August 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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Senior Marine Mammal Observer(s) vacancy
by Nick Robinson 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and are a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL's Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following role; SENIOR MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to lead and undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and cover letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:recruitment@gardline.com> or via the careers section of our website www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> Closing date: 29th June 2012 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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River dolphin internships in Brazil
by Tony Martin 11 Aug '13

11 Aug '13

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak fluent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria. This wastes everyone's time, so please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 50 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially the relatively new harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking 2 people to commence work as soon as possible, ideally in July or Aug 2012. But we would also like to hear from people available later in 2012 or early 2013. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 500 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend. Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Further information on all aspects of the work is available at www.projetoboto.com Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 26 June 2012. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 3 days, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 June latest.

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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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Deciphering the tuna-dolphin bond
by Michael Scott 31 Jan '13

31 Jan '13

Tuna and dolphins swim together in the waters of the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and this association has long benefitted tuna fishermen and intrigued scientists. Despite decades of observations and scientific study, researchers still have questions about how the species benefit from the association, whether the association is obligatory, why yellowfin tuna are most often found with spotted dolphins, and why the species associate most strongly in the ETP. In a new paper published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series (Scott MD, Chivers SJ, Olson RJ, Fiedler PC, Holland K. 2012. Pelagic predator associations: tuna and dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. MEPS 458:283-302<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v458/p283-302/>), we review the hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the tuna-dolphin bond and present results from three studies conducted to address these hypotheses: a simultaneous tracking study of spotted dolphins and yellowfin tuna, a trophic interactions study comparing their prey and daily foraging patterns, and a spatial study of oceanographic features correlated with the tuna-dolphin association. These studies demonstrate that the association is neither permanent nor obligatory and that the benefits of the association are not based on feeding advantages. These studies do support the hypothesis that one or both species reduce the risk of predation (mainly by large sharks) by forming large, mixed-species groups. This association is most prevalent in the ETP due to its distinctive oceanographic conditions. Underlying the warm, surface waters (the mixed layer) is a thick layer of oxygen-poor waters (the oxygen minimum zone). Both dolphins and tuna are thus tied to the mixed layer: the dolphins because they must regularly return to the surface to breathe and the yellowfin tuna because they cannot spend much time in the deeper oxygen-poor waters. The oxygen minimum zone in the ETP is the most hypoxic and extensive in the world. Similar oceanographic conditions exist in a few areas in other oceans, and, in these areas, the association has been observed as well. The paper is Open Access and can be downloaded without cost. Inquiries to the authors can be directed to: Michael Scott Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission 8604 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 546-7045 mscott(a)iattc.org<mailto:mscott@iattc.org>

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DAREWIN research program seeking for volunteers : whale breeding season 2012
by abyss 23 Dec '12

23 Dec '12

Based on the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, the DAREWIN program (www.darewin.org) <http://www.darewin.org> studies acoustic and ethology on Humpback Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins and Sperm Whales. We work with different organizations: the NGO Abyss (www.abyss.re) <http://www.abyss.re>the FFESSM (www.ffessm.fr) <http://www.ffessm.fr> and various private operators. This project is conducted under the scientific supervision of laboratories, with a multidisciplinary and international scientific committee<http://web.me.com/abyss974/Site/Scientific_comittee.html> . For more information you can watch this film: https :/ / vimeo.com/34462527<https://vimeo.com/34462527> We offer motivated individuals to join the team for two to three months from the month of August. An experience and training in the field of biology and signal processing is a plus. Similarly boating license and a snorkeling level are preferable. We expect assistance in the field and at office, to assist in data collection and processing of our data base online. - Photo and video identification - Spectral analysis of videos and recordings sound systems - Classification of behaviors - Timecode of geolocalised data - Weekly video summary Similarly participation in logistics and supervision of program participants is expected. Two to three survey trips per week on average will be planned. - Preparation of video and audio materials - Preparation of the boat - The maintenance of the public reception area, video and photo exhibition - Welcome the public Housing is provided (on basic shelter built), the volunteer will assume the flight and other expenses. A contribution to costs of our program (optional) will be welcome. To apply, thank you for sending your application to abyss(a)planetenature.rebefore June 20, thank you to attach a CV and letter.

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Most northerly sighting of a Cuvier's beaked whale?
by Sarah Jackson 31 Aug '12

31 Aug '12

Hello, I'm writing with regards to a sighting of Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) between the Faroe Islands and Iceland on 26 July 2012. As far as I'm aware this is the most northerly recorded sighting of the species - there have been strandings in Iceland but I cannot find evidence of a live animal being recorded further north than the Shetland Islands, Scotland. General consensus on the distribution of the Cuvier's beaked whale seems to be that the northernmost boundary is south of the Faroe Islands. Is anyone aware of any other sightings in this area or can shed some light on the distribution of the species? The sighting has come to my attention as a result of the cetacean distribution survey currently taking place in the Faroe Islands, run by Planet Whale and WSPA. The project is ongoing until September 30th this year, and is currently calling for all cetacean sightings in the area to be reported to the survey team. Working with local and outside partners we hope to establish a clearer picture of the diversity and distribution of cetaceans around the Islands - through dedicated watches throughout the summer season and the collection of data from other sources. Please send any information or sightings to sarahjackson(a)planetwhale.com, and please feel free to contact me for more details regarding the project. We'd also be very happy to hear from anyone who has worked or studied the marine wildlife in the area previously, or has any relevant work ongoing. Kind regards, Sarah Jackson Project Manager sarahjackson(a)planetwhale.com Office: +44 (0)1273 355011 Planet Whale, 2a Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FL, UK www.whale-fest.com

