March 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on decision support system for management of MPAs with marine mammals
by Cristiane Albuquerque Martins 27 Mar '12

27 Mar '12

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Environmental Modelling & Software journal. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364815211001927 DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2011.08.009 A decision support system to assist the sustainable management of navigation activities in the St. Lawrence River Estuary, Canada L. Parrott, C. Chion, C.C.A. Martins, P. Lamontagne, S. Turgeon, J.A. Landry, B. Zhens, D.J. Marceau, R. Michaud, G. Cantin, N. Ménard, S. Dionne Abstract We describe a decision support system that has been developed to inform management and planning in a portion of the St. Lawrence Estuary in Canada (covering the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park and the proposed St. Lawrence Estuary Marine Protected Area). The system is composed of a spatiotemporal, georeferenced database, a simulator (3MTSim) that reproduces the spatiotemporal movement of marine mammals and maritime traffic in the estuary, and data post-processing tools that can be used to analyse the output of 3MTSim. 3MTSim allows users to test different management scenarios for maritime traffic (e.g., area closures, speed limits, regulations concerning the observation of marine mammals) in order to assess their effects on navigational patterns which may influence marine mammal exposure to vessels. 3MTSim includes an individual-based model of marine mammal movement patterns that has been elaborated based on existing telemetry data on fin, blue, and beluga whales as well as on land-based theodolite tracking of humpback and minke whales. Observations recorded aboard research and whale-watching vessels have provided the spatial data necessary to estimate species’ abundances and distribution maps that are used to initialise the whale model. Different types of vessels, including cargo ships and commercial whale-watching boats are also modelled individually, using an agent-based approach. The boat model represents the decision-making process of boat captains as a function of environmental conditions, the contextual setting, and their respective goals. An extensive database of real-time tracking data available for the different types of vessels, coupled with observations and interviews, has served in the elaboration of the boat model. In this paper, an overview of the entire system is presented and its effectiveness as a decision support tool is demonstrated via the results from a sample of scenario-based simulations. -- Cristiane Cristiane C. de Albuquerque Martins Candidat au doctorat/Ph.D. candidate Laboratoire sur les systèmes complexes/ Complex systems laboratory Université de Montréal Département de Géographie 520 chemin côte Ste-Catherine Montréal (QC), Canada H2V 2B8 Tél.: (514) 343-8064 / (514) 713-9486 http://www.geog.umontreal.ca/syscomplex/3MTSim/index.htm http://www.geog.umontreal.ca/recherches/memoirestheses/encours.html#cristia…

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PhD position in Marine Evolution and Conservation (MarECon) at Groningen University in the Netherlands
by Per J Palsboll 27 Mar '12

