January 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Stranding Response Internships
by Jeff Hall 04 Jan '12

04 Jan '12

Marine Mammal Stranding Response Internships Available at California Wildlife Center Summary/Program Description The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital. This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal field, while also allowing for additional hands-on experience with other native California wildlife. The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff in all aspects of stranding response, including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint, transport to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility, and public relations. In addition, interns will provide support to CWC Hospital staff in animal husbandry tasks for avian and terrestrial wildlife. Dates: 8-week Internships for 2012 Spring Session: March 14 - May 9 (2 positions available) Summer Session: May 16 - July 11 (2 positions available) There is some flexibility of start dates. Time Commitment: Spring Session - 3 days/week; minimum 24 hours/week Summer Session - 4 days/week; minimum 32 hours/week Intern Responsibilities Under supervision of Marine Mammal staff, duties will include: -Answering and responding to all calls, pages and messages concerning marine mammals in a timely and courteous manner -Assessing stranded marine mammals -Coordinating and leading responder team in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals needing medical attention -Coordinating transport of stranded marine mammals to the rehabilitation facility -Completion of NMFS Level A data sheets. Maintaining detailed database records of Malibu strandings, including reports of stranding, human interaction issues, etc. -Assist with marine mammal necropsy and sample collection -Ensuring marine mammal-designated equipment is kept in clean working order -Maintaining good rapport with representatives of various public agencies Intern Qualifications The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal stranding response, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. Interns must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. Interns will be required to have good physical strength and the ability to lift/carry 50 lbs. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment. Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Applicant must demonstrate proof of negative TB test within the past year and a current tetanus vaccination. Housing/Transportation Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. Must have own transportation and current driver's license. Very limited on-site housing is available (i.e., up to 2 individuals at a time). All individuals selected for on-site housing, regardless of Session, will be required to complete 40 hours/week. Application Process Interested individuals must send the following: -Letter of intent -Resume -Two letters of reference Your letter of intent must state the Session you are applying for and detail interests, experience, housing accommodations and availability. Submit the above items via regular mail or email (preferred) to: California Wildlife Center Attn: Jeff Hall P.O. Box 2022 Malibu, CA 90265 Email: Jeff(a)cawildlife.org If you would like to find out more about our Organization, please visit our website at http://www.cawildlife.org

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Dolphin Research Internships - Summer 2011
by Kel Melillo Sweeting 04 Jan '12

04 Jan '12

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2012 Connecticut, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2012. These internships have both field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 8-10 weeks, depending on DCP's schedule. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. As a team, DCP research scientists currently study four groups of dolphins in three countries. Interns are needed at our Bimini, Bahamas research site, where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: ¨ Travel to and assist for 3-4 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning mid-July, following the office component) ¨ Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions (weather and schedule dependent) ¨ Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data analysis tasks ¨ Assist with on-board and outreach education as well as web-based projects ¨ Represent DCP in a responsible, mature and respectful manner At the office: ¨ Travel to and assist office staff for 4-6 weeks at our Connecticut office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning approximately 1 June) ¨ Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, conducting detailed focal follows from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds ¨ Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions, including extreme heat. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both at the office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Although international applicants are invited to apply, all applicants should know that interns are responsible for their own daily transportation to/from the CT office and public transportation is not available in this area; therefore all interns have their own vehicles while in CT. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Connecticut. There is a $1,000.00 fee which will cover expenses in the field, including room and partial board. Room, board and transportation while in Connecticut are the responsibility of the intern, although assistance in finding housing may be available. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://tinyurl.com/DCPInternships. Please read this page thoroughly before applying. Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Applications are due 8 February 2012. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (via telephone or Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates beginning approximately 6 March. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/main/index.php?option=com_conten…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Paulos, R.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Kuczaj, S.A. 2008. The role of touch in select social interactions of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Ethology 26: 153-164. Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Ribic, C.A., Kuczaj, S.A. 2009. A comparison of pectoral fin contact between two different wild dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 80:182-190 Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2011. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology - Special Symposium Issue (In Press) _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM(a)lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

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Post-Doctoral Fellow or "Super-tech/Analyst"
by Christopher Taggart 04 Jan '12

