May 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Give a book to - or buy one for - the VAQUITA
by morten joergensen 18 May '11

18 May '11

Dear MARMAM'ers in Denmark/Scandinavia: As you will have noticed, VIVA Vaquita! through Tom Jefferson recently posted a message about collecting and re-distributing books, journals etc - for the good of the Vaquita. I repeat the major part of the text below. I would like to establish the same on a local Danish/Scandinavian level. Contact me at mortenmojo(a)hotmail.com or on the below listed address / telephone number if you live in Scandinavia or nearby and have marine mammal related books, journals, films, posters etc. that you would like to donate. I shall then spearhead the effort to collect, list, sell and re-distribute the material, letting all proceeds go towards the same goals as listed below in Tom's text through the same channels - VIVA Vaquita! Tak, tak, tack, kiitos, danke, thanks. Morten Jorgensen, Broagergade 1, 3.th., 1672 Kobenhavn V, DK - Denmark, Tel: (+45) 22902811 *** VIVA Vaquita! is seeking donations or sales of books, reprints, and scientific journals on marine mammals. Our intent is to collect literature that may not be in use anymore, and distribute it to colleagues who can most effectively put it to use. The money raised from this effort will be used directly in research, conservation, and public awareness efforts directed at the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), seen by most as the Worlds most endangered marine mammal species. VIVA Vaquita! < http://www.vivavaquita.org > is a collaboration of concerned researchers and educators from three 501(3)c nonprofit organizations: Cetos Research Organization, Save The Whales, and the American Cetacean Society. Our goals and mission are to generate awareness of the vaquita and to promote a healthy Upper Gulf of California ecosystem. Ultimately, we aim to help save the vaquita from extinction, and to do so in a way that also provides long-term benefits to the fisherman and other residents of Baja California, Mexico.

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Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Internship/Eco-Volunteer Opportunity
by Wally Franklin 17 May '11

17 May '11

Humpback Whale Research, Hervey Bay, Australia - Internship/Eco-Volunteer Opportunity The Oceania Project, during August-October 2011, is conducting vessel based fieldwork for a long-term study of the behaviour and social organisation of humpback whales in Hervey Bay. See recent publications below. The Expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' is a 12m-power catamaran. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/research.html ] (Right Click to open links) The Oceania Project is affiliated with Southern Cross University incorporating the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre (SCUWRC) and the Centre for Animal Conservation Genetics (SCU CACG) and is an affiliate of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC). [ http://www.oceania.org.au/footer_stuff/about_us.html ] The focus of the research being undertaken is a long term study of the social behaviour and social organisation of humpback whales and the social & ecological significance of Hervey Bay for the Area V (E1) humpback whale group. In addition we are investigating population dynamics, including birthing rates, survivorship, abundance, temporary immigration and migratory interchange. There is an opportunity for up to four Interns to participate in the research expedition each week during August-October 2011. Interns live aboard the expedition vessel for a week or more subject to time and budget constraints. The cost per week is $1950 Australian which includes accommodation aboard the expedition vessel and food. Interns are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from Hervey Bay. Fieldwork involved is assistance with photo identification/behavioural observation field notes, GPS/GIS spatial data collection and general data entry. Interns also assist with vessel operations including food preparation & galley duties. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. [ http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/internship.html ] No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. The Internship is open to students and staff of recognised institutions as well as members of the General Public. Preference will be given to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order registrations are received. General information about The Oceania Project and the Research Expedition is online at: [ http://www.oceania.org.au ] Experiences with the humpbacks in Hervey Bay aboard the Whale Research Expedition can be viewed at: [ iWhales.org ] (Put mouse over screen and click play button) If you are interested in participating in the Whale Research Expedition as an Intern you can register online. If you have questions or queries please email Trish & Wally Franklin and include a brief CV [ mailto:trish.wally@oceania.org.au ]. Trish Franklin & Wally Franklin Directors & Principal Investigators, The Oceania Project PhD Candidates, Southern Cross University Recent publications: Franklin, T., W. Franklin, L. Brooks, P. Harrison, P. Baverstock and P. Clapham. 2010. Seasonal changes in pod characteristics of eastern Australian humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Hervey Bay 1992-2005. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00430.x. Franklin, W., T. Franklin, N. Gibbs, S. Childerhouse, C. Garrigue, R. Constantine, L. Brooks, D. Burns, D. Paton, M. M. Poole, N. Hauser, M. Donoghue, K. Russell, D. K. Mattila, J. Robbins, M. Anderson, C. Olavarria, J. Jackson, M. Noad, P. Harrison, P. Baverstock, R. Leaper, S. C. Baker and P. Clapham. (In press). Photo-identification confirms that humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from eastern Australia migrate past New Zealand but indicates low levels of interchange with breeding grounds of Oceania. J. CETACEAN RES. MANAGE. Franklin, W., T. Franklin, L. Brooks, N. Gibbs, S. Childerhouse, F. Smith, D. Burns, D. Paton, C. Garrigue, R. Constantine, M. M. Poole, N. Hauser, M. Donoghue, K. Russell, D. K. Mattila, J. Robbins, A. Ooseterman, R. Leaper, P. Harrison, S. C. Baker and P. Clapham. (In press). Antarctic waters (Area V) near the Balleny Islands are a summer feeding area for some Eastern Australian (E (i) breeding group) Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). J. CETACEAN RES. MANAGE. .................................................................................................................. Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: + 61 2 6685 8128 Mobile: 0418 797 326 Skype: oceania.org.au Email: trish.wally(a)oceania.org.au Web: The Oceania Project iWhales.org The Oceania Project | YouTube The Oceania Project | Facebook Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre

