December 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Sea Watch Foundation - Research Volunteering opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2012
by Danielle Gibas 08 Dec '11

08 Dec '11

Sea Watch Foundation Research Volunteering opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2012 Volunteers are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation ( <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> 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 2012 split into 5 separate periods of 6 weeks each (the first period will consist of 5 weeks). 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 2012: Period 1 09/04 13/05, Period 2 14/05 24/06, Period 3 25/06 05/08, Period 4 06/08 16/09, Period 5 17/09 - 28/10 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 referees, 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 January 2012. Please specify NEW QUAY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 24th February 2012. 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 surveys * Maintaining 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 C-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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Stranding of beaked whales in Italy (Sandro Mazzariol)
by Sandro Mazzariol 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

Dear all, a quick update on our investigation in Italy regarding the beaked whales in the Ionian Sea. As you know, on December 1st two Cuvier's whales stranded along the Italian coast of Calabria, on the Ionian side, just few hours after the report of Alexandros in Greece. The two whales were an adult female found dead (very well preserved carcass) and a young calf (likely maternally dependant from the other one) which was alive and was refloated. Since then no other sightings or strandings. We can confirm that the military operation of the Italian Navy, MARE APERTO/AMPHEX 2011 was going during the strandings as stated by advices of the Italian coast guard: exercises involving two submarines were performed in the entire Gulf of Taranto, from the Ionian coast of Calabria, with the eastern point being 37° 28' N, 17° 60' E. A partial postmortem examination was performed by collegues from the local office of the IZS del Mezzogiorno (dr. Caterina Riverso) along with biologists of the MPA of Capo Rizzuto (dr. Stefania Giglio and dr. Elena Amadeo): fresh samples and organs were collected and preserved in formalin and frozen. The entire head was preserved refrigerate. The head and all tissues and organs collected have been examined after 2 days from stranding by myself and dr. Povinelli. All postmortem findings will be compared with those found during necropsies carried out on whales stranded in Corfù. Best regards Sandro Mazzariol > Today's Topics: > > 1. Growing numbers - Update on the mass stranding of Ziphius in > the Ionian Sea, Greece (Alexandros Frantzis) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:08:16 +0200 > From: Alexandros Frantzis<afrantzis(a)otenet.gr> > To:marmam@lists.uvic.ca > Subject: [MARMAM] Growing numbers - Update on the mass stranding of > Ziphius in the Ionian Sea, Greece > Message-ID:<4EDF9D80.5030900(a)otenet.gr> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed" > > Dear all, > > This is to let you know that more animals have stranded along the west > coasts of Corfu during the last two days. Yesterday, 6 December three > more animals stranded along the coasts. Two of them stranded in the same > beach and one stranded alone 9.3 km further north. Today, one more > animal was found in another beach. > > All new animals were found dead (in contrast to previous ones) and their > decomposition state indicates that their death occurred approximately at > the same time with the animals found stranded the 30 November. All new > stranding positions were spread between the northern and southern > positions that we had already reported. Efforts are made by Dr. A. > Komnenou (School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaloniki) to > co-ordinate local veterinarians in order to collect tissue samples from > the new animals. > > The number of whales involved in the mass stranding, which have been > recorded so far, is seven or eight for Corfu (Greece) plus two in Italy. > It is reasonable to think that there are more animals in the pelagic > waters of the Ionian Sea, which may never reach the coasts. The local > and apparently small Ionian population unit has suffered three stranding > events coinciding in time and space with use of military sonar in the > past (plus one in east Sicily earlier this year). There should be little > doubt (if any) that the cumulative damage at the population level is high. > > Best wishes, > Alexandros > > > > On 12/6/2011 4:35 AM, Alexandros Frantzis wrote: >> Dear all, >> >> Thanks a lot(!) to all those who have responded to our first message >> and provided, precious information or good will to help in any way >> they could. We have been overwhelmed by the obligations of the last >> days, so I apologize that I will not be able to answer personally to >> all of you who sent e-mails (more than 100!). >> >> Many thanks to Dr. Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara who responded >> immediately and initiated a large international effort for the >> conservation of the Mediterranean deep diving cetacean that are >> sensitive to loud anthropogenic sounds. Also many thanks to all those >> who expressed support to this initiative. >> >> The good news: this message is to let you know that despite the many >> and various difficulties, at the end necropsies were performed in two >> of the stranded whales (probably three or possibly four in total in >> Corfu). Thanks to Prof. Antonio Fernandez ( Facultad de Veterinaria - >> Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), who kindly and immediately >> responded to our call and expressed his will to help, a team of >> specialists led in situ by Dr. Manuel Arbelo succeeded to join us and >> reach the stranding area early enough to make the necropsies possible. >> >> One of the two whales was nearly fresh and allowed important >> macroscopic observations. More details and further results from sample >> analysis will be announced by Prof. Antonio Fernandez and his team >> whenever appropriate. >> >> Best wishes and thank you once more, >> Alexandros >> -- >> ___________________________________________ >> >> Dr. Alexandros Frantzis >> Scientific director >> Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute >> Terpsichoris 21 >> 16671 Vouliagmeni, >> GREECE >> Tel.: +30-210-8960108 >> e-mail:afrantzis@otenet.gr >> website:http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr >> ___________________________________________ >> >> >> >> >> >> On 12/1/2011 2:04 AM, Alexandros Frantzis wrote: >>> Dear all, >>> >>> Once more we have bad news regarding Cuvier's beaked whales in the >>> Ionian Sea. The local population unit, which has repeatedly been >>> affected by NATO naval activity (last time in February 2011 east of >>> Sicily) may be steadily heading towards its extinction... >>> >>> Today 30 November 2011 at least three Cuvier's beaked whales stranded >>> alive and atypically in west Corfu, along 23 km of coast. All whales >>> were led offshore by people who tried to rescue them. One whale died >>> some 200 m offshore. Another whale, after having swam some 600 m >>> offshore, returned and stranded once more (if this wasn't a different >>> animal). It was led once more offshore after the sunset, so no >>> further information is available so far. The third animal was not >>> seen after it was "rescued". >>> >>> *I would like to draw your attention on two "peculiarities":* >>> >>> *1)* Independent rescuers in two different stranding areas, reported >>> that they were hearing "whistles" while approaching the single >>> animals. The "whistles" were heard even out of the water at a >>> distance of 100 m from the animal (!), and became much louder when >>> the rescuers entered the water to approach the animal. The rescuers >>> kept hearing the "whistles" until they left the place, two hours >>> after the death of the unique whale present! They thought that there >>> might be other whales calling the stranded animal from further >>> offshore, although they could observe nothing for hours. >>> >>> Two independent rescuers (separated by 23 km) described these >>> "whistles" as "emission"-pause of 10-15 seconds-"emission"-pause and >>> so on. *I wonder if what the rescuers were hearing was the probable >>> sonic cause of the stranding*. If you have a similar experience or >>> knowledge, please share it with us. >>> >>> The rescuers didn't see any military or seismic survey vessels from >>> the shore. A fisherman from the area said that today he saw an >>> "unusual" research vessel offshore that he believes (it is known in >>> the area that seismic surveys have started or are about to start) was >>> performing research for oil. >>> >>> *2)* The whale that died 200 m offshore was found at about 3-4 m >>> depth at an unusual position (to me at least). Its flukes were on the >>> sea bed while the beak and part of the head of the animal was out of >>> the water! For some reason the head could float at surface and the >>> animal never sunk. *Does anyone has an explanation? >>> * >>> Unfortunately no necropsy was performed to the animal that died. >>> >>> The port-police authorities and local volunteers have been alerted >>> and we just hope that tomorrow we won't find more animals along the >>> coasts. >>> >>> Repeated use of military sonar and now growing seismic survey >>> activity go on in an area that is critical for the two deep diving >>> Mediterranean species, the Cuvier's and the sperm whales. In 2007 >>> ACCOBAMS officially proposed the creation of a MPA for deep diving >>> cetaceans in the eastern Ionian Sea (Hellenic Trench), but nothing >>> has happened so far. >>> >>> Best wishes, >>> Alexandros >>> -- >>> ___________________________________________ >>> >>> Dr. Alexandros Frantzis >>> Scientific director >>> Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute >>> Terpsichoris 21 >>> 16671 Vouliagmeni, >>> GREECE >>> Tel.: +30-210-8960108 >>> e-mail:afrantzis@otenet.gr >>> website:http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr >>> ___________________________________________ >

