January 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Education Internship 2013
by Gemma Cave 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust - Education and Outreach Internship 2013 The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is seeking to recruit an intern to assist with its Education and Outreach Programme in 2013. This is a unique opportunity for the right candidate to gain invaluable experience working within a well-established charitable organisation and contribute to HWDT’s innovative project work. Working with the Education Officer and other members of the HWDT team, the intern will be fully supported and encouraged to develop skills and knowledge to enhance career aspirations and employability. Tasks The role is likely to involve assisting the Education Officer with: Making visits to schools to deliver classroom-based and outdoor learning workshops;Engaging with the general public at local events, including Highland games, local shows, beach cleans, cetacean watches, etc.; Developing new teaching resources and learning materials; Creating promotional materials (such as posters and leaflets); Writing articles for the newsletter, Wave, and news items for the website; Assisting within HWDT’s Visitor Centre and Shop, to include designing and updating interpretive exhibitions and window displays; Delivering educational touch tank sessions at a local visitor centre; Updating and monitoring social networks (Facebook and Twitter); Work on-board the floating classroom, Silurian, for educational visits and open boats (timetable and funding dependent); Undertaking other tasks as directed by the Education Officer. It may also be possible to develop personal interests and skills (where they can be supported) and a chance to work within the other departments at HWDT. These will be discussed and encouraged during the internship. RequirementsHWDT expect this opportunity to appeal to candidates with an interest in education, outdoor learning, interpreting the marine environment in new and exciting ways and a general passion for marine biodiversity. HWDT anticipate that the successful candidate will be: An excellent communicator; Efficiently organised and self-motivated; Hard working and eager to learn; Able to bring their own ideas and personality to the role; Comfortable living and working for the duration of the internship in the relatively remote island community of Mull. You do not need extensive qualifications and experience to secure this internship but, as a large number of applications are anticipated, you will need to stand out from the crowd. HWDT will be looking for: Educational qualifications, preferably in an educational and/or scientific discipline; Relevant experience, ideally working with young people and/or the general public; A proven interest in the environment, especially marine biodiversity. Dates and How to Apply The busiest part of the season runs from May to September, and preference will be given to those candidates who can stay for the entire period, although HWDT may recruit several interns if it is not possible to cover the whole period with one intern. To apply, please send your CV, with details of two referees, and a cover letter to the Education Officer education(a)hwdt.org Please indicate your availability in your application. If you would like to discuss the details of the internship further before applying, please feel free to contact the Education Officer at education(a)hwdt.org or for an informal chat on 01688 302620. The closing date for applications is 15/02/2013. All candidates will be contacted within 10 working days of the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview via Skype. The internship is an unpaid, voluntary position and will require the successful candidate to be financially self-sufficient. About HWDT The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats. Specifically, HWDT conducts long-term monitoring of cetacean distribution, abundance and habitat use, educates a wide range of people about the marine environment with a focus on cetaceans, and works within local communities to ensure long-term sustainability of the marine environment. Established in 1994, HWDT is based on the Isle of Mull, on the west coast of Scotland. A small team of dedicated staff are responsible for delivering a wide range of research and education projects within the Hebrides and beyond.

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SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS FOR THE CETACEAN RESEARCH UNIT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
by Kate Sprogis 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS FOR THE CETACEAN RESEARCH UNIT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Program: The South West Marine Research Program is a long-term, multi-faceted project on the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins of South West Australia. This program is based in Bunbury (south of Perth) and is a collaboration between Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit and numerous industry and non-profit partners. The research, of PhD and masters students, focuses on dolphin population dynamics, abundance, social structure and behaviour, habitat use, conservation genetics and foraging ecology. http://mucru.org/research-projects/south-west-marine-research-program/ PhD Outline: Here, I am specifically seeking ONE research volunteer to assist from now until April 2013 on my PhD project focussing on population dynamics and predictive habitat modelling of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Bunbury. Long-term data will be used to investigate population dynamics and habitat use, in order to aid in future conservation and management efforts. Benthic habitat mapping and photo identification fieldwork is conducted from Busselton to Binningyup within a 540km2 area consisting of coastal beaches, inshore bays, estuarine inlets and a river. Using a rigid sampling design, this research is conducted year round via standardised line transect surveys (up to 5nm offshore) from a small research vessel. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology, population biology or marine science. http://mucru.org/group-members/kate-sprogis/ Office: Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, South West Marine Research Program office based at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. http://www.dolphindiscovery.com.au/ Duties: Field: benthic habitat mapping, spotting wildlife, data collection, boat driving, photo identification Office: Data entry, fin matching, project organisation Computer programs used for data are: FinBase, ACDSee, Logger, Microsoft Access, Excel and Word. Assistants should: Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. Fieldwork will vary between weekdays and weekends. When the weather permits fieldwork could be long and on consecutive days. Preferred skills/traits:PRE 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field. 2. Previous field experience with wildlife (field data collection, photo-identification, boat handling skills). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented and have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in wildlife science. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Western Australia and living expenses. Please note, the Bunbury backpackers provide good discounts for assistants of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. If you are interested in volunteering or interning, please provide a short CV and a cover letter to the attention of research assistant Krista Nicholson (k.nicholson(a)murdoch.edu.au)

