April 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Photo of Harbour Porpoise
by Rick Harbo 19 Apr '11

19 Apr '11

I'm looking for a good image of a Harbour porpoise, Phocoena phoecena in BC or WA waters, to use in the Newly Revised and Expanded Second Edition of Whelks to Whales. Coastal Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest. You can contact me directly at rharbo(a)shaw.ca thanks Rick Harbo Marine Visions Ltd. Nanaimo, BC.

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Expansion of bycatch.org, a website for bycatch information
by Katherine McClellan 19 Apr '11

19 Apr '11

www.bycatch.org: A Clearinghouse of Resources on Bycatch Mitigation The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction is excited to announce the launch of our new, expanded website: www.bycatch.org. The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction is a science-industry partnership that consists of the New England Aquarium, Blue Water Fishermen's Association, Duke University, Maine Lobstermen's Association, and University of New Hampshire. The Consortium supports collaborative research between scientists and the fishing industry to identify practical bycatch reduction solutions for threatened or endangered species. The website features: * A searchable database of references and summaries from bycatch reduction studies * Search by a species of interest, fishing gear, or mitigation technique and view related studies and their effectiveness for reducing bycatch and maintaining target catch * Bycatch research and resources * Bycatch related news and events We hope you will find this website useful, Kate McClellan Assistant Scientist II Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction New England Aquarium Central Wharf, Boston MA 02110 617.226.2217

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Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA)
by info＠mmo-association.org 19 Apr '11

19 Apr '11

ANNOUNCEMENT The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) is a membership based association with the aim of bringing together and representing individuals who work commercially and professionally as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operators who implement mitigation measures to protect marine life during industry operations. The MMOA also provides information to other individuals that have an interest in MMO issues. The MMOA is pleased to announce the launch of a new website: http://www.mmo-association.org The MMOA wishes to invite professional MMOs and PAM operators to sign up as full members of the Association. The MMOA also wishes to invite other interested individuals who may have an interest in MMO issues or MMOs who, at present, do not qualify for full membership to sign up as Associate Members. Details of Full and Associate Memberships are outlined below. To sign up to the Association please go to www.mmo-association.org and then click on the Sign Up button at the top of the Home Page. FULL MEMBERSHIP (£70 per year) Individuals with a demonstrated level of experience, skills and qualifications to enable them to work in a mitigation role as MMOs or PAM Operators are invited to exchange knowledge and contribute their considered thoughts and concerns as Full Members. Full Members are expected to be able to: Provide evidence of having worked as a professional MMO and/or PAM Operator implementing mitigation measures during industry operations on at least two occasions in the last five years. Provide evidence of any completed MMO and/or PAM training. Provide evidence of recent personal development in marine mammal identification and behaviour whether this was during other employment (i.e. during fisheries work) or outside of any professional commitments (e.g. voluntary surveys / guiding, holidays whale-watching, organising boat trips to see marine mammals etc.). Alternatively, persons without other experience but who have worked for 20 weeks or more in a mitigation role as an MMO and /or PAM operator will qualify as having relevant experience. Adhere to the MMOA's Code of Professional Conduct. Pay a subscription fee, on acceptance. The main benefits to Full Members will be: The opportunity to share your knowledge and experience. Opportunity to influence the future development of the profession. The benefit of a professional code of conduct. Access to the MMO Forum resources and Information Directory. Recognition as a serious-minded MMO and listed in the online Membership Directory. Full voting rights on the direction of MMOA. Acceptance as a Full Member will allow access to a personal profile page. Here members can create their MMO Association Curriculum Vitae using the online template. This can be saved as a pdf file or printed by each member. On the personal profile page members will also have access to the MMO Forum and the Information Directory. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (£30 per year) Other interested parties (such as students, prospective MMOs or PAM Operators, newly qualified MMOs or PAM Operators, company employees with an interest in MMO issues, etc.) are invited to join as Associate Members. The main benefits to the Associate Members will be: Input to the Association's aims and objectives. Access to the Information Directory. Invitation to comment on MMO issues. Acceptance as an Associate Member will allow access to a personal profile page. Here members will have access to the Information Directory and also be able to make comments regarding MMO issues. Associate Members will not be eligible to stand for the MMOA Committee, nor are voting rights conferred. CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP We would also welcome corporate sponsorship to help us achieve the aims and objectives of the MMOA. Corporate sponsors will have their company logo displayed on our website. If you are interested in sponsorship please email the MMOA at info(a)mmo-association.org We welcome your applications. Please email info(a)mmo-association.org if you have any problems during the sign up process. Regards The MMOA Steering Committee The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) Communications House 26 York Street London W1U 6PZ Email: info(a)mmo-association.org Website: www.mmo-association.org

