February 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

AESS 2011: Abstract Deadline Extended + Registration Open + Lots More
by Wallace, Richard 28 Feb '11

28 Feb '11

Dear Marmam folks, Here are a bunch of important updates on the AESS 2011 conference in Burlington, VT on June 23-26. Please note especially the extended deadline for abstract submission and the call for abstracts for open panel sessions and symposia. Thanks, and apologies for cross-postings. Cheers, Rich -- Richard L. Wallace Program Chair Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Ursinus College rwallace(a)ursinus.edu<mailto:rwallace@ursinus.edu> * * * * * * * * Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences 2011 Conference "Confronting Complexity" June 23-26, 2011, Burlington, Vermont Hosted by the University of Vermont Please Note These Exciting Updates: * The AESS 2011 call for abstracts deadline has been extended until March 22 * Registration is Now Open! * Pre-conference workshops and field trips have been announced * Preliminary program information is now on the conference website * Open symposia and panel sessions are seeking participants (titles and contact info are provided at the end of this e-mail. Full descriptions are available here<https://aess.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_…>) * AESS student presentation awards competition announced * AESS 2011 to feature the Vermont premier of the documentary film "Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time<http://www.aldoleopold.org/greenfire>" [cid:image001.jpg@01CBD749.41B73020] For all conference information, including registration, abstract submission, and program information, please visit the AESS 2011 Conference Website<http://www.aess.info/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_id=81727>. If you have any questions, please contact AESS Program Chair Rich Wallace at rwallace(a)ursinus.edu<mailto:rwallace@ursinus.edu> or AESS 2011 Site Host Stephanie Kaza at skaza(a)uvm.edu<mailto:skaza@uvm.edu> To learn more about AESS or to become an AESS member, click here!<http://www.aess.info/> AESS 2011 Sessions Seeking Participants The titles of all open sessions are listed below. To submit an abstract for one of these sessions, follow the normal abstract submission process located here<https://aess.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_…> on the conference website. Please be sure to specify the session title in your abstract! Full descriptions of the sessions are available here<https://aess.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_…>. If you have questions on any of the sessions, please contact the session coordinator listed below. There are both open panel sessions and open symposia. The definitions and differences are as follows: Definition of a panel session: Panel sessions include shorter oral presentations than symposia - a maximum of 10 minutes - and are primarily designed to promote thought and discussion rather than to convey (for example) research results. The emphasis is on the discussion at least as much as it is on the individual oral presentations. Definition of a symposium: A symposium is a collection of oral presentations focused on conveying theory, research results, or other scholarly content. The focus of this type of session is on the content of the presentations. Presentation length limit is 15 minutes. Panels Seeking Participants Visit the Panel Session Directory Here<http://www.aess.info/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_id=91449> 1. Grass, Wire, Paper, Plastic: The Environmental Impact of the Recycled Crafts Industry (Panel). Coordinator: Deborah Naybor, danaybor(a)buffalo.edu<mailto:danaybor@buffalo.edu> 2. Exploring How Mass Media Confront Complexity When Covering Climate Change (Panel). Coordinator: Maxwell Boykoff, boykoff(a)colorado.edu<mailto:boykoff@colorado.edu> 3. Career Advising in ESS: Demystifying Green Job Counseling (Panel). Coordinator: Mark O'Gorman, mark.ogorman(a)maryvillecollege.edu<mailto:mark.ogorman@maryvillecollege.edu> 4. Overcoming the Challenges of Multi-X Collaborations (Panel). Coordinator: Jeff Frolik, jfrolik(a)uvm.edu<mailto:jfrolik@uvm.edu> 5. Artists and Environmental Scientists: Opportunities for Skill-Sharing and Collaborations (Panel). Coordinator: Jennifer Joy Pawlitschek, jjoy(a)jenniferjoyonline.com<mailto:jjoy@jenniferjoyonline.com> 6. Social Responses to New Renewable Energy Technologies and Infrastructure (Panel). Coordinator: Stewart Fast, sfast082(a)uottawa.ca<mailto:sfast082@uottawa.ca> 7. Urban Environmental Pedagogies: Bringing Theory to Practice (Panel). Coordinator: Patrick Hurley, phurley(a)ursinus.edu<mailto:phurley@ursinus.edu> Symposia Seeking Participants Visit the Symposia Directory Here<http://www.aess.info/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_id=91748> 1. Municipal Solid Waste Policy: Mandatory Retail Take-Back for Universal and Household Hazardous Waste (Symposium). Coordinator: Patti Toews, ptoews(a)iwma.com<mailto:ptoews@iwma.com> 2. Coming Clean: Environmental Information Disclosure in the United States (Symposium). Coordinator: Michael Kraft, kraftm(a)uwgb.edu<mailto:kraftm@uwgb.edu> 3. 'Complexifying' the Vision: Increasing Hospitality toward Different Ways of Knowing in the ESS Classroom (Symposium). Coordinator: Nancy Rich, nrich(a)antioch.edu<mailto:nrich@antioch.edu> 4. A Role for Privilege in Complexity Theory: The Contributions of William Freudenburg (Symposium). Coordinator: Debra Davidson, debra.davidson(a)ualberta.ca<mailto:debra.davidson@ualberta.ca> 5. A Place for History in an Environmental Studies Program (Symposium). Coordinator: Eric Mogren, mogren(a)niu.edu<mailto:mogren@niu.edu>