27 Mar '12

PhD position Marine Evolution and Conservation (1,0 fte) (Reference number 212075) Organisation The PhD position is with the Marine Evolution and Conservation (MarECon) group at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies (CEES) which is placed with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The research conducted by the members of MarECon is aimed at the evolution and conservation of pelagic marine organisms, in particular marine mammals. We are interested in those processes that partition genetic variation within those species that inhabit this comparatively open environment. Our primary research approach is population genetics and genomics. The research is conducted with a global network of collaborators who collect data and tissue samples in the field. Job description The pinnipeds and cetaceans represent some of the most derived mammal groups. The many convergent features in these two groups provide clear evidence of the strong natural selection the mammal "bauplan" is subjected to when transitioning to a marine existence. The combination of strong convergent evolution in different lineages of mammals constitutes an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the genomic underpinnings of the evolution and adaptation in pinnipeds and cetaceans and the subsequent radiations into different distinct marine habitats. The objective of this PhD project is to utilize genome enabled methods to identify those traits under past and recent selection in pinnipeds and cetaceans. The research will mainly consist of genome wide-scans in select population samples and subsequent bioinformatics and population genomic analyses of those data. The newly fitted laboratory is situated in the new green building Linneausborg on the Zernike Campus with excellent facilities for this kind of work. The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Martine Bérubé and Prof. Per Palsbøll. Qualifications We are looking for a highly motivated person with a master's degree in biology or equivalent discipline, with a strong background in empirical and theoretical population genetics. The ideal candidate for this position has good quantitative skills and the ability to conduct bioinformatics analyses of the large amounts of short-read sequence data. Programming skills (or the interest and ability to acquire such) is a necessity. The candidate should be able to work and solve problems independently. Some knowledge of marine mammals is beneficial, but not a prerequisite. It should be noted that the opportunities for fieldwork will be few and brief. A good command of English is required. The candidate will be enrolled in Groningen Graduate School of Science, attend graduate courses within the Research School Ecology and Evolution and participate in our teaching program (10% of time). Conditions of employment The University of Groningen offers a salary of EUR 2,042 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of EUR 2,612 gross per month in the final year. The employment is initially in a temporary position of 1.5 years with possible extension with another 2.5 years provided satisfactory performance during the first year. The PhD candidate will be evaluated after the first year in order to determine the likelihood of the successful completion of the PhD thesis within the following three years. If a successful completion is deemed unlikely, the employment will not be extended. The main objective of the position is to publish research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. These publications will form the basis of the doctoral thesis and obtaining the PhD degree (Dr) at the University of Groningen. Application A full complete application in English consists of a letter describing your personal motivation for applying for this position outlining which skills pertinent to the position you have, past experience as well as a brief explanation what you think the main research questions in evolution and conservation are today for marine mammals. Also make sure to add a complete curriculum vitae along with names and addresses, including telephone/fax and e-mail addresses for three referees. We would like to receive applications until 15 May 2012, 24:00 CET by means of the application form. Start date before 1 September 2012. Information For information you can contact: Dr. Per Palsboll, p.j.palsboll(a)rug.nl <mailto:p.j.palsboll@rug.nl>; palsboll(a)gmail.com <mailto:palsboll@gmail.com> CEES <http://www.rug.nl/fmns-research/cees/index> Applications should be submitted on-line at http://www.rug.nl/corporate/vacatures/vacaturesRUG(the reference number for this position is 212075) before May 15^th 2012.// _Apply_ .pdf file attached -- Per J. Palsboll, Professor Marine Evolution and Conservation Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands Office phone: +31 50 363 9882 Mobile +31 64 870 3295 Mail address: PO Box 11103 9700 CC Groningen The Netherlands

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Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
by Rankmore, Krista 26 Mar '12

26 Mar '12

Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand A volunteer is needed to assist with a PhD study investigating the abundance, social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) PROJECT BACKGROUND: The Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is an important habitat for common dolphins that are present in the Gulf all year and use the region extensively for foraging, and as a calving and nursery ground. Common dolphins have been found to consistently inhabit coastal waters making them vulnerable to the impacts of pollution, tourist interactions, recreational use and adjacent urban population growth. The aim of this project is to investigate the abundance, site fidelity and social structure of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. DATES: April 2012 until June 2012 LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of common dolphin fin photo identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individual common dolphins based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of MS Access databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis, photo-ID). Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a minimum of 2 months, however all applicants will be considered. The placement commences in April 2012. Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, including photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, assist in maintenance of long-term photo-id catalogue using a MS Access database and Finscan. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). . Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of common dolphins from a local dolphin watching vessel, collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data for dolphin groups (25% of the time). This is a volunteer position, so there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. . Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation QUALIFICATIONS: . Minimum of 18 years of age. The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and Access) . Field research including photo-identification experience is preferred but not required . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research is preferred but not required . Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on boats . First AID/CPR certification preferred but not required APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz, using “photo-id position” as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, Krista Rankmore PhD Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City 0745 Auckland New Zealand Tel: +64 (0) 9 414 0800 EXT 41520 Mob: +64 (0) 22 025 6290 Fax: + 64 (0) 9 443 9790 http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Living Whales in the Southern Ocean Symposium live streaming
by Barbara Galletti 26 Mar '12

26 Mar '12

Dear all, For those who are not able to attend the Symposium Living Whales in the Southern Ocean: Advances in non lethal cetacean research techniques, that will be held tomorrow 27th March in Puerto Varas, Chile. Thanks to the Chilean company ALTAVOZ, we will be able to have a live streaming online at www.simposioballenas.cl from 9am (UTC -03:00) I hope you can join this initiative via web if are not able to come and I would appreciate it very much if you could forward this information to other interested persons. Cheers, Barbara Bárbara Galletti Centro de Conservación Cetacea Casilla 19178, Correo Alonso de Cordoba Vitacura, Santiago - CHILE F/F: (56 2) 2282910 barbara(a)ccc-chile.org www.ccc-chile.org

