October 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Cetacean sightings in the Western Black Sea in autumn 2007
by Arda M. Tonay 27 Oct '11

27 Oct '11

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new article has been published in Journal of Environment Protection and Ecology. Dede, A., Tonay, A.M. 2010. Cetacean sightings in the Western Black Sea in autumn 2007. Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology 11, No 4, 1491-1494 It is available online via the following link: <http://www.tour.teithe.gr/BSS_project/get_file.php?f=66> http://www.tour.teithe.gr/BSS_project/get_file.php?f=66 Abstract Cetacean sighting data were collected on a research cruise carried out in autumn season (27.10-02.11.2007) in the western Black Sea between Istanbul (Turkey) and Constanta (Romania) and vice versa. This research cruise was conducted with a 32-m research vessel R/V YUNUS-S in the international waters. Average speed of the vessel was 10 nautical miles/h. At each sighting of cetaceans, species, numbers of animals, location (coordinates), time, behaviour of animals were recorded. During the survey, totally 417 nm was covered and 33 h of effort was made. The aim of the preliminary study was understanding the size and distribution of dolphin population in the western Black Sea. During the study, totally 16 sightings (91 individuals) of three species; common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) were recorded. Number of individuals and number of sightings are 61 common dolphins in eight, 29 bottlenose dolphin in seven, and a harbour porpoise in one observation. The overall encounter rate was 3.83 sightings/100nmiles. Common dolphin was the most often observed species (50%), followed by the bottlenose dolphin (44%), and harbour porpoise (6%). Arda M. TONAY PhD Istanbul University Faculty of Fisheries Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli, 34480 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: 90 212 455 5700 Fax: 90 212 514 0379 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr <http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/en/> http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/en/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.Box: 10 Beykoz İstanbul, Turkey Tel: 90 216 4240 772 Fax: 90 216 424 0771 www.tudav.org Bu mesaj ve onunla iletilen tum ekler gonderildigi kisi ya da kuruma ozel, gizlilik yukumlulugu tasiyor olabilir. Bu mesaj, hicbir sekilde, herhangi bir amac icin cogaltilamaz, yayinlanamaz ve para karsiligi satilamaz; mesajin yetkili alicisi veya alicisina iletmekten sorumlu kisi degilseniz, mesaj icerigini ya da eklerini kopyalamayiniz, yayinlamayiniz, baska kisilere yonlendirmeyiniz ve mesaji gonderen kisiyi derhal uyararak bu mesaji siliniz. Bu mesajin bilinen viruslere karsi kontrolleri yapilmistir. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI http://www.istanbul.edu.tr This message (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is non-public, proprietary,privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law or may constitute as attorney work product.If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, notify us immediately by telephone and (i) destroy this message if a facsimile or (ii) delete this message immediately if this is an electronic communication. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY http://www.istanbul.edu.tr

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URGENT: Seal rehabilitation position available at the Dingle Wildlife & Seal Sanctuary
by Animal Operations Manager 27 Oct '11