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Job Posting - Research Support, Waikiki Aquarium (Honolulu, HI)
by LKissel 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

Job Posting for Research Support position at the Waikiki Aquarium, working with the Hawaiian monk seals. Note, position is full time and is renewed each fiscal year. Please find further information at http://workatuh.hawaii.edu. 1. 2. Title: Research Support (Research Associate) 3. Position Number: 0078296T 4. Hiring Unit: Waikiki Aquarium 5. Location: Waikiki Aquarium 6. Date Posted: December 02, 2011 7. Closing Date: January 13, 2012 8. Band: A 9. Minimum Monthly Salary: salary schedules and placement information <http://www.pers.hawaii.edu/wuh/pdf/article10a.pdf> 10. Full Time/Part Time: Full Time 11. Temporary/Permanent: Temporary - Not to Exceed: June 30, 2012 12. _____ 13. Other Conditions: Position may be extended depending on funding availability and program needs. 14. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Manages the Hawaiian Monk Seal Program, including maintaining IACUC and APHIS quality husbandry standards. 2. Maintains computerized records on all aspects of the monk seal program. Takes digital still and video pictures of monk seals for veterinary records. 3. Maintains monk seal life support system, including backwashing of sand filters, as needed. 4. Conducts training and public monk seal presentations two to four times per day. Maintains husbandry and research behaviors of resident monk seals. 5. Responsible for feeding, cleaning, training, record keeping and disease treatment of assigned fish and invertebrate organisms, in consultation with the curator and veterinarian. 6. Monitors and performs maintenance and repairs of assigned and backup exhibits, to include cleaning, feeding, visual inspection for disease detection, water quality assessment and disease treatment. 7. Supervises students, volunteers, and interns who work directly with the position. 8. Interacts with WAQ staff, volunteers, students, visitors, etc. in a polite, courteous and professional manner. 9. Ensures that supervised personnel interact with WAQ staff, volunteers, students, visitors, etc., in a polite, courteous and professional manner. 10. Lifts and carries up to 50 pounds, for the purpose of transporting equipment, food stuffs and materials to service facilities or animals on site and off site. 11. Complies with the OSHA program, including wearing appropriate clothing, safety equipment and respirator mask, where appropriate. 12. Uses computers and word processing, spreadsheet, database and graphing programs. 13. Assists with Aquarium events and activities. 14. Utilizes the scientific method to conduct research, give conference presentations and publish reports. 15. Uses basic instruments, equipment and/or supplies and performs measurements, adjustments and repairs, as necessary. 16. Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications 17. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences and 1 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for marine mammal training and husbandry; or equivalent education/training or experience. 18. Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in marine mammal training and husbandry demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology. 19. Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with marine mammal training and husbandry. 20. Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of marine mammal training and husbandry. 21. Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations. 22. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals. 23. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software. 24. Any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated. 25. Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year University in biology, zoology, or related field. Ability to apply the scientific method and conduct research. 26. One year of experience at a public aquarium, zoo or marine mammal research facility, with direct experience in the husbandry and training of marine mammals, ideally with pinnipeds. 27. Knowledge of computers and proficiency with word processing, database and spreadsheet programs. 28. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, for the purpose of transporting equipment, food stuffs and materials to service facilities or animals on site and off site. 29. Previous experience working with students, docents, and volunteers. 30. Knowledge of OSHA programs and ability to wear a respirator. 31. Ability to work at least one night per week to midnight or later. Able to work at heights, in confined spaces, and use ladders. Must be able to work some weekends, and/or holidays and flexible working hours. 32. Ability to travel independently to and from meetings, events and WAQ in a timely manner, fulfilled by possession of a valid Drivers License (Class 3), or use of other means of transportation, which meets position needs. Desirable Qualifications 33. Three or more years of experience in the husbandry and training of marine mammals. At least one year of experience with pinnipeds. 34. Two or more years of experience supervising one or all of the following groups: full-time staff, students, volunteers. 35. One or more years of experience maintaining freshwater and marine fishes and invertebrates at a zoological park, aquarium,or aquaculture facility. 36. Considerable knowledge of life support systems. 37. Demonstrated experience with public talks and conference presentations. 38. Experience in the form and style of research reporting. 39. Certified SCUBA diver and ability to meet University of Hawaii scientific diver certification requirements 15. _____ 16. To Apply: Submit cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications, UH Form 64 ( standard format <http://www.hawaii.edu/ohr/bor/forms/form64.pdf> ) ( large format <http://www.hawaii.edu/ohr/bor/forms/form64a.pdf> ), 3 letters of recommendation, names of 3 professional references and official transcripts to the address below. 17. Address: 1. Karen Quinn, Fiscal Officer 2. 2777 Kalakaua Avenue 3. Honolulu, HI 96815 18. Inquiries: 1. Karen Quinn; 808-440-9030 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 808-440-9030 end_of_the_skype_highlighting; karenq(a)hawaii.edu The University of Hawaii is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran. Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawaii may be viewed at: http://ope.ed.gov/security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. In accordance with Article 10A of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status Leah Kissel Marine Mammal Specialist Waikiki Aquarium 2777 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 <mailto:lkissel@waquarium.org> lkissel(a)waquarium.org (808) 923-9741

