November 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

FW: Arctic graduate course
by Kit Kovacs 27 Nov '12

27 Nov '12

I would greatly appreciate circulation of the information regarding this Arctic focussed graduate course in biotelemetry and biologging, which deals primarily (though not exclusively with marine mammals). Cheers kit Kit M. Kovacs, Prof. Biodiversity Research Section Leader Norwegian Polar Institute 9296 Tromsø Norway

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Cetacean Ecology Field Course Application Deadline 14 December 2012
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

Join Sacred Heart University and Dolphin Communication Project in Bimini, The Bahamas! Learn more http://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/studyabroad/studyabroadprograms/shortt… or email DCP at info(a)dcpmail.org<mailto:info@dcpmail.org>. Where is it located? The field portion of this course will take place on Bimini, a small island in The Bahamas around which groups of wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins frequent. When is the course? The field portion of this course begins on 28 May 2013, in Bimini. Students depart Bimini on 9 June 2013. What does it cost and how do I apply? Applications (online, see above) are due 14 December 2012. With your application, a non-refundable deposit of $466 is due. The remaining balance will be approximately $3804. What is included in the course fee? Tuition - 3 credits (200-level) HTH International Insurance Course instruction 13 days/ 12 nights in Bimini, The Bahamas, shared-rooms 3 meals/day, plus snacks while on boat trips Drinking water 8 wild dolphin surveys, including at least 2 snorkel opportunities 1 wild shark experience Gratuity (hotel & dock staff) Bimini-only airport/hotel transfers Orientation and support at SHU and on Bimini Important Notes Airfare to/from Bimini NOT included Students must be at least 18 years old Valid passports are required Students must take this course for SHU credit; inquire with your home institution about credit transfer A minimum of 10 students are required; maximum of 16 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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Job Posting: Marine Mammal Biologist Oceanic Society, Belize
by Oceanic Society 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

Contract Position in Belize: January 15 - December 15, 2013 Organization Background The Oceanic Society (OS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in California in 1969 whose mission is to conserve marine wildlife and habitats by deepening connections between people and nature through research, community engagement, and first-hand experience. We support community-focused, applied research to inform responsible conservation strategies at numerous field sites around the world and in the U.S. We have also fielded hundreds of volunteers on dozens of natural history and research expeditions to locations around the world, including Micronesia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, and California. OS has operated in Belize since 1992 and has worked with and supported numerous scientists conducting high quality research over that time period. Both OS and the University of Belize's Environmental Research Institute (ERI) operate research field stations on Turneffe Atoll in Belize, the largest coral atoll in the western hemisphere. Applied research projects stage from these field stations, including monitoring of critical marine ecosystems like coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves, as well as population surveys and ecology studies on dolphins and crocodiles, manatees and more recently sea turtles. To ensure that research at Turneffe Atoll is targeted to meet needs of national and local resource managers, OS has officially partnered with ERI, which is the national clearinghouse for biodiversity monitoring data in Belize, and is responsible for setting biodiversity conservation research priorities and coordinating biodiversity monitoring for Belize. Job Description: In this context, OS is seeking a unique individual with applied research experience with marine megafauna species, particularly marine mammals (i.e. cetaceans or West Indian manatees), to lead OS's efforts to coordinate and strengthen national research priorities for key marine species, as outlined in ERI's National Research Agenda, and to represent OS in Belize. Areas of focus could include marine megafauna conservation, determination of high-use areas and movement patterns of marine megafauna species, marine policy or marine spatial planning in Belize and the Meso-American Reef system more broadly. The physical location of the position will be split between ERI's office in Belmopan and OS's Blackbird Caye field station on Turneffe. Position to start in January 2013. Key responsibilities will include: * Work with OS's Chief Scientist to coordinate the implementation of OS research and monitoring in Belize with a focus on marine megafauna species * Guide development of OS research projects related to marine megafauna conservation * Assist in the development of special programs and projects with a wildlife conservation focus in furtherance of the objectives of OS in Belize * Coordinate OS-supported research projects based at Blackbird field station on Turneffe Atoll, and ensure that they address key research priorities identified by ERI's National Research Agenda * Collaborate with other researchers working throughout Belize on conservation issues pertaining to improved management of migratory megafauna species * Represent OS on Committees, etc. within Belize by attending relevant meetings, seeking and cultivating partnerships with NGOs, management agencies, university researchers, funders/donors, and others, and generally aligning OS's Belize-based activities with OS's overall institutional priorities and mission * Provide input into the development of strategic plans for ERI in respect to marine wildlife programs and projects for approval * Lead his/her own research projects at Turneffe Atoll and other sites in Belize * Lead select Oceanic Society research projects on dolphins and manatees at Turneffe Atoll and other sites in Belize for a 4-month period. Preferred qualifications: * M.S. in marine biology or similar * An established track-record of independent research and scientific publications * Experience leading non-specialist volunteers in field research projects * Experience with boat-based wildlife survey methodology, including visualization surveys, acoustic tracking and behavioral observations, snorkel/dive transects, etc. * Expertise in ecology and conservation of marine megafauna, particularly marine mammals * International experience and comfort with living in rustic field conditions for extended periods, and being able to solve problems and deal with challenging logistics * Dedication to teamwork, collaboration, and respect for others, as well as to conservation of marine wildlife and habitats. Review of applications will begin November 20, 2012 and will continue until finalists are identified. Applications received after that point may be considered if the position is not filled from the finalist pool. Salary: Dependent on Experience. Does not include benefits. Airfare is included from a U.S. gateway city. Interested persons should email cover letter describing qualifications for the position along with curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information for at least three references to: Dr. Bryan Wallace, Chief Scientist, Oceanic Society staff(a)oceanicsociety.org with a copy to wallace(a)oceanicsociety.org For more information about the Oceanic Society, visit: www.oceanicsociety.org. OS scientific advisory board: http://www.oceanicsociety.org/sci_advisors For more information about the University of Belize's Environmental Research Institute, visit: http://eriub.org/

