May 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Assistant positions for a cetacean study in the Mediterranean (Barcelona)
by Lara Delgado 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Dear all, Positions are open for assisting with a cetacean survey in the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona-Mallorca), Spain. Dates from 22nd of July to 30th of July 2011. DESCRIPTION: The EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of aquatic environments, specially focused in the study of cetaceans; offer positions for volunteers for one of the trips of the summer campaign of the project “Cetacean population study of the Mediterranean Sea area: Barcelona-Balearic Islands, BCNCET 2010-2011”. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species present in the Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Sea). The association catamaran will set sail to Mallorca, from the Barcelona port the 22nd of July and be back to Barcelona the 30th of July, both days included. Visual and acoustical surveys will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 9 days in the boat, studying the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species. The assistants would be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, sound collection, and basic marine navigating skills. Accommodation and food is offered in the catamaran during the 9 days, but assistants are required to pay 400€ for food and accommodation expenses. No previous experience is required, as the scientist present in the campaign will provide species identification information and teach assistants. If you are interested or want more information, please contact us to: edmaktub(a)edmaktub.com Thanks! EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of the aquatic environment. www.edmaktub.com

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AIMM seeks research assistants - Season 2012
by Isabel Andrade 06 May '13

06 May '13

The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM - seeks applications as research assistant to help with the ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). The field season will run from May, 1st to October, 30th 2012. This project intends to continue the study that AIMM has been developing along the South coast of Portugal, as well as the collaboration with the local dolphin watching companies. Participants will join the team for, at least, 7-days period but preference will be given to applicants that can stay for longer periods. Activities include boat surveys on the research vessel and on opportunistic platforms (dolphin watching boats). Data collection comprises species identification, group size, behaviour, photo-identification, amongst others. Training is provided by AIMM researchers, mainly marine biologists. The assistant is responsible for his own transportation to/from Albufeira, where the AIMM assistant’s house is located. Accommodation and transport to/from the dock is provided. Food is at the assistant’s own expenses except breakfast, but communal shopping keep the expenses low. Apart from research activities, participants share everyday duties and chores with the other team members. A fee for basic maintenance of the AIMM assistant’s house is required (300€ per week). No previous experience is required. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others members of the team - speak fluent Portuguese and/or English Preference will be given to those who have: - relevant marine mammal field experience - working experience on research vessels - experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - experience in photo-identification - professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID Applicants should send an e-mail with a small introduction, qualifications and previous experience, as well as an outline explaining why they would like to work with AIMM. A brief CV should also be attached. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended. Contacts: direccao(a)aimm-portugal.org || http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/

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Information on recent Mass Stranding in Peru
by Sarah Barry 20 Jun '12

20 Jun '12

Is there any information on the results of investigations that Peruvian Scientists are carrying out on the recent mass stranding there of common dolphin and Burmeisters porpoises? There is this article: http://digitaljournal.com/article/325075 But according to the NHM website the results were leading towards a potential epidemic outbreak of morbillivirus brucella. Kind regards, Sarah Louise Barry Marine Mammal Consultant

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2012 ACS 'Call for Poster Abstracts and Student Research Presentations'
by Cheryl M. McCormick 31 May '12

31 May '12

Dear colleagues, The American Cetacean Society Conference Program Committee invites poster presentation abstracts for the Society's 13th International Conference: "Whales and Humans: A Conflicted Relationship" November 9th-11th, 2012 Hyatt Regency, Mission Bay San Diego, California The Poster Presentation Session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based out of educational institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education. We invite graduate and undergraduate students to present their work in the ACS Conference Student Contest. The contest is for poster presenters, with a $250 first-place prize for the top presenter. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be recognized at the conference banquet and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the ACS Spyhopper newsletter. The deadline for poster presentation abstract submissions is THURSDAY, JULY 5TH, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. PST. For additional details, please visit the ACS website conference page at: http://acsonline.org/education/conference/2012-conference/ We hope to see you in San Diego! 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 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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Volunteer Position-Dolphin Research NZ
by Cheryl Cross 31 May '12

