April 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Tursiops' head pictures needed
by BOYE Martin 09 Apr '11

09 Apr '11

Dear colleagues, We are actively in search of underwater (or through a glass window) pictures of bottlenose dolphins for a newly-developed research program. We would need from each individual: - profile (left and right if possible) view - frontal view. Both should be as accurate as possible (90° and 180°) We already succeeded here in getting some accurate side and frontal views by using the continuous shooting mode but would need more pictures. Technical information - As many males as possible - Landscape format - Jpeg in high definition - Jaws as closed as possible - ID when possible Your contribution will be credited and we cannot emphasize enough how helpful your participation would be. If you need any further information please contact me directly to martin.boye(a)planetesauvage.com<mailto:martin.boye@planetesauvage.com> Thank you for your help, Best regards from the french Atlantic coast, ------------------------ Planète Sauvage Scientific Team

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Abstract Deadline Extended- Acoustic Communication in Animals Symposium
by Aaron N. Rice 08 Apr '11

08 Apr '11

Apologies for cross-postings.... *ABSTRACT DEADLINE EXTENDED* 3rd Symposium on Acoustic Communication by Animals *Due to uncertainties resulting from the U.S. Federal Budget process, the deadline for submission of abstracts has been extended for two weeks, to APRIL 22, 2011, at midnight.* Information on abstract submittal and registration can be found at: http://www.certain.com/system/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x1052734ea24

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Heroes in Marine Mammal Science Video Project
by SMM Video Night 08 Apr '11

08 Apr '11

Aloha MARMAMals The team organizing the 19th Biennial Conference on Marine Mammalogy is busy working hard to bring about another great conference later this year. We are planning on maintaining the tradition of hosting a video night so that those researching and working with marine mammals can showcase their work or wild experiences they have captured on video. However, we are trying to come up with ways to reinvent and reinvigorate video night. We also want to find a way that we can use video night to garner more attention for the incredible research and conservation efforts that are occurring in the field of marine mammal science. With those goals in mind we have conceived the “*Heroes in Marine Mammal Science Video Project*”. *What is the project?* We are hoping to collect short video “diaries” of marine mammal research and conservation projects that are occurring around the world. We want the stories to be told in the researchers own words and through their own eyes. We are working on getting up to 10 GoPro Hero Cams donated to this project. These small, compact, waterproof high-definition cameras can be attached to helmets, bikes, boats, poles, almost anything. Society members will use the cameras record the work they are doing and interview themselves answering a series of scripted questions that give insight into the researchers and their mission. If you already have archived footage you can still participate. We would just need you to provide the footage and conduct your own self-interview. We are hoping that this small “documentary” will be of interest for the various media events that occur around the conference and will help gain international attention for the work being done within the Society. *How can you participate?* If you are interested in possibly participating in the project please email us at smmconferencevideo AT gmail.com (please insert @ in place of the AT). Provide us with the following: - Your name - The species you work with - Your research or conservation topic - Geographic Area - Whether or not you will provide new or archival footage - If new footage, when your field season will be for which you will need the camera (please be as precise as possible).** We will be contacting participants shortly with greater details. *Please submit your request to participate by April 29, 2011.* We want to emphasize, that if you are sent a video camera you must be timely in conducting the work and passing the camera on. A single camera will be used for multiple projects so we would like the cameras to be sent to the next researcher within 2 weeks. * * *How and when can you submit footage?* We will be setting up an ftp site or other mechanism to assist video delivery. We will update participants as soon as everything is finalized. Lastly, even if you do not wish to participate in this project, we hope you will share any recommendations on how video night can be improved. Recommendations can be sent to the same email address: smmconferencevideo AT gmail.com Thank you and looking forward to seeing you all in Tampa. *REMEMBER TO SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE BY APRIL 29, 2011.* Cheers, Ari F. and Charles L. P.S. Information for submitting videos for the traditional portion of video night will be posted later this summer.

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2011 Belize Field Course - New Dates for Late Summer!
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 07 Apr '11

