April 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

LAND BASED MINKE WHALE TRACKING IN ICELAND - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
by Christiansen, Fredrik Oscar 22 Apr '12

22 Apr '12

LAND BASED MINKE WHALE TRACKING IN ICELAND - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED I am looking for five volunteers to collect land based data on minke whale movement and diving behaviour in Iceland between the end of May (25th) and the end of August (31st) 2012. The project is part of a larger study looking at the effects of whalewatching on Minke whales in Iceland and the land based data constitutes the control (or natural) behaviour data of this project. A land based station, a 27m high lighthouse, will be used as a platform from which Minke whale movement and diving behaviour will be collected in the absence of tourist boats, by using a theodolite and computer. FIELD WORK DESCRIPTION Continuous focal follows of individual Minke whales will be conducted from land. One person will use a theodolite to measure the position of the Minke whale every time it surfaces, as well as the orientation of the animal and any conspicuous surface behaviours (e.g. feeding). A second person with binoculars will assist the theodolite tracker and make sure that no surfacing is missed or that no other Minke whales enter the study area which might confuse the theodolite tracker. A third person will enter all the data into a computer in real time, together with environmental data etc. Volunteers will rotate between these positions, but if a person is really skilled with theodolite tracking they might be given priority for tracking when weather conditions are particularly favourable. The work schedule for the lighthouse will be between 06:00 and 18:00 (depending on the weather) and volunteers will rotate on a two hours basis, rotating between theodolite tracking, binocular tracking, computer entry and being off duty. Tourist will regularly come up to the lighthouse and ask what you are working with, during which time you have to be polite and informative. The major of Garður is keen on advertising our work to locals and tourists, and you should assist him with this task as much as possible. As in any cetacean work, there will be days when work will be very intense due to favourable weather conditions, when you will be expected to work up to 10h in the field. Other days will have bad weather and no work, or half a day’s work or less, so you have to be flexible and work according to the weather. When you are not working in the field there will be data entry work to do, as well as everyday equipment cleaning work etc. You also need to help out with everyday tasks of cooking, cleaning etc. LOCATION The lighthouse and accommodation is located in Garður, about 30km west of Reykjavik, north of Keflavik, and overlooks the southern part of Faxaflói Bay. It’s a small town consisting of about 1400 people and facilities are limited. There is a supermarket, swimming hall and a cafe. A few times per day there is a free shuttle bus between Garður and Keflavik, which is a slightly bigger city (8000 people). Accommodation will consist of a shared house in Garður with bathroom and kitchen, provided by the municipality of Garður. Volunteers need to live and cook together. The house will most likely have internet connection. COSTS Regarding costs, unfortunately this is an unpaid volunteer position and you would have to cover your own travel expenses to and from Iceland, your travel insurance (required!), as well as your food expenses during the project. Accommodation will be provided for free by the project. QUALIFICATION As theodolite tracking of Minke whales is difficult and takes a long time to learn, priority will be given to people with PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THEODOLITE TRACKING. If you have this sort of experience, please specify in your application when and where you worked with this, what species you were studying and what sort of data you collected (did you collect positional data for every surfacing or just one fix per surfacing bout?). How many hours of theodolite tracking (actively working with the theodolite) do you have roughly? As the feasibility of this project is relying strongly on assistants, the successful candidate will need to be able to STAY FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE PROJECT. A departure in the middle of the project would be very difficult to accommodate for, and therefore I wish you to really consider your availability for this summer before you decide to apply for this position. Apart from setting up the project for the first week, I will personally not be stationed in Garður or Iceland this summer due to other commitments. For this reason, the successful candidates would have to be GOOD AT WORKING INDEPENDENTLY and taking their own initiatives. My Icelandic supervisor will be available in Iceland, but up in Húsavik, meaning that smaller logistical tasks would have to be sorted out by the research team themselves. Of course, any costs related to the research project would be paid by me. The successful applicant will need to both work and live together with people from different countries and backgrounds and therefore needs to be a very tolerant and flexible person. During time periods of bad weather, or periods when whales are not seen for a long time, you might become very frustrated, but it’s important to remain polite and respectful in all situations. EXPECTATIONS As I mentioned, when the weather is bad there won’t be any field work, so those days can also be used to relax. As the field season is relatively short (3 months) and bad weather will prevent work for roughly half of these days, days off will not be scheduled, but rather taken opportunistically during days when the weather is bad. Therefore you will need to be stationed in Garður throughout these three months, so any plans to travel around Iceland should be done prior to or after this project. As Garður is small and geographically isolated, there isn’t much to do when you are not working, so if you are a person that needs a lot of stimulation then this project isn’t for you. There is a lot of beautiful nature around Garður to where you can walk, and many species of birds for bird lovers or photographers. Apart from Minke whales you can also sometimes see white beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, basking sharks and seals from the coast. But for time periods when the weather is bad (sometimes for weeks) and there is no data processing to be done, I recommend that you bring along books, movies etc or whatever you like doing at your spare time basically. You should expect that the weather will be bad roughly half of the time you are in Iceland and prevent you from working. There will also be periods (sometimes weeks) when few or no Minke whales are sighted. For those periods it is important not to give up, and to keep working from the lighthouse, as the animals can return at any time. This is a rather difficult project, but to observing this species without disturbing it, and to see its natural behaviours is very rewarding. And even though being difficult, we managed to get a lot of data from last two seasons, showing that this project has great potential to be even better for 2012. I hope this project description hasn’t scared you off already, but I wanted to emphasize what the difficulties with this project are and that I am looking for people that can handle this sort of work and living conditions. This project will give you a great chance to work with an amazing species in an amazing place, and you will be able to learn some skills that are frequently practised in cetacean research and therefore really useful to know for anyone that wants to pursue a career in this field. Also you will have the opportunity to work with other like minded people from different countries and local Icelanders. WORK PERIOD: The tracking project is planned between the 25th of May and the 31st of August 2012. DAILY DUTIES: - collect Minke whale track data from land with theodolite - enter track data into computer in real time - data entry and processing - equipment cleaning and maintenance - talk and inform tourists and locals about the Minke whales and our work QUALIFICATIONS: - background in Marine biology/Oceanography preferable, but not necessary - previous wildlife field experience and ability to stand long working days - previous theodolite tracking skills - working knowledge of computers and MS Excel. Possibility to bring your own Laptop is much preferred - be hard-working, team oriented, able to share small living space - be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - good English language skills HOW TO APPLY: Send CV and resume. The resume should include the following: - details of your availability (ONLY APPLICANTS THAT CAN COMMIT FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE PROJECT WILL BE CONSIDERED) - contact details of two referees (no letters of recommendation needed) - a brief description of yourself including your interest in biology and what you hope to gain from this experience - any previous experience in theodolite tracking - any dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc.) Send applications to: Fredrik Christiansen (PhD Student) University of Aberdeen Institute of Biological Sciences Tillydrone Ave Aberdeen AB24 2TZ United Kingdom E-mail: f.christiansen(a)abdn.ac.uk Mobile: +44 78 18725081 The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