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New atypical mass stranding of Ziphius in the Ionian Sea, Greece
by Alexandros Frantzis 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

Dear all, Once more we have bad news regarding Cuvier's beaked whales in the Ionian Sea. The local population unit, which has repeatedly been affected by NATO naval activity (last time in February 2011 east of Sicily) may be steadily heading towards its extinction... Today 30 November 2011 at least three Cuvier's beaked whales stranded alive and atypically in west Corfu, along 23 km of coast. All whales were led offshore by people who tried to rescue them. One whale died some 200 m offshore. Another whale, after having swam some 600 m offshore, returned and stranded once more (if this wasn't a different animal). It was led once more offshore after the sunset, so no further information is available so far. The third animal was not seen after it was "rescued". *I would like to draw your attention on two "peculiarities":* *1)* Independent rescuers in two different stranding areas, reported that they were hearing "whistles" while approaching the single animals. The "whistles" were heard even out of the water at a distance of 100 m from the animal (!), and became much louder when the rescuers entered the water to approach the animal. The rescuers kept hearing the "whistles" until they left the place, two hours after the death of the unique whale present! They thought that there might be other whales calling the stranded animal from further offshore, although they could observe nothing for hours. Two independent rescuers (separated by 23 km) described these "whistles" as "emission"-pause of 10-15 seconds-"emission"-pause and so on. *I wonder if what the rescuers were hearing was the probable sonic cause of the stranding*. If you have a similar experience or knowledge, please share it with us. The rescuers didn't see any military or seismic survey vessels from the shore. A fisherman from the area said that today he saw an "unusual" research vessel offshore that he believes (it is known in the area that seismic surveys have started or are about to start) was performing research for oil. *2)* The whale that died 200 m offshore was found at about 3-4 m depth at an unusual position (to me at least). Its flukes were on the sea bed while the beak and part of the head of the animal was out of the water! For some reason the head could float at surface and the animal never sunk. *Does anyone has an explanation? * Unfortunately no necropsy was performed to the animal that died. The port-police authorities and local volunteers have been alerted and we just hope that tomorrow we won't find more animals along the coasts. Repeated use of military sonar and now growing seismic survey activity go on in an area that is critical for the two deep diving Mediterranean species, the Cuvier's and the sperm whales. In 2007 ACCOBAMS officially proposed the creation of a MPA for deep diving cetaceans in the eastern Ionian Sea (Hellenic Trench), but nothing has happened so far. Best wishes, Alexandros -- ___________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Scientific director Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute Terpsichoris 21 16671 Vouliagmeni, GREECE Tel.: +30-210-8960108 e-mail: afrantzis(a)otenet.gr website: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr ___________________________________________

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Job Announcement: USCG
by Moore, Katie 06 Dec '11