27 Oct '11

A position has opened up at the Dingle Wildlife & Seal Sanctuary to start as soon as possible. The position is unpaid, but accommodation and food is provided. We are looking for volunteers who are able to commit to a minimum of 3 months. Preference will be given to applicants who can commit to 6 months. The Dingle Wildlife & Seal Sanctuary is located on the South West Coast of Ireland and is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine wildlife found in difficulty around Ireland’s coast. For more information on the sanctuary please visit our website www.dinglesanctuary.com **Job description:* * The resident volunteers will participate in hands-on animal care of seals in rehabilitation, as well as the on-site waterfowl collection; coordinating rescues and releases; keeping accurate detailed records; maintaining animal facilities, including hospital units and pools; maintaining and cleaning public facilities; and giving tours and actively interacting with the public. The work hours are long (9-12 hours) and physically demanding. The volunteers work 5 days a week, with two days off. Volunteers are required to have an advanced level of English, in both speaking and comprehension. ** Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to)** The volunteers will report to the animal managers and will be trained in - Food preparation - Safe animal handling and restraining - Tube feeding, force feeding, hand feeding seals - Natural history of harbour and grey seals - Record keeping - Administration of injections and oral medications - Assisting in rescues and releases nationwide - General cleaning duties of animal and public facilities - Hygiene and quarantine protocols to prevent the spread of disease etc. - Assisting veterinarians in surgical and medical cases when required - Running the visitor’s centre, providing guided tours and engaging with the public - Caring for bird collection **Qualifications:* * 20 years or older, advanced level of English comprehension and speaking and have an avid interest in marine mammal care and rehabilitation. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience in animal care. *Skills/Experience:* - Experience in handling wildlife preferred - Excellent organisational and communication skills - Ability to work under pressure - A commitment to wildlife, conservation and volunteer work - Flexible and reliable working attitude - Willingness to work long hours outdoors in Irish weather - Experience in interacting with the public/ public speaking - Able to lift 20kg and be in good physical shape - Be enthusiastic and eager to help and learn The Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary is located just outside the lovely seaside town of Dingle, County Kerry, one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland. We are looking for dedicated, flexible, enthusiastic volunteers, who are able to work and live within a small team and who are self-motivated, show initiative and able to work without constant supervision. To apply for this position, go to our website www.dinglesanctuary.com and under the Volunteers tab download and fill out an application. Email application to animalmanager.dwss(a)gmail.com -- Animal Manager Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary Emlagh Lispole, Dingle Co.Kerry Ireland +353 (0)669151750

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New paper on feeding South Australian Tursiops
by sue.gibbs＠internode.on.net 26 Oct '11

26 Oct '11

Fellow Marmamers I'm pleased to announce the publication of a new paper, “Niche differentiation of bottlenose dolphin species in South Australia revealed by stable isotopes and stomach contents”, by S E Gibbs, R G Harcourt and C M Kemper. Wildlife Research 34(4): 261-270. Available from: http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/WR10108.htm [1] ABSTRACT Animal species with overlapping ranges are common worldwide, but how these species coexist is less obvious. Dolphins are protected in Australia and yet little information is available on their resource use which is essential for successful management and conservation. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of overlap in diet and feeding ecology of the two _Tursiops _spp. That have overlapping ranges in South Australia. Stomach content (91 _Tursiops _sp. and 14 _T. truncatus_) and stable isotope (d13C, d15N) analyses (39 _Tursiops _sp. and 14 _T. truncatus_) were conducted. Carcasses of dolphins were opportunistically collected between 1974 and 2005. Diet was quantified by frequency of occurrence (FOO) and numerical abundance (NA) of prey. Delta13C from teeth revealed distinct differences in primary source of carbon, corresponding to coastal (_Tursiops _sp. _n _= 39, _X _= –12.24, s.d. = 1.32) and offshore habitats (_T. truncatus n _= 14, _X _= –14.21, s.d. = 0.55). Differences in d15N revealed _Tursiops _sp. (_X _= 11.66, s.d. = 0.58) feeds at a lower trophic level than _T. truncatus _(_X _= 14.29, s.d. = 0.88). Stomach content analyses for _Tursiops _sp. corroborated stable isotope results. There was a significant difference between the diets of _Tursiops _sp. from north Spencer Gulf and south Spencer Gulf (ANOSIM R = 0.249, _P _= 0.001). Prey were generally demersal in habit with the most important from the cephalopod families Octopodidae, Sepiidae and Loliginidae and fish families Carangidae, Clupeidae, Terapontidae and Apogonidae. For _T. truncatus _there were insufficient stomach contents for assessment. South Australian bottlenose dolphin species exhibit distinct niche differentiation with clear evidence of regional variation in the diet of _Tursiops _sp. The between and within species diet differentiation demonstrated, highlights the importance of regional management. Such results are internationally significant as coastal and offshore forms of _Tursiops _spp. occur worldwide. Regards, Sue Gibbs sue.gibbs(a)internode.on.net [2] Links: ------ [1] http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/WR10108.htm [2] mailto:sue.gibbs@internode.on.net

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New publication: Stranding of the beaked whales, Risso’s dolphins, and a minke whale on the Turkish coast of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
by Arda M. Tonay 26 Oct '11