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Australian/New Zealand student chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy conference
by Ms Kylie Owen 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

We are pleased to announce the dates of our very first Australian/New Zealand student chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy conference! The conference will be held from the 3-5 of July at Phillip Island Nature Park, Victoria. All meals and accommodation will be provided and there is no registration fee. These dates are aligned with the Australian Marine Science Association (AMSA) conference on the Gold coast to allow people to have the opportunity to practice their presentation in a relaxed environment before heading up to AMSA. Spaces are limited, so register quickly to secure your spot. A registration form is available at our website (http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl…) or on our facebook page. At this conference we will also be organising the hand over of the running of the chapter. This involves keeping an eye on the facebook page, organising the occasional city coffee catch up, and helping plan the next student conference with a group of other students. If you are interested please express your interest when registering for the conference (see section on the registration form). We look forward to seeing everyone there. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at anzscsmm(a)gmail.com Kylie, Kate, Krista and Ailbhe Australian/New Zealand Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy

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New publication on fossil walrus Pelagiarctos
by Bobby Boessenecker 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

Dear MARMAM list subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of our new study in PLOS One. Kind regards, Robert Boessenecker and Morgan Churchill R.W. Boessenecker and M. Churchill. 2013. A reevaluation of the morphology, paleoecology, and phylogenetic relationships of the enigmatic walrus Pelagiarctos. PLoS One 8(1) e54311. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0054311. Full text available at: http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0054311 Abstract: Background A number of aberrant walruses (Odobenidae) have been described from the Neogene of the North Pacific, including specialized suction-feeding and generalist fish-eating taxa. At least one of these fossil walruses has been hypothesized to have been a specialized predator of other marine mammals, the middle Miocene walrus Pelagiarctos thomasi from the Sharktooth Hill Bonebed of California (16.1–14.5 Ma). Methodology/Principal Findings A new specimen of Pelagiarctos from the middle Miocene “Topanga” Formation of southern California (17.5–15 Ma) allows a reassessment of the morphology and feeding ecology of this extinct walrus. The mandibles of this new specimen are robust with large canines, bulbous premolars with prominent paraconid, metaconid, hypoconid cusps, crenulated lingual cingula with small talonid basins, M2 present, double-rooted P3–M1, single-rooted P1 and M2, and a P2 with a bilobate root. Because this specimen lacks a fused mandibular symphysis like Pelagiarctos thomasi, it is instead referred to Pelagiarctos sp. This specimen is more informative than the fragmentary holotype of Pelagiarctos thomasi, permitting Pelagiarctos to be included within a phylogenetic analysis for the first time. Analysis of a matrix composed of 90 cranial, dental, mandibular and postcranial characters indicates that Pelagiarctos is an early diverging walrus and sister to the late Miocene walrus Imagotaria downsi. We reevaluate the evidence for a macropredatory lifestyle for Pelagiarctos, and we find no evidence of specialization towards a macrophagous diet, suggesting that Pelagiarctos was a generalist feeder with the ability to feed on large prey. Conclusions/Significance This new specimen of Pelagiarctos adds to the knowledge of this problematic taxon. The phylogenetic analysis conclusively demonstrates that Pelagiarctos is an early diverging walrus. Pelagiarctos does not show morphological specializations associated with macrophagy, and was likely a generalist predator, feeding on fish, invertebrates, and the occasional warm-blooded prey item.