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Seeking assistants for dolphin research, Australia
by Kate Sprogis 19 Apr '11

19 Apr '11

SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS FOR THE SOUTH WEST MARINE RESEARCH PROGRAM, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Program: The South West Marine Research Program is a long-term, multi-faceted project on the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins of South West Australia. This program is based in Bunbury (south of Perth) and is a collaboration between Murdoch University and numerous industry and non-profit partners. The research, of PhD and masters students, focuses on dolphin population dynamics, abundance, social structure and behaviour, habitat use, conservation genetics and foraging ecology. http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ PhD Outline: Here, I am seeking research interns to assist on a project focussing on population dynamics and predictive habitat modelling of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Bunbury. Long term data will be used to investigate population dynamics and habitat use, in order to aid in future conservation and management efforts. Field work is conducted from Busselton to Mandurah but is focused mainly around Bunbury within a 120km2 area consisting of coastal beaches, inshore bays, estuarine inlets and a river. Using a rigid sampling design, this research is conducted year round via standardised line transect surveys (up to 5nm offshore) from a small research vessel. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology, population biology or marine science. http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/kate_sprogis.html Supervisors: Dr Lars Bejder (Murdoch University), Prof. Ken Pollock (Murdoch University), Dr Halina Kobryn (Murdoch University), Dr Dave Johnston (Duke University, North Carolina) and Dr Randy Wells (Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Florida). Office: Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, South West Marine Research Program Office based at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. http://www.dolphindiscovery.com.au/ Duties: Field: spotting wildlife, data collection, boat driving, photo identification Office: Data entry, fin matching, project organisation Computer programs used for data are: FinBase, ArcGIS, ACDSee, Logger, Microsoft Access, Excel and Word. Time Period: Seeking skilled research assistants to commence in May 2011 or anytime between 2011-2013. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime (five days a week) for a minimum of two months. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Western Australia and living expenses. Please note, the Bunbury backpackers provide good discounts for assistants of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Assistants should: Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. Fieldwork will vary between weekdays and weekends. When the weather permits fieldwork could be long and on consecutive days. Preferred skills/traits:PRE 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field. 2. Previous field experience with wildlife (field data collection, photo-identification, boat handling skills). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented and have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in wildlife science. If you are interested in volunteering or interning, please provide a short CV and a cover letter to the attention of Kate Sprogis (k.sprogis(a)murdoch.edu.au) Kate Sprogis, BMarSt 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 www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/kate_sprogis.html <http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/kate_sprogis.html> www.katesprogisphotography.com

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6th Triennial Conference on Secondary Adaptation of Tetrapods to Life in Water San Diego June 6-10, 2011
by Annalisa Berta 18 Apr '11

