March 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Gulf of Mexico PSO Training
by Rhoni 13 Mar '11

13 Mar '11

Please list the following course availability: Gulf of Mexico PSO (MMO) Training This is a very limited offering and students are encouraged to submit their reservations ASAP. For immediate consideration, please send a current resume with a current e-mail address. You will need a PayPal account to pay for the class. Location: Covington Louisiana (North Shore of Lake Ponchartrain, New Orleans) La Quinta Inn and Suites Conference Room 1 200 Pinnacle Pkwy Covington, LA 70433 Materials Provided: Marine Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico Identification Guide PSO Learning Documents Certification of Completion Wallet Certification of Completion Date: April 5, 2011 Cost: $200 Send inquiries and reservation requests to: PSOtraining(a)att.net

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SEAMAMMS 2011 Conference, April 1-3
by Robert Young 11 Mar '11

11 Mar '11

SEAMAMMS: Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina April 1-3, 2011 [Last day for the early registration rate is this Monday] The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium will be held at Coastal Carolina University from Friday, April 1 to Sunday, April 3, 2011. SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented scientific marine mammal meeting. Further information can be found on the conference web site: http://bccmws.coastal.edu/stranding/seamamms/seamamms2011.htm. The abstract submission period is closed, and the schedule of presentations and posters will be available on the site two weeks before the conference. Thanks, Rob Young _____________________________ Rob Young Professor, Department of Marine Science Interim Associate Provost for Grants and Sponsored Research Coastal Carolina University PO Box 261954 Conway, SC 29528-6054 843-349-2277 ryoung(a)coastal.edu<mailto:ryoung@coastal.edu>

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PhD marine research assistant opportunity, Wales, UK
by CBMWC 10 Mar '11

10 Mar '11

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre & Aberystwyth University PhD Marine Research Assistant Opportunity A PhD Assistant is required to assist with scientific research on marine mammals in Cardigan Bay, west Wales. The assistant will work closely with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) and Aberystwyth University PhD researcher. The opportunity is available for the forthcoming 2011 field season (April to October/November 2011). The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and since 1996 has been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Through boat-based and land-based surveys we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations, with a focus on the photo-identification of the semi-resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Working closely with the local authority, Ceredigion County Council, we coordinate data collection at two land survey sites, New Quay Harbour and Aberystwyth collecting data that contributes to the long term dolphin monitoring project in Cardigan Bay SAC. To learn more, please visit www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> The Aberystwyth University PhD project is investigating the use of remote sensing data and imagery for modelling and monitoring large marine species (whales, dolphins, turtles) over whole sea areas and will be using a variety of data sources and technologies including data collected by CBMWC volunteers. The Research Assistant will be responsible for assisting CBMWCs Science Officer with the coordination of on-going research and training of volunteers as well as assisting with additional activities relating to CBMWCs work and the PhD project. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about marine species and habitats in the Irish Sea, to gain experience in scientific data collection and valuable experience in field work, research methods, data processing and public awareness and education programmes. In addition to this you will be contributing to long term studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage and abundance, photo-identification studies and will act as a research assistant for a PhD project being undertaken by CBMWCs Science Officer. Essential requirements * Be able to commit to the position for a minimum of five months * Minimum of a BSc in a relevant/related field * Be able to assist with coordination and training of volunteers (data collection and data entry) * Demonstrable interest in the marine environment and marine ecosystems * Ability to work as part of a small team and outdoors in changeable weather conditions * Confident in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone * Fluency in English Desirable skills * Experience working on small boats may be beneficial * Familiar with MS Office including Access and word processing software * Knowledge and experience using GIS software may be beneficial but is not essential. * RYA Powerboat license would be advantageous but is not essential * A full UK driving license and access to your own transport would be advantageous The successful candidate is expected to be independent, proactive and self-motivated. They must be reliable, conscientious, be able to work unsupervised and have a mature approach to their work. You must be available and willing to work up to 8 hours a days, six days a week and be prepared to work both indoors and in an office environment. Field work can involve long periods outdoors, in often inclement Welsh weather. You will also be expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. Accommodation and expense arrangements This is an unpaid volunteer position but there is basic, shared accommodation that can be arranged for the successful candidate if they are from outside the local area (approx £55 per week). You will be responsible for your own food, travel, accommodation and living expenses. Please note: There are plenty of opportunities to gain part time paid work in the local area to help cover your living expenses and we can assist you with this. How to apply Please email your CV, a cover letter, detailing your availability and why you are suitable for this position and what you hope to gain from the experience and the contact details of two references to volunteer(a)cbmwc.org, with PhD Research Assistant in the subject line. Postal address: FAO: Laura Mears Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales For further information If you have any questions please email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura or Sarah on +44 (0)1545 560032. __________________ Posted on behalf of: Sarah Perry Ph.D Candidate, Uses of remote sensing for monitoring large marine species. Institue of Geography & Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University __________________________________________________________________ Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560032 E-bost/E-mail: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter or become a fan of our Facebook page www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC http://facebook.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's marine wildlife through education, interpretation and research. Cynorthwyo i gadw bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Ceredigion trwy addysg as ymchwil. __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.