26 Oct '11

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new article has been published in Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment. Öztürk, A. A., Tonay, A. M., Dede, A. 2011. Stranding of the beaked whales, Risso’s dolphins, and a minke whale on the Turkish coast of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 17:269-274 It is available online via the following link: http://www.blackmeditjournal.org/blackmeditjournal.org/pdf/Vol%2017%20%283%… Abstract Stranding information of nine Cuvier‟s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) and one Mesoplodon sp., five Risso‟s dolphin (Grampus griseus), and one minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) on the Turkish coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea was compiled, based on the published and unpublished data between 1964 and 2011. Mesoplodon sp. and the minke whale were rare, possibly visitors, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Arda M. TONAY PhD Istanbul University Faculty of Fisheries Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli, 34480 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: 90 212 455 5700 Fax: 90 212 514 0379 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr <http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/en/> http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/en/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.Box: 10 Beykoz İstanbul, Turkey Tel: 90 216 4240 772 Fax: 90 216 424 0771 www.tudav.org Bu mesaj ve onunla iletilen tum ekler gonderildigi kisi ya da kuruma ozel, gizlilik yukumlulugu tasiyor olabilir. Bu mesaj, hicbir sekilde, herhangi bir amac icin cogaltilamaz, yayinlanamaz ve para karsiligi satilamaz; mesajin yetkili alicisi veya alicisina iletmekten sorumlu kisi degilseniz, mesaj icerigini ya da eklerini kopyalamayiniz, yayinlamayiniz, baska kisilere yonlendirmeyiniz ve mesaji gonderen kisiyi derhal uyararak bu mesaji siliniz. Bu mesajin bilinen viruslere karsi kontrolleri yapilmistir. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI http://www.istanbul.edu.tr This message (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is non-public, proprietary,privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law or may constitute as attorney work product.If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, notify us immediately by telephone and (i) destroy this message if a facsimile or (ii) delete this message immediately if this is an electronic communication. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY http://www.istanbul.edu.tr

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new paper on feeding ecology of striped dolphins in the Mediterranean
by Anna Meissner 26 Oct '11

26 Oct '11

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper on feeding ecology of striped dolphins in the Mediterranean: MEISSNER A.M., MACLEOD C.D., RICHARD P., RIDOUX V. & PIERCE G.J. 2011. Feeding ecology of striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea based on stable isotope analyses. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK. doi:10.1017/S0025315411001457 It is available online: http://www.esaim-m2an.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=837658…<http://journals.cambridge.org/repo_A84z2Zrx> Abstract The feeding ecology of striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba, in the north-western Mediterranean Sea was studied using stable isotope analyses. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios were measured in skin and muscle tissues of stranded and by-caught dolphins from six geographical areas in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Variation in d15N in relation to dolphin size is attributed to changes in diet. Nursing calves have a higher trophic level than weaned animals and their d15N values decrease progressively until weaning, estimated to be at a body length of around 155 cm. d15N values then increased for larger individuals which suggests changes in diet for mature dolphins. Geographical differences in diet were apparent between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, although no clear differences were apparent between the five Mediterranean areas. Comparisons of the nitrogen isotope ratios of skin and muscle highlighted a higher fractionation in skin compared to the muscle tissue. Values of d13C also increased with body length although it appears that this is not only driven by trophic level enrichment. d13C increases before weaning and the difference in trophic level between newly-weaned and mature dolphins was twice as high for carbon as for nitrogen. Ontogenetic changes in carbon isotope composition may therefore be driven by feeding on deep water prey and dolphin movements outside the coastal feeding grounds. Indeed, seasonal variations in d13C are suspected to be driven by migration within the Mediterranean basin. Kindest regards, Anna Meissner ------------------------------------------------- Anna M. Meissner PhD student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand Email: a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz **

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Recent publications on the dive response and lung function
by Fahlman, Andreas 26 Oct '11