18 Apr '11

This email serves as a second notice and reminder for the Sixth Triennial Conference on Secondary Adaptation of Tetrapods to Life in Water, June 6-10, 2011, San Diego, CA. If you have registered all ready, you should have received an email confirmation, and you can disregard this message. Please note that the early registration, abstract submission, and on-campus (dormitory) lodging accommodation deadline is April 1, 2011 (two weeks from this Friday). Be aware that you must register for the meeting in order to reserve on-campus lodging accommodations. If you plan to stay on the San Diego State University campus, please sign-up for those accommodations at the same time that you register (you will be asked to pay for a second registration if you return at a later date). Registration and abstract submission for the conference is at the following web address (register online): http://www.sdnhm.org/satlw/ The conference is open to all scientists (student and non-student alike) who are engaged in research on tetrapods that are secondarily adapted to life in the water. At the conference website (http://www.sdnhm.org/satlw/) you will be able to register for the conference, reserve on-campus (dormitory) lodging accommodations, and submit an abstract (for either an oral or poster presentation). The deadline for each of those activities is April 1, 2011 (the registration fee increases after that date). Information for off-campus lodging options can be found on the website, as well, but those arrangements must be made on your own. Additional information will be sent to registrants as the conference approaches. If you have questions or require more information, please contact a member of the San Diego host committee – Annalisa Berta (aberta(a)sunstroke.sdsu.edu) Tom Deméré (tdemere(a)sdnhm.org) and Eric Ekdale (eekdale(a)sdnhm.org) We all look forward to seeing you in June! Sincerely, Eric G. Ekdale Postdoctoral Research Fellow Department of Paleontology San Diego Natural History Museum "Your Nature Connection" Phone: 619.255.0301 Website: http://www.sdnhm.org Email: eekdale(a)sdnhm.org Mailing Address: P.O. Box 121390, San Diego, CA 92112-1390, USA Street Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

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Fall 2011 Internship with the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Laboratory
by Shauna Mcbride 18 Apr '11

18 Apr '11

The Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab<http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/>at the University of Southern Mississippi offers an internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates. There are three available internship periods each year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Interns work on research projects being conducted by faculty members and graduate students, and will gain experience in both behavioral and acoustic data collection and analyses. Specific experiences depend on the research projects that are ongoing at the time of the internship. Fall 2011 Internship: The primary research being conducted at this time involves field surveys and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins in Mississippi Sound. Applications are due June 1st. Anticipated start date is in late August and will last until approximately mid-December. This internship is an unpaid voluntary position, and interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing. Interns are also required to receive college credit for the internship; enrollment may be with The University of Southern Mississippi or an academic institution of their choice. Students interested in applying for the internship are required to send: - Completed application<http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/MMCBL%20Website/Internship%20Application%20Fo…> - CV - Personal statement describing your career goals, reason(s) for wanting the internship, and what you expect to contribute to and gain from the internship - Unofficial or official copy of your transcripts - At least two letters of recommendation (preferably from those who can attest to your academic and scientific abilities) *International applicants have a more intensive application process and are required to obtain a visa if selected. Please contact the intern coordinator for more information. All materials should be sent to the internship coordinator: Shauna McBride Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Internship Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025 Materials may arrive separately or together, all materials must be postmarked by the pertinent deadline: Fall - June 1st; Spring - November 1st; Summer - March 1st Please direct all information requests and related materials to Shauna McBride at shauna.mcbride(a)eagles.usm.edu . -- Shauna McBride MA/PhD Student,Internship Coordinator Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Laboratory Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025

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Marine Mammal Observer/ Marine Fauna Observer course 2nd to 4th May 2011 Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 17 Apr '11