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Seeking Field Assistants - Hector’s dolphin research, Banks Peninsula NZ
by Elanor Hutchison 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Seeking Field Assistants - Hector’s dolphin research, Banks Peninsula NZ I am seeking volunteers to assist in Hector's dolphin habitat surveys at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Volunteers will assist in seasonal fieldwork I am conducting as part of my PhD at Otago University, involving boat-based dolphin surveys up to four nautical miles from shore with concurrent benthic prey and oceanographic sampling. The overall aim of this work is to investigate which factors drive the distributional patterns of Hector's dolphins, with a particular interest in correlation with seasonal prey availability. As a volunteer you will live and work in a beautiful coastal area. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in visual and acoustic marine mammal surveying, photo-identification, habitat sampling and general data collection and practical skills obtained from participating in marine fieldwork. Based from a small research vessel (6m), this research is carried out whenever weather conditions allow. Daily trips are up to 12 hours long, but we are typically on the water for up to 8 hours a day, with at least one day off per week due to unfavourable weather conditions. Volunteers must be available full-time including weekends, and must be comfortable on a small vessel in moderate sea states (up to Beaufort 4 with 2m swell). Volunteers are sought for the next two field seasons, which will take place from March 21st to May 30th (10 weeks), and June 20th to August 15th (9 weeks). Preference will be given to those willing to assist for at least four weeks due to the training involved. This is a volunteer position, but accommodation, including bed/bedding, laundry and cooking facilities, will be provided. Applicants will need to arrange their own travel, but transport between the fieldsite and Akaroa or Christchurch can be provided on arrival and departure. Applicants will be required to contribute to the cost of utilities and food. As we will be working and living in close quarters in a rural setting, applicants must be sociable, hardworking team players. Cooking and cleaning duties will be shared. Prerequisites: - Must have full driving license (manual transmission) - Boat driving and trailer backing skills - Must be comfortable on a small boat for long periods of time - Marine mammal survey experience preferred - Bsc or studying at senior undergraduate level in biology (or similar field) preferred - Interest in ecology and marine science Please send a letter of interest and CV to elanorjh(a)gmail.com Elanor Hutchison PhD Candidate Marine Science Department Otago University Dunedin, New Zealand E-mail: elanorjh(a)gmail.com Mobile: +64 22 044 1985

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ACS Grants-in-Aid of Research Program
by Cheryl M. McCormick 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