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Photo-ID Positions, northern Gulf of Mexico
by Keith Mullin 20 Apr '12

20 Apr '12

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southeast Fisheries Science Center will be conducting bottlenose dolphin photo-identification surveys in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas from mid-May to mid-September 2012. Two people with significant photo-ID experience will be needed to support this work. Photo-ID experience includes bottlenose dolphin dorsal fin photography from small boats and photo processing (i.e., sorting, matching) as well as database management. FinBase will be used but specific FinBase experience is not required. In addition to photo-ID experience, a current First Aid and CPR rating, and a U.S. Coast Guard approved boater safety course are required. The work will be evenly split between fieldwork and lab work and will be based from the NMFS lab in Pascagoula, Mississippi with travel to Louisiana and Texas. If you are a U.S. citizen and qualified, please contact Keith.D.Mullin(a)noaa.gov <mailto:Keith.D.Mullin@noaa.gov> for more details. These positions will be with IAP World Services and will be posted by 24 April 2012 at IAPWS.COM. To apply go the Careers link and search under scientific positions. If you have problems applying, contact Brenda at 228-549-1659.

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Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Internship - Fall 2012
by Shauna Mcbride 20 Apr '12

20 Apr '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. Fall 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 June 1st. Anticipated start date is in mid August and will last until mid December. 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). Recommenders should mail or email their letters directly to the intern coordinator. *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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Posting for a Research Scientist
by Dortche, Mary 18 Apr '12