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Aquatic Mammals 37.1 now available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 28 Feb '11

28 Feb '11

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following two titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 37, issue 1, 2011) of Aquatic Mammals. This is a special issue with one article presented in chapters and one Historical Perspectives essay. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Volume 37, issue 1 contents Cetacean Stock Assessments in Relation to Exploration and Production Industry Activity and Other Human Pressures: Review and Data Needs Authors: Frank Thomsen, Sophy R. McCully, Laura R. Weiss, Daniel T. Wood, Karema J. Warr, Jon Barry, Robin J. Law Historical Perspectives: From Switches to Menus and Students to HQPs— The Evolving World of Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Essay by Jack Terhune Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com

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Long-term resightings of humpback whales in Hawaii
by Louis Herman 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

We are pleased to announce the availability of the following article published on-line in Marine Mammal Science. It will also appear in print in an issue later in the year. Herman, L. M., A. A. Pack, K. Rose, A. Craig, E. Y. K. Herman, S. Hakala & A. Milette (in press). Resightings of humpback whales in Hawaiian waters over spans of 10-32 years: Site fidelity, sex ratios, calving rates, female demographics, and the dynamics of social and behavioral roles of individuals. Marine Mammal Science ABSTRACT From a database of approximately 5,000 Hawaiian humpback whales identified photographically between 1976 and 2010, we extracted 71 males and 39 females having resighting spans of 10 or more years, from first to most recent sighting. Findings included: (1) the male-biased sex ratio was like that found in breeding grounds worldwide; (2) the mean span for males of 20.7 yr (maximum = 32 yr) did not differ significantly from the mean of 19.8 yr (maximum=29 yr) for females, but males were seen in significantly more years during their spans than were females; (3) the mean number of females seen with and without calf across 11 three-year intervals from 1977 to 2009 did not differ significantly; (4) the calving rate for the 39 females was 0.48 and seven females produced two to eight calves over spans of 22-26 yr; (5) females attracted significantly more escorts in years without calf than in years with calf; (6) individuals showed great diversity in the social units they occupied over their sighting spans, but with the most frequently observed unit for both sexes being the trio of mother, calf, and escort. Males were also observed frequently in competitive groups centered about a female without calf. A pdf may be downloaded from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00441.x/full or a PDF copy may be obtained from Lou Herman <lherman(a)hawaii.edu> Louis M. Herman Ph.D. Emeritus Professor, University of Hawaii President, The Dolphin Institute 420 Ward Ave. Ste 212 Honolulu HI 96814 lherman(a)hawaii.edu

