July 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Call for posters on marine education
by Evy Copejans 08 Jul '12

08 Jul '12

Dear All, We are pleased to invite you to participate in the First Conference on Ocean Literacy in Europe, which will be held in Bruges (Belgium) on 12th October 2012. At this conference marine scientists, educators, policy makers and experts explore how Ocean Literacy can improve the future of European seas. While worldwide people express serious concern for the protection and health of the ocean, Europe has yet to provide a structure to make Ocean Literacy its priority. Being 'ocean literate' is understanding how the ocean affects us, and how we affect the ocean. The objectives of the conference are to address the lack of ocean-related content in science education standards and to envision how to bring ocean sciences into the mainstream science education. Furthermore, the conference will emphasize how marine education projects lead to more public involvement and active participation. We strongly encourage all members of MARMAN to submit a poster, as Cetecean research and education are inextricably linked to each other. Accepted abstracts for the poster session will be included in the conference abstract book. Poster deadline is 1th August. You can find more information on the conference website on http://www.emsea.eu/conference-2012-bruges Early bird registration until 15th July 2012. Please share this information with colleagues that might be interested. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to welcoming you in Bruges! With kind regards, on behalf of the organizing committee Evy Copejans oceanliteracy2012(a)vliz.be Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee Flanders Marine Institute InnovOcean site Wandelaarkaai 7 B-8400 Oostende T 0032 (0)59 34 21 30 M 0032 (0)472 41 99 02 www.vliz.be evy.copejans(a)vliz.be

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Organochlorine compound accumulation in delphinids from Brazilian coast
by Jose Lailson Brito 07 Jul '12

07 Jul '12

Dear colleagues, The following article has just been published on line in the *Science of the Total Environment*: *Organochlorine compound accumulation in delphinids from Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazilian coast* José Lailson-Brito, Paulo R. Dorneles, Cláudio E. Azevedo-Silva, Tatiana L. Bisi, Lara G. Vidal, Leticiaá N. Legat, Alexandre F. Azevedo, João Paulo M. Torres, Olaf Malm. Science of the Total Environment, Volume 433, 1 September 2012, Pages 123–131 Contact: j <isabelaseabra.lima(a)gmail.com>oselailson(a)uerj.br or joselailson(a)gmail.com Abstract: The present study investigated organochlorine compound levels (PCBs, DDTs and HCB) in blubber samples of six delphinid species from Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazilian coast. The species analyzed inhabit the continental shelf (one killer whale, one false killer whale, two bottlenose dolphins, three rough-toothed dolphins, and four long-beaked common dolphins) and open ocean (four Fraser's dolphins). PCBs represented the greatest proportion of the sum of all measured organochlorines (from 0.60 to 257.2 μg g− 1lw), followed by DDTs (from 0.15 to 125.6 μg g− 1 lw), and, at last, HCB (from < DL to 2.91 μg g− 1 lw). Higher concentrations were found in species that occupy the inner continental shelf (rough-toothed dolphin), as well as in cetaceans that are known to or are suspected to prey on other marine mammals (killer whale and false killer whale, respectively). The findings have shown that organochlorine levels in delphinids from southeastern Brazilian coast are comparable to those reported in cetaceans from highly industrialized regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Organochlorine accumulation patterns among delphinids from Rio de Janeiro State were related to habitat use. The article is available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969712008558 Best regards, Jose Lailson

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Humpback whale sighting in the south of Portugal (Algarve)
by Ana Marçalo 06 Jul '12

06 Jul '12

Dear Colleagues, Just recently we had the news of a sighting of a humpback whale in the waters off the Côte d´Azur by OceanCare. Yesterday one humpback whale entered the harbor of Ria Formosa, in the Algarve (South of Portugal) and was monitored by the Portuguese Wildlife Society. By comparing with Sylvia Frey´s (OceanCare) photos it is not the same animal (dorsal fin details are different and body condition is different). Here are some pertinent details: - Date: July 5th, 2012 - Time: 2 p.m. - Location: up to 0.5 mile inside the Faro/Olhão port entrance - Duration of the sighting: 3 hours - Length of the animal: approx. 8-10 meters - Sex: unknown - Behaviour of the animal: as the tide was coming in and pretty strong, the whale seemed to be struggling with the current on its intentions to get out. The animal looked thin, it behaved calmly and diving on an average for 2 minutes before coming out to take another breath. However, in any of its dives it showed the fluke for more detailed identification. As the tide direction changed (after 2.5 hours from the beginning of the sighting), the whale approached the entrance and got out in a fast velocity heading Southwest. Please find some pictures on the following link: https://picasaweb.google.com/111431119466392953946/Humpback_whale_July_5_20… It would be interesting to know if this juvenile animal was already spotted by other researchers (probably in a mother-calf situation). Any intentions to investigate this and share photos please contact amarcalo(a)gmail.com. Finally if you would like to use some of the attached photos, please give credit to Portuguese Wildlife Society. Best regards, Ana Marçalo (Portuguese Wildlife Society-University of Minho, Portugal) -- Ana Marçalo PhD/ Marine Biologist