31 May '12

*Volunteer Position in Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand* Volunteers are required to assist with ongoing study data examining the distribution of marine mammals in the Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, NZ. Species of interest include bottlenose, dusky, common and Hector’s dolphins as well as New Zealand fur seals. This research forms part of a PhD study being conducted under the auspices of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University, Auckland (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) *Background:* The Marlborough Sounds, a region of embayments and estuaries is located in the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand. The study site, Queen Charlotte Sound, serves as the main passageway between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and is utilized by a range of vessels. Several marine mammal species occur within Queen Charlotte Sound including bottlenose dolphins (*Tusiops truncatus*), Hector’s dolphins* *(*Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori*), common dolphins (*Delphinus *sp.), dusky dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus obscurus)* and killer whales (*Orcinus orca*). The aim of this project is to investigate the distribution and relative abundance of marine mammals occurring within the Sound in order to provide part of a baseline study of the region. Behaviour, inter-specific interactions and potential anthropogenic influences will also be investigated. *Dates:* June 2012-June 2013, in three month increments *Location:* Picton, New Zealand * * *Responsibilities:* Field work will involve data collection from a platform of opportunity (13 m catamaran) Responsibilities will include: - Diligent searching for marine mammals, identification to species, recording of group size, group composition and behaviour - Collection of various environmental parameters - Utilization of GPS equipment to collect sighting location data and effort tracks - Data entry of all fieldwork undertaken - Opportunistic Photo-ID - Additional responsibilities may be added as the season progresses *Qualifications:* The ideal candidate will have a science background and previous marine mammal field experience. This internship is well-suited for recent graduates or graduate students of marine biology, zoology, ecology or similar fields. Preferred candidates will have some experience studying free-ranging dolphins. He or she must: - Possess basic computer skills including MS excel - Be comfortable working on boats - Be responsible, focused and motivated - Be personable, possess a strong interest in science and a mature attitude toward marine mammal research - Be patient and flexible as many hours are spent in search of marine mammals - Be prepared to live in a small isolated town and to work independently - Make a 3 month commitment to the project Unfortunately, no monetary compensation or compensation for housing is available for this position. *Application Process*: If interested please email c.cross(a)massey.ac.nz with the subject line VOLUNTEER POSITION Please LIST the following in a CONCISE message: 1) Relevant experience or qualifications 2) The time frame that you are available over the next year 3) Reasons you want to help with this project 4) The contact info of at least one professional reference that can confirm work ethic and experience 5) Current place of residence Please also attach CV or resume to the email This is great opportunity to work in a unique environment while gaining further research experience and contributing to an important project. Priority will be given to placing applicants that are available immediately. Thank you for your interest! Sincerely, Cheryl -- *Cheryl L. Cross* 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 9 414 0800 EXT 41520 Mob: +64 21 022 93719 Fax: + 64 9 443 9790

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Upcoming vacancy announcement - Research Wildlife Biologist GS-12
by Chadwick V Jay 31 May '12

31 May '12

UPCOMING VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Research Wildlife Biologist ? GS-12 U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska The U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, is seeking applicants for a Research Wildlife Biologist position in its Marine & Freshwater Ecology Research Program. The incumbent will lead research on Pacific walruses within the context of a rapidly changing Arctic marine ecosystem. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in wildlife ecology or related field; experience as a principal investigator or co-PI for wildlife ecology field studies; expertise in statistical and modeling techniques in analyzing animal resource selection and field measures of wildlife demographics; and expertise in the biology and ecology of marine mammals. The position requires U.S. citizenship. The Alaska Science Center is located on the campus of Alaska Pacific University, in Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is a modern city with a population of 277,000 people and all of the amenities usually associated with cities of that size, including restaurants, shopping and cultural offerings. Anchorage also has over 130 miles of paved summer bike trails, and over 200 kilometers of groomed winter ski trails, and year-around access to some of the most outstanding wilderness in North America. The Alaska Science Center is an important component of the USGS, the organization responsible for providing the Nation with high-quality objective scientific information needed to manage natural resources and prevent losses due to natural hazards. The Alaska Science Center is a leader in providing integrated biologic, geologic, hydrologic, and geographic data, information and related research in arctic and subarctic regions. This is a permanent position (subject to a one-year probation period for new federal employees) to be filled at the GS-12 level ($70,195 - $91,252/year, including a Cost of Living Allowance), with promotion potential to the GS-15 level. The position will be formally advertised on USAJOBS in summer 2012. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Chad Jay, USGS Alaska Science Center, 907-786-7414, cjay(a)usgs.gov for information about the position and the application process. USGS is an equal opportunity employer Alaska Science Center ? http://alaska.usgs.gov

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Darwin Fin Photo Identification
by Kristi Ashley Collom 30 May '12

30 May '12

Looking to get in contact with researchers who have had experience using the DARWIN Fin Photo Identification program. We are interested in learning consistencies, techniques for analysis, and database sharing, particularly but not limited to /Tursiops truncatus/ populations. Please contact me if you or your colleagues have used the program (Mac or PC version) and would like to collaborate techniques (troubleshooting methods, successive approaches, flaws, corrective procedures, etc.) Thank you! Kristi ____________________ Kristi Ashley Collom Research Assistant /Belize Bottlenose Dolphin Project/ kristiashleycollom(a)gmail.com (646) 620-4403/ /

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Fossil Marine Mammals of South America
by Carolina Loch 28 May '12