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Information request - Marine debris impacts
by Sarah Baulch 26 Mar '12

26 Mar '12

Dear colleagues, I am conducting a review of the impacts of marine debris on marine mammals. I would be very grateful for any information you could supply in relation to this. In particular: - Any case studies where cetacean populations have been impacted by marine debris and action has been taken (successful or not). - Information from strandings networks in relation to documented cases of ingestion/entrapment or other impacts of marine debris (e.g. habitat degradation) on marine mammals, including where possible the rates of prevalence of debris in necropsied animals, associated pathology or mortality, the species of marine mammal and debris composition. Please contact me by email at: sarahbaulch(a)eia-international.org Thank you in advance for any information you can provide. Kind regards, Sarah Baulch Sarah Baulch Campaign Researcher (Cetaceans) Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) 62/63 Upper Street London N1 0NY United Kingdom

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ECS2012 Galway Keynote Talks Live-Streamed
by Conor Ryan 24 Mar '12

24 Mar '12

*Keynote Speakers at ECS2012 Galway Streamed Live on the Internet* For those unable to attend the 26th European Cetacean Society Conference in Galway the keynote speeches from ECS2012 Galway will be live streamed on the internet. Note times are Irish (BST). Monday 26 March 2012 Matthijs Schouten - 10-10:45 >From despot to participant: Society and nature in the 21st Century Tuesday 27 March 2012 Louis Herman - 12:15-13:00 Thirty-five years with dolphins and whales Wednesday 28 March 2012 Greg Donovan - 15:30-16:15 Conservation science: The ethics of communication View Live Stream <http://www.iwdg.ie/ecs> Simon Berrow Conference Organiser ECS2012 Galway ecs2012(a)gmit.ie

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Request re: LWL-Museum of Natural History exhibit: Whales - Giants of the Sea
by William Rossiter 24 Mar '12

24 Mar '12

Posted on behalf of Uko Gorter <uko(a)ukogorter.com>, who says: I am writing on behalf of the LWL-Museum für Naturkunde, Muenster, Germany. The Museum is hard at work on their upcoming special exhibit, "Wale-Riesen der Meere" (Whales - Giants of the Sea). The around 1700 sq. meter exhibit will be open to the public from September 21, 2012 to November 3, 2013. http://www.lwl.org/LWL/Kultur/WMfN/Museum_Naturkunde/Ausstellungen/ To enhance the exhibit experience, the LWL-Museum has made the following requests for materials: Sound clips of: 1) (navy) sonar 2) vessel traffic noise 3) other anthropogenic noise 4) heartbeat of blue whale Video clips of: 5) whale (cetacean) birth 6) suckling whale calves 7) sleeping (resting) whales 8) entanglement in fishing gear Photos of: 9) threats to whales (e.g. sonar, entanglement, pollution, whaling etc.). While hoped that any of these materials are available as in-kind donations, the LWL-Museum of Natural History is willing to negotiate some kind of renumeration. It is important that anyone offering these materials is the author and/or holds the original copyright. Please, contact exhibit coordinator, Dr. Thorsten Pickel Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe LWL-Museum für Naturkunde Westfälisches Landesmuseum mit Planetarium Sentruper Str. 285 48161 Münster Tel: (+49) 251-591-6057 Fax:(+49) 251-591-6098 E-mail: Thorsten.Pickel(a)lwl.org <mailto:Thorsten.Pickel@lwl.org> ----------------------------------------------- Thank you for your consideration, Uko Gorter

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Call For Papers
by michael belanger 23 Mar '12

23 Mar '12

*CALL FOR MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS * The editors of the Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology (JMATE) would like to announce a call for submissions for its upcoming issue. The deadline is May 1st, 2012. JMATE is an electronic peer reviewed journal focused on issues dealing with the preservation, protection, and conservation of the marine environment including the rescue and rehabilitation of marine life. However, topics relating to any aspect of marine animal science are acceptable for submission. The unique goal of the journal is to attract a diverse and broad consumer base by having a multi-disciplinary approach to marine animal issues. For further information about the journal and instructions to authors please go to: oers.ca/journal/journal.html You can send any questions to: *editor(a)oers.ca* <editor(a)oers.ca> Thank you JMATE Editors

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NMMC Call for Volunteers
by Robyn Walker 23 Mar '12

