closing on January 24, 2011. For more information on how to apply please contact: Barb Schloetter Phone: 206-526-6296 Email: barbara.w.schloetter AT noaa.gov EEO Policy: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. Please pass this on to anyone you may think would be qualified for and interested in this opportunity. Cheers, Charles ____________________________ Charles Littnan Lead Scientist, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA Fisheries 1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1100 Honolulu HI 96814 P: 808-944-2171 F: 808-941-0307

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Marine Education/Awareness Assistant required in Cardigan Bay
by Gemma Veneruso 10 Jan '11

10 Jan '11

Sea Watch Foundation – Voluntary Education and Awareness Assistant opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2011 The Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) is seeking an education and awareness assistant to take part in the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” in New Quay, West Wales which manages the conservation of a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, the largest in the UK. Monitoring of harbour porpoise and grey seal populations is also part of the project. This position will suit a volunteer that has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving the public. The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties: · Participate in presentations and create activities to take to local schools · Write news reports and articles · Pilot a blog and manage it throughout the season as part of our ‘Adopt a Dolphin’ campaign · Promote Sea Watch campaigns · Assist in the organisation and participation of annual event, National Whale and Dolphin Watch · Come up with new educational initiatives · Talk to the public about the marine environment and conservation of cetaceans · Assist in the organisation of training courses The assistant will also have the opportunity to be involved in the research, helping the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer, and will be expected to take part in the following tasks in the field: · Land-based surveys · Boat-based surveys There may also be the opportunity to help with some other office based duties if any are of particular interest such as: · Photo-identification studies · Database entry · Acoustic monitoring · Behavioural studies The field season will begin in April until October 2011, which has been split into four separate periods of six weeks each. One assistant is required for each period however preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole six month field season. The assistant will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of approximately £55/week in a house sharing with marine research volunteers. The assistant is responsible for their own travel and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2011: Period 1 25/04 – 5/06, Period 2 6/06 – 17/07, Period 3 18/07 – 28/08, Period 4 29/08 – 9/10 Important skills/qualifications Essential: · a strong interest in marine conservation and education · confidence to interact with the public · good verbal and writing skills · must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position · strong commitment to volunteering work · an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner · an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: · a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar · a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans · good IT skills (Office package) · prior experience in public speaking · prior experience in boat-based survey work · willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather Assistants also have the opportunity to learn about other research aspects such as cetacean observation and identification, line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. To apply: Please send your CV, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadline: 31st of January 2011. Please specify EDUCATION ASSISTANT APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2011. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council.

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Marine research volunteers required for bottlenose dolphin monitoring project in Cardigan Bay
by Gemma Veneruso 10 Jan '11

10 Jan '11

Sea Watch Foundation – Research Volunteering opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2011 Volunteers are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) with the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project”. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. The volunteers will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: · Land-based surveys · Boat-based surveys · Photo-identification studies · Database entry · Awareness raising · Education initiatives · Acoustic monitoring · Assist with and participate in training courses and public talks. Volunteers are required from April until October 2011, for 4 separate periods of 6 weeks each. Preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole 6-months field season. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of around £55/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2011: Period 1 25/04 – 5/06, Period 2 6/06 – 17/07, Period 3 18/07 – 28/08, Period 4 29/08 – 9/10 Important skills/qualifications Essential: · an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner · strong commitment to volunteering work · willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather · good IT skills (Office package) · an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: · a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar · a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans · prior experience in boat-based survey work · good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking · experience in interacting with the public All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. To apply: Please send your cv, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadlines: 31st of January 2011. Please specify NEW QUAY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2011. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveysMaintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories.Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones.Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods.

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Announcing The Dolphin and Whale Society/Magazine
by Randall Eaton 10 Jan '11

10 Jan '11

The Dolphin and Whale Society explores and celebrates our connection with whales and dolphins. Its research mission includes interspecies communication, cetaceans in ancient knowledge and indigenous wisdom, and enhancement of cetacean and oceanic conservation. Visit: www.dolphinandwhale.org. Published January 2011, The Dolphin and Whale Magazine features popular science articles, personal stories, interviews, news, video clips, photos, art, poetry and myths that speak to the human connection with cetaceans across time, space and cultures. We'll share the details of human relationships and interactions with dolphins and whales including accounts of people saving whales and whales saving people. The magazine reports significant discoveries about cetacean behavior, intelligence, social life, ecology, interspecies communication and conservation. We'll present perspectives on issues ranging from whaling to the pros and cons of cetaceans in captivity and deterioration of marine environments. There are reviews of books, films and videos, and whale tales for kids, too. Published quarterly online to member-subscribers of The Dolphin and Whale Society. The inaugural issue is available for examination at our website (www.dolphinandwhale.org) Subsequent issues are available to members for $25/year. We welcome MARMAM subscribers to contribute popularized versions of commentary, articles, photo essays, notes, news and reviews. Our next issue features the pros and cons of whale-watching and captivity. The deadline for submission is February 1. Randall L. Eaton, Ph.D., Director and Editor

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PDF: New publication on assessing threats to a large marine vertebrate species
by Witt, Matthew 09 Jan '11

09 Jan '11

Dear Marmam, We have recently published the following paper in the Proceedings of Royal Society B (Biological Sciences): Tracking leatherback turtles from the world's largest rookery: assessing threats across the South Atlantic Witt MJ, Bunguno EA, Broderick AC, Coyne MS, Formia A, Gibudi A, Mounguengui GAM, Moussounda C, Nsafou M, Nougessono S, Parnell RJ, Sounguet G-P, Verhage S and Godley BJ http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/01/05/rspb.2010.2… The satellite-tracked movements of the turtles included in the publication are available on www.seaturtle.org While the species concerned is not a marine mammal, the method of quantifying threat might be of interest to those undertaking marine mammal movement studies. If you would like a copy of the PDF then please do not hesitate to contact me by email: m.j.witt(a)ex.ac.uk Kind Regards Matt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr Matthew J. Witt PRIMaRE Post-doctoral Research Fellow (Biodiversity) www.primare.org / www.ex.ac.uk Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus Penryn, Cornwall. UK. TR10 9EZ M: 07775 662350 T: 01326 371872 F: 01326 370450 E: m.j.witt(a)ex.ac.uk Publications: http://publicationslist.org/m.j.witt

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Marine Mammal Observer Training Course Perth - Fremantle Feb 2011
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 08 Jan '11

08 Jan '11

We are holding an MMO course in Fremantle at the IFAP Fremantle Offshore and Maritime Training Centre 12 Rous Head Rd North Fremantle WA 6159 Postal Address: PO Box 339, Willetton, WA, 6955 Phone: work +61 8 9430 6611 Fax: +61 8 9430 6093 IFAP Fremantle Offshore and Maritime Training Centre The dates for the MMO Course 1st to the 3rd February 2011 Please *register at the Scanning Ocean Sectors website* http://www.scanningoceansectors.org/training-courses/mmo-register/ *Immediately* if you wish to attend the course, places are very limited If you also require your BOSIET/TBOSIET/STWC-95 training certificate or seaworthy medical please let us know immediately so we can arrange this at the IFAP training centre We look forward to seeing you on this first course to be run in Perth, Fremantle Regards Yvonne -- Yvonne Miles *Managing Director* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org www.marinemammaljobs.com

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