April 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Paper request: Cetacean coloration
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 22 Apr '11

22 Apr '11

Dear Marmamers, CIRCE (Conservatin, Information and Research on Cetaceans) is currently doing a revision in Cetacean Coloration and we are very interested in the following paper: Yablokov, A. V. ( 1963 ). Types of color of the Cetacea. Byul. Morsk. Obshch. Ispytat. Pri. (Ot. Biol.) 68 ( 6 ) , 27 – 41[In Russian] If someone has a hard copy or pdf, please contact us. Thank you in advance. Best regards --* Joan Giménez Verdugo* gimenez.verdugo(a)gmail.com CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on cetaceans) www.circe.info

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:CETACEAN RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY IN ICELAND
by chiara bertulli 20 Apr '11

20 Apr '11

CETACEAN RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY IN ICELAND WHAT: The project aims to investigate abundance, distribution, patterns of residency, social structure and health status of Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and humpback whales in Faxaflói bay, Reykjavik, Iceland. One volunteer is needed for this project to help collecting photographs (photo-ID) of whales (minke, humpback and orca whales) and white-beaked dolphins and sighting data, geographical location (GPS), environmental parameters as well as effort data. Data will also comprised information behaviour of the sighted animal/s and the potential presence of calves. WHERE: The south part of Faxaflói Bay is facing Keflavík city where daily whale-watching tours are arranged to spot Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, Humpback whales and harbour porpoises. Dolphin and Whale Spotting Whale-watching Company has been running whale-watching trips since 1999, with special interest in all whales visiting the bay and being involved in different cetacean research projects. WHEN: 13th June to 28th August 2011 CONDITIONS: For the boat based work, one whale-watching motor vessel will be used as research platform. The volunteer will be offered free accommodation, to share with other volunteers, in Garður (a rather small town of about 1400 people 10km north of Keflavík). The accommodation is equipped with bathroom and kitchen, provided by the municipality of Garður. Volunteers need to live and cook together. 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. Last, the candidate will have to work as a contact between the whale-watching boat and the lighthouse (where another team of volunteer will work as part of the tracking project led by Fredrik Christiansen) as well, in which case Fredrik will buy him/her a sim card and refill cards. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit for the entire duration of the project. 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. DUTIES: Applicants should be ready to work long hours (07:00 to 17.00 or to 20.00 hours depending on weather conditions) and be expected to participate in the following duties: - collect data from whale-watching boat - data entry - data processing 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, sometimes in rough sea conditions (seasick people should not apply for this position!) - have previous cetacean photo-identification skills - be computer literate with a working knowledge PC operating system and proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel. Familiarity with software including MS Access and Photoshop is very helpful. Possibility to bring your own Laptop is much preferred - be enthusiastic, hard-working, team oriented, able to share small living space on board - be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - have good English language skills - bring your own digital reflex camera and zoom lens HOW TO APPLY: CV or resume should include the following: - details of your availability - contact details of two referees - a brief description of yourself including your interest in marine mammals and what you hope to gain from this experience - any dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc.) Send applications both to Chiara G. Bertulli and Fredrik Christiansen (see below): Chiara G. Bertulli (PhD Student) Faxaflói Cetacean Research Principal Investigator/Research Coordinator c/o Reykjavík Whale-watching Company Ægisgardur 7 101 Reykjavík Iceland www.faxa-cetacean.org University of Iceland Biology Department Náttúrfræðahús/Askja Sturlugata 7 101 Reykjavik Iceland E-mail: cgb1(a)hi.is / ciarabertulli(a)yahoo.it Mobile: +354-8618307 Skype: chiara.giulia.bertulli and Fredrik Christiansen (PhD Student) University of Aberdeen Institute of Biological Sciences Tillydrone Ave Aberdeen AB24 2TZ United Kingdom University of Iceland Biology Department Náttúrfræðahús/Askja Sturlugata 7 101 Reykjavik Iceland E-mail: f.christiansen(a)abdn.ac.uk Mobile: +44 78 18725081

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abstracts for DCL/DE workshop
by Dave Mellinger 20 Apr '11