07 Apr '11

Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation of Antillean Manatees, Bottlenose Dolphins & Hawksbill Turtles in the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon System: A Unique Experiential Learning Field Course in Belize, Central America Dates: 30 July – 12 August 2011 (inclusive of travel) Website: http://sirenian.org/2011FieldCourse.html PI & Co-PI: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.(1, 2) & Katie S. LaCommare, Ph.D.(1, 3, 4) Visiting Scientist: Heather J. Kalb, Ph.D. (5) Location: Drowned Cayes, Belize, Host: Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge http://belizeadventurelodge.com (passport required) + secondary field site TBA Want to learn more about Marine Biology? Interested in Marine Mammals, Animal Behavior, Ecology, or Conservation Biology? Join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of animal behavior, ecology & conservation, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds in Belize! Course Overview: This is a total immersion, experiential learning field course where you will live, work, and study from a marine science field station on a pristine, private island within the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon System. Data collected during the course will contribute to our long-term manatee & dolphin research project established in 1998. You will learn through a variety of learning activities, literature review and discussion, independent and team projects, and actual field research. Be prepared to rise with the sun and spend 8-10 hours outdoors, including 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the tropical Caribbean environment as we explore a maze of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, coral patches, and the Belize Barrier Reef. Extra-curricular activities are included: (1) diving or snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll, and (2) exploring an ancient Maya City. Additional, optional SCUBA dives are available as time and weather permits, but additional costs are involved. Note: You do not need to have your SCUBA certification to enroll in this course. Optional Credit Hours: The course provides 100 experiential learning and lecture hours in the field, plus approximately 35 hours of pre- field reading, research, and preparation; approximately 50 of the 135 total hours include direct instruction by faculty. This is comparable to a 3 credit hour university course and meets the US DOE criteria in 34 CFR, SS600.2. You must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and Dr. Self-Sullivan for credit to be earned through your home university. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill any study abroad requirements of your school. This course is divided into 4 major components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~3 hours per day), project development & implementation (~2 hours per day), presentation of pre-field research (~1 hour per day), and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hour per day). Deadlines: Early registration & and deposit due May 1st, 2011; regular registration & deposit due June 1st, 2011; balance due July 1st, 2011. Late registration (after July 1st--if space available) incurs a $100 late fee. Minimum/Maximum Class Size: 8-24 students Costs: $2995 includes all expenses for lodging, meals, field trips, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees; DOES NOT include airfare, books, restaurant/bar/dive/tour tips, or credit hour fees. Up to two (2) $500 Scholarships are available for students from low-income countries. Recruit a Friend! Email caryns(a)sirenian.org or call 540.287.8207 to learn about registration discounts for groups of two (2) or more students! Deadlines: Regular Registration & $500 Deposit Due 1 June 2011; Balance Due 1 July 2011 Registration Form: http://sirenian.org/2011BelizeRegistration.pdf Detailed Syllabus: http://sirenian.org/2011BelizeSyllabus.pdf Policy & Liability Form: http://sirenian.org/2011BelizePolicy.pdf Recruit a Friend Flyer: http://sirenian.org/2011BelizeFlyer.pdf Download a Complete Field Expedition Briefing (9MB): http://sirenian.org/2011BelizeBriefing.pdf ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Contact Dr. C: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. at caryns(a)sirenian.org or 540.287.8207 Visit our Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=370432825564 Faculty Affiliations: 1. Sirenian International, 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 2. Nova Southeastern University, Fischler School of Education, Oceanographic Center, North Miami, Florida 3. University of Massachusetts-Boston, Department of Biology 4. Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan 5. West Liberty University, Department of Biology, Wheeling, West Virginia Posted by: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. Consultant: Animal Behavior & Conservation Primary Email: caryns(a)sirenian.org Mailing Address: 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-2110 Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 888.371.4998 Adjunct Faculty, Nova Southeastern University NSU Email: cs1733(a)nova.edu http://www.fischlerschool.nova.edu/ http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ President & Co-founder, Sirenian International, Inc. http://sirenian.org/caryn.html Join me in Belize this summer! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=370432825564 http://www.sirenian.org/2011FieldCourse.html

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IMCC2 Focus Group Invitation: Marine-Based Human Wildlife Conflict: Moving towards Best Practices
by Megan Draheim 06 Apr '11

06 Apr '11

Dear Colleagues, The Human-Wildlife Conflict Collaboration (HWCC) is soliciting interest and potential invitees for a focus group to explore lessons learned and best practices in addressing marine-based human-wildlife conflict, to be held on Sunday May 15th at the IMCC in Victoria, BC. While there is limited space, we hope to attract and will structure invitations to ensure a diverse group of practitioners and leaders in the marine conservation field. Please read the background information below and contact us at mdraheim(a)gmu.edu if you are interested in joining this group. In your email, please include your name, affiliation, years of experience, specialization, current projects, if applicable, and expectations for the session. A list of your relevant publications (if any) would also be helpful. We look forward to meeting and working with as many of you as possible! Francine Madden, Executive Director, Human-Wildlife Conflict Collaboration (HWCC) Megan Draheim, Research Fellow, HWCC, and PhD Candidate, George Mason University Background: While human-wildlife conflict (HWC) has long been recognized as a serious conservation threat within the terrestrial conservation biology community, there have been few opportunities for the sharing of lessons learned and best practices, both between the terrestrial and marine communities as well as cross-taxonomically within the marine community. HWC has classically been defined as a situation where wildlife impacts humans negatively (physically, economically, or psychologically), and where humans likewise negatively impact wildlife, but there is growing consensus in the HWC community that the conflict between people about wildlife is as much a part of HWC as is the conflict between people and wildlife (www.humanwildlifeconflict.org ). HWC not only affects the conservation of one species in a certain geographic area, but also impacts a community’s desire to support conservation programs in general. This focus group facilitated by leaders from the Human-Wildlife Conflict Collaboration (HWCC) will engage leading marine conservationists in a dialogue to 1) identify commonalities across the spectrum of marine conflict issues facing the marine community, 2) share lessons learned and 3) map a path for both developing and sharing best practices in effective conflict prevention and resolution. This focus group will result in a review paper on marine-based human- wildlife conflict that will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. The paper will focus on the current state of marine-based human- wildlife conflict, underlying similarities between situations, and potential solutions.