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Requesting Books and Reprints on Marine Mammals
by Sclymene＠aol.com 17 May '11

17 May '11

Dear MARMAMers, ¡VIVA Vaquita! is seeking donations or sales of books, reprints, and scientific journals on marine mammals. Our intent is to collect literature that may not be in use anymore, and distribute it to colleagues who can most effectively put it to use. The money raised from this effort will be used directly in research, conservation, and public awareness efforts directed at the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), seen by most as the World’s most endangered marine mammal species. ¡VIVA Vaquita! < http://www.vivavaquita.org > is a collaboration of concerned researchers and educators from three 501(3)c nonprofit organizations: Cetos Research Organization, Save The Whales, and the American Cetacean Society. Our goals and mission are to generate awareness of the vaquita and to promote a healthy Upper Gulf of California ecosystem. Ultimately, we aim to help save the vaquita from extinction, and to do so in a way that also provides long-term benefits to the fisherman and other residents of Baja California, Mexico. We have so far raised over $2,300 for vaquita conservation from such sales. We see this as a win/win situation, where we get books and literature into the hands of those who can use it best, and in the process help the vaquita … Donations are tax-deductible. If you have any books or other literature that you might be willing to donate or sell to us, please contact us so that we may discuss arrangements. We can pay for postage, and may even be able to arrange to pick up the literature. Thank you in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes, Tom ********************************************************************* Thomas A. Jefferson, Ph.D. ¡VIVA Vaquita! 5495 Camino Playa Malaga San Diego, CA 92124 Tel. (858) 278-4240 Email: sclymene(a)aol.com Web: http://www.vivavaquita.org *********************************************************************

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Web-site for marine mammal genomics is now up and running
by Per Palsböll 17 May '11

17 May '11

Dear fellow marmammers, I have now made the marine mammal genomics web site publicly available and is at the following URL: https://sites.google.com/site/marinemammalgenomics/ The idea is for the site to serve as an information hub, hopefully fostering collaborations, discussions and help avoid duplications. If you have anything you want listed, if I missed anything etc., please let me know. It is the first time I make one of these Google Sites, so maybe things are not working smoothly - just let me know. All the best Per J. Palsboll Untill July 31st, 2011 Hrdy Fellow Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Harvard University BioLabs 4092 16 Divinity Ave Cambridge, MA 02138 U.S.A. Office location: 16 Divinity Ave., BioLabs 4092 Office phone: +1 (617) 495-1568 Cell phone: +1 (857) 544 5844 Untill September 1st, 2011, Stockholm University Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Toxicology 106 91 Stockholm Sweden Visiting address: Svante Arrheniusväg 20, room 545 Office phone: +46 (0)8 16 1998 Mobile phone: +46 (0)73 518 2364 After September 1st, 2011 Marine Evolution and Conservation Laboratory Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies University of Groningen PO Box 11103 9700 CC Groningen The Netherlands Phone and email to be determined