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FWRI Florida Manatee GIS Research Internship - Fall 2012
by Koslovsky, Stacie 06 Jul '12

06 Jul '12

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Manatee Geographic Information System (GIS) section is looking for a detail-oriented intern to work in St. Petersburg, Florida. The intern's primary responsibilities will involve assisting staff members in GIS tasks such as digitization; creation and modification of shapefiles and geodatabases; database management and development; and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of spatial data. Other responsibilities may include data entry and special projects. Qualifications: * Working knowledge of ArcGIS 8.x, 9.x, or 10.x * Knowledge of GIS theories and methods, as demonstrated by coursework or training * Basic database knowledge; Microsoft Access literacy preferred * Ability to work independently and as part of a group Application Process: Internships require a minimum two-month commitment. Starting and ending dates are flexible; hours are also somewhat flexible. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying. Send a hard copy of your resumé with your cover letter, college transcripts (unofficial copies are sufficient if not applying for internship credit), a list of three references, and contact information to the following address: Robin Allen Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applications may also be submitted as an e-mail attachment to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> This intern position is open until filled. All positions are unpaid. Housing and transportation are NOT provided. For more information, please visit the FWRI Internships<http://myfwc.com/research/about/careers/internships-volunteers/> section.

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Vacancy for Postgradute Student to pursue MSc. Degree in Malaysia
by Leela Rajamani 05 Jul '12

05 Jul '12

*Vacancy for Postgradute Student to pursue M.Sc. Degree in Malaysia * Project entitled ‘*Involving community in dugong education and seagrass research : implications for marine resource management’.* The project studies the effectiveness of involving community in education and research and its implications to seagrass and dugong management/policy. The project is based both in Penang Island and Sibu Island, Johor, Malaysia. A small stipend is available but candidate is advised to apply for scholarships externally and graduate assistantships at the university. Requirements: · Preferably with marine science background · Ability/Interest in communicating with people from urban and rural settings · Knowledge of social science methods and analysis · Knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia preferred · Excellent critical writing skills in English Where: Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. If Interested , please send a letter of interest and updated CV to Dr. Leela Rajamani, Email address : leelara21(a)gmail.com Tel no: +6019-3142552 Skype : leela.rajamani -- Leela Rajamani (Ph.D.) Senior Lecturer, Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Tel no: 60-4-8852750 Fax No: 60-4-8852751 Email leelarajamani(a)gmail.com leelarajamani(a)usm.my

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Interns/Survey Volunteers for Cetacean Distribution Survey in the Faroe Islands
by SARAH JACKSON 05 Jul '12

05 Jul '12

Interns/Survey Volunteers for Cetacean Distribution Survey in the Faroe Islands 30th July – 1st October 2012 Planet Whale is recruiting two interns/survey volunteers for a cetacean survey project in the Faroe Islands, reporting to the project’s Lead Scientific Officer. This project, funded by WSPA, will focus on establishing the potential for whale or dolphin watching on the islands as a means of promoting Faroese marine biodiversity and diversifying the marine ecotourism industry which is primarily focussed on seabirds. The project will involve mostly cliff-top, and occasional boat-based, cetacean survey work at a number of sites on the islands, using angle and distance measuring equipment to obtain the exact position of any cetaceans sighted, and a spotting scope for species identification and behavioural observations. The chosen candidates will also collect sightings from a range of locally interested parties. The development of a working relationship with small boat operators with the potential to integrate whale and dolphin watching into current tours will be important. Skills and experience: · Willingness to spend long hours (often alone) in the field when the weather allows. Highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. · Ability to work in a team environment maintaining focus on work quality. · Those with previous experience of land-based marine mammal surveying will be preferred. · Good written and spoken English. Knowledge of Faroese/Danish/Icelandic considered an advantage but we welcome other applications. · Preferably educated to at least degree level in marine science/biology. · Driving license preferable. August and September will be spent working whenever weather conditions allow. Interns will be allocated at least one day off per week, usually during bad weather. This may include working in some fairly ‘wild’ weather – please be aware of this! You will be fully supported by our office team in Brighton & Hove, UK. The positions will not be paid, but all accommodation, and travel costs will be covered, including flights to the Faroe Islands if appropriate. Shared accommodation and a food budget will be provided and cooking/cleaning will be shared between the three members of the team. You will need to have your own laptop/smartphone so we can regularly communicate online. All candidates preferably need to be available for interview in Brighton & Hove but telephone/skype interviews will be considered. Applications from within the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Denmark are encouraged. To apply please send your CV and covering letter to sarahjackson(a)planetwhale.com. Closing date for applications is Thursday 12th July, with interviews likely to take place the following week.