American Cetacean Society Grants-in-Aid of Research Award Range: $100 - $1,000 USD annually Program Description: The American Cetacean Society Grants-in-Aid of Research fund offers small research grants for direct costs of scientific, field-based projects focusing on cetaceans. The Society invites proposals from all cetacean-related disciplines, including the social sciences, which focus on cetaceans and/or their habitats. ACS particularly welcomes applications from early career researchers such as graduate students and researchers with less than ten years post-doctoral experience, and researchers whose work focuses on small cetaceans. The American Cetacean Society has a long-standing commitment to providing young scientists with "seed money" for research projects in cetacean-related disciplines. Currently, ACS grant awards range from under $100 to $1,000; the Society highly encourages funds to be used in a match program to maximize funding potential. Funds are available to applicants who are themselves active (dues-paying) ACS members or whose faculty advisors are active members. ACS funds are intended to strengthen conservation efforts through applied field-based research and opportunities outside of the laboratory. Funds may not be used for salaries, stipends, honoraria, or other compensatory expenses. Individual chapters of the American Cetacean Society also participate in grant-making initiatives and will also submit Request For Proposals (RFPs) coincident with their funding cycles. For information about specific chapters and their grant-making programs, please visit the Societys website at www.acsonline.org. Application and Deadline: Proposals should include 1. Application cover sheet, with title of proposal, field research group, contact information (email, phone and departmental contacts) for the faculty lead or principle investigator (PI), second PI (if applicable) and any proposed graduate student participant list (with contact information). 2. A brief narrative (1-2 pages, single-spaced) describing the research program, overall purpose, specific research objectives/questions, study timeline and benchmarks, significance of the research in advancing our understanding the biology and conservation of cetaceans and/or their habitats, and how the research can or does advance conservation efforts aimed at a particular taxa, species, or habitat. 3. An itemized, one-year budget, including estimated costs for supplies, equipment, travel, etc. Costs should be kept reasonable. A budget justification should be included. Budget should not exceed requested funding amount; however, details of additional funding sources supporting the research and how those funds will be used are helpful in evaluating applications. 4. CVs for the principle investigator(s). The application deadline for the 2011 American Cetacean Society Grants-in-Aid of Research Program is Monday, May 16th 2011, and will cover proposed field work to be undertaken through summer of 2011. Funding is limited and proposals will be peer-reviewed for scientific rigor, conservation benefit and cost effectiveness. Awards will be announced on Wednesday, July 1st, 2011. Applications should be sent by email to Cheryl McCormick, Executive Director, at c.mccormick(a)acsonline.org. Questions regarding the program may also be directed to her. American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, California 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 (office) (310) 548-6950 (fax) www.acsonline.org acsoffice(a)acsonline.org Cheryl Cheryl M. McCormick, Ph.D. Executive Director American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 (office) (310) 293-4613 (mobile) c.mccormick(a)acsonline.org "People protect what they love." Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997)

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AESS 2011 - Abstract Deadline is Approaching
by Wallace, Richard 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

A reminder, and apologies for cross-postings! Sincerely, Rich Wallace -- Richard L. Wallace Program Chair Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Ursinus College Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences 2011 Conference "Confronting Complexity" June 23-26, 2011, Burlington, Vermont Hosted by the University of Vermont * The call for abstracts closes on March 22nd * Visit the AESS 2011 website<http://www.aess.info/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=939971&module_id=81727> for all the info on: * Abstract submission * Conference registration * Workshops and field trips * Preliminary program info * Symposia and panel sessions that 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 * The AESS-hosted Vermont premier of the documentary film "Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time<http://www.aldoleopold.org/greenfire>" [https://documents.clubexpress.com/clubs/939971/graphics/2011_Reg_Announceme…] 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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WWF Launches the 2011 International Smart Gear Design Competition to Reduce Fisheries Bycatch
by Brian, Susanna 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