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Research assistants are needed on a behavioural study of dolphins in the Istanbul Striat
by aylin akkaya 25 Nov '12

25 Nov '12

Dear Marmam readers, I am seeking more research assistants to help a PhD thesis on a behavioural study of dolphins in the Istanbul Strait. This is a project under the Istanbul University-Turkey under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bayram Öztürk and Dr. Ayaka Amaha Öztürk. The project aims to determine the critical habitats and investigate the interactions between cetaceans and marine traffic. In the Istanbul Strait, there are three different species of dolphins which are common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise. The strait is one of the narrowest straits in the world and has a vital importance on the international marine transportation (around 50.000 transit ships uses this passage annually). During the project, theodolite will be used for the purpose of determining the travel speed and diving interval as well as the distance between the dolphins and vessels. Moreover we will collect various behavioural data. Computer based photo-id studies will also be carried out. The research assistants will have the opportunity to take part in data collection during the land and boat based fieldwork in the Istanbul Strait. Research assistants should be prepared to long working days in the field under the hot and cold weathers. Now, the highest season for the dolphins are coming so we need more research assistants in the field. The field work will take 3-4 days in a week and office work will take a day or two. So you will have heaps of time for seeing around in Turkey as well. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Istanbul-Turkey. I know most of the students are short of money but applicants should contribute 400$ to the project and for the accomodation, the applicants need to pay 100 dolar per month. Commitment is required for a period of 2 months. Successful applicants will: - be able to live and work with others in a team - be available for at least 2 months -and most important should have a strong desire to work with marine mammals under the difficult conditions. This project provides an excellent opportunity for students and individuals interested in getting more experience in the field of marine mammal research. Applicants should send a short email introducing themselves to akkayaaylin(a)yahoo.com. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project. Please also attach a brief CV. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Start and end dates are flexible. All the best, Aylin AKKAYA

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Deadline extension for abstract submission - 30 of November
by ECS 2013 23 Nov '12