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2011 Field Course in Belize!
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 26 Feb '11

26 Feb '11

Join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of animal behavior, ecology & conservation, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds in Belize! Course Overview: This is a total immersion field course where you will live, work, and study from a marine science field station on a pristine, private island off the coast of Belize. Data collected during the course will contribute to our long-term manatee/dolphin research project established in 1998. You will learn through a variety of learning activities, literature review and discussion, independent and team projects, and actual field research. Be prepared to rise with the sun and spend 8-10 hours outdoors, including 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the tropical Caribbean environment as we explore a maze of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. The course is divided into 4 major components: lectures/ learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~3 hours per day), individual project development & implementation (~2 hours per day), presentation of pre-field component (~1 hour per day), and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hour per day). Two days of extra-curricular activities are included: (1) diving or snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and (2) exploring an ancient Maya City. Additional, optional SCUBA dives are available as time and weather permits, but additional costs are involved. LOCATION: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center at Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge, http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ (Passport required) COSTS: US$2995 includes housing, meals, most tips, field trips, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees; DOES NOT include airfare, books, extra tips, or credit hours. CREDIT HOURS: The course has ~60 contact hours and is comparable to a 3 credit hour university course. You must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and Dr. Self-Sullivan for credit to be given through your home university. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill all study abroad requirements of your school. DEADLINES: Early registration & and deposit due March 15, 2011; regular registration & deposit due April 1st, 2011; balance due April 15th, 2011. Late registration (after April 1st--if space available) incurs a $100 late fee. If you are registering through your home university, earlier deadlines may exist; please check with your academic advisor. MINIMUM / MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8-24 students LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=370432825564 http://sirenian.org/BelizeFlyer2011.pdf http://sirenian.org/BelizeSyllabus2011.pdf http://sirenian.org/BelizeRegistration2011.pdf Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. Email: caryns(a)sirenian.org 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-2110 Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 888.371.4998 Adjunct Faculty, Nova Southeastern University http://www.fischlerschool.nova.edu/ http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ President & Co-founder, Sirenian International, Inc. http://sirenian.org/caryn.html Join me in Belize this summer! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=370432825564 http://sirenian.org/BelizeFlyer2011.pdf http://sirenian.org/BelizeSyllabus2011.pdf http://sirenian.org/BelizeRegistration2011.pdf

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PhD Thesis: The Ecology of Cuvier’s beaked whale, Ziphius cavirostris (Cetacea: Ziphiidae), in the Bay of Biscay
by jackie smith 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