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Biological Scientist Position
by Sarah Bechdel 06 Apr '11

06 Apr '11

Please post the following. Please do NOT respond to sbechdel(a)hboi.fau.edu. Please use this link for who to contact for more information or how to apply: jobs.fau.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=55093 HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institute At Florida Atlantic University Job Description Position: HBOI Biological Scientist Prepared by: Greg O'Corry-Crowe Program Lead Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology Issue Date: 02/01/11 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES: Participates in multi-disciplinary research projects that involve the application of photo-ID and GIS-based analysis to assessments of marine mammal status, ecology, and behavior in Florida waters. The scientist is expected to create and maintain systems that link multi-field databases to the mapping and analysis of geospatial data, and to pursue the research needs of the Program with direct guidance from the immediate supervisor. Time allocation 1. Spatial analysis, GIS mapping (20%) 2. Database development and maintenance (20%) 3. Marine mammal photo-ID, boat-based surveys and photo analysis (60%) REPORTS TO: Program Lead DUTIES: Describe functions in terms of outcomes/results rather than method used or how a job is normally accomplished. *ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS of the job: 1. Conducts research on projects approved by the supervisor, with minimal supervision. This will involve both computer and fieldwork. 2. Summarizes progress, analyses and experimental results in the form of regular detailed reports. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS essential to the satisfactory performance of the functions of the position, or other characteristics which have not otherwise been described in the position description: Job involves frequent standing. Also involves occasional walking, sitting, bending and using a computer and other electronic equipment. Requires ability to swim and participate in small-boat work. Work is performed in an internal (lab, office) environment ca. 70% of the time, and an external environment (field, at sea) ca. 30% of the time. REQUIREMENTS: 1. B.Sc., M.Sc. preferred, in Biological sciences specializing in field ecology with skills in GIS and spatial analysis. 2. Expertise in latest GIS technology, including ESRI-Arc software, necessary 3. Expertise in database development, including Microsoft Access, necessary 4. Expertise in photography preferred 5. Small boat operation skills preferred 6. A willingness to learn new techniques and/or applications, to complete individual assignments in an efficient and timely manner, and to work as a team member is expected. *Note: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), identify essential functions of a job required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests for reasonable accommodations to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration. **Note: For purposes of ADA, these functions are marginal only to individuals covered under the ADA who are unable to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation because of a covered disability. Please use this link for how to apply: jobs.fau.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=55093

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Scotland Dolphin and Seal Centre Co-ordinator Job Available
by Alice Mayne 06 Apr '11

06 Apr '11

Dolphin and Seal Centre Co-ordinators (Job share covering 7 days a week) 40 hours p/w £15,500 pro rata depending on experience WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. WDCS has two busy wildlife centres in Scotland where visitors can take part in the daily activity of watching for the Moray Firth dolphins, find out about their lives and learn about the wildlife of the area. WDCS is looking for two committed and enthusiastic Centre Co-ordinators to co-ordinate the day to day running of their popular North Kessock Dolphin and Seal Centre. This is a seasonal role June to end September, working 5 in 7 days, you will be expected to work weekends. You will be supported by volunteers and the WDCS Wildlife Centre team at Spey Bay. You will be experienced in retail and customer services. Experience in interpretation and wildlife tourism would be advantageous but not essential as training will be given. CLOSING DATE: 20th April 2011 Interviews: 27th April 2011 Application forms and full job descriptions from: www.wdcs.org/jobs<http://www.wdcs.org/jobs>. Send completed forms to hr(a)wdcs.org<mailto:hr@wdcs.org> writing NK1104 in the subject line Or telephone +44 (0)1249 449555 CVs will not be accepted and No Agencies, Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

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Coastal Marine Biology and Geology of Alaska Course/Internship
by Michelle Cortez 06 Apr '11