20 Apr '11

A number of people have asked for more time to prepare abstracts for the Fifth International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics this August 22-25. Rather than making exceptions for a few people, we have decided to extend the deadline for everyone to the end of the month. The new deadline for abstract submission is April 29. As before, please send abstracts to dcl(a)bioacoustics.us . Also, there is some confusion about multiple submissions. It's fine for one person be lead author of more than one presentation. Further information about the workshop is available at http://www.bioacoustics.us/dcl.html . Dave Mellinger

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Use of total urinary oestrogens in Californian sea lion pregnancy diagnosis
by James Barnett 20 Apr '11

20 Apr '11

Dear Marmam users, I would be grateful for any information and/or references on the possible use of Total Urinary Oestrogens to diagnose pregnancy in Californian Sea Lions. If this is an appropriate test, it would be particularly useful to know at what stage of pregnancy this can be used and also how to interpret levels obtained. Many thanks for your anticipated assistance. James Barnett Veterinarian, UK james(a)bdmlr.org.uk

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NOAA issues new rules to safeguard Puget Sound’s Killer Whales
by Jonathan Shannon 20 Apr '11

20 Apr '11

*NOAA issues new rules to safeguard Puget Sound’s Killer Whales * /Endangered whales to be given wider berth / NOAA’s Fisheries Service issued new rules April 14, 2011 on vessel traffic, aimed at protecting Southern Resident killer whales in Washington’s Puget Sound. These charismatic marine mammals, popular with tourists, whale-watch operators and the general public, were added to the Endangered Species list in late 2005. The Southern Resident population peaked at 97 animals in the 1990s, and then declined to 79 in 2001. It has seen slow growth since then, and now stands at an estimated 86 killer whales, about half of which are sexually mature. Scientists have identified the major threats facing the population as a shortage of its preferred prey of Chinook salmon, disturbance from vessels, and water pollution. The new rules prohibit vessels from approaching any killer whale closer than 200 yards and forbid vessels from intercepting a whale or positioning the vessel in its path. This doubles the current approach distance of 100 yards. The rules go into effect May 16 and apply to all types of boats, including motor boats, sail boats and kayaks, in Washington’s inland waters. Exemptions to the rules for safety include vessels actively fishing commercially, cargo vessels travelling in established shipping lanes, and government and research vessels. The whales, which depend on their highly sophisticated natural sonar to navigate and find food, can be affected by underwater noise from boats and disturbed by vessels, including non-motorized ones, that approach too close or block their paths. The agency’s killer whale recovery plan, released in early 2008, calls for actions to reduce disturbance from vessels. When the regulations were originally proposed in July 2009, they included a half-mile wide no-go zone along the west side of San Juan Island from May 1 through the end of September, where vessels were prohibited. Due to the extensive responses that were received during the public comment period, the final regulations do not include the no-go zone, and NOAA’s Fisheries Service will instead continue to gather information to consider the concept in future rulemaking. See the Fisheries Northwest Region Website for more information on this action: http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Whales-Dolphins-Porpoise/Killer-Whal… -- Jonathan Shannon NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr Outreach Specialist (301) 713-2319 x 117 jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov

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NOAA Designates Critical Habitat for Cook Inlet Beluga Whale
by Jonathan Shannon 20 Apr '11

20 Apr '11

*NOAA Designates Critical Habitat for Cook Inlet Beluga Whale* NOAA's Fisheries Service announced April 8, 2011 it is designating two areas of Alaska's Cook Inlet as critical habitat for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale. Scientists estimate there are less than 350 Cook Inlet beluga whales left in the wild. This distinct population segment was listed as endangered in October 2008. The critical habitat comprises 3,016 square miles (7,809 square kilometers) of marine and estuarine environments considered by scientists to be essential for the whales' survival. These areas contain important biological and physical features for these cetaceans, such as feeding areas near the mouths of salmon streams. Not all of the current range of these whales was found to be critical. The critical habitat designation, required under the Endangered Species Act, only affects activities that involve a federal permit, license or funding and which may affect critical habitat, such as construction and operation of oil rigs, port construction, dredging, or Environmental Protection Agency-authorized discharges into Cook Inlet. One designated area includes the upper portions of Cook Inlet, Turnagain Arm and Knik Arm where belugas concentrate in summer months. The other area includes areas where the population congregates in the winter, which includes the middle of Cook-inlet, foraging areas along the western shore of lower Cook Inlet, and Kachemak Bay along east of Cook Inlet near the town of Homer. NOAA's Fisheries Service has excluded the Port of Anchorage from critical habitat because of its importance to national security, and the Eagle River Flats Range on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson because this area provides benefit to beluga whales under an existing Department of Defense Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan. NOAA's Fisheries Service based its designation on the results of more than 20 years of research, and has completed an economic analysis on the critical habitat designation. That analysis found that benefits of the designation to beluga whales exceeded the costs *Public Input* NOAA's Fisheries Service developed the final rule after an extensive public input process which included an initial 60-day comment period on the proposed rule, which was extended an additional 30 days. Four public hearings were also held. As a result of the public hearings and open comment periods, more than 135,000 individual submissions were received. The agency considered all public comments in developing the final rule, and provided responses to all significant issues raised by respondents. This rule will become effective 30 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. The final rule, maps, status reviews, and other materials supporting this final rule can be found at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/protectedresources/whales/beluga/management… <http://www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/protectedresources/whales/beluga/manage…> -- Jonathan Shannon NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr Outreach Specialist (301) 713-2319 x 117 jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov

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PhD opportunities in Cetacean Ecology: Flinders University, South Australia
by Guido Parra 20 Apr '11

20 Apr '11

Dear MARMAM readers, The Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at the School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University (South Australia)<http://www.flinders.edu.au/science_engineering/biology/>, is currently seeking applications from highly qualified candidates for two PhD projects looking at the spatial ecology and socio-genetic structure of bottlenose dolphins in South Australia. These two projects are part of a large research program aimed at enhancing our understanding of natural populations of delphinids in South Australia and using this knowledge to improve the scientific basis behind their conservation and management. The Projects Project 1: Spatial Ecology of Southern Australian Bottlenose Dolphins Supervisors: Dr. Guido J. Parra and Dr. Luciana Möller. This PhD project will investigate the spatial ecology of Southern Australian bottlenose dolphins: where they occur (space use) and why they are there (habitat use). Despite the importance of these fundamental questions towards ecology and conservation, our understanding of the synergistic factors shaping space use patterns in dolphins remains largely unknown. The focus of this project will be on investigating how the space use patterns of bottlenose dolphins are influenced by, or related to population density, social structure, behaviour, food availability, predation risk, and anthropogenic activities. Within the general aims of this project, the candidate will have the freedom to develop the work along the lines that interest them most. This project will involve training in a range of different areas including GIS, species distribution modelling, spatial statistical tools, and molecular ecology. Project 2: Socio-genetic structure of Southern Australian Bottlenose Dolphins. Supervisors: Dr. Luciana Möller and Dr. Guido J. Parra. This PhD project will investigate the social and genetic structure of the southern Australian bottlenose dolphin. This is likely to be a new species of bottlenose dolphin endemic to the southern waters of Australia. The focus of this project will be on investigating how demographic, ecological and social factors affect group and community size, composition, dynamics and cooperative behaviours of dolphins. The project will also examine individual variation in social behaviour and personalities in dolphins. The Working environment The successful candidate will join a new, dynamic research group under the leadership of Dr. Luciana Möller and Dr. Guido J. Parra. The Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) is based in the School of Biological Sciences and has strong links with researchers, elsewhere in Australia and overseas, in Animal Behaviour, Molecular Ecology, and Spatial Modelling. The group is committed to providing excellence in research that contributes to both pure and applied questions. Our work aims to provide impartial, independent and innovative science that contributes to integrated marine resource management. The lab is very well equipped for marine mammal fieldwork, including all necessary equipment for obtaining behavioural and ecological data from boat-based and aerial-based fieldwork, access to a large rigid hull inflatable vessel for inshore and offshore work, 4WD vehicles, and to a state-of-the-art DNA lab. The School of Biological Sciences is an integrated research community comprised by an interdisciplinary team of researchers. Currently, our community consists of 30-some faculty, 70 PhD students, 25 MSc students, 40 research associates, assistants and technical staff, and 25 visiting and honorary staff. Our department is enriched by collaborations with over four dozen local, state and Commonwealth government agencies as well as national and overseas organisations. These connections help us keep up to date and relevant in the rapidly changing world of science. The scientific questions explored span a wide range including collaborative research in Biodiversity and Ecology, Marine Biology and Aquaculture, and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. At Flinders University students have access to world-class library and computing facilities and are immersed in a vibrant research environment. The School of Biological Sciences offers an active seminar series, frequent visits from prominent international scientists and an active social scene. The school offers a special training scheme for graduate students, offering a variety of modules and workshops to improve skills in scientific writing, statistics, communication, collaboration, time management, peer review, public engagement and other academic development skills. General Requirements for the Two PhD Positions: As both projects consists of inter-related components and will be conducted over the same study area, the successful candidates will be expected to be able to work independently but also in close collaboration with each other and a team of interdisciplinary researchers. Applicants must enjoy working in a team and be willing to work with and lead small groups of volunteers. Successful candidates will be team-orientated, self-motivated, independent, enthusiastic, hard-working, organized and have strong communication and people skills. The ability to work relatively unsupervised, plan work, achieve results and demonstrate commitment will be looked upon favourably in the selection process. Specific Requirements for the Two PhD Positions: * A bachelor's degree (first-class honours) or graduate (MSc) degree in biology, marine biology, ecology, animal