26 Oct '11

Dear All We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following papers. The first article is open access, and a link is provided below to the journal web site where the article can be downloaded. A pdf copy of the second article will be provided upon request. We realize that the first paper is not directly related to marine mammals, but it may be of interest to those interested in the physiological ecology of these animals. Fahlman, A. B.L. Bostrom, K.H. Dillon, D.R. Jones. 2011. The genetic component of the forced diving bradycardia response in mammals. Frontiers in Physiology. 2: 63 doi: 10.3389/fphys.2011.00063 We contrasted the forced diving bradycardia between two genetically similar (inbred) rat strains (Fischer and Buffalo), compared to that of outbred rats (Wistar). The animals were habituated to forced diving for 4 weeks. Each animal was then tested during one 40-sec dive on each of 3 days. The heart rate (fH) was measured before, during, and after each dive. Fischer and Buffalo exhibited marked difference in dive bradycardia (Fischer: 120.9 ± 14.0 beats • min-1 vs. Buffalo: 92.8 ± 12.8 beats • min-1, P < 0.05). Outbred rats showed an intermediate response (103.0 ± 30.9 beats • min-1) but their between-animal variability in mean dive fH and pre-diving resting fH were higher than the inbred strains (P < 0.05), which showed no difference (P > 0.05). The decreased variability in fH in inbred rats as compared with the outbred group indicates that reduced genetic variability minimizes variability of the diving bradycardia between individuals. Heritability within strains was assessed by the repeatability (R) index and was 0.93 ± 0.05 for the outbred, 0.84 ± 0.16 for Buffalo, and 0.80 ± 0.12 for Fischer rats for fH during diving. Our results suggest that a portion of the mammalian diving bradycardia may be a heritable trait. http://www.frontiersin.org/aquatic_physiology/10.3389/fphys.2011.00063/abst… Fahlman, A. S.H. Loring, M. Ferrigno, C. Moore, G. Early, M. Niemeyer, B. Lentell, F. Wenzel, R. Joy, M. 2011. Moore. Inflation and deflation pressure-volume loops in breath-hold diving marine mammals. In Press Journal to Experimental Biology. 214: 3822-3828. Excised lungs from eight marine mammal species [harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), gray seal (Halichoerus grypus), Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Rissoʼs dolphin (Grampus griseus), long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)] were used to determine the minimum air volume of the relaxed lung (MAV, N=15), the elastic properties (pressure–volume curves, N=24) of the respiratory system and the total lung capacity (TLC). Our data indicate that mass-specific TLC (sTLC, l kg–1) does not differ between species or groups (odontocete vs phocid) and agree with that estimated (TLCest) from body mass (Mb) by applying the equation: TLCest=0.135Mb0.92. Measured MAV was on average 7% of TLC, with a range from 0 to 16%. The pressure–volume curves were similar among species on inflation but diverged during deflation in phocids in comparison with odontocetes. These differences provide a structural basis for observed species differences in the depth at which lungs collapse and gas exchange ceases. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail. Sincerely, Andreas Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5892 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Ph. +1-361-825-3489 Fax. +1-361-825-2025 e-mail: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu<mailto:andreas.fahlman@tamucc.edu>

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New Publication: Grouping and fission-fusion dynamics in Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins
by Guido Parra 25 Oct '11

25 Oct '11

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: Parra, G. J., Corkeron, P. J. & Arnold, P. Grouping and fission-fusion dynamics in Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Animal Behaviour (2011), doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.09.027 It is available online in advance via the following link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347211004222 Abstract Dolphins live in complex social systems with a wide variety of grouping and association patterns. Understanding the spatiotemporal variation of these associations (fission-fusion dynamics) is necessary to investigate the underlying factors and mechanisms shaping mammalian social systems in aquatic environments. We used boat-based surveys, photoidentification, focal observations, association analyses and social network techniques to quantify variation in the grouping patterns and fission-fusion dynamics of small, sympatric populations of Australian snubfin dolphins, Orcaella heinsohni, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis, off the northeast coast of Queensland. Schools of snubfin dolphins were larger and more stable, irrespective of behavioural activity, than those of humpback dolphins. While associations of both species showed nonrandom patterns and structure, the social network of snubfin dolphins was characterized by numerous strong associations, whereas the strength of the humpback dolphin's social network did not differ from random. Modelling of temporal patterns of association indicated long-lasting associations were an important feature of snubfin dolphins' fission-fusion dynamics. In contrast, associations among humpback dolphins over time were best described by short-term relationships. The contrasting grouping and fission-fusion dynamics of snubfin and humpback dolphins appear to be a response to different feeding habits and prey availability. Future studies involving molecular techniques and direct quantification of food availability and predation risk will help elucidate the suite of interacting ecological, social and evolutionary factors shaping their social structures. All the best, Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Head, Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) School of Biological Sciences Flinders University Sturt Road, Bedford Park|South Australia|5042 GPO Box 2100|Adelaide| South Australia|5001 My Flinders Staff Page<http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra> Cetacean Ecologist Threatened, Endangered & Protected Species (TEPS) Marine Environment & Ecology Science Program Area South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI) - Aquatic Sciences Phone: (+61 8) 8201-5184|Mobile: 0437630843|FAX: (+61 8) 8201-3015 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CRICOS Registered Provider. The Flinders University of South Australia|CRICOS provider Number: 00114A