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Marine Mammal Research Internship with Whale and Dolphin Conservation, North America
by Monica Pepe 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

Marine Mammal Research Internship Description of Organization WDC North America (NA), located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships and field volunteer positions, providing research, policy, education and administration experience in working for an international non-profit organization. The positions are offered to qualified applicants throughout the year, allowing each participant/student to customize their learning experience based on their interest, skill set, and availability. Successful applicants will become proficient at field data collection, educational outreach, and conservation of marine mammals. Interns must complete a focused project furthering professional development. Background to the program The focus of the WDC internship/volunteer programs is to give participants exposure to all aspects of working with a conservation non-profit organization. Successful candidates are tasked with everything from field research to office administration. All interns gain experience with public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels, participating in school talks and other public outreach events. Other opportunities include writing blogs, water sampling, and responding to stranded animals. This program exposes interns to real world experiences that will help them develop skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of marine mammal conversation and research. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. As part of the field work experience, interns will learn species identification, behavioral sequencing, data collection and photo identification research techniques on whales in the Gulf of Maine. They will also have the opportunity to go out on whale watching boats several times a week to photograph and record sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales as well as other notable marine wildlife. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. Days not in the field will be spent at the office uploading photos and data into our photo identification database or working on any projects that might be assigned. Based on time of year and the interest level of successful applicants, the intern program may include all or some portion of the following: Education and Outreach * Whale Watch Naturalist Training. * Outreach to local schools and the general public. * Assisting with and learning about the importance of ecotourism and best practices. * Writing blogs about the work conducted while interning with WDC. * Attendance at conferences and meetings. Research * Cataloguing individually identifiable humpback whales. * Collection of marine mammal sightings and distributional data in the Southern Gulf of Maine. * Researching and submitting grant applications. * Analyzing body condition of marine mammals through scarring and skin condition. * Preparing a report of the previous season's whale sightings with historical analysis, risk issues and the impact of cumulative developmental threats. * Attendance and participation in stranding training and events. Conservation * Supporting WDC personnel at key conservation meetings. * Literature research for written and oral comments submitted to federal agencies. At the end of the program our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals. There is no fee or compensation for the internship/volunteer positions. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant, and those that can provide their own housing are strongly encouraged to apply. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The program typically requires a minimum commitment of 3 months, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. International applicants interested in the internship program must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required documentation. Candidate Requirements * Fluency in English. * Must be 18 years or older, preference given to students matriculated in or recently graduated from appropriate graduate or under graduate degree programs. * Be able to show proof of valid health insurance. * Have the ability to function on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor. * Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team. * Be open to long days (12 hours or more sometimes) in the field or office. * Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor. * Good computer skills - familiarity with operating PCs and MACs. * Excellent verbal and written communications skills. * Familiar with literature research protocols. * Ability to function well under pressure. * Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people of all ages and able to handle unanticipated situations. * Familiarity with DSLR camera, GPS equipment may be beneficial. * Ability to impart information in an understandable way to the public under a variety of conditions. Applications We are currently accepting applications for all seasons; however those seeking an internship position for the spring or summer must submit applications by February 20th, 2013. We will continue to accept applications on a 'first come first serve' basis for the fall and winter until all available positions have been filled. Please submit the following via e-mail to monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org>: 1. Cover letter and Resume (no more than 3 pages) 2. Contact information for two references including e-mail and phone numbers 3. A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering one of the following: * Do whales die through human's knowledge or ignorance? * Preservation or conservation. Which offers the best route to a sustainable population of an endangered species and why? * How do you convert apathy into interest and then into action? Applicants should make sure they clearly indicate their availability in their cover letter. Successful applicants will be contacted to set up an interview. More information is available at www.whales.org<http://www.whales.org>. Any additional questions should be directed to Monica Pepe via email at monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org> or by calling the office at (508) 746-2522. * WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin. [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Monica Pepe Project Supervisor Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://www.whales.org/wdcsblog.php> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://www.whales.org/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/WDCSchang…]<http://www.whales.org/wdc.php> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre Office Assistant Internship Opportunity
by Marine Mammal Rescue 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