28 May '12

We are pleased to announce a special symposium to be held as part of the 15 Reunión de Trabajo de Especialista en Mamíferos Acuáticos y 9 Congreso de SOLAMAC (Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos) in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, 16-20 September 2012: A symposium on fossil marine mammals of South America Aims: to consider the systematics, phylogenetics, biogeographical relationships, morphological and functional studies in living and fossil aquatic mammals of South America, and related topics on fossils and macroevolution. Presentations may be in Spanish, Portugese, or English. Please email the Convenors (Mario Alberto Cozzuol mario.cozzuol(a)gmail.com<mailto:mario.cozzuol@gmail.com> and Ewan Fordyce ewan.fordyce(a)otago.ac.nz<mailto:ewan.fordyce@otago.ac.nz>) to indicate your interest and to help us plan, as follows: Attendance at the Symposium [ ] I am interested, and likely to attend [ ] I am interested but unsure at this stage Presentation at the Symposium [ ] I would like to present a talk OR [ ] I would like to present a poster [ ] I don't wish to present a talk or poster [ ] I attach a copy of my abstract, and have also submitted, or will submit, the abstract via the SOLAMAC meeting web page. Indicate your interest in a one to two day field trip to marine mammal fossil localities near Puerto Madryn: [ ] interested, likely to attend [ ] interested but unsure at this stage [ ] not interested Accommodation [ ] I am a student and would like information about budget accommodation. For more on the SOLAMAC meeting, see http://www.cenpat-conicet.gob.ar/meetings/15RT_2012/index.html Use this web address to access the SOLAMAC abstract submission process, and to submit your abstract for the Symposium. Regards Mario Cozzuol Ewan Fordyce R. Ewan Fordyce Professor, Department of Geology University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, NZ tel 3-479-7510, paleo lab 3-479-4575, cell 021-037-3964, fax 3-479-7527 web: http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/people/fordyce/index.html<http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/people/fordyce/index.html> Research Associate, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution; Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum; Michigan State University Museum. MSc. Carolina Loch Silva PhD Candidate Geology Department, University of Otago Dunedin 9054, New Zealand http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/people/students/loch/index.html & Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos UFSCFlorianópolis, SC - Brasil

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few arcticles on DFO cuts to contaminant program
by Marie NOEL 25 May '12

25 May '12

Hi All, Here are a few links on DFO cuts to the contaminant program affecting essential contaminant research on marine mammals! http://www.timescolonist.com/technology/Ottawa+sinks+pollution+checks/66496… http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/05/20/killer-whale-expert-out-of-work-as-… http://www.timescolonist.com/touch/technology/story.html?id=6664577 http://www.ctvvancouverisland.ca/2012/05/cuts-to-ocean-monitoring-program-a… Marie

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New paper on fetal and early post-natal mineralization of timpanic bulla in fin whales
by Sandro Mazzariol 25 May '12

25 May '12

Dear collegues, we're pleased to announce that a new publication on fetal and early post-natal mineralization of timpanic bulla in fin whales is now available in Plos One. Cozzi B, Podestà M, Mazzariol S, Zotti A (2012) Fetal and Early Post-Natal Mineralization of the Tympanic Bulla in Fin Whales May Reveal a Hitherto Undiscovered Evolutionary Trait. PLoS ONE 7(5): e37110. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0037110 Abstract The evolution of the cetacean skeleton followed a path that differentiated this group from other terrestrial mammals about 50 million years ago, and debate is still going on about the relationships between Cetacea and Artiodactyla. Some skeletal traits of the basilosaurids (the more advanced forms of Archaeocetes), such as the expansion of the peribullary air sinuses, dental modification and vertebral size uniformityare maintained and further emphasized also in contemporary odontocetes and mysticetes. Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry here we report that the deposition of bone mineral in fetal and newborn specimens of the fin whale/Balaenoptera physalus/is remarkably higher in the/bulla tympanica/than in the adjacent basal skull or in the rest of the skeleton. Ossification of the tympanic bulla in fetal Artiodactyla (bovine, hippopotamus) is minimal, becomes sensible after birth and then progresses during growth, contrarily to the precocious mineralization that we observed in fin whales. Given the importance of the ear bones for the precise identification of phylogenetic relationship in therian evolution, this feature may indicate a specific evolutionary trait of fin whales and possibly other cetacean species or families. Early mineralization of the tympanic bulla allows immediate sound conduction in the aquatic medium and consequently holds potential importance for mother-calf relationship and postnatal survival. You can directly download and/or read the paper at the following address: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0037110 Best regards Sandro Mazzariol -- Dr. Sandro Mazzariol, DVM, PhD Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA) Università degli Studi di Padova AGRIPOLIS - Viale dell'Università, 16 35020 - Legnaro (PD) tel.: +39 049 827 2963 fax: +39 049 827 2973 e-mail: sandro.mazzariol(a)unipd.it

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