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Review of humpback whales worldwide
by Phillip.Clapham＠noaa.gov 25 Oct '11

25 Oct '11

The following report, which represents a comprehensive review of humpback whales worldwide, has been published: Fleming, A. and Jackson, J. 2011. Global review of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC- 474. 206 pp. The report is available for free download at the following website: http://swfsc.noaa.gov/publications/TM/SWFSC/NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-474.pdf Phil Clapham -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Leader, Cetacean Ecology and Assessment Program National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115, USA email: phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

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New publication - humpback whales and spatial models
by Peter Corkeron 25 Oct '11

25 Oct '11

Fellow Marmamers I'm pleased to announce the publication of a new paper, "Spatial models of sparse data to inform cetacean conservation planning: an example from Oman ", by myself, Gianna Minton, Tim Collins, Ken Findlay, Andy Willson and Robert Baldwin. The paper is out in the latest issue of Endangered Species Research, and is part of the ESR Special on "Beyond Marine Mammal Habitat Modeling: Applications For Ecology And Conservation". It's Open Access and can be downloaded from the Endangered Species Research website at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p39-52/ Note that the modeling technique outlined in the paper can reduce spatial autocorrelation due to haphazard sampling, making it likely useful for other photo-identification studies, or those conducted from platforms of opportunity (e.g. whale-watching vessels). The Abstract is: Habitat models are tools for understanding the relationship between cetaceans and their environment, from which patterns of the animals' space use can be inferred and management strategies developed. Can working with space use alone be sufficient for management, when habitat cannot be modeled? Here, we analyzed cetacean sightings data collected from small boat surveys off the coast of Oman between 2000 and 2003. The waters off Oman are used by the Endangered Arabian Sea population of humpback whales. Our data were collected primarily for photo-identification, using a haphazard sampling regime, either in areas where humpback whales were thought to be relatively abundant, or in areas that were logistically easy to survey. This leads to spatially autocorrelated data that are not amenable to analysis using standard approaches. We used quasi-Poisson generalized linear models and semi-parametric spatial filtering to assess the distribution of humpback and Bryde's whales in 3 areas off Oman relative to 3 simple physiographic variables in a survey grid. Our analysis focused on the spatial eigenvector filtering of models, coupled with the spatial distribution of model residuals, rather than just on model predictions. Spatial eigenvector filtering accounts for spatial autocorrelation in models, allowing inference to be made regarding the relative importance of particular areas. As an exemplar of this approach, we demonstrate that the Dhofar coast of southern Oman is important habitat for the Arabian Sea population of humpback whales. We also suggest how conservation planning for mitigating impacts on humpback whales off the Dhofar coast could start. Peter Corkeron -- Leader, Large Whale Team Protected Species Branch NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water St Woods Hole MA 02543 phone: 508-495-2191

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Call for Session Proposals -- AESS 2012 Conference -- June 21 to 24 in Santa Clara, CA
by Wallace, Richard 24 Oct '11