About the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre (MMR) One of the Vancouver Aquarium’s direct action programs, the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre (MMR) works to rescue, rehabilitate and successfully release abandoned, injured or stranded marine mammals. Approximately 15 minutes east of the Vancouver Aquarium, patients are brought to the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre’s facility from all over the B.C. coastline and cared for until they are well enough to be released into the wild. Since the Aquarium started helping injured marine mammals in 1960, the centre has treated elephant seals, sea otters, sea lions, harbour porpoises just to name a few. Harbour seals are the most common patient at the facility, which can care for over 100 animals at a time. The MMR Office Assistant Internship is an unpaid internship. It provides individuals with practical office experience in a high pace, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation centre. The Office Assistant will maintain the office environment by answering and fielding phone calls, coordinating transportation of animals to the centre, and performing special projects as instructed by management and staff. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues and releases while at the centre. In addition, interns will be involved in data entry and tracking, word processing, creating and updating paper and electronic spreadsheets, and ordering of supplies. This experience offers interns an opportunity to increase their experience and knowledge of an office management setting while dealing with marine mammals and wildlife rehabilitation issues. This internship presents a unique opportunity for students/graduates of, but not limited to: □ Veterinary Office Assistant □ Wildlife Management □ Administrative Assistants □ Medical Office Assistant Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a community college or university, or a recent graduate who intends on working in an office environment and who has a passion for wildlife. Successful applicants must be highly motivated and a self-starter. Previous experience in a veterinary office preferred, but not mandatory. Shifts will be a between four (4) and eight (8) hours long, and up to five (5) days a week, depending on placement. Work schedules may include weekends, evenings and holidays. International Applicants Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada □ Unpaid internships do fall under the category of work, and therefore require a work permit □ It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain a work permit prior to entering Canada; for more information, please contact Citizen and Immigration Canada http://www.cic.gc.ca/ Accommodation All candidates are expected to find their own accommodations in Vancouver. For more information on accommodation and maps, please request the “General Information on VanAqua and Living in Vancouver” from rescue(a)vanaqua.org. There are Three (3) unpaid positions available for 2013 with a start date in June and continuing into September. Positions will vary, depending on availability, with exact start and finish dates and length of internships to be determined. All internship placement applications are due by March 1, 2013 with telephone/personal interviews* being held after that date. * Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted. Please send applications either by email: rescue(a)vanaqua.org Marine Mammal Rescue Office Assistant Internship in the subject line; OR mail to the attention of: Marine Mammal Rescue Office Assistant Internship Application Vancouver Aquarium PO Box 3232 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8 Thank you! Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre MMR: 604-258-SEAL (7325) Aquarium: 604-659-3478 Fax: 604-659-3515 E-Mail: Rescue(a)vanaqua.org The Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING - THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ADDRESSEE, IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT OUR INTERNAL RECORDS. PLEASE THEN DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU

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Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Husbandry Internship Opportunity
by Marine Mammal Rescue 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