06 Apr '11

ALASKA FIELD EXPERIENCE THROUGH TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON Summer 2011Course Name: COASTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND GEOLOGY OF ALASKACourse Number: MARB/MARS 415, MARB/MARS 615 or as an INTERNSHIPSession dates: June 1-12; June 15-June 26; June 29-July 10; July 13-24; July 27- Aug 7.INSTRUCTORS: DRS. RANDALL DAVIS AND TIM DELLAPENNAPlease contact Dr. Davis at (281) 250-7839 (davisr(a)tamug.edu) for more information.Travel to south-central Alaska for this three credit hour field course or internship. For 12 days, students will live and study at the remote Alice Cove Research Station located along the shores of Prince William Sound. Students will learn about the marine biology and geology of this area and participate in research on sea otter behavioral ecology. An overland day trip will be made to explore the Copper River Delta and visit the Childs and Sheridan Glaciers. There are no prerequisites. Field course fee is $2,000, airfare to Anchorage and Cordova not included. You do not need to be a student at Texas A&M University to register for an internship.

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Passive Acoustic Monitoring - Training Course
by Fiona Skilbeck 05 Apr '11

05 Apr '11

The use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is becoming an increasingly important tool in both marine mammal research and applied in industry. It is important that individuals using any passive acoustic monitoring software are properly trained to use the software to maximise its full potential. Feedback from users is also important in the ongoing development of such software. PAMGUARD is currently funded by the OGP E&P Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Program, and has been established to address the fundamental limitations of existing cetacean passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) software capabilities. PAMGUARD seeks to provide open-source PAM software based on a platform-independent (e.g. Windows or Linux), flexible, modular architecture. The open-source aspect of software development is facilitated through the project's presence on SourceForge, where a community of altruistic developers provides extra resources. This community currently includes developers with proven PAM experience from both the UK and the USA. Open development means that the software is free and access to the code is easy and assured. It also allows the code's copyright to be protected in perpetuity so that it cannot readily be closed and commercialised to the detriment of its users. It ultimately means that more people have access for development. This generally speeds up innovations and improves the performance and maintainability of the code. SMRU Ltd are running a PAMGUARD Training course on the 12th and 13th May in St Andrews, Scotland. This course will be lead by Dr Doug Gillespie of St Andrews University, one of the principle architects of the PAMGuard software. If you are interested in attending the course, then please see the PAMGuard website for further details: http://www.pamguard.org/training.shtml or email info(a)smru.co.uk Fiona Fiona Skilbeck Office Manager SMRU Limited Scottish Oceans Institute New Technology Centre North Haugh ST ANDREWS Fife KY16 9SR T: + 44 (0)1334 479100 F: + 44 (0)1334 477878 E: fas(a)smru.co.uk W: www.smru.co.uk <http://www.smru.co.uk/> http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk <http://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk> P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU LIMITED is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: 296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ.

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Dolphins and coastal fisheries within a marine protected area: mismatch between dolphin occurrence and reported depredation
by Giovanni Bearzi 04 Apr '11

04 Apr '11

The following article has become available online: Dolphins and coastal fisheries within a marine protected area: mismatch between dolphin occurrence and reported depredation Giovanni Bearzi, Silvia Bonizzoni, Joan Gonzalvo Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems (2011) DOI: 10.1002/aqc.1179 ABSTRACT 1. Dolphins are often blamed for reducing fisheries catches and may be killed in retaliation. Depredation of fishing gear in coastal Mediterranean waters is normally caused by bottlenose dolphins. Economic impact, however, may be modest even within areas of reportedly acute conflict. 2. Boat surveys and interviews were conducted to investigate dolphin occurrence and interactions with fisheries within the 167 km2 Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area (MPA) in southern Italy. Based on 69 interviews with fishermen using bottom-set trammel and gill nets, there was reportedly a high occurrence of depredation by bottlenose dolphins. Depredation was reported by 92% of the fishermen operating in or near the MPA, and 67% of them claimed an economic cost in excess of €1000 per year, with a mean reported cost of €2561: a higher impact than in other Mediterranean studies. 3. According to local fishermen, dolphin occurrence and depredation peaked in spring and autumn, coincident with the study's surveys at sea. Dedicated visual surveys totalling 1255 km of effort, however, resulted in no encounters with cetaceans. Information from interviews and boat surveys was therefore contradictory, suggesting that reports of acute depredation do not imply a constant presence of dolphins within the MPA. 4. While depredation in the MPA might be caused by wide-ranging dolphins or incursions occurring overnight, damage may well be overestimated or over-reported. As local fishermen had previously benefited from subsidies, interviews made during this study could be perceived by some as an opportunity to influence future decision-making regarding monetary compensation for the impact of depredation. 5. Evidence from interviews also indicated that species and factors other than dolphins were responsible for part of the damage. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site (subscribers only): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.1179/abstract <http://tinyurl.com/4hmzyvb> or from me: giovanni.bearzi(a)gmail.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. http://www.dolphinbiology.org/staff/giovanni_bearzi.htm

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