October 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Volunteer Program in SF Bay
by Laura Duffy 02 Oct '13

02 Oct '13

Please Post -- Thanks! The San Francisco Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society is working in conjunction with San Francisco State University (SFSU) Masters Candidates to initiate a citizen science program to help increase field efforts for Golden Gate Cetacean Research’s Harbor Porpoise Program. Golden Gate Cetacean Research (GGCR) began observing *Phocoena phocoena* in SF Bay in 2008, after they had not been sighted in the Bay since before World War II. This study seeks to identify specific environmental parameters of the Golden Gate that affect porpoises in respect to temporal and spatial aspects of habitat use, distribution, and behavior, to understand why these animals are now highly frequenting a new area of Northern California coast, and what it may mean for the population dynamics of *Phocoena *in the Pacific. The offered positions are volunteer; participants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to field sites (potential for carpooling will be established after the first meeting with new volunteers). Volunteers will be asked to help perform point count surveys from two land-based observation stations on either side of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as conduct transects across the Golden Gate Bridge to collect porpoise aggregation and activity. The weather at the Golden Gate is unpredictable and can be harsh with highly variant wind, precipitation, temperatures. Volunteers should be prepared to withstand these conditions; they should be able to stand and walk for a minimum of two hours; and they should be able to clearly see a distance of at least 100 meters. Volunteers need to be at least 18 years of age; the ideal participants will be those who have prior experience in marine field observations, a firm understanding of the scientific method, and a strong interest in marine ecology. Please submit a letter of interest and resume. The letter of interest should be one page, single spaced, and include a brief biography. Please include a description of academic history, skills, experiences, and objectives that explain your interest and participation in this project. On the resume, please include an education section with science courses, GPA, and an experience section including volunteer positions, internships, and professional positions that relate to environmental science and/or conservation biology. Application materials may be sent to Divya Sivaraman at divyadipti(a)gmail.combefore October 24 th to be considered in the first month’s volunteer list; ask for the PDF file with a more detailed description of the project. Thank you for your time! -- Laura Duffy *Masters Candidate, Marine Ecology* Golden Gate Cetacean Research, San Francisco State University cell: 609-784-3303

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Study Abroad in Bimini, The Bahamas
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 02 Oct '13

02 Oct '13

STUDY ABROAD PS 299 - Special Topics in Psychology (3 Credits) - or - BI 199/299 - Special Topics in Biology for Non-Majors/Majors(3 Credits) Summer 2014: May 27-June 8, 2014 Led by Dr. Deirdre Yeater in the Sacred Heart University Psychology department in collaboration with Dolphin Communication Project, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will enjoy a hands-on learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. On the program, you will earn three credits while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors. You will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. The field work at Bimini will consist of 4 to 5 hour boat surveys. If the group is able to make underwater observations, you will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students accepted will be limited by the size of the research vessel. Therefore, you should apply as soon as possible. You MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program. Apply by December 15th For more information, contact: Sacred Heart University Office of Global Affairs (203) 396-8028 studyabroad(a)sacredheart.edu www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad<http://www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad> or Dolphin Communication Project http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/ Program Highlights Study Dolphins Dolphins are long-lived and social! Yet, we know little about their social relationships. Study dolphins in their natural habitat. Bimini, The Bahamas Less than 7 mile long and only a few hundred yards wide, Bimini is known for big game fishing, SCUBA diving, mangroves, and of course, wild dolphins. Application Requirements Students majoring/minoring in Psychology, Biology, or a related discipline Minimum GPA of 3.0 Visiting students accepted Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Assistant Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998

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New publication on distribution of cetaceans in the mid-Atlantic waters around the Azores
by Mónica Cordeiro de Almeida e Silva 02 Oct '13