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Lead Scientific Officer for Cetacean Distribution Survey in the Faroe Islands
by SARAH JACKSON 05 Jul '12

05 Jul '12

Lead Scientific Officer for Cetacean Distribution Survey in the Faroe Islands 30th July – 26th October 2012 (13 weeks, of which 9 weeks will be on-site in the Faroe Islands). Self employed short-term contract. Planet Whale is recruiting a Lead Scientific Officer to execute a survey project in the Faroe Islands, with the support of two interns/survey assistants, reporting to the Planet Whale team based in Brighton & Hove, UK. This project, funded by WSPA, will focus on establishing the potential for whale or dolphin watching on the islands as a means of promoting Faroese marine biodiversity and diversifying the marine ecotourism industry which is primarily focussed on seabirds. The project will involve mostly cliff-top, and occasional boat-based, cetacean survey work at a number of sites on the islands, using angle and distance measuring equipment to obtain the exact position of any cetaceans sighted, and a spotting scope for species identification and behavioural observations. The chosen candidate will also collect sightings from a range of locally interested parties. The development of a working relationship with small boat operators with the potential to integrate whale and dolphin watching into current tours will be important. Skills and experience: · Willingness to spend long hours (often alone) in the field when the weather allows. · Highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. · Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of Faroese, Danish or Icelandic considered an advantage but we welcome other applications. · Ability to lead and manage a team, maintaining focus on work quality. · Experience in conducting land-based and boat-based surveys of cetaceans. · Educated to at least degree level in the marine biology/science field. · Clean driving license August and September will be spent on the islands, working whenever weather conditions allow. This may include working in some fairly ‘wild’ weather – please be aware of this! You will be free to take one day off a week, usually during bad weather. October is allocated for report writing and project summary (this month will be home-based). You will be fully supported by our office team in Brighton & Hove, UK. All accommodation and travel costs will be covered, including flights to the Faroe Islands if appropriate. Shared accommodation will be provided and cooking/cleaning will be shared between the three members of the team. You will need to have your own laptop/smartphone so we can regularly communicate online. This is a self-employed short-term contract and salary is dependent on experience. All candidates preferably need to be available for interview in Brighton & Hove but telephone/skype interviews will be considered. Applications from within the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Denmark are encouraged. To apply please send your CV and covering letter to sarahjackson(a)planetwhale.com. Closing date for applications is Thursday 12th July, with interviews expected to take place the following week.

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Airguns along the U.S. east coast
by Jasny, Michael 03 Jul '12

03 Jul '12

Dear All, On behalf of several NGOs, NRDC has submitted extensive comments to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, about its plan to open up the U.S. mid-Atlantic and south Atlantic to seismic surveys. We are deeply concerned about the government's analysis of marine mammal impacts. The fundamental issue, as we see it, is that the agency does not take the problem of cumulative, sublethal effects seriously; and misapprehending their scale and potential significance, it fails to consider alternatives sufficient to address it. BOEM does not attempt to identify biologically important habitat for protection, aside from a portion of North Atlantic right whale habitat; does not attempt to reduce the enormous amount of activity that is contemplated, e.g., by restricting exploration from areas that are unlikely to be leased; and fails even to devise a long-term marine mammal monitoring plan for the region. Together with the greater impacts recently predicted from Navy activity, populations in the U.S. Atlantic will be hard hit. Please write me if you'd a copy of our comments. BOEM plans to make a final decision in November of December. We'll keep the community apprised as this important issue moves forward. Best, Michael Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst Natural Resources Defense Council 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 tel. 604-736-9386 mob. 310-560-5536 fax 310-434-2399 mjasny(a)nrdc.org<mailto:mjasny@nrdc.org>

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Deadline extended: JASA special issue on Marine Mammal Passive Acoustics
by sara.heimlich 03 Jul '12