18 Apr '12

POSITION: Research Scientist DEPARTMENT: Research & Veterinary Services IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Vice President of Research and Veterinary Services EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Full time, Exempt JOB SUMMARY: Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and a team work focused work ethic. Writes grants for secures finds funding for animal health related research projects focused on but not limited to immunology, neuroendocrinology, molecular and cell biology. Carries out the research in the field and laboratory and performs appropriate laboratory and statistical analyses. Relays findings in the form of scientific reports and presentations. Offers and carries out diagnostic services related to the research analyses. Serves on graduate student committees and as adjunct faculty at other institutions. REQUIREMENTS: A Ph.D. in the biological sciences. Must have at least1- 2 years postdoctoral traineeship(s). Supervisory experience a plus. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point. Working knowledge of statistical, graphics and database programs desired. Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team, have a willingness to learn, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Perform appropriate research techniques in the laboratory unsupervised. * Develop new assays in conjunction with research projects. * Perform data entry and analysis and literature searches. * Relay research objectives, progress and results in formats such as written scientific abstracts, manuscripts, reports, statistics, graphs and presentations. * Supervise students who are assisting in the laboratory. * Assist with organization and maintenance of the laboratory. * Serve on graduate student committees. * Serve as adjunct faculty at other institutions. * Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor. Mary Dortche Human Resources Assistant 860.572.5955 x311 www.mysticaquarium.org<http://www.mysticaquarium.org/> [Description: Description: MA_Email] [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: FBicon]<http://www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium>[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: twitterlogo]<http://twitter.com/mysticaquarium>[Description: Description: Description: cid:image007.png@01CBE934.31FFF3E0]<http://www.youtube.com/user/MysticAquarium>

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ACS Small Grants-In-Aid of Research
by Cheryl M. McCormick 17 Apr '12

17 Apr '12

Award Range: $100 $1,000 annually The American Cetacean Society Grants-in-Aid of Research fund offers small research grants for direct costs of scientific, field-based projects focusing on cetaceans. The Society invites proposals from all cetacean-related disciplines, including the social sciences, which focus on cetaceans and/or their habitats. ACS particularly welcomes applications from early-career researchers such as graduate students and researchers with less than 10 years post-doctoral experience, and researchers whose work focuses on small cetaceans. The American Cetacean Society has a long-standing commitment to providing young scientists with seed money for research projects in cetacean-related disciplines. Currently, ACS grant awards range from $100 to $1,000; the Society highly encourages funds to be used in a match program to maximize funding potential. Funding is available to applicants who are themselves active (dues-paying) ACS members or whose faculty advisors are active members. ACS funds are intended to strengthen conservation efforts through applied field-based research and opportunities outside of the laboratory. Funds may not be used for salaries, stipends, honoraria, or other compensatory expenses. Chapters of the American Cetacean Society also participate in grant-making initiatives and will also submit Request For Proposals (RFPs) coincident with their funding cycles. For information about specific chapters and their grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page our website. Proposals should include: 1. Application cover sheet, with title of proposal, field research group, contact information (email, phone and departmental contacts) for the faculty lead or principle investigator (PI), second PI (if applicable) and any proposed graduate student participant list (with contact information). 2. A brief narrative (1-2 pages, single-spaced) describing the research program, overall purpose, specific research objectives/questions, study timeline and benchmarks, significance of the research in advancing our understanding the biology and conservation of cetaceans and/or their habitats, and how the research can or does advance conservation efforts aimed at a particular taxa, species, or habitat. 3. An itemized, one-year budget, including estimated costs for supplies, equipment, travel, etc. Costs should be kept reasonable. A budget justification should be included. Budget should not exceed requested funding amount; however, details of additional funding sources supporting the research and how those funds will be used are helpful in evaluating applications. 4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) for each principle investigator. The application deadline for the 2012 American Cetacean Society Small Grants-in-Aid of Research Program is Monday, May 21st, 2012, and will cover proposed field work to be undertaken through summer of 2012. Funding is limited and proposals will be peer-reviewed for scientific rigor, conservation benefit and cost effectiveness. Awards will be announced on Friday, July 6th, 2012. Applications should be sent by email to Cheryl McCormick, Executive Director, at c.mccormick(a)acsonline.org. Questions regarding the program may also be directed to her. Respectfully, Cheryl Cheryl M. McCormick, Ph.D. Executive Director American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 (office) c.mccormick(a)acsonline.org

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FW: The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is hiring a Marine Mammal Pathobiologist
by Heather Groninger 17 Apr '12