02 Oct '13

Dear Colleagues, The following paper was recently published in Marine Biology Research. The article is available from the publisher website (http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/f24uYWV4sSib3F9X49vt/full) or by request to me. Kind regards, Mónica Silva Silva MA, Prieto R, Cascão I, Seabra MI, Machete M, Baumgartner MF, Santos RS (2013). Spatial and temporal distribution of cetaceans in the mid-Atlantic waters around the Azores. Marine Biology Research, 10(2): 123-137. DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2013.793814. Cetaceans living in offshore waters are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities. Yet, due to the lack of survey effort, relatively little is known about the demography or ecology of these populations. Spatial and temporal distribution of cetaceans in mid-Atlantic waters were investigated using a long term dataset collected from boat surveys and land-based observations around the Azores. From 1999 to 2009, 7307 cetacean schools were sighted during 271,717 km of survey effort. In 4944 h of land-based observations, 2,968 cetacean groups were detected. Twenty-four species were recorded: seven baleen whales, six beaked whales, eight dolphin species, Physeter macrocephalus, Kogia breviceps and Kogia sima. Overall, Delphinus delphis was the most frequently sighted species, but its encounter rate decreased in June-November, coinciding with the presence of Stenella frontalis in the region. Tursiops truncatus, P. macrocephalus and Grampus griseus were frequently encountered year-round, whereas large baleen whales showed a distinct peak in encounter rates in March-May. Mesoplodonts were fairly common and appear to be present throughout the year. These findings fill in a significant gap in the knowledge of cetaceans occurring in a poorly studied region of the North Atlantic, providing much needed data to inform management initiatives. Mónica Almeida e Silva Post Doctoral Fellow ------------------------------------------------------ Centro do IMAR da Universidade dos Açores Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas 9901-862 Horta Portugal Phone: (+351) 292200400 Direct phone: (+351) 292200430 Fax: (+351) 292200411 Email: monica(a)uac.pt <mailto:monica@uac.pt> http://www.whales.uac.pt/ <http://www.whales.uac.pt/> http://portulano.org/wkit/index.html <http://portulano.org/wkit/index.html> ----------------------------------------------------- Biology Department, MS#33 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA Email: msilva(a)whoi.edu

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Internship Announcement - Please Post
by Danielle Storz 01 Oct '13

01 Oct '13

RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION AVAILABLE - seeking volunteer Research Assistants for research on Gray whales migrating northbound through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel. Gray Whales Count (GWC) is seeking two Research Assistants (RA) to assist in the annual survey, conducted from shore at the Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta, California, adjacent to the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. The 2014 survey begins February 10 and continues every day through May 18, from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Sunday. We are looking for interested individuals who would be available to begin at the start of the survey and commit the entire length, fourteen weeks, of the 2014 Count. GWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for research and education. The primary goal of research is to estimate the number of Gray whales and Gray whale calves migrating northbound through our corridor and to share our data to complement similar sampling-studies along the California coast. A secondary goal is to document the variety and quantity of other marine mammals in the ocean area around our site, which is now a Marine Protected Area. We are able to monitor human activity, including interactions with marine mammals, including Gray whales. Goals of education are to teach the process of scientific research to Counters and to give them the opportunity to conduct a meaningful study, to experience marine mammals in their natural environment, and to share this process and their enthusiasm with publics through direct interchange, outreach, and various media. The Research Assistants will be trained by the Project Coordinator and, in-turn, share the responsibility of conducting research and education. Applicable skills learned and achieved include: 1. Process, concepts, and protocols of the survey 2. Ability to identify a multitude of marine mammal species from a distance, including but not limited to: Gray whales, Humpback whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Harbor seals, California Sea lions, Sea otters, etc. 3. Identify behaviors of these marine mammals 4. Distinguish calves from juveniles and adults 5. Identify vessels and vessel operations 6. Detailed data entry 7. Learn about marine mammals in their natural environment and the forces that affect them, both natural and anthropogenic 8. Personnel (volunteer and staff) interaction Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit full-time to the project for the time period involved (minimum of 14 weeks, which can be extended if the applicant desires to be involved with data entry and analysis). This will entail up to 8 - 9 hours of work a day for at least 5 days a week. The Count is 7 days per week and the RA may commit more time to the Count as desired. The more time you can put in, the more you will get out of your experience. Priority will be given to those candidates with associative career goals and are able to participate for an extended period of time. This is a unique opportunity to gain extensive experience in scientific fieldwork in an environment rich with diverse populations of marine mammals. You will work with equally diverse individuals who are caring, attentive, and curious. Gray whales are a sentinel species traveling from temperate lagoons in Mexico, along the dynamic California Current at the eastern edge of the North Pacific Ocean to the Arctic waters of northern Alaska in one of the longest marine mammal migrations. There are boundless avenues of exploration, and Gray Whales Count can begin your journey. Requirements: 1. Even though this is situated in Southern California, you must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Fieldwork can be physically and mentally demanding at times 2. Willingness to work long hours. 3. Experience with a camera and digital asset management a plus. 4. Commit for a minimum of fourteen weeks, full time (minimum five days per week). 5. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior or a related field. 6. Previous field experience with marine wildlife and observation is highly recommended but not required to apply. 7. Ability to work in a team environment. Cannot stress this enough. You will be trained to be a leader of an operation with people of differing experience and dedication. 8. Be enthusiastic and possess a positive attitude and a desire to learn. 9. Be adaptable and patient. The migration is characterized by pulses rather than a steady stream; and weather is the unknown factor: wind, rain, and fog can shut us down. 10. We strive for a perfection that cannot be attained. We are forgiving and learn from experience. This is a volunteer position. The selected RAs will be responsible for his or her own transportation to and from Santa Barbara/Goleta, California. Recognizing that living costs are high in this area, Gray Whales Count will award a $500 stipend to assist with expenses upon successful completion of the RA position. The RAs will be responsible all for living expenses while volunteering for Gray Whales Count. To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to the Project Coordinator, Michael Smith at michael(a)graywhalescount.org. We strongly recommend you look over our website: graywhalescount.org to familiarize yourself with our operation. In the cover letter, please address why you wish to participate with Gray Whales Count and what you hope to achieve in your experience. There is no deadline to apply. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please consider applying early in order to arrange travel plans and to secure room and board. ----- Danielle Scott Operations Manager Gray Whales Count nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation for research and education 1 Fellowship Circle Santa Barbara, CA 93109 USA (805) 698-9462 mobile danni(a)GrayWhalesCount.org project-collaborators include: Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington Journey North, Norwich, VT NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla Scripps Whale Acoustic Lab, SIO / UCSD, La Jolla UCSB's Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta

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Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Internship
by Victoria Howard 01 Oct '13

01 Oct '13

Winter/Spring 2014 Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Internship The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: * Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. * Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. * Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. * Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. * Principle Duties include: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21 and 31 boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS * Secondary Duties involve: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours. * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. Deadline to Apply for the Winter/Spring Session (1/6/14 - 3/2/14 and 3/10/14 - 5/6/14) is November 1, 2013 Please visit http://imms.org/internship.php for application and full details

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Wanted: experienced FLOs - particularly Greek speaking
by Emma Forrester 01 Oct '13

01 Oct '13

Good afternoon everyone, Hydenlyne is currently looking to expand their database of FLOs, particularly Greek speaking individuals. You must have seismic experience and valid offshore certificates. Other applications for MMO/PAM are welcomed but may not be replied to with urgency. Please send your CV to emmaforrester(a)hydenlyne.com <mailto:emmaforrester@hydenlyne.com> Kind regards, Emma Forrester Project Manager (MMO/PAM) UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG

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new Australian sea lion publications
by Andrew Lowther 01 Oct '13

01 Oct '13

Hi all, two new publications on Australian sea lions; one using animal-borne sensors to map oceanographic conditions during a seasonal upwelling event and how these conditions impact on adult male foraging behaviour, the other at gross differences in trophic ecology of adult females between regions using stable isotopes. Any questions, dont hesitate to ask. Lowther AD, Harcourt RG, Page B, Goldsworthy SD (2013) Steady as He Goes: At-Sea Movement of Adult Male Australian Sea Lions in a Dynamic Marine Environment. PLoS ONE 8(9): e74348. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074348 Abstract The southern coastline of Australia forms part of the worlds' only northern boundary current system. The Bonney Upwelling occurs every austral summer along the south-eastern South Australian coastline, a region that hosts over 80% of the worlds population of an endangered endemic otariid, the Australian sea lion. We present the first data on the movement characteristics and foraging behaviour of adult male Australian sea lions across their South Australian range. Synthesizing telemetric, oceanographic and isotopic datasets collected from seven individuals enabled us to characterise individual foraging behaviour over an approximate two year time period. Data suggested seasonal variability in stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes that could not be otherwise explained by changes in animal movement patterns. Similarly, animals did not change their foraging patterns despite fine-scale spatial and temporal variability of the upwelling event. Individual males tended to return to the same colony at which they were tagged and utilized the same at-sea regions for foraging irrespective of oceanographic conditions or time of year. Our study contrasts current general assumptions that male otariid life history strategies should result in greater dispersal, with adult male Australian sea lions displaying central place foraging behaviour similar to males of other otariid species in the region. A. D. Lowther , R. G. Harcourt and S. D. Goldsworthy. Regional variation in trophic ecology of adult female Australian sea lions inferred from stable isotopes in whiskers. Wildlife Research 40(4), 303-311 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WR12181 Abstract Context: The primary selective forces responsible for shaping life-history traits come from the physical and biological environment in which a species resides. Consequently, the limits of a species range may provide a useful measure of adaptive potential to environmental change. The proximity of foraging grounds to terrestrial nursing habitat constrains central-place foragers such as otariid seals in selecting breeding locations. The Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) is an endangered otariid endemic to Australia, whose northern-range extent occurs at a temperate–tropical transition zone on the western coast of Western Australia (WA). Aims: Currently, there is a complete absence of data on the foraging ecology of Australian sea lions in WA. We sought to address this critical knowledge gap and provide data on the foraging ecology of adult female Australian sea lions at three isolated breeding colonies in western WA. Methods: We used stable-isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in the whiskers of pups as proxies to characterise feeding behaviour of 10–28% of all adult female Australian sea lions at each colony. We then compared these geographic data to (1) conspecifics at similar latitude in South Australia (SA) and (2) isotopic data collated from other studies on seabirds that inhabit the region, to place foraging behaviour of adult female Australian sea lions into context. Key results: At the southernmost colonies in WA, individual animals were members of one of two distinct isotopic clusters that could be described by differences in δ15N and δ13C values. Individuals at the northernmost colony displayed δ15N values similar