December 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Humpback Whale Field Intensive program; Puerto Rico, USA
by Mithriel MacKay 27 Dec '13

27 Dec '13

*Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program, Puerto Rico , USA* *1 week program sessions and Gap Year (multiple session) options* *Please share this announcement and help fund the 2014 (PhD dissertation) research season. We have one or more spots open in some sessions. Thank you! * The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the fourth season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. *No experience is necessary to participate! *100% of the program fees support PhD dissertation research. Join our field team studying humpback whales *(Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *Space is limited to 4 students in each 7 day session* for boat and land based research platforms during the field season January - April, 2014. We offer this "shorty" format to fill the need for less expensive programs fitting into work and class schedules. Gap year students are welcome to inquire about programs lasting multiple weeks, including in depth analysis of data and increased responsibility on the team. This field intensive training program is well suited for students (undergraduate and graduate) of all skill levels interested in cetacean behavioral ecology, and conservation. The program culminates in a certificate acknowledging training including theodolite tracking of whales and boats from land, boat based behavior and acoustic data collection, analysis of acoustic files and software, and photo identification of flukes and fins for cetaceans. Participants are directly involved in data collection and analysis for PhD dissertation related research for Seasonal Occurrence Patterns and Social Strategies of Humpback Whales Wintering off Puerto Rico, USA as well as an examination of reaction to human activity near shore (including boats, divers, surfers, and aircraft). Program fees include a week in Puerto Rico, USA: travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and meals at the project field station in San German, reference materials related to the project, field methods for data collection and analysis, and a certificate of completion. Fees *do not include* travel to and from Ponce, Puerto Rico, USA and compulsory health and travel insurance (usually purchased with air travel). Students must bring a working or collar-type PFD during all boat operations. Options for acquiring a pfd for the program session are sent with application packets. MCERC has provided documentation of study for students working with their advisers at universities resulting in undergraduate and graduate university credit hours. Please *meet with your adviser in advance* and send us an e-mail with your application if you are considering this option and we will be happy to send you information helpful to your adviser. To participate, download the Simple Application and information packet from the MCERC website under the “Education” tab, read related information on the website, and send the completed application via email. An invoice will be generated once a spot in the session you request is verified as “available”. Submitting the program fee before your invoice expires (48 hours) confirms your spot! *Email your application to * *MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com* <MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com>*.** (*Website: www.Marine-Eco.org) Thank you for supporting humpback whale research and education! *Project Sessions with 1 or more spots available still available ($900.00USD)* Session 2 January 26 – February 01 Session 3 February 02-08 Session 4 February 09-15 Session 5 February 16-22 Session 6 February 23- March 01 Session 10 March 23-29 Session 11 March 30-April 05 Session 12 April 06-12 Session 13 April 13-19 *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> * *}-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org www.Marine-Eco.org

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND REPRINTS WANTED
by Thomas Jefferson 26 Dec '13

26 Dec '13

¡VIVAVaquita! is requesting marine mammal books, reprints,monographs, and journals. Literature canbe donated or we can purchase sets of books, reprints, and journals. We make the literature available to colleaguesworking on marine mammals, getting it into hands where it will be activelyused, and in the process help to raise funds for research and conservation workon the vaquita, the World’s most endangered marine mammal species. Donations aretax-deductible, and we may be able to arrange pick-up of large quantities ofliterature. We are currentlycollecting literature to help fund our education work with local organizationsand school groups in Mexico and California. If you have any literature you would beinterested in donating or selling to us, please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com.

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UPDATE on JOB OPPORTUNITY: Ecologist with NOAA's Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program - Opens DEC 26
by Charles Littnan 25 Dec '13