17 Apr '12

A reminder of this recruitment effort. Applications are due this Friday 4/20. Heather Groninger Human Resources and Operations Manager The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965 415-289-7348 Fax: 415-754-4048 groningerh(a)tmmc.org<mailto:groningerh@tmmc.org> www.tmmc.org<http://www.tmmc.org> Adopt-a-Seal! [cid:image001.jpg@01CD0D00.6E13E0D0] Adopt a past patient like Garnett and you'll give future patients a second chance at life. Adopt-a-Seal today<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/adopt-a-seal/>! From: Heather Groninger Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 4:35 PM To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Subject: The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is hiring a Marine Mammal Pathobiologist The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is recruiting for the following role: MARINE MAMMAL PATHOBIOLOGIST The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking a Marine Mammal Pathobiologist to join our team. The Marine Mammal Center's mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals-their health and that of their ocean environment-and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. The Marine Mammal Pathobiologist is responsible for leading original research in The Marine Mammal Center's Veterinary Science Department, supporting and guiding other department members in assisting with research and coordinating research with external investigators. The Pathobiologist conducts original research into aspects of marine mammal biology pertinent to health and disease of Center patients and their rehabilitation. In addition to providing oversight to the research agenda, this position directly supports research efforts by other TMMC staff and collaborators by ensuring regulatory compliance, assisting with sampling of animals for research studies, necropsy examinations, data management and evaluation, and manuscript preparation. The Pathobiologist reports to the Director of Veterinary Science, with additional support and guidance provided by the Senior Scientist. This position supervises the Research Associate(s), Necropsy Manager and the Laboratory Manager/Medical Technologist. The Pathobiologist is also expected to be an active member of cross-departmental teams supporting the mission and directives of the Center Executive Director and TMMC Board of Directors. Major Responsibilities: * Develop an annual plan with measurable outcomes. * Manage staff, including providing performance evaluations tied to measures, and in conjunction with the Department of Human Resources, hiring and firing. * Conduct original research into marine mammal health and disease. * Ensure all research complies with all pertinent regulations. * Manage the Center's tissue and serum bank. * Contribute to Center grants management including drafting proposals, tracking expenses and reporting results. * Manage post release monitoring program of animals after rehabilitation * Assist veterinary science staff with data analysis Core Competencies -- Knowledge and Skills: * Knowledge of marine mammal biology, and current marine mammal health and disease issues * Knowledge of existing methodologies for tracking marine mammals * Knowledge of current regulations regarding marine mammal take and specimen handling * Ability to record, manage and analyze data, and perform statistical analyses * Ability to write scientific papers for publication in a peer reviewed journals * Ability to represent The Center before large and small groups * Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team to coordinate shared and extra-mural projects, and monitor health and disease in marine mammals * Ability to supervise and train visiting interns and volunteers in marine mammal biology pertinent to the mission of The Center * Experience in multiple media venues Qualifications: * Significant and relevant experience with marine mammals in field research, clinical research, or both * Advanced degree in relevant field of study (e.g., PhD, DVM) * Demonstrated management experience To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume attention Human Resources and Operations Manager to admin(a)tmmc.org<mailto:admin@tmmc.org>. Please put "Marine Mammal Pathobiologist" in the subject line. Deadline for applications is April 20, 2012. Please no phone calls or faxed submissions. Heather Groninger Human Resources and Operations Manager The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965 415-289-7348 Fax: 415-754-4048 groningerh(a)tmmc.org<mailto:groningerh@tmmc.org> www.tmmc.org<http://www.tmmc.org> Adopt-a-Seal! [cid:image001.jpg@01CD0D00.6E13E0D0] Adopt a past patient like Garnett and you'll give future patients a second chance at life. Adopt-a-Seal today<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/adopt-a-seal/>!

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Request for information on Monk seal vocalization
by Marci Shindel 17 Apr '12

17 Apr '12

Dear fellow MARMAMers and colleagues, I am a graduate student at Oregon State University looking to gather information and acoustic samples of Hawaiian Monk seal vocalizations underwater. If you have, or know of anyone with underwater recordings of Hawaiian Monk seals (whether directly or indirectly in the background), previous or ongoing studies/research, or even unpublished observations such as from a rehab facility or any time spent underwater; could you please forward me any information or names as to whom I could contact for further information. I am trying to compile sufficient evidence to determine the feasibility of using passive aoustic monitoring on Hawaiian Monk seal populations. However, the availability and/or accessilibity of existing recordings or studies containing or pretaining to underwater monk seal vocalizations is minimal. If anyone has information or could help in any way, please contact me at shindelm(a)onid.orst.edu. Thank you very much for your time and assistance. Marci Shindel

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article needed
by isil aytemiz 17 Apr '12

17 Apr '12

Dear all, I'm a PhD student from Istanbul University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. We are preparing a study about stomach content parasites of striped dolphins in Eastern Mediterranean and looking for articles about previous striped dolphin stomach content parasites especially in Mediterranean. we have the articles below: -Aznar, F.J., Fognani, P., Balbuena, J.A., Pietrobelli, M. and Raga, A. (2006) distribution of Pholeter gastrophilus (Digenea) within the stomach of four odontocete species: the role of the diet and digestive physiology of hosts. Parasitology, 133: 369-380. -Duignan, P.J., Geraci R.J., Raga J.A., and Calzada N. (1992) Pathology of morbillivirus infection in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Valencia and Murcia, Spain. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 56: 242-248. -Cornaglia, E., Rebora, L., Gili, C., and Guardo, Di G. (2000) Histopathological and Immunohistochemical studies on cetaceans found stranded on the coast of Italy between 1990 and 1997. J. Vet. Med. A., 47:129-142. Anyone can help us please contact isilaytemiz(a)yahoo.com. Thank you:) Isil AYTEMIZ, PhD Student Istanbul University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dept. of Pathology