Dear MARMAMers, Sorry for the confusion, there was a mix up with the link: A pdf of the following PhD Thesis: Smith, J.A. 2010. The Ecology of Cuvier’s beaked whale, Ziphius cavirostris (Cetacea: Ziphiidae), in the Bay of Biscay. has moved to: http://www.marine-life.org.uk/media/27214/smith_2010_cuviers%20beaked%20wha… Abstract This dissertation introduces the habitat use and spatial-temporal distribution of Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris, Cuvier, 1823)in the Bay of Biscay, from surveys carried out by the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme between 1995 and 2007. I have analysed the spatio-temporal distribution of Cuvier’s beaked whale, using dedicated and opportunistic sightings and the interactions with fixed physical variables (depth, slope and aspect), non-fixed environmental variables (sea surface temperature) in the Bay of Biscay, northeast Atlantic. This study used a differing combination of environmental variables and modelling: GAM (General Additive Model), and ENFA (Ecological Niche Factor Analysis), and PCA (Principal Component Analysis). Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing were used to achieve this. The habitat preferences of Cuvier’s beaked whale showed strong correlations with water depths >1000m and <4000m and steep slopes, associated with the Capbreton canyon, in the southeast Bay of Biscay and the continental shelf slopes in northern Biscay. Areas of high suitability for Cuvier’s beaked whale were predicted for the Bay of Biscay and predictions showed high habitat suitability areas over continental shelf slopes and submarine canyons. The variety of modelling techniques used to identify the habitat preferences and to predict areas of high suitability for Cuvier’s beaked whale in the Bay of Biscay all proved advantageous. On a global scale, techniques such as these could be applied to help research worldwide for future implementations of protected areas to conserve and maintain this species. The abundance and distribution of Cuvier’s beaked whales varied between years and seasons, with an increase in sightings over time and a seasonal distribution shifting north during spring and summer. Stranding records were also analyzed and compared with the sightings data, which identified regional patterns in seasonal distribution between France, the UK and Ireland. In addition to Cuvier’s beaked whale, this study investigated other deep-diving cetaceans (Northern bottlenose whale, Hyperoodon ampullatus, Sowerby’s beaked whale, Mesoplodon bidens, Sperm whale, Physalus macrocephalus, Pilot whale, Globicephala melas) and non-deep diving cetaceans (Fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus, and Common dolphin, Delphinus delphis) observed in the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel. The Bay of Biscay is the most northerly range of the Cuvier’s beaked whale in the eastern north Atlantic and with year round observations, it could be suggested the population may be resident.This raises the question, could Cuvier’s beaked whale act as a predictor of increasing water temperatures because of climate change by shifting their distribution further north. Happy Reading Dr Jackie Smith. Email: jackie52smith(a)yahoo.co.uk Marinelife is a charity registered: No 1110884 cheers jackie xx ><((((o>...><((((o>...><((((o>...><((((o>...><((((o> Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email? RESPECT OUR OCEANS!!! Don't flush things down the loo (other than loo paper) Buy local sustainably-caught fish (or through the Marine Stewardship Council - www.msc.org)

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Job Postings at Duke
by Andy Read 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

Research Assistant Positions at Duke University Duke University is seeking potential applicants for two full-time research assistants to conduct surveys for marine mammals and sea turtles along the east coast of the United States. The primary duties of both positions will be to collect information on the identity, movement, distribution and residency patterns of marine mammals using photo-identification and biopsy sampling techniques. Both observers will also participate in aerial and ship-board line-transect surveys. Field work will commence in May 2011, following a period of training, and will be conducted year-round from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to northeastern Florida. These positions will be based at Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, NC. Details on duties, experience required and desirable qualifications are outlined below. Duties: Observers will collect visual, acoustic and photographic data on the distribution, behavior and ecology of marine mammals and sea turtles. The observers will participate in surveys aboard chartered aircraft and research vessels in offshore waters (>50 km). It will be necessary to travel to field sites and spend up to a week at a time at sea living aboard research vessels. The observers will also assist in the preparation of reports and maintain an archive of sightings, acoustic recordings and photo-identification data. Experience: A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required and a Masters degree is preferable. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Applicants should have at least three years of experience in collecting and processing ecological data on marine mammal ecology and biology. Desirable Qualifications: The following experience is highly desirable: photo-identification and biopsy sampling; small boat handling; maintenance of photo-identification catalogs; passive acoustic monitoring; aerial and/or ship-board line-transect surveys; proficiency with MS Access and/or GIS software. Current aircraft emergency egress certification is preferable; without this certification, applicants must pass an emergency egress training course provided by the employer. If interested, please submit a cover letter and your resume to Jennifer Dunn (jennifer.dunn(a)duke.edu) by March 15. Andrew J. Read Rachel Carson Associate Professor of Marine Conservation Biology Division of Marine Science and Conservation Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Marine Laboratory 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort, NC 28516 Phone: 252-504-7590 http://moray.ml.duke.edu/faculty/read/

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Florida Manatee Photo-identification Internships
by Johnson, Jennifer 25 Feb '11

