September 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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Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute - BDRI INTERNSHIPS (Winter -Spring, 2013)
by Bruno Diaz 16 Jun '13

16 Jun '13

Hi everyone, on behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)on Sardinia Island, Italy, I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for the Winter-Spring term 2013 (a minimum of 60 days of participation between February and June 2012). BDRI's research is focused on a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild unrestrained bottlenose dolphins, distribution of other cetaceans (whales and pelagic dolphins), and the potential effects of human activities (fisheries, aquaculture and tourism) in their distribution and behaviour. An internship period with the BDRI offers an invaluable exposure to boat based field work,marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine biology. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could present their BDRI's personal research project as their Thesis works if requested with the application. Internships will be under direct supervision by BDRI's director Mr. Bruno Diaz Lopez. The internship can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammal research as research assistants in four diverse research projects: 1. Behavioural ecology of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins: We collect information about distribution and behaviour of free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins from boat based platforms. By using different behavioural sampling methods this study is particularly focused in the interaction of dolphins with human activities as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic. These studies provide values insight for the conservation of this top predator in an area characterized by high anthropogenic pressure. 2. Wild bottlenose dolphins’ communication: We obtain knowledge of how individuals within a population of common bottlenose dolphins communicate and what they are communicating. This can generate information ranging from; measures of habitat use, social relevance, geographical variation, cultural transmission to genetic fitness that can be applied to conservation. 3. The cetacens role in the coastal ecosystem: An ecosystem modelling approach becomes an interesting tool to examine the impact of fisheries and human activities (aquaculture, marine traffic) on cetaceans and vice versa. Mass-balance models are built to characterize the role of cetaceans in a coastal and pelagic ecosystem conditioned by human activities. 4. Pelagic cetaceans off the Sardinian coast: Data about distribution of pelagic cetaceans (fin whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, striped dolphins, common dolphins, risso’s dolphins etc.) are collected from multiple platforms including shore and boat based platforms. The behaviour and distribution of large cetaceans observed off Sardinia is still unknown. While some animals could be in migration between the Ligurian and Thyrrenian Sea, others could be mainly engaged in foraging activities. To address this and other questions the BDRI has since 2011 carried out this project. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research camp (Sardinia, Italy). As a number of students are unemployed and are unable to meet our program, BDRI offers accommodation for participants and has developed a financial aid to support some of them. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled. Successful candidates should be ready to work, self-motivated and flexible. Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information and application form at: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc Send the application form and cover letter by email to the BDRI, at info(a)thebdri.com. Selected scientific publications by the BDRI: 1. Diaz Lopez B., 2012. Bottlenose dolphins and aquaculture: interaction and site fidelity on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy). Marine Biology, DOI 10.1007/s00227-012-2002-x 2. Diaz Lopez B. Mariño, F., 2011. A trial of acoustic harassment device efficacy on free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia, Italy. Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology 2011, pp 44(4):197-208. 3. Diaz Lopez B., 2011. Aquaculture systems. In: Handbook of Models used in Ecosystem and Environmental Management, Sven Erik Jørgensen (Ed.), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, FL.pp 241-256. 4. Diaz Lopez B., 2011. Whistle characteristics in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea: influence of behaviour. Mammalian Biology 76: 180-189. 5. Diaz Lopez, B. & Shirai, J.A.B., 2010. Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin's repertoire and communication use. In: Dolphins: Anatomy, Behavior, and Threats, (A.G. Pierce & L. Correa Eds.), Nova Science Publishers, New York. Pp 129 -148. 6. Diaz Lopez, B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus foraging around a fish farm: Effects of prey abundance on dolphins' behaviour. Current Zoology 55(4):243-248. 7. Diaz Lopez, B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303. 8. Diaz Lopez, B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure.Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62 (6): 887-894. 9. Diaz Lopez, B., Shirai, J.A.B., Bilbao Prieto, A. & Méndez Fernández, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal Marine Biological Association of U.K 88, Special Issue 06: 1153-1157. 10. Diaz Lopez, B & Bernal Shirai, J.A.B., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association of U.K 87: 113 – 117. 11. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32 (3): 305 – 310. 12. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia". ICES Journal of Marine Science 63: 944-951. 13. Diaz Lopez, B., Marini, L. and Polo, F. 2005. The Impact of a fish farm on a Bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas 21(1):53-58. Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com tel.+ 39 346 081 5414 tel. + 0789 183 1197