WWF Announces 2011 International Smart Gear Design Competition to Reduce Fisheries Bycatch Fisherman, Backyard Inventors and Students Encouraged to Submit Entries The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is pleased to announce the launch of the 2011 International Smart Gear Competition<http://www.smartgear.org>, to find innovative ways to reduce the amount of fisheries bycatch. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fondation Segré, ISSF, and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans are supporting the 2011 competition which will take place from March 1 to August 31, 2011 and is open to anyone from fisherman to backyard inventors and students. The 2011 International Smart Gear Competition is offering a grand prize of $30,000 and two $10,000 runner-up prizes. Additionally, in partnership with the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), the competition is offering a $7,500 special tuna prize that will be awarded to the idea that will reduce the amount of bycatch found in tuna fisheries. Tuna sustainability is the top WWF global fisheries conservation priority. Since its launch in 2004, the Smart Gear competition has grown more competitive with the winning entries gaining traction with many fisheries around the world. Flexi Grids, which won in 2006, are now mandatory in blue whiting fisheries in the Faroe Islands, and are used in an increasing number of countries all over the world. A winning idea from 2007, a net designed to reduce the bycatch of cod, "The Eliminator" is now being used by more than a dozen fishermen in the northeastern U.S. haddock fishery, as well as being adopted by the EU as a mandatory measure in cod bycatch reduction under certain conditions. Vessels throughout the U.K are also using a modified version of the net. The International Smart Gear Competition has demonstrated that conservation and industry can successfully work together to identify and eventually implement solutions to bycatch issues in different types of fisheries around the world. The competition begins March 1, 2011 and ends on 31 August 2011. Employees, agents, current contractors, and relatives of employees of WWF are ineligible. Judges and relatives of judges are also ineligible. The competition is void where prohibited. Odds depend on number of entries received. No purchase is necessary. For more information, official competition rules and instructions on how to enter, visit www.smartgear.org<http://www.smartgear.org> Or Contact: International Smart Gear Competition c/o Mike Osmond World Wildlife Fund 171 Forest Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301 U.S.A. smartgear(a)smartgear.org<mailto:smartgear@smartgear.org> Posted by: Susanna Wingard Brian Fisheries Program Officer World Wildlife Fund 1250 24th Street, NW Washington, DC 20037-1193 Office: 202-495-4703 ext. 703 susanna.brian(a)wwfus.org<mailto:email@wwfus.org> worldwildlife.org<wwf.worldwildlfe.org>

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SOCAL-10 project report available
by Brandon Southall 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

MARMAM, On behalf of the interdisciplinary team of researchers collaborating in our southern California Behavioral Response Study (SOCAL BRS), I am pleased to announce the release of the project report from the first year of our five-year project (SOCAL-10). You may find a copy of the report on the SOCAL BRS website at: http://www.sea-inc.net/resources/SOCAL10_final_report.pdf As noted in the report, there are many ongoing data analyses and more detailed results will soon begin to appear in scientific meetings (/e.g/., two abstracts at the Biologging meeting in New Zealand next week) and publications. Plans are well underway for our second phase of fieldwork this summer and additional information will be available on the SOCAL BRS webpage <www.sea-inc.net/SOCAL10> in the coming months. There are multiple open public presentations and discussions of the SOCAL-10 results and plans for 2011 and beyond planned, the next one being in partnership with the American Cetacean Society, San Diego Chapter on 23 March at 7 pm at the Scripps Sumner Auditorium in LaJolla, CA. We have made significant effort throughout this project for openness, transparency, and public impact of the results -- comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcomed and encouraged. Thank you, Brandon Southall PLEASE NOTE: New mailing address and office/FAX #s for SEA, Inc. Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D. President, Senior Scientist, SEA, Inc. Research Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA 831.332.8744 (mobile); 831.661.5177 (office); 831.661.5178 (fax) Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net; www.sea-inc.net

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LAST CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR LAND BASED MINKE WHALE TRACKING PROJECT IN ICELAND
by Christiansen, Fredrik Oscar 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