25 Feb '11

Manatee Photo-identification Internships The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency of Florida. For more information about FWRI, please visit: http://Research.MyFWC.com<http://research.myfwc.com/>. FWRI's manatee photo-identification research focuses on the long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The primary goal of our program is to document individual manatees. These capture histories are used to estimate annual adult survival rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use, behavior, intra- and inter- specific associations, and reproductive parameters such as calving intervals and length of calf dependency. Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, database entry, and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based, however during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, data entry, special projects, and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency. Five positions are available each year: two positions in the winter (December-March), one position in the spring (March-May), one position in the summer (June-August), and one position in the fall (September-November). Start and end dates are flexible. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the Institute. Positions are open until filled. Qualifications: * Computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred; * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses preferred, but not required; * The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment; * A valid U.S. Driver's License; * Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of three months working four days per week with our program. Application process: Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and the contact information for three references via hardcopy to FWRI's Intern Coordinators, Janis Magee and Robin Allen, at the address listed below. Alternatively, application materials may be submitted via email to Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com>. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying and the dates you are available. Robin Allen Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applicants may contact FWRI's Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Rood, (Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Kari.Rood@MyFWC.com>, 727-896-8626 x1912) with questions regarding the internship.

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Postponed Event:Tucker and the Orcas
by Whitney Neugebauer 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Hi Marmamers, The event scheduled for today, Tucker and the Orcas, has been postponed due to snowy conditions around the Seattle Area. The event will take place next Thursday, March 3rd, at 7:00 PM at the Duwamish Longhouse. Lecture by Katherine Ayres, presented by The Whale Trail*When:* Thursday, March 3, from 7-9 p.m.*Where: *Duwamish Longhouse, 4705 W. Marginal Way SW, Seattle *Cost:* $5; advance tickets at Brown Paper Tickets<http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/156704> or purchase at door Specially trained scat detection dogs are helping researchers learn more about the endangered southern resident killer whales. Katherine Ayres, Center for Conservation Biology <http://conservationbiology.net/>, will describe how she selects, trains, and works with dogs on the water, and how Tucker is leading us to critical clues that can help save this iconic population. Join us! Thank you Please contact donna(a)thewhaletrail.org for more information or check out www.thewhaletrail.org

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Paper comparing PBR to other management approaches for marine mammals
by Mike Lonergan 24 Feb '11

24 Feb '11

Lonergan, M. "Potential biological removal and other currently used management rules for marine mammal populations: A comparison." In press at Marine Policy. Available from their website (or me) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2011.01.020 Abstract: The management of marine mammal populations requires the balancing of conflicting interests and also compliance with national legislation and international agreements. These conflicts are intensifying and it is becoming urgent that management goals, and justifications, are clear and explicit. This paper summarises six methods currently used to assess the status of marine mammal populations: the IUCN Red List Criteria; the regulations under the European Union Habitats Directive; PBR; the IWC's Revised Management Procedure; HELCOM's approach to managing seals; and the Canadian Objective-Based Fisheries Management system for harp seals. It compares the assumptions and implications of the methods then describes how one of them, PBR, can be re-presented to make explicit the subjective choice at its centre, and push the decision about conservation targets back from scientists to policymakers, where it belongs. -- Mike Lonergan NERC Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews ________________________________________________________________________________ "The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532"

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Bahamas Marine Mammal Studies Program
by Stan Kuczaj 23 Feb '11

23 Feb '11

Join Dr. Denise Herzing and Dr. Stan Kuczaj as a student researcher on the Wild Dolphin Project this summer! As a participant you will earn course credit and experience the joys (and frustrations) of field work with wild spotted and bottlenose dolphins in the beautiful waters of the Bahama sandbanks. You will also learn techniques that are used to collect and analyze acoustic and behavioral data. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the complex lives of these intelligent social mammals and the world in which they live. The course dates are June 21 – 30, 2011. We will board the R/V Stenella and depart the Port of Palm Beach (near West Palm Beach, Florida) on Tuesday June 21. We will spend the next ten days on board the R/V Stenella and return to Port on Thursday June 30. Space in this class is limited to 5 students. Applications and additional information are available from the Office of International Programs at the University of Southern Mississippi• 601.266.4344 or studyabroad(a)usm.edu<mailto:studyabroad@usm.edu> The application deadline is 15 April 2011, but applications will be closed once the class limit of five students is reached.

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