24 Oct '11

Dear Marmam Community: The Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) is pleased to announce the call for proposals for its 2012 annual conference, to be held next June in Santa Clara, California. AESS is especially interested in recruiting sessions from the marine mammal conservation and science community, and I encourage you to review the CFP below. The contact information for the AESS 2012 program chair is given at the end of the email, or I am happy to answer questions as well. AESS is proud to list the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission among its conference sponsors these past two years. We believe that the challenges and complexity of marine mammal conservation represent well the core values of the AESS community, and hope to continue to use our conferences to provide a supportive forum at which marine mammal conservation practitioners can present their work and network with colleagues in and outside of the field of marine mammal conservation. Sincerely, Rich Wallace Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Ursinus College Collegeville, PA p.s. apologies for cross-postings! [https://documents.clubexpress.com/clubs/939971/graphics/AESS_Announccement_…]<http://aess.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=939971> <http://aess.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=939971> AESS 2012 Annual Meeting<http://www.aess.info/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_id=105521> Conference Theme: "Preparing for our Environmental Future" 21-24 June, Santa Clara, California, U.S.A. Call for Sessions Workshops, Symposia, Panels, and Roundtables The 2012 annual meeting of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) will be held on 21-24 June 2012 in sunny Santa Clara, California. We invite your participation. Our call for conference presentations occurs in two parts: 1) Call for Sessions (Deadline: 1 December 2011) 2) Call for Individual Papers/Presentations (Deadline: 1 March 2012) Call for Sessions In this first call we are soliciting proposals for pre-organized workshops, symposia, panels, and roundtables in which all (or a substantial number of) scholars have already agreed to participate. Session proposal deadline: 1 December 2011. Call for individual Papers/Presentations The second call is for individual abstracts for all forms of oral and poster presentations. This call will follow the close of the call for sessions. AESS will make every effort to group individual papers/presentations together as thematic sessions, and may assign individual proposals to unfilled sessions developed from the first call. Individual proposal deadline: 1 March 2012. Online session proposal form will be available on November 3, 2011 Check back here <http://www.aess.info/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_id=105521> at that time to submit your proposal. ________________________________ HOW TO ORGANIZE A SESSION We encourage you to organize a session. Get a group together, decide the theme and title of your session, write the proposal, and submit it to us. If you have an idea for a session and would like to find like-minded people, we encourage you to use the recently launched AESS Listserv (or any other listserv or professional networking venue). Put out your idea out, have people contact you, and organize your session. A submitted session proposal must have a partial or full set of participants. We are not soliciting solely ideas for sessions; we are soliciting ideas together with people who want to present on those ideas. In particular, we encourage sessions that include multiple disciplines, professions, and perspectives. Proposals for workshops, symposia, and panels must include an assigned chair or coordinator anda list of confirmed and/or invited presenters; proposals for roundtables mustinclude an assigned coordinator for the session. This call for session is a bottom-up opportunity for you to help shape the conference program. ________________________________ SESSION TYPES There are four categories of sessions: 1. Workshops 2. Discussion Symposia 3. Presentation Panels 4. Mealtime Roundtables. 1) Workshops Workshops are interactive (as opposed to lecture-based) and will generally have a formal educational or professional development component. Content may include presentations, discussions, exercises, formal training, or other methods of promoting heuristic goals. Workshops are expected to have clear goals and outcomes. Workshops will be held Thursday, June 21. They are either half-day (3-hour) or full-day (6-hour) duration. Half-day workshops will be scheduled during either the morning (9:00 am - 12:00 noon) or afternoon (1:00- 4:00 pm). Full-day workshops will occupy both the morning and afternoon time slots divided by a one-hour lunch break. A workshop proposal must contain (in 750 words or less): * Workshop title * Length (half-day or full-day) * Organizer(s) name, affiliation, and contact information * Proposed theme and justification * Expected outcomes and, if appropriate, plans for communication of results * A list of confirmed presenters or co-organizers. Although no abstract is required of workshop presenters, all presenters and co-organizers must register by the conference's early registration deadline or the workshop may be canceled. 