Marine Mammal Rescue Husbandry Internship About the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre (MMR) One of the Vancouver Aquarium’s direct action programs, the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre works to rescue, rehabilitate and successfully release abandoned, injured, or stranded marine mammals. Approximately 15 minutes east of the Vancouver Aquarium, patients are brought to the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre’s (MMR) facility from all over the B.C. coast and cared for until they are well enough to be released into the wild. Since the Aquarium started helping injured marine mammals in the 1960s, the centre has treated elephant seals, sea otters, sea lions, harbour porpoises and even sea turtles. Harbour seals are the most common patient at the facility, which can care for over 120 animals at a time. The MMR Husbandry Internship is an unpaid internship. It provides students with hands-on experience in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation and the conservation of marine life. Students will engage in laboratory procedures, rescue techniques and help with the veterinary and husbandry care of stranded marine mammals. MMR presents a unique internship opportunity for, but not limited to: □ Pre-veterinary students taking biology, science or similar university program □ Veterinary technician students □ Veterinary students Requirements: Successful candidates will be: □ Full-time students enrolled in a college or university in a zoology, marine biology, related animal science; or completed all or part of course study in veterinary technology, marine biology or related field, from a recognized institution □ Interested in a career as a veterinary technician, veterinarian, marine biologist or wildlife rehabilitator □ Extremely self motivated with a desire for continuing education □ In good academic standing □ Experienced in the animal care field either paid work or volunteer □ Able to submit a letter of interest and resume outlining why you are interested in the program, your availability, educational background and where you heard about the program □ Able to provide two (2) letters of reference □ Able to secure the necessary funds for relocation, accommodations and living expenses for the entire placement □ Able to lift 25kg with ease, be in good physical shape and be able to work both inside and outside in various weather conditions International Applicants Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada □ Unpaid internships do fall under the category of work, and therefore require a work permit □ It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain a work permit prior to entering Canada; for more information, please contact Citizen and Immigration Canada http://www.cic.gc.ca/ Responsibilities Applicant responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: □ Food preparation and animal feeding □ General cleaning duties and animal habitat maintenance □ Receiving animals when rescued including ability to weigh, assist in physical examinations, and animal record keeping □ Monitoring/observing marine mammals □ Assisting the veterinary and rehabilitation staff in surgical and medical cases when required □ Assist in researching information to aid in animal care □ Laboratory procedures □ Assisting with rescues and releases □ Shifts will be a minimum of eight (8) hour long, five (5) days a week for a total of 40 hours per week □ Work schedules will include weekends, evenings and holidays Research Project Interns are responsible for researching and presenting a project on a topic based on their experience at MMR. Topics may be relevant to marine mammal conservation, veterinary medicine or approved other topic. Interns will present a short oral presentation, paper or poster to MMR staff and volunteers before the end of their internship. Topics may include: □ Marine mammal husbandry □ Infectious diseases □ Nutrition □ Zoonotic diseases □ Marine mammal anatomy or physiology □ Marine mammal conservation □ Anatomy and physiology Accommodation All candidates are expected to find their own accommodations in Vancouver. For more information on accommodation and maps, please request the “General Information on VanAqua and Living in Vancouver” from rescue(a)vanaqua.org. Placement dates and application procedures: There are seven (7) internship positions over the summer. See below for start and end date options. All internship placement applications are due by February 1st, 2013. Telephone/personal interviews* will be held after that date, with notification dates following interview process. * Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted Placements: June 17th – August 31st Three (3) unpaid 11 weeks June 17th – Sept 30th Four (4) unpaid 15 weeks *Start/finish dates subject to change Applications will be processed by the MMR Manager and staff. Please send resume, letter of intent and two references either by email: rescue(a)vanaqua.org with Marine Mammal Rescue Husbandry Internship application in the subject line OR by mail: Marine Mammal Rescue Husbandry Internship Application Vancouver Aquarium PO Box 3232 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8 * Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted ** Incomplete applications will not be processed Thank you for your interest in the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre’s Internship program Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre MMR: 604-258-SEAL (7325) Aquarium: 604-659-3478 Fax: 604-659-3515 E-Mail: Rescue(a)vanaqua.org The Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING - THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ADDRESSEE, IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT OUR INTERNAL RECORDS. PLEASE THEN DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU

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Right whale publication
by Jim Hain 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

*Swim speed, behavior, and movement of North Atlantic right whales (/Eubalaena glacialis/) in coastal waters of northeastern Florida, USA,* by Hain, J.H.W, J.D. Hampp, S.A. McKenney, J.A. Albert, and R.D. Kenney has been published in PLoS ONE 8(1): e54340. It is available for download at: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0054340 ABSTRACT In a portion of the coastal waters of northeastern Florida, North Atlantic right whales (/Eubalaena glacialis/) occur close to shore from December through March. These waters are included within the designated critical habitat for right whales. Data on swim speed, behavior, and direction of movement---with photo-identification of individual whales---were gathered by a volunteer sighting network working alongside experienced scientists and supplemented by aerial observations. In seven years (2001-2007), 109 tracking periods or "follows" were conducted on right whales during 600 hours of observation from shore-based observers. The whales were categorized as mother-calf pairs, singles and non-mother-calf pairs, and groups of 3 or more individuals. Sample size and amount of information obtained was largest for mother-calf pairs. Swim speeds varied within and across observation periods, individuals, and categories. One category, singles and non mother-calf pairs, was significantly different from the other two---and had the largest variability and the fastest swim speeds. Median swim speed for all categories was 1.3 km/h (0.7 kn), with examples that suggest swim speeds differ between within-habitat movement and migration-mode travel. Within-habitat right whales often travel back-and-forth in a north-south, along-coast, direction, which may cause an individual to pass by a given point on several occasions, potentially increasing anthropogenic risk exposure (/e.g./, vessel collision, fishing gear entanglement, harassment). At times, mothers and calves engaged in lengthy stationary periods (up to 7.5 h) that included rest, nursing, and play. These mother-calf interactions have implications for communication, learning, and survival. Overall, these behaviors are relevant to population status, distribution, calving success, correlation to environmental parameters, survey efficacy, and human-impacts mitigation. These observations contribute important parameters to conservation biology, predictive modeling, and management. However, while we often search for predictions, patterns, and means, the message here is also about variability and the behavioral characteristics of individual whales.