06 Dec '11

Hi, The USCG has an opening for an Intelligence Operations Specialist, and one of the subject areas includes Living Marine Resources (fisheries and protected resources). Please considering applying if you're interested. http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/304155000 https://media.usajobs.gov/agencylogos/hsac.gif Job Title:Intelligence Operations Specialist, GS-0132-12 Department:Department Of Homeland Security Agency:U.S. Coast Guard Sub Agency:United States Coast Guard Job Announcement Number:12-1117-WE-PJ-D SALARY RANGE: $81,460.00 to $105,897.00 / Per Year OPEN PERIOD: Thursday, December 01, 2011 to Thursday, December 15, 2011 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0132-12 POSITION INFORMATION: This is a full-time position. - This is a permanent appointment. PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 12 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) in the following locations: Alameda, CA Note- I am NOT the hiring official. I'm just sharing info. Very respectfully, Katie Ms. Katie S. Moore, M.E.M. Living Marine Resources Specialist U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area LANTAREA 355 (Future OPS) 431 Crawford St. Portsmouth, VA 23704 W: 757-398-6504 FAX: 757-391-8107

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Sea Watch Foundation - Voluntary Education and Awareness Assistant opportunity in Cardigan Bay for the 2012 summer season
by Danielle Gibas 06 Dec '11

06 Dec '11

Sea Watch Foundation Voluntary Education and Awareness Assistant opportunity in Cardigan Bay for the 2012 summer season 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: · Promoting and organising the National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2012 event (27th-29th July) · Participating in presentations and creating activities to take to local schools · Researching and writing articles · Creating educational/promotional materials (posters, displays, flyers) · Assisting in the organisation of training courses · Social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, website) · Raising Sea Watch Foundation profile within the New Quay community (organising events, manning the Sea Watch stand on the pier at weekends etc.) · Liaising with the Adopt a Dolphin Coordinator for the promotion of Sea Watch Foundation and Adopt a Dolphin 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 2012, which has been split into one period of 5 weeks and 4 separate periods of six week. 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 seven 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 2012: Period 1 09/04 13/05, Period 2 14/05 24/06, Period 3 25/06 05/08, Period 4 06/08 16/09, Period 5 17/09 - 28/10 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 and to manage a variable workload · 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 reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for and contact details of two referees, to Danielle Gibas (danielle.gibas(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadline: 31st of January 2012. Please specify EDUCATION ASSISTANT APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2012. 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. Danielle Gibas See them Report them Save them! Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk Sea Watch Foundation is a registered charity. If you would like to support us you can adopt a Cardigan Bay bottlenose dolphin. All monies go directly back into the research and conservation of the dolphins you adopt. Voted best animal adoption scheme by BBC Wildlife. <http://www.adoptadolphin.org.uk/> http://www.adoptadolphin.org.uk

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new paper - porpoise temporal process
by T. Aran Mooney 06 Dec '11

06 Dec '11

Please post the following message: Dear colleagues, I am pleased to inform you we recently published a paper on porpoise temporal processing of sounds. It can be downloaded at: http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=52857 or directly from the Journal of Comparative Physiology: http://www.springerlink.com/content/u0513tu3620v/ I hope you find the work helpful. Abstract: Temporal cues are important for some forms of auditory processing, such as echolocation. Among odontocetes (toothed whales, dolphins, and porpoises), it has been suggested that porpoises may have temporal processing abilities which differ from other odontocetes because of their relatively narrow auditory filters and longer duration echolocation signals. This study examined auditory temporal resolution in two Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) using auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) to measure: (a) rate following responses and modulation rate transfer function for 100 kHz centered pulse sounds and (b) hearing thresholds and response amplitudes generated by individual pulses of different durations. The animals followed pulses well at modulation rates up to 1,250 Hz, after which response amplitudes declined until extinguished beyond 2,500 Hz. The subjects had significantly better hearing thresholds for longer, narrower-band pulses similar to porpoise echolocation signals compared to brief, broadband sounds resembling dolphin clicks. Results indicate that the Yangtze finless porpoise follows individual acoustic signals at rates similar to other odontocetes tested. Relatively good sensitivity for longer duration, narrow-band signals suggests that finless porpoise hearing is well suited to detect their unique echolocation signals. T. Aran Mooney Assistant Scientist Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (508)289-3714 (w) (518)339-1151 (c) ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.

