January 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Sitka Sound Science Center invites applications for 2012 Scientist in Residency Fellowships
by Victoria OConnell, SSSC 27 Jan '12

27 Jan '12

Sitka Sound Science Center Scientist in Residency Fellowships 2012 Apply for a one month fellowship (SIRF) located in the coastal community of Sitka, Alaska. Spend time on your own research, writing, or collaboration with a colleague. Each fellow must engage the community and provide local students opportunities to learn about their research. Applicants will be selected based on their passion and ability to communicate science to a variety of ages and audiences. Four fellowships will be available each year with an opportunity for two scientists to collaborate. Deadline to apply is February 15, 2012. for more information www.sitkasoundsciencecenter.org or 907-747-8878 -- Victoria O'Connell Operations Manager

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Postdoc Position: Detection and Classification of Animal Vocalizations (Cornell University)
by Aaron N. Rice 27 Jan '12

27 Jan '12

The Bioacoustics Research Program at Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology is a diverse group of biologists and engineers focused on studying the natural soundscape and animal vocal signals. We currently have a post-doctoral position available for development and implementation of automatic detection and classification algorithms for processing large quantities of animal and environmental acoustic data from a variety of different marine and terrestrial habitats. These data will form the foundation for many concurrent studies around the world focused on the behavior, occurrence, distribution, migration patterns, and impacts from anthropogenic activities on a wide range of acoustically active species, including songbirds, shorebirds, marine mammals, fishes, elephants and other fauna. To be considered for this position, you must have a PhD in engineering or related field, with particular focus in signal processing for algorithms related to signal detection and classification; experience writing highly complex computer code in MATLAB or other high-level languages such as Java or C/C++; demonstrated ability to conduct original research, from conception and literature review through analysis and publishing; strong communication skills including proficiency in written and spoken English; and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists. Experience with acoustics and/or marine mammal research is preferred. For more information on the position, please visit the Cornell University jobs page (https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/10161/jobdetail.ftl) and search for position 14540. For inquiries about position specifics, please contact Dr. Harold Cheyne (tel: 607-254-6280, email: hac68(a)cornell.edu) To apply for this position, send a letter of application, complete resume, list of references and academic transcripts to: Susan Taggart, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsuckers Woods Road, 283A Johnson Center for Birds & Biodiversity, Ithaca, NY 14850 or by email to set2(a)cornell.edu. Replies to this email will not be responded to.

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New Paper: Incidence of poxvirus lesions in dolphins from Australia - links to floods
by Christine Fury 26 Jan '12

26 Jan '12

Dear List members, We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper. Fury, C.A., and Reif, J.S. 2012. Incidence of poxvirus-like lesions in two estuarine dolphin populations in Australia: Links to flood events. Science of The Total Environment 416: 536-540. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.11.056. Abstract: We report on the incidence of poxvirus-like lesions assessed by photographic identification in two estuarine populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Australia over a 3-year period. Poxvirus infections of odontocetes are characterized by pinhole or ring-like skin lesions that appear as solitary or coalesced circular gray blemishes. Environmental and physiological stressors are believed to contribute to their manifestation (Van Bressem et al., 2009). A total of 187 boat-based surveys were completed from October 2003 to September 2006 in the Clarence River (CR) and Richmond River (RR) estuaries, with 720 dolphins sighted. Forty-six individuals, including calves, were identified in the CR and 23 in the RR. We investigated the temporal relationship between four flood events that occurred in the region during the study period and the occurrence of poxvirus-like skin lesions. Dolphin poxvirus-like lesions were not observed in these populations prior to 2004. Following flood events in 2004, 2005 and 2006, a total of 10 new cases were observed, 6 in the CR and 4 in the RR. Our data suggest that the occurrence of dolphin poxvirus-like lesions may be an indicator for climatic events such as flooding. Long-term follow-up of these estuarine populations is required to further clarify the factors leading to 'outbreaks' of poxvirus infections. The paper can be downloaded from the journal website: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969711013714 You can also send me an email for a copy of the pdf. Regards Christine Fury Christine Fury PhD Marine Ecologist PO Box 390 Kingston, Hobart, TASMANIA 7050

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3 Postdoctoral Fellowships at University of Exeter, UK
by Godley, Brendan 26 Jan '12