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Greek Summer Cetacean Research Field Courses
by Marta Azzolin 17 May '11

17 May '11

Apologize for cross posting. Greek Summer Cetacean Research Field Courses The new dates of the Greek Cetacean Research Field Courses 2011 have been launched!! The Gaia Research Institute is a non-profit organization, dedicated to scientific research on biodiversity. More information on Gaia Research can be found at www.gaiaresearch.org. The Gaia Research Institute board members cooperate with the Italian universities, working as lecturers (DBAU, University of Torino) or being involved in a PhD (DBAU, University of Torino; University of Pavia). The Greek Cetacean Research Field Courses 2011 allows you to participate to our research activities in the Greek Ionian waters (Ionian Islands and Gulf of Corinth). Long-term behavioural research projects are carried out in order to study acoustic, social structure, habitat use and interaction with anthropogenic activities of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). The field courses include vessel-based surveys, practical training in field methodologies, data collection and analysis, direct participation to research activities (photo-identification, behavioural observations, acoustic recordings). Moreover you might follow the lectures given by our research team. Where: In the Ionian Islands: the course is boat-based. The routes covered will be between the North of Kerkyra Island and the South of Kefallinia. The accommodation would be in our 12m sailing boat. In the Gulf of Corinth: the surveys would be conducted by a zodiac. The accommodation would be in tents (provided by our team) / rooms (depending on the availability) in the Gaia Research base of Lakazeza (www.lakazeza.com) When: 7 days (from Sunday to Saturday) starting from the 5 of June to the 24 of September 2011 Cost: The cost vary from 420 up to 620, depending on the location and period. More information at: http://www.gaiaresearch.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46… Applications: No previous experience is required. For further details and any question please send us an email at info(a)gaiaresearch.org On behalf of the Gaia Research team Marta Azzolin, PhD. Field courses coordinator **************************** Gaia Research Institute, Corso Moncalieri 68 10123 Torino Italy www.gaiaresearch.org info(a)gaiaresearch.org http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Gaia-Research/181256638573389

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Marine mammal position available
by Samuel A. McLeod 16 May '11

16 May '11

Assistant/Associate Curator, Marine Mammals Vertebrate Studies Division Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the largest natural history museum in the western United States and a national leader in exhibitions, education and research, seeks a curator specializing in the study of marine mammals (living or fossil) to oversee its extensive collection of marine mammals. Currently the museum is undergoing a dramatic and exciting transformation involving a $135 million development of exciting new ground-breaking exhibitions, outside teaching-learning gardens and a nature lab. Foremost in the museum's mission is creating experiences embodied by the phrase 'where research and collections meet the visitor experience'. The desired candidate will have high level communication skills and an innate ability to engage and enthuse the public and stakeholders through his or her work. The museum houses and oversees a world-class collection of living and fossil marine mammals, ranked within the top 5 best collections in the world, with potential for a broad array of research and public programs both within and outside of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Research programs have in recent years focused on the description of many new types of fossil whales, seals, sea cows and extinct marine mammals, as well as documentation of modern cetacean strandings and whale systematics. A large collection of fossil whale material awaits preparation and description. The Museum maintains an extensive storage facility and laboratory specifically for research on modern marine mammals and a fully equipped vertebrate paleontology laboratory. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying forward a dynamic and productive program of research to build a growing scientific and public profile, overseeing the development and curation of this important collection, maintaining and strengthening the museum's presence in key professional and governmental networks, and developing active collaborations with other sections of the museum-especially to advance its efforts in educating and communicating research to the general public. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of published research with strengths in the field of evolutionary biology of living and/or extinct marine mammals and will be expected to develop an active and publicly engaging research program, develop working relationships with local universities, mentor students, and maintain research through obtaining competitive grants and/or funding from other sources. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D and a demonstrated track-record of peer-reviewed papers; having general publications for wider readership would be an advantage. The candidate must have a vision and capability to build the marine mammal program and shape the collections and research in ways that increase both its scientific and public appeal. The candidate should also have collections management experience relevant to the role. The ability to effectively communicate and engage with a wide variety of audiences, including the public and the museum's various stakeholders is paramount. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in a broad range of museum activities, such as exhibits programs, educational outreach activities, and advancement activities and be involved with and maintain relationships with professional associations, educators and other relevant organizations within the scientific and general community. This is full-time position with a salary commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits. The starting date is October 1st, 2011. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, & salary history to the Human Resources Office, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007, via the museum web site at: http://www.nhm.org/site/about-our-museums/working-at-nhm/jobs-nhm The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer For further information contact John Long at jlong(a)nhm.org or 213/763-3367