23 Nov '12

Dear all, Due to some technical difficulties in the ECS and conference websites, *the **deadline for **abstract and workshop submission as well as for support and student grant request was extended to the 30 of November*. Go to http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu to create your profile and submit your abstract. Check regularly www.escolademar.pt/ecs2013 for news about the conference. Hope to meet you all in Setúbal, Cristina Brito and Marina Sequeira. -- 27th European Cetacean Society Conference 8-10 April 2013 Setúbal, Portugal ecsconference2013(a)gmail.com Folow us at: http://www.escolademar.pt/ecs2013/ http://www.facebook.com/groups/13162370191/

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Further Developments in the Detection of Marine Mammal Vocalisations in Passive Sonar Spectrograms
by Tom Lampert 22 Nov '12

22 Nov '12

To further a previous posting, our most recent paper entitled "On the Detection of Tracks in Spectrogram Images" has been accepted in the journal Pattern Recognition (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031320312004712) A pre-review version of this paper is available online at http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/64/49/37/PDF/LampertXX.pdf. Furthermore, please let me bring to your attention our previous publications on the topic: T. Lampert and S. O'Keefe, `A Detailed Investigation into Low-Level Feature Detection in Spectrogram Images', Pattern Recognition 44 (9): 2076–2092, 2011. https://sites.google.com/site/tomalampert/publications/Lampert11LowLevelInv… T. Lampert and S. O'Keefe, `A Survey of Spectrogram Track Detection Algorithms', Applied Acoustics 71 (2): 87–100, 2010. https://sites.google.com/site/tomalampert/publications/Lampert10Survey.pdf Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this research. Kind regards, Tom Lampert ----------------------- Dr. Thomas LampertResearch AssociateLSiiT, University of Strasbourg.Website: https://sites.google.com/site/tomalampert/publications

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Distance Sampling Workshop. Univ. St. Andrews August 2013
by Lindesay Scott-Hayward 22 Nov '12

22 Nov '12

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops in the summer of 2013 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software. The first workshop (20-23 August) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on distance sampling methods, largely described in the standard reference book "Introduction to Distance Sampling." The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program "Distance." Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys. Note that we have moved the 'automated survey design' and 'incorporating covariates in detection function' from the advanced workshop into the introductory workshop. The advanced distance sampling workshop (26-29 August) will include advanced treatment of: analyses in which detectability on the transect line is not assumed to be perfect (the so-called g(0) problem) and spatial (or density surface) modelling. We will also showcase a series of new R packages we have developed for performing standard as well as sophisticated analyses in R. The aim of this workshop is to bring participants up to date with the latest developments in distance sampling methods and software. It is also an opportunity for those actively engaged in the design, analysis and execution of distance sampling surveys to discuss common issues and problems, and set future research directions. The workshop will be a combination of lectures and computer sessions, with considerable time for discussion. For all workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptops. Additional details regarding the workshop can be found at our website http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/distance2013/workshop_over…<http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/distance2012/workshop_over…> ------------------------------------------------------------------- Lindesay Scott-Hayward Research Fellow Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), The Observatory, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9LZ Scotland Tel: +44 (0) 1334 461824 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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SEAMAMMS 2013: March 22-24 UNF Jacksonville
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 22 Nov '12

22 Nov '12

The 2013 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will take place March 22-24, 2013, in Jacksonville FL hosted by the University of North Florida. SEAMAMMS is a forum for biologists conducting research on all species of marine mammals in waters from New Jersey to Texas. The purpose of the conference is to bring together scientists and students to present their latest research results in a regional, student-oriented meeting format. SEAMAMMS provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to present their research to their colleagues. Awards will be given for the best student oral and poster presentations. The 2013 conference will mark the twentieth year for this productive annual meeting. The deadline to submit an abstract is 8 February 2013 at 5:00 pm. You will be notified if your abstract has been accepted by 15 February 2013. Online early registration must be completed by 1 March 2013. There will be a mixer on Friday night, followed by presentations all day Saturday and Sunday morning. A banquet will be held on Saturday night and a business meeting will be held on Sunday morning to conclude the conference. All activities will take place on the campus of the University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida. More information will be posted on the website (http://www.unf.edu/coas/biology/SEAMAMMS.aspx) in the coming weeks. Contact: Dr. Julie Richmond 1 UNF Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32224 (904)620-2883 j.richmond <at> unf.edu =============================================================================== The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world through research, education, and inter-cultural collaboration. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. Donate online at http://sirenian.org.