17 Apr '11

Scanning Ocean Sectors are holding a JNCC APPROVED Marine Mammal Observer/Marine Fauna Observer (MMO/MFO) course in Queensland at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) 161 Old Maryborough Road Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia Phone: 1800 675 287 MAP on following link: http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&pq=usq&xhr=t&cp=7&rlz=1B3GGGL_enAU355A… The dates for the MMO Course 2nd to the 4th May 2011 Please register at the Scanning Ocean Sectors website http://www.scanningoceansectors.org/training-courses/mmo-register/ immediately if you wish to attend the course, we are holding open the standard registration price for the course as the course date was changed. If you also require your BOSIET/TBOSIET or seaworthy medical please book this through IFAP training centre (Please note all persons wishing to do the BOSIET course need to have a medical first) http://www.ifap.asn.au/ We look forward to seeing you on this course in Hervey Bay, Queensland Scanning Ocean Sectors – Is a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee – JNCC, recognised course for industry and research. This course will cover all aspects of data recording for Australian waters and legislation from the EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 Scanning Ocean Sectors have years of research behind the EFFECTIVE training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. With fully trained and experienced MMOs facilitating. Our training is to ensure INDUSTRY gets the MMOs they require, that they are PROFESSIONALLY trained, EFFCIENT and EFFECTIVE in the job, and prepared for all necessary actions. Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the *quality standard * of the MMO industry is gaining. -- Yvonne Miles *Managing Director* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* M (UK): 07905 021631 M (OZ): 0431 824 063 yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org www.marinemammaljobs.com

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FW: Volunteers needed for Western Channel and Celtic Sea survey
by Tom Brereton Marinelife 17 Apr '11

17 Apr '11

Apologies for any cross posting Hi All, Volunteer cetacean and seabird survey opportunity: Western Channel, Celtic Sea and Bay of Biscay 18th May to 9th June 2011 Some exciting new just in. Two volunteer places are available for a 3 week survey of the Western Channel, Celtic Sea and the northern Bay of Biscay. >From the food-rich waters at the mouth of the Loire Estuary off the Brittany Coast out to the edge of the continental shelf off south west Ireland, this epic voyage is likely to deliver an excellent variety of marine wildlife. Cetacean species likely to be encountered include White-beaked Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin, Minke Whale, Long-finned Pilot Whale and Fin Whale, with Humpback Whale and White-sided Dolphin also possibilities. Migratory seabirds encountered are likely to include Cory's Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater, Pomarine Skua and Long-tailed Skua. You will join and have opportunity to learn from a multidisciplinary team carrying out pelagic fish and plankton surveys and collecting oceanographic data. There will also be the opportunity to contribute to analyses linking mammals and seabirds sightings to prey availability. Details: Departure Date: 10:00am 18th May 2011 Return Date: 9th June 2011 Port: Lowestoft All meals will be provided for you onboard the ship; specific dietary requirements can be catered for (please specify in your application). Your bunk will have a bed, en-suite bathroom, TV, desk and internet access - towels and bedding will be provided. You will also have access to the lounge room and gym for use in your spare time. In some circumstances, Marinelife may help in providing support for travel expenses to/from Lowestoft. Requirements: . Experienced in cetacean and/or seabird identification at sea. . A valid ENG1 medical certificate. (see www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga-mgn264.pdf and http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/workingatsea/mcga-medicalcertandadvice /mcga-ml5-medicalinfo/mcga-approved-docs-list.htm ) . Personal Sea Survival Certificate (Sea survival training is possible prior to departure - e.g. on Thursdays in Lowestoft). All marine animal data collected by you during this trip will also contribute directly towards Marinelife's CHARM III Channel Marine Mammal & Seabird Survey - please visit: <http://www.marine-life.org.uk> www.marine-life.org.uk and <http://marinelife-charm3.blogspot.com/> http://marinelife-charm3.blogspot.com/ for more details. If you would like to join the research team as a Marine Mammal & Seabird Surveyor, please email <mailto:tom.brereton@marine-life.org.uk> tom.brereton(a)marine-life.org.uk including a CV or brief summary of experience. I look forward to hearing from you. Tom Brereton tom.brereton (at) marine-life.org.uk Research Director Marinelife

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CALL FOR PAPERS
by michael belanger 15 Apr '11