behaviour, conservation or a related field is required. A Master's degree is preferable. * Applicants should have at least one year of experience in collecting and processing ecological data on marine wildlife and a strong background in analytical, quantitative and statistical techniques. * Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Access and experience with GIS software is preferred (for Project 1). * Previous field experience in behavioural observations and photo-identification of dolphins will be looked favourably upon. * Previous lab experience with molecular techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and microsatellite genotyping will be looked favourably upon (for Project 2). * Previous boat handling experience would be advantageous. Application Details: Expressions of Interest must be received no later than 15th of May 2011 and must contain the following (late documents will not be reviewed): 1. A letter of intent specifying your interest in the specific Ph.D. Project 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Two letters of reference, from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your research work and work ethics 4. A transcript of subjects taken and grades obtained. An official transcript is not necessary - a copy is sufficient. Interested applicants in Project # 1 should send applications to Dr. Guido J. Parra (guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au>). Interested applicants in Project # 2 should send applications to Dr. Luciana Möller (luciana.Moller(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:luciana.Moller@flinders.edu.au>). We aim to contact selected applicants within three weeks of receiving your information. Successful applicants will be expected to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship (Australian, New Zealand and Australian permanent residents) or Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (International applicants). For scholarship information, see below: Australian, New Zealand, and Australian permanent residents see Australian Postgraduate Awards (APAs)<http://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships-system/main-display-scholarship-det…> and Faculty of Science and Engineering Research Awards (FSERA)<http://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships-system/main-display-scholarship-det…>: Closing Date: 31-10-2011. Australian, New Zealand, Australian permanent residents or international students who have completed an honours or equivalent qualification at Flinders University no more than three years prior to the application closing date see: Flinders University Research Scholarships (FURS)<http://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships-system/main-display-scholarship-det…>. Closing Date: 31-10-2011. International student (citizen of any overseas country, except New Zealand) applications for scholarships see: International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS).<http://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships-system/main-display-scholarship-det…> Closing Date: 31-08-2011 All the best, Guido and Luciana ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) School of Biological Sciences Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/luciana.moller [cid:image001.gif@01CBFF76.7AE36DA0] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Coastal dolphins & marine blasting, Darwin Harbour, Australia
by Stuart Blanch 19 Apr '11

19 Apr '11

INPEX '99%' ABANDONS PLANS FOR UNDERWATER BLASTING IN DARWIN, AUSTRALIA, TO PROTECT COASTAL DOLPHINS Thanks to those who sent information to me last year, and made a submission, regarding plans by fossil fuel company INPEX to use destructive underwater blasting to remove a rock reef that obstructs a proposed shipping channel Darwin Harbour, Northern Territory, Australia. The blasting threatened three species of coastal dolphins that are resident in the harbour - Australian snubfin, Indo-Pacific humpback and Indo-Pacific bottlenose. The final EIS for their LNG plant released yesterday says the company is confident it can avoid underwater blasting by instead using new cutter suction dredges that can grind away the very dense rock, plus other non-blasting options. Apparently many more such cutter suction dredges with rock grinding apparatus are being built in response to concerns over marine blasting globally. We hope our battle against INPEX's plans for blasting, and their agreement to listen to our concerns, will help set precedent for other ports and marine construction projects in Australia and globally. Unfortunately the company still plans to apply to blast in the 'unlikely' event that these do not remove the densest rock. We will continue to oppose blasting due to its unacceptable risks to marine mammals and wildlife. So the battle is not over yet. Thanks again to those who assisted the Environment Centre NT in keeping our coastal dolphins safe. Final EIS available at http://inpex.com.au/ Some media coverage at: Gas giant's blast off http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/04/20/226451_ntnews.html Inpex steps back from blasting in Darwin harbour http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/19/3195431.htm Dr Stuart Blanch, Director, Environment Centre NT, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, coordinator(a)ecnt.org Stuart Blanch | Coordinator logo_colour_landscape_reverse_layout_signage T (08) 8941 7439 | M 0448 887 303 | E <mailto:communications@ecnt.org> coordinator(a)ecnt.org | W <http://www.ecnt.org/> http://www.ecnt.org/ GPO Box 2120, Darwin NT 0801 | Unit 3/98 Woods Street, Darwin Northern Territory - Australia