LAND BASED MINKE WHALE TRACKING IN ICELAND - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED I am looking for four volunteers to assist me between the beginning of June (10th) and the end of August (31st) with land based tracking of Minke whale movement and diving behaviour in Iceland. The project is part of a larger study looking at the effects of whalewatching on Minke whales in Iceland and the land based data constitutes the control (or natural) behaviour data of this project. A land based station, a 27m high lighthouse, will be used as a platform from which Minke whale movement (lag. and long. position of every surfacing) and diving behaviour (dive interval) will be collected in the absence of tourist boats, by using a theodolite and computer. Continuous focal follows of individual Minke whales will be conducted. One person will use a theodolite to measure the position of the Minke whale every time it surfaces, as well as the orientation of the animal and any conspicuous surface behaviours (e.g. feeding). A second person with binoculars will assist the theodolite tracker and make sure that no surfacing is missed or that no other Minke whales enter the study area which might confuse the theodolite tracker. A third person will enter all the data into a computer in real time, together with environmental data etc. Volunteers will rotate between these positions, but if a person is really skilled with theodolite tracking they might be given priority for tracking when weather conditions are particularly favourable. The lighthouse is located in Gardur, about 30km west of Reykjavik, north of Keflavik, and overlooks the southern part of Faxaflói Bay. It's a small town consisting of about 1400 people and facilities are limited. There is a supermarket, swimming hall and some cafes. A few times per day there is a free shuttle bus between Gardur and Keflavik, which is a slightly bigger city (8000 people). Regarding costs, unfortunately this is an unpaid volunteer position and you would have to cover your own travel expenses to and from Iceland, your travel insurance (required!), as well as your food expenses during the project. Accommodation will be provided for free by the project. Accommodation will consist of a shared house in Gardur with bathroom and kitchen, provided by the municipality of Gardur. Volunteers need to live and cook together. The house will have internet connection. The successful applicant will need to both work and live together with people from different countries and backgrounds and therefore needs to be a very tolerant and flexible person. During time periods of bad weather, or periods when whales are not seen for a long time, you might become very frustrated, but it's important to remain polite and respectful in all situations. As theodolite tracking of Minke whales is difficult and takes a long time to learn, priority will be given to people with previous experience in theodolite tracking. If you have this sort of experience, please specify in your application when and where you worked with this, what species you were studying and what sort of data you collected (did you collect positional data for every surfacing or just one fix per surfacing bout?). How many hours of theodolite tracking (actively working with the theodolite) do you have roughly? As the feasibility of this project is relying strongly on assistants, the successful candidate will need to be able to stay for the entire duration of the project. A departure in the middle of the project would be very difficult to accommodate for, and therefore I wish you to really consider your availability for this summer before you decide to apply for this position. Apart from setting up the project, I will personally not be stationed in Gardur, but work from Reykjavik collecting the impact data from whalewatching boats, which constitutes the other part of this project. The land based research will instead be lead by a research student from Aberdeen University, who will be in charge of all the work. The work schedule for the lighthouse will be between 06:00 and 18:00 (depending on the weather) and volunteers will rotate on a two hours basis, rotating between theodolite tracking, binocular tracking, computer entry and being off duty. As in any cetacean work, there will be days when work will be very intense due to favourable weather conditions, when you will be expected to work up to 10h in the field. Other days will have bad weather and no work, or half a day's work or less, so we have to be flexible and work according to the weather. When we are not working in the field there will be data entry work to do, as well as everyday equipment cleaning work etc. I also expect everyone to help out together with the everyday tasks of cooking, cleaning etc. As I mentioned, when the weather is bad there wont be any field work, so those days can also be used to relax. As the field season is relatively short (3 months) and bad weather will prevent work for roughly half of these days, days off will not be scheduled, but rather taken opportunistically during days when the weather is bad. Therefore you will need to be stationed in Gardur throughout these three months, so any plans to travel around Iceland should be done prior to or after this project. Tourist will regularly come up to the lighthouse and ask what we are working with, during which time you have to be polite and informative. The major of Gardur is keen on advertising our work to locals and tourists, and we should assist him with this task as much as we can. As Gardur is small and geographically isolated, there isn't much to do when you are not working, so if you are a person that needs a lot of stimulation then this project isn't for you. There is a lot of beautiful nature around Gardur to where you can walk, and many