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The BBC Natural History Unit's new series on the trials of life - Survival
by Nadege Laici 12 May '11

12 May '11

Dear MARMAM subscribers, The BBC Natural History Unit's new series on the trials of life - Survival This groundbreaking new 6-part series for 2014 reveals the lengths that animals will go to in order to survive. We will follow individual animals as they tackle key life stages... from birth and growing up, reaching independence, finding a home, avoiding predation and forming social relationships, finding a mate, becoming a parent and passing on knowledge to the next generation. Cinematic new filming techniques will reveal in detail the life of animal characters from all over the world, in a way that is engaging, informative and new. We would love to hear about your spectacular, unexpected and intimate stories of animal behaviour. Please email nadege.laici(a)bbc.co.uk . We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you! Nadege Laici Nadège Laici Researcher | SURVIVAL BBC Natural History Unit Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2LR Tel: +44 (0) 1179746970 Nadege.laici(a)bbc.co.uk P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail http://www.bbc.co.uk/ This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system. Do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender immediately. Please note that the BBC monitors e-mails sent or received. Further communication will signify your consent to this.

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Second call for volunteers required for a behavioural response study on humpback whales in Australia
by Elise Godwin 11 May '11

11 May '11

SECOND CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR A BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSE STUDY ON HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIA The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Lab at the University of Queensland is seeking applications from volunteers for a seven week behavioural response study (BRS) on humpback whales from September 7 to October 30 this year. The study will examine how humpback whale behaviour is affected by noise from seismic airguns. It is the second in a series of studies, known as the Behavioural Responses of Australian Humpback whales to Seismic Surveys (BRAHSS) project, that will examine this issue over four years in collaboration with the University of Sydney, Curtin University, and the Australian Marine Mammal Centre. The 2011 study will be conducted at Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane, and follows several successful studies of humpback whale vocalisations and behaviour at the same site during the Humpback whale Acoustic Research Collaboration (HARC) as well as a very successful first year of BRAHSS in 2010 (www.uq.edu.au/whale<http://www.uq.edu.au/whale>; www.sydney.edu.au/usims/brahss<http://www.sydney.edu.au/usims/brahss>). Volunteers are required mainly to conduct land-based observations of the whales as they pass our study site. Approximately 3,000 whales should migrate southwards within 10km of Peregian Beach during the field period making the site ideal for land-based tracking and observations of behaviour. We will also have a fixed hydrophone array moored offshore allowing us to record ambient noise and whale vocalisations and acoustically track singing whales in real time as well a second array of acoustic recorders deployed in the area for propagation modelling and recording the airgun signals. Some whales will be tagged with Dtags or satellite tags. Although volunteers will be used to help out on the boats, opportunities for volunteers to participate in boat work are limited and most time will be spent doing land-based observations. Volunteers will also have opportunities to participate in the acoustic recording and tracking of whales. Individual volunteers will spend approximately five hours daily (in two shifts) counting and observing passing whales from the land. Volunteers will get at least one day off per week, usually during bad weather. Due to the complex nature of the study, volunteers will receive detailed training at the beginning of the project and therefore successful applicants must be available for the entire duration of the project. Volunteers must be sociable as they will be expected to work and live as part of teams with shared cooking and cleaning duties. We expect that there will be up to 60 people (researchers, staff and volunteers) at the site. Volunteers must organise and pay for their own transport to the study site (close to Brisbane international airport) but food and accommodation are provided once there. As meals are communal, fussy eaters are discouraged from applying! (vegetarians are fine). This project will suit people with a background in science (including recent graduates and graduate students as well as higher level undergraduate students) keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques, acoustics and behavioural response studies. Applicants should also be highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Those with previous survey experience of marine mammals or other taxa will be preferred. Applicants should reply with an email to Michael Noad (mnoad(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:mnoad@uq.edu.au>), Rebecca Dunlop (r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au>) and Elise Godwin (e.godwin(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:e.godwin@uq.edu.au>) outlining why they would be suitable for this survey, why they would like to participate, an outline of previous relevant experience, and any other relevant details. The email should include an attached CV and the names and contact details of two professional referees. The closing date for applications is 31 May and successful applicants will be notified during June. A second call for volunteers will be placed on Marmam in early May. The research project is being funded by the Joint Industry Programme on E&P Sound and Marine Life (JIP) (www.soundandmarinelife.org<http://www.soundandmarinelife.org> ) and the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (www.boemre.gov<http://www.boemre.gov> ) as part of a broad investigation into the potential interaction between the sounds that are generated by the offshore petroleum industry and the marine environment. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Noad BVSc PhD Senior Lecturer, Veterinary Anatomy Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland - Gatton Campus, Qld 4343, Australia. P. +61 (0)7 5460 1876 F. +61 (0)7 5460 1922 M. +61 (0)416270567 W. www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/cetacean-ecology-acoustic-laboratory<http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/cetacean-ecology-acoustic-laboratory> W. www.uq.edu.au/whale<http://www.uq.edu.au/whale> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Elise Godwin | BSc. Marine Science | Research Assistant | Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory<http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/cetacean-ecology-acoustic-laboratory> School of Veterinary Science | The University of Queensland - Gatton Campus, Qld 4343, Australia. P. (07) 5460 1877 | UQ internal 50877) | M. 0421 804 734 | http://www.uq.edu.au/whale