04 Jan '12

Opportunity for Post-Doctoral Fellow or "Super-tech/Analyst" to conduct research on vessel threat to whales. I am seeking a Post-doctoral Fellow, or "Super-tech/Analyst" to begin As Soon As Possible on research related to vessel-strike risk and threat to large whales throughout Atlantic Canada with an initial focus on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Applicants 'MUST' have demonstrated and documented proficiency in MatLab and/or 'R'. Applicants who also have demonstrated and documented proficiency in spatial probability analyses will have a clear advantage. Whale-biology knowledge is not reqired. The appointment would extend until 30 March 2013 with an annual stipend in the 35 to 40 K range with possible top-up. Extension beyond the above period would be funding dependent. Applicants should forward a letter of interest and CV directly to: chris.taggart(a)dal.ca Insights into similar research of this kind can be found at: http: //www.phys.ocean.dal.ca/~taggart/Publications/Vanderlaan_etal_2011.pdf http: //www.phys.ocean.dal.ca/~taggart/Publications/Vanderlaan_etal_2009_ESR.pdf http: //www.phys.ocean.dal.ca/~taggart/Publications/Vanderlaan_etal_2008_ESR.pdf ----------------------------------------------------------. Prof. Christopher T. Taggart, PhD Oceanography Department Dalhousie University 1355 Oxford Street PO Box 15000 Halifax, NS, CANADA, B3H 4R2 Ph:902-494-7144; Fx:902-494-3877 Email: chris.taggart(a)dal.ca http: //www.phys.ocean.dal.ca/~taggart/ http: //oceanography.dal.ca/person/Taggart_Christopher.html ----------------------------------------------------------.

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New publication on underwater detonations and marine mammals
by S.Koschinski 04 Jan '12

04 Jan '12

Dear All, the following article has just been published in Marine Technology Society Journal Underwater Noise Pollution From Munitions Clearance and Disposal, Possible Effects on Marine Vertebrates, and Its Mitigation, Sven Koschinski. Marine Technology Society Journal, November/December 2011, Volume 45, Number 6, pp. 80-88 Abstract: Underwater detonations have the potential for serious injury in marine vertebrates such as fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals. The high detonation velocity creates a shock wave. The main reason for injury is the extremely short signal rise time combined with a high overpressure. A negative pressure phase generating cavitation shortly after the peak overpressure can increase organ and tissue damage. Due to surface reflection generating a reversed phase replica of the detonation this phenomenon is very pronounced in shallow waters. Organs most seriously affected by detonations are those with gas/tissue interfaces (e.g., ears, lungs, swim bladders, air sacs, intestines). Observed injuries include disruption of cells and tissues by differential displacement, internal bleeding, embolism and auditory damage. Further, the compression of the thorax by the shock wave initiates a rapid increase in blood pressure which can cause damage in the brain and ears. In order to protect marine life all possible attempts should be made to avoid underwater detonations. For detonations which cannot be avoided due to safety considerations, a number of mitigation measures are presented including bubble curtains, scaring devices, visual and acoustic monitoring, seasonal and spatial planning. However, mitigation measures have varying degrees of efficiency. Low-order detonations are not a real alternative due to the release of toxic munitions constituents to the environment. For each detonation, a proper site- and munitions-specific risk assessment and mitigation strategy must be developed. This article is in the first volume of a 2- volume special editition "Legacy Underwater Munitions: Assessment, Evaluation of Impacts, and Potential Response Technologies". Part 1 of this 2 volume edition can be purchased at: https://www.mtsociety.org/publications/. Part 2 is soon to follow. For pdf reprints of only the article itself, e-mail to sk(a)meereszoologie.de The Marine Technology Society is a not-for-profit, international, professional association. Founded in 1963, the Society believes that the advancement of marine technology and the productive, sustainable use of the oceans depend upon the active exchange of ideas between government, industry and academia. See www.mtsociety.org. Dipl. Biol. Sven Koschinski Kühlandweg 12 24326 Nehmten Germany Tel. ++49-(0)4526-381716

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Paper Published
by Young, Kathy 03 Jan '12

03 Jan '12

Hi--He following paper regarding marine mammals has been published: A Comparative Analysis of Cetacean Vital Rates Using Matrix Population Modeling Analysis of Cetacean Vital Rates Kathryn E. Young, Edward O. Keith Abstract: A modeling effort has been conducted in order to determine which vital rates are most important in determining the growth and sustainability of cetacean populations. An analysis of the elasticity and sensitivity of cetacean matrix population models suggests that: 1) Most whale populations appear to be most sensitive to changes in adult female survival and least sensitive to calf survival; 2) Most whale populations appear to be secondarily sensitive to changes in juvenile survival and growth; 3) Most whale populations, with the exception of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), appear to be insensitive to changes in fecundity at any age; and 4) Adult female whales may be particularly sensitive to changes in foraging success. A risk assessment of anthropogenic impacts on cetacean populations based on the modeling conclusions would suggest that any increase in anthropogenic impacts in the marine environment which reduces adult female survival is to be avoided. The full-text can be found at: Http://www.ijastnet.com/update/current/143-vol-1-no-6-november-2011abstract… Thanks, Kathy Young

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Field Course in Ethological Studies - Marine & Terrestrial
by Kel Melillo Sweeting 03 Jan '12