species of birds for bird lovers or photographers. Apart from Minke whales you can also sometimes see white beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, basking sharks and seals from the coast. But for time periods when the weather is bad (sometimes for weeks) and there is no data processing to be done, I recommend that you bring along books, movies etc or whatever you like doing at your spare time basically. You should expect that the weather will be bad roughly half of the time you are in Iceland and prevent you from working. There will also be periods (sometimes weeks) when few or no Minke whales are sighted. For those periods it is important not to give up, and to keep working from the lighthouse, as the animals can return at any time. This is a rather difficult project, but to observing this species without disturbing it, and to see its natural behaviours is very rewarding. And even though being difficult, we managed to get a lot of data from last season, showing that this project is not only possible, but also has great potential to be even better for 2011. I hope this project description hasn't scared you off already, but I wanted to emphasize what the difficulties with this project are and that I am looking for people that can handle this sort of work and living conditions. This project will give you a great chance to work with an amazing species in an amazing place, and you will be able to learn some skills that are frequently practised in cetacean research and therefore really useful to know for anyone that wants to pursue a career in this field. Also you will have the opportunity to work with other like minded people from different countries and local Icelanders. LOCATION: The land based field site and accommodation is located in Gardur, Iceland. WORK PERIOD: The tracking project is planned between the 10th of June and the 31st of August 2011. DAILY DUTIES: - collect Minke whale track data from land with theodolite - enter track data into computer in real time - data entry and processing - equipment cleaning and maintenance - talk and inform tourists and locals about the Minke whales and our work QUALIFICATIONS: - have a strong background in Marine biology/Oceanography, with knowledge and experience of marine mammal behaviour and/or sea birds - have previous wildlife field experience and ability to stand long working days - have previous theodolite tracking skills - be computer literate with a working knowledge PC operating system and proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel. Possibility to bring your own Laptop is much preferred - be enthusiastic, hard-working, team oriented, able to share small living space - be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - have good English language skills HOW TO APPLY: Send CV and resume. The resume should include the following: - details of your availability - contact details of two referees - a brief description of yourself including your interest in biology and what you hope to gain from this experience - any previous experience in theodolite tracking - any dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc.) Send applications to: Fredrik Christiansen (PhD Student) University of Aberdeen Institute of Biological Sciences Tillydrone Ave Aberdeen AB24 2TZ United Kingdom E-mail: f.christiansen(a)abdn.ac.uk<mailto:f.christiansen@abdn.ac.uk> Mobile: +44 78 18725081 The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

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SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHINS
by Julian Tyne 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins PROJECT SUMMARY I am seeking experienced research assistants to join the existing team for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in five spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Boat based photo-identification surveys will be conducted in each of four resting bays off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and at another control site, possibly off the island of Molokai, to evaluate abundance of spinner dolphins, in addition, group focal follows will be carried out on spinner dolphins both inside and outside the four resting bays. Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Bottom-mounted acoustic recorders will be deployed in two of the resting bays that will also be subject to photo-identification- and theodolite studies described above. Initially, acoustic survey periods will be continuous (no duty cycle) and will coincide with daily visual observations in order to link acoustic detections with the distribution and behaviour of dolphins. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques, photo-identification, and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in April 2011. Assistants will help collect information on spinner dolphin abundance, distribution and behaviour off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The field season will last until December 2011. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate for longer will be given preference. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification, theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of three-five people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of five days a week for two months (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawaii and their own living expenses. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> ). Julian Tyne, BSc Hons PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences School of Biological Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/julian_tyne.html <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/julian_tyne.html> http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners>

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