03 Jul '12

Dear Colleagues, The deadline has been extended for submission to JASA of papers for the special issue on Marine Mammal Passive Acoustics, with emphasis on new methods for detection, classification, localization, and density estimation. The new deadline is July 14, 2012. The full announcement for the special issue, including details about the topic and about how to submit a paper, may be seen here: http://scitation.aip.org/journals/doc/ASALIB-home/corp/pdf/jasa/marine_mamm… Note: That announcement still says the deadline is June 30; you can safely ignore that date, as the correct date is July 14. Sara Heimlich & Dave Mellinger -- Sara Heimlich CIMRS/OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center Newport, OR. 97365 (541) 867-0328 office (541) 961-1737 cell

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The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is hiring a Director of Veterinary Science
by Heather Groninger 02 Jul '12

02 Jul '12

Announcing an employment opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center. This listing can also be found on our website here: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/organization-information/jobs/ DIRECTOR OF VETERINARY SCIENCE The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC), an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking a Director of Veterinary Science 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. TMMC's 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. Our rehabilitation facility operates under a letter of authorization from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. TMMC was established in 1975, operates along a 600 mile stretch of California coastline, employs 48 staff and actively engages more than 1,000 volunteers throughout its rescue range. By virtue of the number of patients it serves, it is the largest marine mammal hospital in the world. Because of our large case load, we have coupled our extensive rehabilitation work with scientific research into diseases of wild marine mammals with implications for animal conservation and human health, as well as clinical research to enhance veterinary care that impacts animal health. This work is made possible through the generous support of private donors, corporations and foundations whose donations comprise more than 80% of the Center's annual operating budget. This position is responsible for leading a multi-functional department and advancing the Center's research and animal health divisions in close coordination with a cross-departmental management team. The Director oversees the work of the Veterinary Science Department, ensuring the coordination of the husbandry and clinical care of animals in rehabilitation, training staff and volunteer crews, and research oversight. The position is primarily administrative with significant management responsibilities (at least 60%), but also will afford the successful candidate ample opportunities to engage in aspects of our work that complement their professional expertise and interests. This position reports to the Executive Director and is full-time, exempt, and offers competitive benefits. This position works closely with the Senior Scientist (Dr. Frances Gulland) and supervises the Staff Veterinarian (Dr. Bill Van Bonn), Animal Husbandry Manager, Stranding and Data Manager, Research Biologist, and the Laboratory Manager/Medical Technologist. Major Responsibilities: * Develop and manage annual department plan and budget with measurable outcomes * Serve as an integral member of the Center's management team * Manage direct reports in research and animal health, including providing performance evaluations tied to measures, and counseling as necessary * Contribute to Center fund-raising through close coordination with the Advancement team * Ensure timely drafting of grant proposals, tracking of expenses tied to grants and reporting * Oversight of the veterinary care of marine mammals in rehabilitation * Serve as the lead of the Center's IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) * Oversight of research projects pertinent to the center's mission * Ensure that department activities comply with all pertinent standards and regulations Core Competencies -- Knowledge and Skills: * Demonstrated ability to manage complicated working groups towards shared objectives, and individuals towards their highest potential * Familiarity with an integrated workforce that includes paid staff, volunteers and outside contractors * Clinical and/or research acumen relative to the mission of the Center * Solid knowledge of marine mammal medicine, and/or strong familiarity with contemporary marine mammal health and disease issues * Ability to write scientific papers for publication in peer reviewed journals * Experience with public speaking and ability to represent the Center in public and professional audiences Management Attributes: * An articulate person with creative and strong organizational skills * An initiator who functions effectively without being autocratic or political; a team player who is inclusive and flexible, creative, energetic and fair minded * A strong interpersonal and communication skill set and demonstrated ability to work effectively with and gain the respect and support of varied and changing constituencies including staff, board members, potential donors, volunteers and the like * A person who is decisive and resourceful, with the willingness to accept responsibility and take charge of results * Imagination, vision, leadership, integrity and an entrepreneurial "can do" attitude * Ability to function well in a balanced culture that combines the richness and relevance of dynamic programs with the efficacy of best business practices, fiscal accountability, and institutional impact * A self-starter who is confident in expressing opinions, has the foresight to forge ahead when appropriate and alternatively hold back when necessary, employing either tactic with a sensitivity to the feelings and opinions of others * An energetic person who is emotionally mature and dependable; a collegial individual Qualifications: * Demonstrated experience in the management of cross-functional teams * Combined DVM/PhD preferred, but considerations will be given to an advanced degree in a relevant field of study * Several years experience in clinical marine mammal veterinary medicine is required, and/or investigation into current marine mammal health and disease issues as demonstrated through publication and presentation record * California state license to practice veterinary medicine and DEA license preferred but not required 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 "Director of Veterinary Science" in the subject line. Deadline for applications is July 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@01CD5857.DCEDBF60] 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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