03 Jan '12

Happy New Year MARMAM readers. Registration for the following class is now open to non-enrolled students. So, if you have been looking for a field course for general enrichment, are getting ready to return to school or are a recent graduate, please consider signing up today! GET OUT OF THE CLASSROOM....AND GET INTO THE FIELD! Looking for an exciting, hands-on summer course? The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP), in conjunction with Georgetown College, is pleased to offer a FIELD COURSE IN ETHOLOGICAL STUDIES - MARINE & TERRESTRIAL. The field portions of this course will take place in Bimini, Bahamas and Nassau, Bahamas. Full Course Dates: 20 May - 11 June, 2012 Field Dates: 20 - 31 May 2012 Course description and objectives: Students will be introduced to the study of animal behavior using a combination of lectures, readings, discussion, and research with both a wild dolphin group and a captive dolphin population. Lectures will focus on understanding animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Readings and discussion will focus on current research and methodology. Fieldwork will provide students an introduction to the skills necessary to conduct animal behavior research and to demonstrate these skills by participating in independent research with senior scientists at the field location. Class Format: Non-field portions of this course will be completed remotely, via the free Internet communication program, Skype. Exact dates and times are to be determined. The field portion will take place at two sites and attendance at all lectures, activities, and training sessions is mandatory. The format of the classroom meetings will be discussion-oriented. Questions and class participation are strongly encouraged. Training sessions (at Dolphin Encounters) and research hours are also mandatory, for the safety of the student and the animals. Cost: $2,450 per person (USD) Included: Air transportation between Fort Lauderdale, FL and field sites 10 nights' accommodation (double or higher occupancy) 3 meals a day (one group meal out in Nassau not included; optional meal out in Bimini not included) 4 half-day boat trips in search of dolphins (weather dependent) Gratuity for boat, dock and hotel staff in Bimini Transportation to and entry into Dolphin Encounters Airport/Hotel transportation in Bimini and Nassau Course instruction by Drs. Kathleen Dudzinski (DCP) and Rebecca Singer (Georgetown College) Certificate of completion (upon request) Not included: Airfare to/from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA You must be at least 18 years old and fluent in English to participate. US citizens are required to have a valid passport for entry into The Bahamas (a birth certificate is not sufficient). Students of other citizenship should confirm entry requirements. Students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program are given first-priority. Registration for non-matriculated students will open, space available, 1 January 2012. No previous experience with marine mammals or marine biology is required, however, all participants should be comfortable on a boat, snorkeling and working as a team. Course may be used for general enrichment or course credit; the student is solely responsible for arranging credit with their home institution or Georgetown College. Fees associated with course credit are not included in the course fee. This is your chance for a real life research experience with wild and captive dolphins in the clear, warm waters of the Bahamas! Come join us! For more information on this course, visit http://tinyurl.com/DCPAnimalBehavior. If you have questions on this course, please contact DCP at info(a)dcpmail.org. For more information on DCP, including a list of publications, please visit www.dolphincommunicationproject.org. A non-refundable deposit of 20% ($490) is due at the time of registration, with full payment due by 28 February 2011. Deposits and payments are currently being accepted at http://tinyurl.com/DCPAnimalBehavior. If you prefer to pay by US check (small discount applies!), please contact us at info(a)dcpmail.org. The minimum enrollment is eight students, with a maximum of 14; so, sign-up today! _________________________________________________________________________ The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) is focused on the dual goals of scientific research and education: we take results from research projects and disseminate them into educational programs for students of all ages. DCP has a team of researchers (graduated professionals, graduate students, undergraduate interns and volunteers) who work together to examine how dolphins communicate in order to shed more light on the meaning of the interactions between individuals and groups. We have 3 active field sites that include wild and captive dolphins of 3 species. DCP collaborates with vessel operators from Bimini and Dolphin Encounters to study dolphins ranging in age from a few months to more than 30 years old. Below, please find a selected list of DCP's peer-reviewed publications. For a full list of our publications, please visit www.dolphincommunicationproject.org. Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Paulos, R.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Kuczaj, S.A. 2008. The role of touch in select social interactions of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Ethology 26: 153-164. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Ribic, CA, Kuczaj, SA. 2009. Flipper's flipper - a comparison of how, where and why spotted and bottlenose dolphins use their pectoral fins to touch peers. Behavioural Processes 80: 182-190. Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, KM. 2010. Overlap between information gained from complimentary and comparative studies of captive and wild dolphin communication. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 23(4): 566-586. Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84:559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2011. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology - Special Symposium Issue (In Press) _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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IMPORTANT - EDUCATION AND AWARENESS ASSISTANT APPLICANTS - NEW QUAY, WALES, SEA WATCH - PLEASE READ
by danielle.gibas＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 02 Jan '12

02 Jan '12

Please note that due to a computer malfunction, applications for the position of Education and Awareness Assistant in New Quay, Wales with the Sea Watch Foundation that were sent before the 26th December 2011 have been lost. Applicants are invited to re-send their applications to danielle.gibas(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Apologies for the inconvenience. For more information on this position, please visit: http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/support.php?uid=259

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