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Duke University Marine Lab 2012 Summer Term II Course: Marine Mammals
by Helen Nearing 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

PLEASE POST Duke University Marine Lab 2012 Summer Term II Course: Marine Mammals Dates: Summer Term II: 9 July - 10 August 2012 Course limit: 15 students (undergraduates, graduate students, professionals) Application deadline (if applying for Global Fellowship): 15 February 2012 Application deadline (if applying for Tuition Scholarship): 1 April 2012 Application deadline (no funding support): 11 June 2012 The Duke University Marine Laboratory invites applications to its summer field course on the biology of marine mammals. Topics covered include the ecology, behavior, management and conservation of marine mammals, with emphasis on field study of the local population of bottlenose dolphins. This is a field and laboratory-intensive course designed to provide first-hand experience with research techniques such as photo-identification and mark-recapture analysis, line transect surveys and distance sampling, sampling prey distribution and abundance, behavioral sampling techniques, acoustic recording and analysis, and necropsy techniques. The course is taught by Dr. David Johnston. As part of the Summer Term II Integrated Marine Conservation Program, a core course Biology 109/Environ 109/Environ 209 (Conservation Biology and Policy) may be taken with Marine Mammals. Students are encouraged (but not required) to take both courses. Approximately seven Global Fellowships in Marine Conservation will be awarded on a competitive basis to international applicants, especially those from developing countries, and will fully cover travel expenses, room and board, and tuition for both Biology 109/Environ 109/Environ 209 Conservation Biology and Policy plus one specialized elective course subject to availability. Specialized electives include: The Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles; Marine Mammals; Marine Ecology; Marine Invertebrate Zoology; and Independent Research. Experience the beautiful North Carolina coast! Join students from all over the world in participating in this unique summer session experience. Enrollment is limited, apply early! For more information: mL_admissions(a)nicholas.duke.edu<mailto:mL_admissions@nicholas.duke.edu> or hnearing(a)duke.edu<mailto:hnearing@duke.edu> (Tel: 252.504.7502) For additional information specific to the Global Fellowship in Marine Conservation contact Rachel.Lopiccolo(a)duke.edu<mailto:Rachel.Lopiccolo@duke.edu> http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/enrollment_forms/index.html http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/summeraid http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/courses/summer2011-2

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Observation of a tagged bottlenose dolphin off Turkish coast of the Black Sea
by Ayaka Ozturk 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

Dear all, Sorry for cross-posting. One of my friends living in Igneada, a town on the western Black Sea coast of Turkey and very close to the Bulgarian border, saw a group of 5-6 bottlenose dolphins, travelling about 100 m offshore from north to south, at 11:00-12:00 on 3 December. He saw something like a tag or a plate at the base of dorsal fin of one of the dolphins. He noticed it as it was shiny, reflecting the sun rays. He observed it with binoculars and claims it was as big as 20 cm or so. Does anybody know if there is any tagged bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea (or possibly in the Aegean Sea)? To my knowledge, there is none in Turkey. It could be a harness for TDR or some acoustic device. Please contact me if you know such study going on. I can provide the exact location if requested. Ayaka Amaha Ozturk Faculty of Fisheries, Istanbul University Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV)

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protected species personnel needed
by Mary Jo Barkaszi 04 Dec '11

04 Dec '11

Looking for a variety of protected species observers for EIS work. Looking for visual MMO/PSOs, acousticians, and aerial survey expertise. Multiple positions. Must be *US citizen*, have offshore survival and medical clearance, TWIC card, and NOAA and/or BOEM observer training. Please provide the following in* pdf format* to tvbohus(a)ecoesinc.com 1) CV or resume 2) PSO / MMO / Fisheries training certificate with date of training 3) Safety training certificates 4) List of medical clearances 5) Availability over the next 12 months (short and long term deployment) 6) Recent salary history 7) Acoustic experience including acoustic software operated and training certificates. 8) Aerial survey experience with survey type and database used

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