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Volunteer internship: Whale & Dolphin Education Officer
by Dylan Walker 16 Apr '12

16 Apr '12

Dear all, Planet Whale is looking for a volunteer Whale & Dolphin Education Officer to work on a three month internship beginning 10th May in Brighton, UK. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing Planet Whale’s educational outreach programme, including attending events and schools and delivering inspirational talks about cetaceans. A key part of the role will be the development and delivery of Planet Whale’s ‘Virtual Whale Watch experience’ – an engaging and interactive indoor whale watching trip that highlights marine conservation issues and raises awareness about responsible whale and dolphin watching. Applicants must be enthusiastic and passionate about cetaceans and the marine environment, with excellent communication, organisational, and written skills. Previous experience of working with cetaceans will be considered an advantage, but not essential, to the post. Applicants will be required to be based in Brighton for the duration of the internship and will form part of a dynamic team of volunteers developing Planet Whale’s projects and events. If the successful applicant does not already live locally, a £600 (EUR 720) grant will be made available to help cover living expenses over the three month period. To apply for the post please send a CV and covering letter by electronic mail to: dylan(a)planetwhale.com Kind regards, Dylan Walker Planet Whale www.planetwhale.com +44 (0)1273 355011

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Last Call for 2012 Manatee/Dolphin Field Course in Belize!
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 15 Apr '12

15 Apr '12

Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation of Manatees & Dolphins A Unique Field Course in the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon System 2012 Session III: ~ 4-17 August 2012 http://www.sirenian.org/2012FieldCourse.html REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1st, 2012 Lead Instructor & Principal Investigator: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. Want to be a Conservation Biologist, Behavioral Ecologist or Marine Mammalogist? Here's your chance to join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of animal behavior, ecology & conservation, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins, coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds in Belize! Course Overview: This is an experiential learning field course where you will live, work, and study from a marine science field station on a pristine, private island off the coast of Belize. Additionally, you will visit one or more Community Conservation Sites in Belize. Data collected during the course will contribute to our long-term manatee/ dolphin research project. You will learn through a variety of learning activities, literature review and discussion, independent research projects, and actual field research. Be prepared to rise with the sun and spend 8-10 hours outdoors, including 3-4 hours on the water each day learning about the tropical Caribbean environment as we explore a maze of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. Location: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center at Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge, http://belizeadventurelodge.com/ and Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation & Development, http://sartenejaconservation.org/ . Passport required, immunizations as recommended by CDC Your Share of the Costs: US$2995 includes housing, meals, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees; DOES NOT include airfare, books, tips, and credit hours. Optional Credit Hours: The course provides 100 experiential learning and lecture hours in the field, plus approximately 35 hours of pre- field reading, research, and preparation; at least 50 of the 135 total hours include direct instruction by faculty. This is comparable to a 3 credit hour university course and meets the US DOE criteria in 34 CFR, SS600.2. You must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and Dr. Self-Sullivan for credit to be earned through your home university. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill any study abroad requirements of your school. This course is divided into 4 major components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~3 hours per day), project development & implementation (~2 hours per day), presentation of pre-field research (~1 hour per day), and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hour per day). Deadlines: Registration & deposit due May 1st, 2012; balance due at least 60 days prior to field dates. Late payments and late registrations (if space available) incur a $100 late fee. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Contact: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. | cselfsullivan at sirenian dot org OR cselfsullivan at gmail dot com | +1.540.287.8207 Visit our Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=370432825564 Registration Form: http://sirenian.org/2012BelizeRegistration.pdf Detailed Syllabus: http://sirenian.org/2012BelizeSyllabus.pdf Policy & Liability Form: http://sirenian.org/2012BelizePolicy.pdf Recruit a Friend: http://sirenian.org/2012BelizeFlyer.pdf Field Course Expedition Briefing (Be patient, it's 11MB): http://sirenian.org/2012BelizeBriefing.pdf Caryn Self-Sullivan, PhD, KPA CTP President & Co-founder, Sirenian International, Inc. Email: cselfsullivan(a)sirenian.org Phone: +1.540.287.8207 Website: http://sirenian.org Blog: http://mermaidsandmermen.blogspot.com/ Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/sirenianinternational Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sirenian/ 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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