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Marine Mammal Rescue Technician Position
by Lindsaye Akhurst 19 Apr '11

19 Apr '11

Marine Mammal Rescue Technician Position - Vancouver Aquarium Job Posting - April 17-May 2, 2011 Seasonal/Casual contract position (June-October) KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES * Provides veterinary care and feeding of marine mammals, medications and laboratory procedures; blood collection, physical exams, administration of medications, fluid administration, wound care) * Assists veterinarian with procedures, taking radiographs, general animal observations. * Participates in research project work. * Ensures day to day rounds are completed and communicated with team; patient observations, follow up, noting any variations and escalating issues. * Maintains administrative records; data entry, reports, phone records etc. * Supervises and trains volunteers, interns and veterinary externs. * Maintains and cleaning of facility. * Provides educational information to general public as needed. * Provides off-site assessment of marine mammals in distress to determine follow up actions. * Releases rehabilitated animals. * Performs additional duties as required. * Continually improves our impact on the environment and greening of operations. * Maintains organizational safety standards. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience * Diploma in Animal Health Technology or equivalent * Minimum 2 years work experience with animals in a care facility hands on; or equivalent volunteer experience. * Marine Mammal experience preferred. Technical Competencies * Valid Driver’s License required * Able to lift 20kg animals * Intermediate MS Office Skills; Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint * Ability to learn new software quickly. * Excellent detailed record keeping skills. * Able to work efficiently with minimal supervision. * Excellent problem solving skills; ability to think quickly under pressure and high stress. * Enthusiastic team player; well developed interpersonal skills * Strong leadership and management skills and abilities. * Active demonstration of the company’s values and code of conduct * Excellent project management and time management skills, with the ability to keep on task with strategic items while managing day-to-day responsibilities * Active demonstration of the company’s values and mission Go to www.vanaqua.org/workthatmatters<http://www.vanaqua.org/workthatmatters> for more information on applying. The Vancouver Aquarium is a global leader in connecting people to our natural world, and a self-supporting, non-profit association dedicated to effecting the conservation of aquatic life through display and interpretation, conservation, education, research, and direct action. Learn more at <http://www.vanaqua.org> www.vanaqua.org<http://www.vanaqua.org/mmr>/mmr www.facebook.com/vammrc<http://www.facebook.com/vammrc> ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING - THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ADDRESSEE, IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT OUR INTERNAL RECORDS. PLEASE THEN DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU

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Wildlife Program Associate Position at Animal Welfare Institute
by Serda Ozbenian 19 Apr '11

19 Apr '11

Wildlife Program Associate The Animal Welfare Institute is seeking a full-time program associate for its terrestrial and marine wildlife programs in its Washington, D.C. headquarters. The successful candidate will be a seasoned campaigner and animal protection advocate with a proven track record in a variety of wildlife issues. Competency in working effectively within national and international forums, and a proficiency in engaging all stakeholders at multiple levels is desired. Effective written and verbal communication skills are essential as well as an ability to manage several projects at once and work with a wide degree of autonomy while adhering closely to AWI's mission. Salary and benefits will be provided commensurate with experience in a non-profit environment. Interested applicants should send a resume, 200-word writing sample, and salary expectations to jobs(a)awionline.org<mailto:jobs@awionline.org>. Closing date May 15, 2010.

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