2) Discussion Symposia Discussion symposia are designed for focused discussion on a selected topic. Playing off the original ancient Greek symposia, the emphasis is on in-depth intellectual exchange. Opening remarks are appropriate but it is not expected that participants will deliver a formal presentation. Discussion symposiaare1.5 hours in length, and will take place on June 22, 23, and 24in parallelwith presentation panels and other symposia. Discussion symposiaconsist of 4-6 participants and must be fully organized in advance. In only rare cases will the Program Committee add a member to a symposium. A symposium proposal must contain (in 300 words or less): * Symposium title * Organizer(s) name, affiliation and complete contact information * Moderator, who facilitates the discussion and who may or may not be the same person as the organizer * Proposed theme and justification * A list of confirmed participants. The critical elements of a symposium proposal are the theme and justification, and corralling a group of confirmed participants. It must be made clear why the topic and group warrant the time block offered by the symposium format. 3) Presentation Panels Presentation panels are designed for presentation of research or other scholarly AESS-related endeavors. They consist of3-4 presenterswho are each allotted approximately 20-30 minutes (time includes presentation and discussion). Presentation panelsare1.5 hours in length, and will take place on June 22, 23, and 24in parallelwith symposia and otherpresentation panels. A panel proposal must contain (in 300 words or less): * Panel session title * Organizer(s) name, affiliation and contact information * Chair, who facilitates the presentation and who may or may not be the same person as the organizer * Proposed theme and justification * A list of participants (either tentative or confirmed), and their presentation titles. If your presentation panel is accepted, all speakers will be required to submit an abstract during the call for individual abstracts. It is the responsibility of the panel organizer to make sure that all speakers submit their abstract and follow the registration requirements.The organizer, in consultation with panel members, can adjust overall presentation and discussion times. For partially full panels, the AESS Program Committee will populate the panel up to a maximum of four (4) presenters. 4) Mealtime Roundtables Mealtime roundtables are designed to foster informal discussion around a topic of general and collective interest to the AESS community. Roundtables are scheduled during mealtimes on June 22 and 23, either breakfast or lunch, at the designated conference dining location, where they will have a table set aside. Because of the time limits associated with mealtimes, all roundtables will be one hour in length (howeverthey may continue formally or informally beyond the designated roundtable period). Roundtable proposals are contingent only on the strength of the central idea being proposed for discussion and the willingness of the submitter to facilitate the discussion. We will only accept roundtable proposals that include one or more confirmed facilitator. A roundtable proposal must contain (in 200 words or less): * Roundtable title * Organizer/facilitator's name, affiliation and contact information * Proposed theme and justification ________________________________ ADDRESSING THE CONFERENCE THEME This year's conference theme is "Preparing for our Environmental Future." Sessions that directly address the conference theme will be designated with a special logo in the final program. It is not a requirement that all sessions address the theme. However, if your session is designed to provide a response to the theme in some manner or another, please include this in your submitted proposal. If approved by the Program Committee, the logo will be attached to your session in the listing in the final program. AESS THEMES AESS is proud of its breadth. To continue our efforts to reach out, we encourage session proposals that: * combine scholars from multiple disciplines-physical and natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts * are submitted by students, faculty, or administrators * bring together theorists and practitioners * blend those who work in government, business, foundations, and other areas of society * are organized by or include Environmentalists of Color * are organized by or include practicing artists * enhance conference participants' awareness of a sense of place-in the case of the AESS 2012 conference in Santa Clara, this meansthat we encourage proposals with a geographic focus on the San Francisco Bay Area and California. ________________________________ HOW TO SUBMIT To submit a proposal, please visit this web page after November 3, 2011 to access the online submission process. ________________________________ REVIEW OF PROPOSALS Your proposal will be reviewed by the AESS Program Committee. To increase the probability that it will be accepted, please consider the following criteria: * Inclusion of participants from multiple disciplines, sectors, professions, or perspectives, * scholarly and professional merit,and * a clear connection to the mission and goals of AESS and the broader environmental studies and sciences professional community. ________________________________ LIMITATIONS ON SUBMISSIONS Individuals may submit more than one proposal. ________________________________ REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS In order to be included in the 2012 AESS conference program, all organizers of accepted proposals and their invited speakers and attendees must be registered and be paid in full by the early registration deadline [to be announced]. Proposals from participants who don't comply with this rule may be dropped from the conference program. ________________________________ FINANCIAL SUPPORT AESS and the 2012 AESS conference organizers are not responsible for obtaining funds to support speaker or participant travel to the meeting, and cannot guarantee that any support will be available. ________________________________ CONTACT THE CHAIR If you have questions, contact Ken Wilkening, chair of the AESS Program Committee, at kew(a)unbc.ca<mailto:kew@unbc.ca> ________________________________

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