15 Apr '11

Hi Everyone The Editors of the Journal of Marine Animals and Their Environment (JMATE) are inviting articles (scientific, reviews, letters or comments) for consideration for publication. Topics can range from but not limited to physiology, ecology, conservation, population studies, management, and rehabilitation. SUPPLEMENTAL ISSUE: The JMATE Editors are especially interested in creating a supplemental issue focusing on any topic dealing with cetaceans. This supplement would be published in the December (2011) issue of JMATE. JMATE is a peer reviewed electronic journal focused on issues related to the protection, conservation, rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals and their environment. The goal of the journal is to increase the interest and the exchange of ideas and knowledge with in these rapidly growing areas of marine animals and their ecology. *mailto:getus@oers.ca* <getus(a)oers.ca>The broad and diverse topics should be of interest to scientists, biologists, managers, rehabilitation specialists, veterinarians, and the general public. There are no costs for submitting to or publishing in JMATE. Instructions for Authors and previous issues of JMATE can be downloaded, free of charge, at: *www.oers.ca/journal/journal.html*<http://www.oers.ca/journal/journal.html>

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Veterinary Internship, Mystic Aquarium
by Tuttle, Allison 15 Apr '11

15 Apr '11

Veterinary Internship / Research Opportunities at Mystic Aquarium With the assistance of both external and in-house funding, the Department of Animal Care of Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., is sponsoring a one-year Veterinary Internship in Aquatic Animal Medicine and Research. Applicants for the internship should be graduates of an AVMA-accredited veterinary college or ECFVG certified. All applicants should have successfully passed the NAVLE. Preference will be given to applicants with graduate degrees and/or postgraduate clinical experience in a practice or internship setting. Entry level familiarity with ultrasound, radiology, and endoscopy systems is expected. The stipend for the position is expected to be $26,000 per annum plus benefits. The successful applicant will assist the veterinary, research, and husbandry staffs in the diagnosis and treatment of medical cases from the Aquarium's extensive collection of invertebrates, fresh and saltwater fishes, reptiles, amphibians, penguins, seals, sea lions, and beluga whales. In addition the intern will participate in our rescue, rehabilitation, and release program for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Collateral opportunities at cooperating area academic, government, and private industry laboratories as well as zoos are possible and encouraged. The intern will have an opportunity to develop teaching skills by his/her involvement in the Aquarium's veterinary externship program and at informal seminars and college lectures. The intern will be expected to pursue one or more clinical or research interests and to prepare the results for presentation to our staff and at an appropriate professional meeting as well as for publication in the peer reviewed literature. Past interns have gone on to acceptance into well-recognized graduate/residency programs or employment in the field of aquatic, comparative, or zoological medicine. Applicants should submit the following material to: Allison D. Tuttle, DVM, Diplomate ACZM Staff Veterinarian & Director of Animal Care Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc. 55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT 06355 Email: atuttle(a)mysticaquarium.org<mailto:atuttle@mysticaquarium.org> 1. A current transcript from the veterinary school and any post-baccalaureate program which he/she has attended. 2. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic performance and his/her potential in the clinical and research arenas. At least two of the letters must be written by a veterinarian. 3. A cover letter/statement reflecting the applicant's goals in the area of aquatic animal medicine and research. 4. A current curriculum vitae Potential applicants who will be in the southern New England area are encouraged to contact us for a tour of our facilities and a chance to meet with our staff. All application materials must be received prior to 01 May 2011, with a decision being made by May 15, 2011. The internship period will extend approximately from 13 June 2011 through 30 June 2012- the schedule may or may not be flexible to suit individual needs. With prior agreement by both parties an additional year in the program may be possible. Additional information may be obtained by calling Dr. Tuttle at 860-572-5955 X101, or by e-mail at atuttle(a)mysticaquarium.org<mailto:atuttle@mysticaquarium.org>. A general orientation to our facility and programs can be obtained by viewing our web page http://www.mysticaquarium.org<http://www.mysticaquarium.org/>. Mystic is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. Allison D. Tuttle, DVM, Diplomate ACZM Staff Veterinarian & Director of Animal Care 860.572.5955 X 101; fax: 860.572.5972 www.mysticaquarium.org<http://www.mysticaquarium.org/> [Description: MA_Email] P Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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