to those of seabirds in the same region. Across the study, isotope ratios of adult female Australian sea lions in western WA were between 3‰ and 5‰ lower than those observed at a colony at similar latitude in SA. Conclusions: Gross differences in the physical oceanography between WA and SA may in part explain the differences in isotope ratios of individuals between the regions, with lower δ15N and δ13C values in WA probably reflecting the relatively depauperate conditions of the Leeuwin Current. Implications: Potential regional differences in trophic structure should be considered when developing appropriate management plans for Australian sea lions and regional variation in the diet of Australian sea lion warrants further investigation. Andy Lowther Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Biodiversity Section Norwegian Polar Institute tel: +47 77 75 05 44 e: andrew.lowther(a)npolar.no

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Job announcement: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Marine Biodiversity Officer
by Olivia Harries 01 Oct '13

01 Oct '13

Marine Biodiversity Officer The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (www.hwdt.org) wishes to appoint a Marine Biodiversity Officer, based in Tobermory, Isle of Mull. Working as a member of the Trust’s small, dynamic research team, the Marine Biodiversity Officer is primarily responsible for maintaining HWDT’s Science Programme. Job description HWDT’s Marine Biodiversity Officer will work on its boat and land based projects and will undertake the running of the Science Programme. A substantial part of the job involves being the main monitoring officer onboard “Silurian”: conducting a variety of marine mammal surveys. He/she will work with and supervise volunteers on most projects. An additional role involves representing the Trust on local and regional forums. The appointee must be a qualified marine biologist with appropriate field and analytical experience. The Marine Biodiversity Officer will be responsible to the Chair and Trustees of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, the Head of the Science Committee/Senior Scientist and must work closely with other members of the team. This may include supervision of other science staff. This post holder will split his/her time between land and boat-based activities and office-based data entry and analysis tasks. Key Tasks Primary Science Officer onboard Silurian during 7-12 day monitoring trips; Train and guide volunteers in marine mammal survey techniques; Supervise the correct collection, entry and storage of visual and acoustic survey data, and ensure the smooth functioning of onboard computer hardware and software; Operation of hydrophone and acoustic monitoring system on boat including troubleshooting and running repairs if necessary and where possible; Work with scientific team to deliver agreed monitoring outputs; As part of the Silurian crew, participate fully in the domestic, sailing and social aspects of monitoring trips; Train other staff members/capable cover for relief work; Equipment maintenance including repairs, loan agreements and purchasing, in particular the computer and acoustic equipment on Silurian; Undertake science administration, dealing with general science-related enquiries, correspondence and consultations; Analysis and report writing; Management of volunteers on office-based research projects; Run boat-based element of field courses for students/general public; Representative on local marine stakeholder groups; Work with the science team on ongoing development of research and conservation strategy; Work with the science team to deliver commissioned research as appropriate; Work with other academic institutions in research collaborations and data sharing; Maintain and develop relationships with key local and regional marine stakeholders, organisations and operators; Work closely with education and sightings teams in developing and delivering a programme of public talks and presentations; Work closely with the education team providing input into education programmes and work with universities; Media work including radio and TV interviews; Assisting in funding applications (including funding for the Marine Biodiversity Officer post) and supporting the education, finance and administrative staff; Assist with fundraising events when necessary, and Promote the Trust wherever possible, in particular recruiting new supporters and sponsors. Desirable skills Extensive knowledge and experience of marine mammal surveys techniques including visual and acoustic methods. Knowledge of, and experience in IFAW LOGGER and PAM software (e.g. PAMGUARD); Computer proficient including Access, and GIS programs; Offshore sailing/boating experience (formal qualifications are not necessary); Excellent communication skills; both written and oral; Knowledge of Scottish marine biology and nature conservation legislation; Experience of volunteer and project management; Full driving licence; Experience of partnership working and working in a team; Experience of working independently; Knowledge of the West Coast and islands and their communities beneficial. This is full time salaried post at £18,000 per year. Application Procedure: Send CV and Covering Letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to admin(a)hwdt.org or post to HWDT, Clydesdale Bank Buildings, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU. Further information on HWDT and on this post (including conditions of the post) are to be found on the HWDT website www.hwdt.org, or telephone 01688 302 620. Applications should be made by 1st November 2013. Please note: candidates will only be contacted if short-listed.