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Cetacean monitoring in the North Western Mediterranean Sea INTERNSHIP 2013
by Pao Tepsich 17 Jan '13

17 Jan '13

*Cetacean monitoring in the North Western Mediterranean Sea – INTERNSHIP 2013 CIMA Research Foundation is a private non-profit research organization aimed at the advancement of science and engineering in environmentally related fields, focusing on public health and safety, civil protection and the preservation of terrestrial and water-related ecosystems. CIMA RF is based in Savona, Italy, and it is seeking interns to fill 4 marine mammal observer internship positions for the field season 2013. This is a full-time position requiring a 5 months commitment from May through September. This internship is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research to strengthen their skills and above all to gain practical experience in the field. We also encourage the use of this internship as the basis for the development of bachelor as well as master thesis. This is an unpaid position but CIMA RF will cover costs related to the internship including accommodation and traveling to-from departing harbors. Interns will be responsible for their own travels to Italy. Interns will assist researchers during the whole internship, being directly involved in survey planning, during surveys and for the post-survey processing. Infield surveys aim to collect data on the distribution and behavior of the eight cetacean species commonly inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. In particular, interns will be responsible for data collection and data entry of two projects: i) Monitoring cetaceans from ferries – this project is held in collaboration with a national ferry company. Interns will be on-board of ferries operating between Italy and Corsica / Sardinia at least twice a week and they will be part of the Marine Mammal Observer team working on the ferry. ii) Ziphius Project – this project is focused on the local Cuvier’s beaked whale population and it foresees weekly surveys in the Ligurian , Corsica and Thyrrenian Seas onboard of a 18m long dedicated research sailing vessel. Each survey usually last 3 to 5 consecutive days. Interns will assist researchers with data collection, photo-id as well as actively participating in life on-board. Interns will work on both projects. The internship foresees also a large amount of time to be dedicated to data entry and data analysis in the office. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the fulltime project: all interns will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification. Qualifications - Applicants must be reliable, motivated and team oriented, have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science; - Applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology, environmental sciences or a related major; - Applicants must be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means a lot of data-entry work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits; - Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and previous experience with GIS. - Previous field experience is preferred. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, a reference letter and your CV via email to: paola.tepsich(a)cimafoundation.org Application deadline is 28th February 2013 * -- Non stampare questa mail, pensa all'ambiente!! Before printing, think about the environment! Avant d'imprimer, pensez à l'environnement!

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New Publication-humpback whale blubber lipids and fatty acids
by Courtney Waugh 16 Jan '13

16 Jan '13

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new publication on 'lipid and fatty acid profiles of migrating Southern Hemisphere humpback whales' in Marine Ecology Progress Series. Citation: Waugh CA, Nichols PD, Noad MC, Bengtson Nash S (2012) Lipid and fatty acid profiles of migrating Southern Hemisphere humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 471:271-281 Abstract The lipid and fatty acid (FA) composition of the outer blubber layer was characterized in 46 east Australian migrating humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae. Samples were obtained at 2 time points of the annual migration, which occurs between Antarctic feeding grounds and low-latitude breeding grounds and is associated with a prolonged period of fasting. Blubber lipid composition was dominated by triacylglycerols in all individuals, and the FA profiles of both migration cohorts and sexes were dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Results indicate that males primarily mobilise polyunsaturated fatty acids in response to migration and fasting, favouring the most readily utilisable FA as governed by their physicochemical properties. In comparison, females appear to initially mobilise short-chain (<18 carbons) MUFA stores, potentially to attend to dependent calves’ thermoregulatory needs. Feeding ecology investigations suggested that humpback whales have a species-specific FA composition of their blubber, including a detectable influence of their diet. This study provides the first insight into lipid and FA profiles of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales. A comprehensive understanding of FA dynamics, especially during times of energy deficit, is essential for understanding the nutritional status of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales and thereby the risks posed by growing environmental threats including toxic and persistent lipophilic pollutants. Enjoy. Courtney Waugh Courtney Waugh | PhD Student | National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology | School of Medicine | The University of Queensland | 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, QLD 4018 | Phone: +61479 075 536 [cid:image001.jpg@01CA943F.233B74B0]

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