26 Jan '12

Dear Colleagues We are pleased to announce that we are currently recruiting 3 postdoctoral fellows at the University of Exeter to focus on a range of projects related to marine vertebrates. Please be so kind as to cascade to your contacts. Positions are currently advertised on findapostdoc.com http://www.findapostdoc.com/search/JobDetails.aspx?jobcode=4090 Text follows: University of Exeter College of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Cornwall Campus Associate Research Fellow in Marine Vertebrate Ecology (Ref. P42975) Salary: £24,520 - £26,779 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience Fixed term contract for 18 months The College wishes to recruit up to three Associate Research Fellows to support the work of Professor Brendan Godley, Dr Annette Broderick and Dr Matthew Witt in the UK and overseas. These positions are funded by the Darwin Initiative, EU FP7 and NERC are available immediately for 18 months. Research topics include Marine Renewable Energy, Fisheries Bycatch, Marine Acoustics, Satellite tracking, Spatial Ecology and Conservation. The posts require a broad range of research and project management skills. The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies. Applicants will possess a relevant PhD and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. The successful applicants will be either experienced marine vertebrate or spatial ecologists. All candidates should have a strong track record of publishing in peer reviewed literature. For further information please contact Dr. Matthew Witt, e-mail m.j.witt(a)exeter.ac.uk. To apply, Please send your CV and covering letter with the contact details of three referees, to Dr. Witt, quoting the job reference P42975. The closing date for completed applications is 15 February 2012. Interviews are expected to take place in the week of 27th February 2012. The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer which is 'Positive About Disabled People': if you have a disability, you should mention this in your application. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce. You may be interested in our recent you Tube videos: Darwin Initiative (Peru) http://www.youtube.com/universityofexeter#p/c/868210A42F3C27E1/0/OhtVmUJ6hkY Kenya Field Course (MSc) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkBmIehMZ9Q Prof. Brendan J. Godley Chair in Conservation Science Centre for Ecology & Conservation School of Biosciences University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus TR10 9EZ, UK Tel: +44 1326 371 861 http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=brendan_godley http://www.linkedin.com/in/brendangodley http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/ Editor-in-Chief, Endangered Species Research http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/

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Research software now available to download
by Anna Cucknell 26 Jan '12

26 Jan '12

Marine Conservation Research would like to announce that the IFAW research software Logger 2000 and Rainbow Click can now be downloaded at www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk Logger 2000 is an automatic field data logging program which automatically collects data from GPS and other ships instruments and stores it in an Access database. Using Logger, it is also possible to design any number of forms for manual input of data. RainbowClick is a program designed for the detection and analysis of sounds made by sperm whales and other odontocetes.

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info requested [AQUA mark 200 as cetacean deterrent]
by suleman mazhar 26 Jan '12

26 Jan '12

Dear List, I 'll be thankful if any of friends can share the experience/comments on use of AQUA mark 200 for dolphins (to reduce dolphin catch)? http://www.aquatecgroup.com/download/datasheet/aquamark/AQUAmark200.pdf 2. Reported bandwidth & SL for the device is 5kHz -160kHz and 145dB re 1μPa @ 1m respectively. If colleagues on the list can share their research work/findings that deals with exposure & effects of broadband noise/SONAR on dolphins, it 'll also be appreciated (as I am interested to know about any acoustic/noise effects of device on dolphin behaviour and any potential demerits). 3. Indus dolphin is fresh water cetacean just like Baiji. Sometimes dolphin move into canal areas from the river where it may endanger itself. If possible, I 'll also request an expert opinion/comments for suitability of this device as "dolphin-friendly" deterrent for such accidental movements. sincerely, Suleman Mazhar, Ph.D. GIK Institute, Pakistan

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Field Course in Cetacean Ecology: Deadline Extended to Feb. 3
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 25 Jan '12

25 Jan '12

Sacred Heart University and the Dolphin Communication Project Field Course in Cetacean Ecology in Bimini, The Bahamas Deadline extended: February 3, 2012 Summer 2012: May 21 - 29 Online through Sacred Heart University May 30 - June 11 At the Bimini field site June 12 - 18 Online through Sacred Heart University Course: Special Topics in Psychology (3 Credits) or Special Topics in Biology (3 Credits) Prerequisites: Psychology Majors/Minors - Introduction to Psychology/General Psychology (with C+ or better) Biology Majors/Minors - Animal Behavior (with C+ or better) Undergraduate students majoring/minoring in Psychology or Biology (or a related discipline) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are invited to apply to this program. Instructor: Dr. Deirdre Yeater - Sacred Heart University Psychology Dept. (yeaterd(a)sacredheart.edu<mailto:yeaterd@sacredheart.edu> - 203-365-4870<tel:203-365-4870>) Course Description: This course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. Participants in this course will enjoy a real life learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. Students will earn three hours of credit while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors. Students will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. The field work at Bimini will consist of 4-5 hour boat surveys. If the group is able to make underwater observations, students will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students will be limited by the size of the research vessel. Therefore, students should apply as soon as possible. All students MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program. Cost: The cost of the trip will be approximately $4270. This includes program tuition, lodging, food, transportation in Bimini, and boat trips. Airfare and personal expenses are the student's responsibility. Applications: Due February 3, 2012 Access the Study Abroad Website at http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/41483_bimini.cfm for further information and online application. For more information about Dolphin Communication Project please go to the following website: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/. Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Assistant Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998