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New Atlas of Marine Mammals in Irish Offshore Waters
by Dave wall 01 Oct '13

01 Oct '13

Dear Colleagues, I would like to inform you that the following report was recently published: Wall D., Murray C., O'Brien J., Kavanagh L., Wilson C., Ryan C., Glanville B., Williams D., Enlander I., O'Connor I., McGrath D., Whooley P. and Berrow S. (2013). Atlas of the distribution and relative abundance of marine mammals in Irish offshore waters 2005 - 2011. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co Clare. ISBN 0-9540552-7-6. This Atlas presents data collected during the IWDG ISCOPE I and II projects, the IWDG/GMIT Marine Mammals and Megafauna in Irish waters project, the IWDG Ferry Surveys Programme and the IWDG casual and effort-based sightings scheme between January 2005 and January 2011. Distribution and relative abundance data are presented on a European Environment Agency 50 km2 reference grid and where sufficient data existed, seasonal distribution and relative abundance maps are presented. The report may be downloaded at the following link: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/21374026/Marine%20Atlas%20Med%20Res.pdf For additional information please contact: dave.wall(a)iwdg.ie Best regards Dave Wall Ship Surveys Officer Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Tel UK: +44 77 717 62355 Tel Ireland: +353 87 2977931 Email: dave.wall(a)iwdg.ie Web: www.iwdg.ie 22 Martello Park | Holywood | BT180DG | Northern Ireland

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Volunteer vessel operator needed off Kaikoura, New Zealand
by Dara Orbach 30 Sep '13

30 Sep '13

A highly motivated volunteer field assistant is needed for the month of January 2014 to assist with a Ph.D. project assessing the mating tactics of dusky dolphins off Kaikoura, New Zealand. This research is in collaboration with Dr. Bernd Würsig at Texas A&M University at Galveston. This position is unpaid and field assistants are responsible for their own food expenses and travel to/from Kaikoura. Housing is provided in a stunning luxury home with incredible views and private bedrooms. Typical field days involve being on the water from 8 AM through 4 PM followed by several hours of data processing. Data is collected whenever the weather conditions are conducive including weekends. The primary duty entails operating a 6-m research vessel including launching and docking the vessel, safely maneuvering the vessel to determined GPS co-ordinates, and following dolphin pods while facilitating smooth conditions for videography and photography. Addition daily responsibilities include assisting with Photo-ID analysis such as cropping and matching dolphin dorsal fin photographs. Applicants should have extensive oceanic experience operating motorboats including launching, docking, bunking, and trailering a boat. Applicants with previous experience operating vessels near marine mammals should explain details in their cover letter. Please also indicate in your cover letter if you are able to operate a manual/standard vehicle and if you have experience backing up a trailer. Expectations: Applicants should be hard working, able to follow instructions with precision, exceptional communicators, innovative problem solvers, and comfortable on boats. This project involves continuous teamwork and applicants must be able to get along well with others and maintain a positive attitude under stressful conditions. The position can be physically and mentally demanding and is best suited for those with a passion for behavioral ecology field work. To apply, please send a cover letter and cv detailing relevant field work experience with reference contact details to orbachd(a)tamug.edu . Applications will be considered on a first-come first-serve basis. Dara Orbach > Ph.D. candidate > Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Group > Department of Marine Biology- IDP > Texas A&M University at Galveston > orbachd(a)tamug.edu > http://www.tamug.edu/mmbeg

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