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SEACR- Marine Research Internship- Summer 2013
by Jacqueline Clare 21 Nov '12

21 Nov '12

SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2013 The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a non-profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of near-shore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several long-term ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by members of the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/) INTERNSHIPS Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program! MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and marine ecology. Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard! We are offering 2 or 4 week Marine Research Internships from June 1rst to August 30th 2013. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis and spaces are quite limited. 2 Week Option: June 1-June 15, June 16-June 30, July 17-July 31, August 1-August 15, August 16-August 30 4 Week Option: June 1-June 30, July 17-August 14, or August 1-30 QUALIFICATIONS This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the field. Ideal candidates possess a personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research. Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long - though very satisfying! This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of wildlife. THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail, have beach campfires, and interact with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples. Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station. Flores Island's natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime. APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS To qualify as a candidate for the MRIP, see the pre-application process on our website: http://whalelab.geog.uvic.ca/MRIPapply Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to MRIP. Two week Internship - $ 2200 Cdn Four week Internship - $ 3400 Cdn If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our http://whalelab.geog.uvic.ca/MRIPapply Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: whalelab(a)gmail.com **************************** Society for Ecological and Coastal Research P.O. Box 35052 Victoria, British Columbia CANADA V8T 5G2 whalelab(a)gmail.com

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The Whale Center of New England: Marine Mammal Research Internships 2013
by Laura Howes 21 Nov '12

21 Nov '12

Marine Mammal Research and Education Internships 2013 (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/research-whales/whale-center-internships.html) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the Spring 2013 (January 28 - May 31), Summer (May 27 - August 23) and Fall (August 19 - December 13) semesters of 2013, Please note: Positions for the spring will be filled in December, while positions for the summer and fall will not be filled until the early spring of 2013. The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification, and computer work (training provided), field data collection and public education aboard commercial whale watching vessels, educational and fundraising outreach, and attendance at conferences and meetings. There is often the possibility of future paid seasonal employment by the Whale Center of New England for interns who particularly excel during the internship. There is no fee required for the intern position. Interns are required to provide their own housing and board, and a means of transportation to the boats we work on in Boston and Gloucester, MA. (The Whale Center may be able to assist interns in finding housing and/or transportation). At times, housing can be difficult to find, but we put interns in contact with each other so that they can look for a place together. Past volunteers have also lived with friends or relatives in nearby areas such as Boston and Salem. Internships are full-time, with long hours expected especially during our summer internship. Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. International applicants are often accepted to the Whale Center's internship program, but it should be noted that there are ancillary visa fees for international exchange. The Whale Center is looking for independent applicants with a blend of enthusiasm, scientific skills, and communication abilities. There may be opportunities for interns to specialize their focus during the internship (i.e. Education, Research, Database Management) depending on their background and interests. Internship applicants should also have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or office * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for an internship: please send our application (attached or refer to our website), a resume or CV, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, two letters of recommendation, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview may be arranged. In-person interviews and phone interviews are both accepted. Spring 2013 interviews will be conducted in December 2012, and Summer/Fall 2013 interviews will be conducted during one of two weekends in March 2013. All applications for the Spring 2013 Internship must be submitted by December 15, 2012. All applications for the Summer 2013 and Fall 2013 Internships must be submitted by March 1, 2013. Please note that early applications for the summer and fall won't be reviewed until the spring of 2013. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to Laura Howes Laura Howes Program Coordinator P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) laura(a)whalecenter.org

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