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Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Summer Internship
by Shauna Mcbride 24 Jan '12

24 Jan '12

The Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab 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. Summer 2012 Internship: The primary research being conducted at this time involves field surveys and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins in Mississippi Sound. Applications are due March 1st. Anticipated start date is in late May and will last until mid August. 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 (available at our website: http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj/Internships.html) •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 positions
by Stacey Buckelew 23 Jan '12

23 Jan '12

Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Positions (AMMOP) Saltwater Inc is currently recruiting applicants for the marine mammal observer program in Southeast Alaska. Background The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is mandated by the Marine Mammal Protection Act to monitor the level and nature of interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammal stocks. Monitoring will begin for the Southeast Alaska salmon drift gillnet fishery in Alaska Department of Fish and Game management districts 6 and 8 during 2012 and 2013. Saltwater Inc was awarded the contract to implement the program together with NMFS. The Alaska marine mammal observer program (AMMOP) is focused on providing statistically reliable information to measure and report on injury and mortality of marine mammals. AMMOP will rely on marine mammal observers to collect this information and support scientific studies. While on assignment observers will collect and record data relating to commercial fishing operations, gear types, and marine mammal and seabird interactions. Observers will estimate quantity and species harvested, in addition to conduct standardized surveys, observations, and sample collection for marine mammals and seabirds. Qualifications We are currently seeking experience observers with a background in marine mammal or fisheries observer research. Ideal candidates will be proven self-starters, have excellent communications skills, and the ability to work independently while following direction from a supervisor. Observers must meet the following requirements: * Prior fisheries or marine mammal observer experience with successful standing * At least 90 days prior at-sea observer experience * Bachelor's degree or higher in the natural sciences with a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological sciences, and at least one undergraduate course in math or statistics * Experience in systematic observations and making clear, concise scientific notes/records * Possess excellent inter-personal skills, and demonstrate responsibility, maturity, and self-motivation * Able to live in close quarters with others for extended periods in a professional setting * Have physical ability to carry out the duties of an observer, and work at sea for extended periods without medical restrictions * Have current first aid and CPR certifications * Experience in outdoor living skills and etiquette * United States citizen or non-citizen legally residing in the U.S. for at least 3 years and have legal Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) visa status Observer logistics Observers will conduct field observations for each day the commercial fishery is open. Observations may occur during the nighttime hours. Commercial periods typically run for 3 to 4 days weekly. An additional day of work will be required weekly for data debriefing in the office. Observers will be paid for each day worked. The daily pay rate for observation is $256 and $176 for debriefing. Observers will be primarily based in the towns of Petersburg and Wrangell, Alaska. Observers will travel to the fishing grounds and work from independent work boats operated by experienced, licensed boat operators. During commercial fishing periods observers may stage for two to three nights weekly in remote locations, with accommodations including shared bunkhouses or floating cabins. All housing and meals will be provided while on duty. All observers must successfully complete a two week training prior to deployment. Training will begin May 29 in Anchorage, Alaska. A transportation stipend will be provided for travel to Anchorage, and travel to the duty location in Southeast Alaska will be covered. Housing and meal reimbursement will be provided during training. Training will end on June 8. Employment will begin immediately following on approximately June 10, and will run through mid to late September depending on the duration of the drift gillnet fishery. How to apply For additional information about the program and to submit an application please visit our website: <http://www.saltwaterinc.com>. Applications will be accepted through February 3, 2012. Stacey Buckelew Saltwater Inc. 733 N Street Anchorage, AK 99501 stacey(a)saltwaterinc.com (907) 276-3241

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SEAMAMMS 2012
by Edward O. Keith 23 Jan '12

23 Jan '12

SEAMAMMS: Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 23 - 25 March 2012 The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium will be held at Nova Southeastern University from Friday, March 23 to Sunday, March 25, 2012. SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented scientific marine mammal meeting. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US or conducted by students in the same region. Other topics will be considered as space is available. Detailed information, a tentative schedule, online registration and online hotel reservations can be found on the conference web site: http://www.nova.edu/ocean/SEAMAMMS/index.html The deadline for abstract submissions will be February 10th (midnight), and notification of acceptance should take no more than a week. Accepted abstracts and the presentation schedule will be posted on this site prior to the conference. You may register for the conference at any time, but to get the early registration discount, registration forms must be postmarked by February 10th. Thanks, Dr. Ed Keith Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center 8000 N. Ocean Drive Dania Beach, FL 33004 954-262-8322 (voice) 964-262-3931 (fax) edwardok(a)nova.edu

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