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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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New paper on averaging shipping noise levels (Nathan Merchant)
by ndm23＠bath.ac.uk 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Dear Colleagues, my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a paper examining methods of averaging shipping noise levels for environmental impact assessment. This work has particular relevance to policymakers concerned with long-term underwater noise trends and researchers investigating the effects of chronic noise exposure on marine life: Averaging underwater noise levels for environmental assessment of shipping Nathan D. Merchant, Philippe Blondel, D. Tom Dakin, and John Dorocicz, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 132 (4), EL343-EL349 (2012), DOI:10.1121/1.4754429 Abstract Rising underwater noise levels from shipping have raised concerns regarding chronic impacts to marine fauna. However, there is a lack of consensus over how to average local shipping noise levels for environmental impact assessment. This paper addresses this issue using 110 days of continuous data recorded in the Strait of Georgia, Canada. Probability densities of ?10^7 1-s samples in selected 1/3 octave bands were approximately stationary across one-month subsamples. Median and mode levels varied with averaging time. Mean sound pressure levels averaged in linear space, though susceptible to strong bias from outliers, are most relevant to cumulative impact assessment metrics. This journal is open access and the paper can be downloaded free of charge here: http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/132/EL343 Kind regards, Nathan Merchant PhD Researcher Department of Physics University of Bath BA2 7AY, UK +44 1225 385543 n.d.merchant(a)bath.ac.uk http://people.bath.ac.uk/ndm23/

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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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Research assistants are needed on a behavioural study of dolphins in the Istanbul Striat
by aylin akkaya 25 Nov '12

25 Nov '12

Dear Marmam readers, I am seeking more research assistants to help a PhD thesis on a behavioural study of dolphins in the Istanbul Strait. This is a project under the Istanbul University-Turkey under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bayram Öztürk and Dr. Ayaka Amaha Öztürk. The project aims to determine the critical habitats and investigate the interactions between cetaceans and marine traffic. In the Istanbul Strait, there are three different species of dolphins which are common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise. The strait is one of the narrowest straits in the world and has a vital importance on the international marine transportation (around 50.000 transit ships uses this passage annually). During the project, theodolite will be used for the purpose of determining the travel speed and diving interval as well as the distance between the dolphins and vessels. Moreover we will collect various behavioural data. Computer based photo-id studies will also be carried out. The research assistants will have the opportunity to take part in data collection during the land and boat based fieldwork in the Istanbul Strait. Research assistants should be prepared to long working days in the field under the hot and cold weathers. Now, the highest season for the dolphins are coming so we need more research assistants in the field. The field work will take 3-4 days in a week and office work will take a day or two. So you will have heaps of time for seeing around in Turkey as well. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Istanbul-Turkey. I know most of the students are short of money but applicants should contribute 400$ to the project and for the accomodation, the applicants need to pay 100 dolar per month. Commitment is required for a period of 2 months. Successful applicants will: - be able to live and work with others in a team - be available for at least 2 months -and most important should have a strong desire to work with marine mammals under the difficult conditions. This project provides an excellent opportunity for students and individuals interested in getting more experience in the field of marine mammal research. Applicants should send a short email introducing themselves to akkayaaylin(a)yahoo.com. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project. Please also attach a brief CV. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Start and end dates are flexible. All the best, Aylin AKKAYA

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Latest Issue of JMATE
by michael belanger 29 Sep '12

29 Sep '12

The Editors of the Journal of Marine Animals and Their Environment (JMATE) are pleased to announce that the latest issue (vol 5, # 1 June/July) has been completed and is available free online at: http://www.oers.ca/journal/journal.html The Editors would like to thank all of the reviewers and staff for their assistance in making another issue possible! The Editors are also pleased to announce that JMATE has launched a new section under ‘Original Manuscripts’ that is specifically dedicated to encourage students at any level in the field of marine animal research to publish their work. Volume 5, Issue 1; 2012 Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology (JMATE) TABLE of CONTENTS EDITORIAL...................................................................................................................... pg 1 ANNOUNCEMENT JMATE launches new section featuring student manuscripts........ pg 2 COMMENTARY Exploring anthropogenic activities that threaten endangered blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Sri Lanka. Ilangakoon AD……........................................................................................................... pg 3-7 REVIEW ARTICLE A review of the key genetic tools to assist imperiled species conservation: analyzing West Indian manatee populations. Bonde RK, McGuire PM, Hunter ME ............................................................................... pg 8-19 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS * STUDENT PAPER * A comparison of published brevetoxin tissue levels in West Indian manatee, bottlenose dolphin and double crested cormorants in southwest Florida. Sadchatheeswaran S, Belanger MP, Wittnich C ............................................................... pg 20-27

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