23 Mar '12

The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, California is looking for volunteers! With harbor seal pupping season upon us, we are preparing for another busy year of Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release. We are looking for interested and dedicated individuals to lend a hand and get involved. Originally founded by three volunteers, the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center relies entirely on a dynamic volunteer work force. NMMC is a private Non-Profit Organization, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded, sick or injured seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and whales along the northern coast of California. The Center, located in Crescent City's Beachfront Park, also promotes public understanding of marine mammals and the importance of our marine environment. The energy and dedication of many talented people are needed to maintain the smooth operation of the NMMC. Not only do volunteers conduct all rescue and animal care at the Center, but we also rely on them to operate our gift shop and conduct educational outreach at local schools and community events. Volunteering at the Center can be a fulfilling and exciting adventure. Consider sharing your talents and meeting others whom share you concern and love for the ocean environment and its creatures. Volunteers are essential during an emergency, but it is the year round efforts of volunteers in animal care, fundraising, and our Gift Shop that make NMMC rescues possible. Our Volunteers are the people that have and continue to make the NMMC a reality. Interested in becoming a Volunteer? Please complete the online form on our website (www.northcoastmmc.org/opportunities/volunteer) and we will contact you as soon as possible. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and attend orientation and training classes. Thank you for your support!

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Internship Opportunity - Marine Conservation Institute
by Emily Douce 23 Mar '12

23 Mar '12

Please pass along to those that might be interested. Marine Conservation Institute is a non-profit scientific and conservation advocacy organization that works to promote the protection and restoration of the Earth��s biological diversity. From our headquarters in Bellevue WA and our Washington DC and California offices, we work to protect marine life around the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, conducting policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, leading outreach efforts to educate scientists, the public, and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people. Internship Program Marine Conservation Institute��s internship program provides motivated and academically-promising students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real�\world arena. During their internship, students work closely with science and policy staff on cutting edge issues in marine conservation biology and ocean policy. Most of the internship opportunities are geared towards graduate students or students who have recently completed graduate degrees, although we have on occasion developed opportunities for undergraduates to work on pressing marine conservation issues. For internship positions, we seek individuals with excellent communication skills, substantive knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy, and who share our commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity. We also prefer candidates who have a demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision. Working out of our DC office, policy interns have the opportunity to work closely with our policy staff to gain important skills in conservation advocacy. Previous policy interns have had the opportunity to assist with establishing National Monuments and our National Marine Sanctuaries Reauthorization efforts. Policy interns have described their internship experience as being important for learning about lobbying and the legislative process and for understanding more about packaging science for Federal decision makers. These internships coincide with the academic calendar. Duties Internship activities include: �� Conducting research on US marine policy �� Setting lobbying appointments with congressional staffers �� Accompanying Marine Conservation Institute staff on visits to the Hill/agencies and keeping records of visits �� Staying abreast of and briefing staff on marine conservation news �� Preparing educational materials and fact sheets �� Providing administrative support (answer phones, file, purchase office supplies, open & distribute mail, computer troubleshoot, etc.). This constitutes approximately 20% of the intern��s time. Compensation We would prefer to hire a full-time intern (40 hours/week), but will consider bringing on a part-time intern (20 hours/week). Internships are on a volunteer basis. No benefits or relocation costs are provided, except standard holidays falling during the internship term. We are willing to work with interns and their universities to obtain academic credit for internship work. Opportunities for independent research in marine conservation should be discussed at the time of interview. Period of Internship May 2012 �C September 2012 Application Process To apply to the internships, please send the following material via e-mail to internships(a)marine-conservation.org<mailto:internships@marine-conservation.org>. The application deadline is April 13, but review of applications will begin immediately. Please reference the internship title and your name in the subject line: 1. A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability; 2. A r��sum��; 3. A writing sample (1-2 pages); 4. A course list detailing applicable coursework experience; 5. And a list of 3 references. Please no calls. Marine Conservation Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Emily Douce, Conservation Advocate Marine Conservation Institute 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Suite 210 Washington DC 20003 USA +1 202 546 5346 Emily.Douce(a)Marine-Conservation.org<mailto:Emily.Douce@Marine-Conservation.org> www.Marine-Conservation.org<http://www.marine-conservation.org/> Saving wild ocean places, for us and future generations ________________________________ Please note that my email address has changed. Our new domain is marine-conservation.org.

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