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Research Vessel
by Lille 11 May '11

11 May '11

Haishu, a fully crewed 40 foot research sailing vessel is now being equipped to do aquatic acoustic recordings. It is expected that the vessel will be in New England waters by the middle of June and will be available for use there for the remainder of the summer. Anyone who might be interested in utilizing Haishu this summer for any type of scientific data collection, at no cost, is invited to contact me at Lille(a)Haishu.org Thank you, S.L. di Lorenzo

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Volunteers needed for marine mammal research - South Australia
by Kerstin Bilgmann 10 May '11

10 May '11

Dear Marmam readers, We are looking for 2-3 volunteers to join our team at the *Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab* (CEBEL) at the School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University (South Australia). Research project: “Population size, structure and habitat preferences of common dolphins in South Australia: enhancing the assessment, reduction and mitigation of fisheries operational interactions”. Students/volunteers with a biology or marine biology background from overseas or Australia are welcome to apply. Commitment is required for a period of 3 months starting beginning of August 2011. Main tasks will be assisting in dolphin aerial surveys - being an observer in a small aircraft for dolphin abundance estimates. There are also opportunities to assist in biopsy sampling of dolphins from boats, data entry, data editing and molecular laboratory work, depending on interest. Experience in aerial survey work is desirable, but not mandatory. We are looking for people with a good research understanding that are flexible and willing to work long hours in the field. Availability to undertake field work on short notice is a must (including weekends) since much of the work depends on good weather conditions. Schedules will be flexible with days off on windy days rather than weekends. Volunteers will need to cover their own transport to Adelaide, SA and living expenses (food and accommodation). We are happy to assists applicants from overseas with visas and finding accommodation in Adelaide. This project provides an excellent opportunity for students and individuals interested in getting more experience in the field of marine mammal research. If interested, please send a ‘letter of interest’ to Kerstin.bilgmann(a)flinders.edu.au and attach a short CV listing relevant work experience. Best wishes, Kerstin -- Dr Kerstin Bilgmann Postdoctoral Fellow School of Biological Sciences Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001 Australia Ph: +61 (0) 409134460 E-mail: kerstin.bilgmann(a)flinders.edu.au & Honorary Associate Marine Mammal Research Group Graduate School of the Environment Macquarie University

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