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New paper on spinner dolphin resting habitat
by Lesley Thorne 31 Aug '12

31 Aug '12

Dear Colleagues, You might be interested in the following paper that my co-authors and I recently published in PLoS ONE: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0043167 Predictive Modeling of Spinner Dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*) Resting Habitat in the Main Hawaiian Islands Lesley H. Thorne, David W. Johnston, Dean L. Urban, Julian Tyne, Lars Bejder, Robin W. Baird, Suzanne Yin, Susan H. Rickards, Mark H. Deakos, Joseph R. Mobley Jr., Adam A. Pack, Marie Chapla Hill Abstract: Predictive habitat models can provide critical information that is necessary in many conservation applications. Using Maximum Entropy modeling, we characterized habitat relationships and generated spatial predictions of spinner dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*) resting habitat in the main Hawaiian Islands. Spinner dolphins in Hawai'i exhibit predictable daily movements, using inshore bays as resting habitat during daylight hours and foraging in offshore waters at night. There are growing concerns regarding the effects of human activities on spinner dolphins resting in coastal areas. However, the environmental factors that define suitable resting habitat remain unclear and must be assessed and quantified in order to properly address interactions between humans and spinner dolphins. We used a series of dolphin sightings from recent surveys in the main Hawaiian Islands and a suite of environmental variables hypothesized as being important to resting habitat to model spinner dolphin resting habitat. The model performed well in predicting resting habitat and indicated that proximity to deep water foraging areas, depth, the proportion of bays with shallow depths, and rugosity were important predictors of spinner dolphin habitat. Predicted locations of suitable spinner dolphin resting habitat provided in this study indicate areas where future survey efforts should be focused and highlight potential areas of conflict with human activities. This study provides an example of a presence-only habitat model used to inform the management of a species for which patterns of habitat availability are poorly understood. Best, Lesley -- ______________________________________________ Lesley Thorne, PhD Lecturer, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony brook, NY 11794-50000 631.632.5117 lesley.thorne(a)stonybrook.edu** <lesley.thorne(a)stonybrook.edu>

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Updated Winter Internship Positions - Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
by Katie McHugh 31 Aug '12

31 Aug '12

** *Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships* The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), a partnership led by the Chicago Zoological Society and based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world's longest-running study of a dolphin population. The program's primary goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit: <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>www.sarasotadolphin.org <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>. The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for our Winter/Spring 2013 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 2 Jan -- 3 May). The successful candidates will participate in at least two research projects: 1) *Dolphin population monitoring project* (approx. 80% time) This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group. While in the lab, work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, computer data entry, video logging, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance and other duties. In 2012, we began development of a Gulf-wide photographic identification catalog, greatly expanding our existing catalog, and interns may be involved in some aspects of this catalog's development in addition to working with the local Sarasota Bay catalog. 2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project* (approx. 20% time) This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques, collection of prey fish for energetic and stable isotope analysis, and collection of other environmental data. 3) **Acoustic methods of abundance estimation and effects of noise** NEW ADDITION In addition to the long term projects described above, interns may spend time working on a new field and lab project with one of our graduate students during the winter/spring intern session. This project involves the use of bottom-mounted acoustic recorders for two primary purposes: 1) to evaluate multiple methods of cetacean abundance estimation using recorded bottlenose dolphin whistles, and 2) to examine the effects of noise on dolphin whistles. Interns will assist with the deployment and retrieval of the recorders, playback experiments, focal follows of dolphins near recorders, acoustic analyses, data recording, data entry, and photo-ID. There is no compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $85/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only). Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); * Some field research experience preferred but not required; * Must be able to swim; * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full time as a volunteer with our program. *To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should:* 1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory's website (www.mote.org/interns <http://www.mote.org/interns>). Be sure to select "Sarasota Dolphin Research Program" as your first choice; 2) Complete and provide to Mote's intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae/; 3) Send a brief email to the SDRP's Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, _kmchugh(a)mote.org_) stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability and that you have provided all of your application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline of September 15^th will be given first priority. We are seeking 4-5 interns for the winter/spring of 2013, depending on scheduling. These are competitive positions - we typically receive many more applications than we can accept. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 450, kmchugh(a)mote.org <mailto:TUkmchugh@mote.orgUT>) in the SDRP with any questions. Applicants applying because of an interest in possibly being involved in graduate studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with Program Director Randall Wells upon acceptance into the program. -- ************************************ Katherine McHugh Post-Doctoral Scientist Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 x450 office (650) 400-2776 cell kmchugh(a)mote.org ************************************

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Record of two humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the South western of the Gulf of Lion, Mediterranean Sea.
by ngandilh 31 Aug '12

31 Aug '12

Record of two humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the South western of the Gulf of Lion, Mediterranean Sea. Dear colleagues, On the 2nd of August 2012, at 10:30 a.m., 2 humpback whales have been visually observed in front of Cerbère, French Catalonia. This occurrence seems to be the first documented sighting of humpback whale in the French South western part of the Gulf of Lion,Mediterranean Sea. A first picture is available at : http://www.breach.fr. --------------------------------------- Best to all, Nadege Gandilhon, Catherine Oms, Sonia Gara, Caroline Azzinari and Georges Azzinari. Contact e-mai l: nadege.gandilhon(a)univ-ag.fr BREACH, Observation, Research and Protection of Cetaceans, Laboratory of Marine Biology (DYNECAR), Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, BP 592, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre Cedex, Guadeloupe.

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