25 Dec '13

Aloha Everyone- A brief update on the job opportunity with the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program that was advertised two days ago. There is going to be a slight delay in the opening of the application period. Please keep checking back on the website as described below. It should open for applications within the next week and will remain open for 2 weeks. Cheers, Charles __________________________ Aloha Everyone- We are happy to announce a job opportunity in NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP). The HMSRP is looking for a Research Ecologist to support our research and recovery efforts. The successful applicant will participate in a variety of research projects across many disciplines including foraging ecology, fisheries interactions, health and disease studies, and more. The HMSRP is an applied research and recovery program so a key focus will be on developing, testing and implementing strategies to increase the survival of monk seals, particularly juvenile female seals. Key Information for the Position: *- This is a research position in the US Federal Government. You must be a US Citizen or National to apply for the position.* - This position is heavily focused on research including field work across the Hawaiian Archipelago. *- The application process is only open from 12/26/13 – 01/06/14. (you will not be able to find the advertisement if you look before Dec 26)* - To read more about this position and to apply visit *https://www.usajobs.gov/ <https://www.usajobs.gov/> *and search NMFS-PIC-2014-0001 (for public) and/or NMFS-PIC-2014-0002 (Federal Employees) - No funds are allocated for relocation. *Questions related to the application process should be directed to Hollie Walton (hollie.d.waltonATnoaa.gov <http://hollie.d.waltonATnoaa.gov>) (replace AT with @)* For more information about the HMSRP visit: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/hawaiian_monk_seal/ http://facebook.com/HMSRP Cheers, Charles

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Books and Materials of conferences are available for download at Marine Mammal Council (Russia) website
by Dmitri Glazov 24 Dec '13

24 Dec '13

Dear Colleagues, Please, note that: 1. Books issued by the Marine Mammal Council (Russia) (http://2mn.org) are available for free charge order on the website http://2mn.org/bookself/library_books.html. Some of them are available in pdf format for download. 2. Bilingual (Russian-English) materials of “Marine Mammals of the Holarctic” conferences (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012) can be downloaded at http://2mn.org/bookself/library_mmhbooks.html Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! If you have some questions - write to MMC mmc(a)2mn.org -- Dmitry Glazov Deputy head of Russian White Whale Program www.sevin-expedition.ru A.N. Severtsov Institute of the Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences 33 Leninskiy prosp., Moscow, 119071, Russia www.sevin.ru glazovd(a)gmail.com Tel. mob. +79104051823 Tel. + 74959541511 Fax. +74959581260

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JOB OPPORTUNITY: Ecologist with NOAA's Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program - Opens DEC 26
by Charles Littnan 23 Dec '13

23 Dec '13

Aloha Everyone- We are happy to announce a job opportunity in NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program (HMSRP). The HMSRP is looking for a Research Ecologist to support our research and recovery efforts. The successful applicant will participate in a variety of research projects across many disciplines including foraging ecology, fisheries interactions, health and disease studies, and more. The HMSRP is an applied research and recovery program so a key focus will be on developing, testing and implementing strategies to increase the survival of monk seals, particularly juvenile female seals. Key Information for the Position: *- This is a research position in the US Federal Government. You must be a US Citizen or National to apply for the position.* - This position is heavily focused on research including field work across the Hawaiian Archipelago. *- The application process is only open from 12/26/13 – 01/06/14. (you will not be able to find the advertisement if you look before Dec 26)* - To read more about this position and to apply visit *https://www.usajobs.gov/ <https://www.usajobs.gov/> *and search NMFS-PIC-2014-0001 (for public) and/or NMFS-PIC-2014-0002 (Federal Employees) - No funds are allocated for relocation. *Questions related to the application process should be directed to Hollie Walton (hollie.d.waltonATnoaa.gov <http://hollie.d.waltonATnoaa.gov>) (replace AT with @)* For more information about the HMSRP visit: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/hawaiian_monk_seal/ http://facebook.com/HMSRP Cheers, Charles

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Gray Whales Count Research Assistant
by Michael H Smith 23 Dec '13

23 Dec '13

Please post: RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION AVAILABLE - seeking a volunteer Research Assistant for research on Gray whales migrating northbound through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel. Gray Whales Count (GWC) is seeking 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. This position is open to citizens of the United States of America only. 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: Process, concepts, and protocols of the survey 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. Identify behaviors of these marine mammals Distinguish calves from juveniles and adults Identify vessels and vessel operations Detailed data entry Learn about marine mammals in their natural environment and the forces that affect them, both natural and anthropogenic 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 who 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: 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. Willingness to work long hours. Experience with a camera and digital asset management a plus. Commit for a minimum of fourteen weeks, full time (minimum five days per week). Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior or a related field. Previous field experience with marine wildlife and observation is highly recommended but not required to apply. 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. Be enthusiastic and possess a positive attitude and a desire to learn. 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. 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 RA 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. Michael H Smith, Project Coordinator Gray Whales Count nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation for research and education new address 1 Fellowship Circle Santa Barbara, CA 93109 USA (805) 451-4600 mobile michael(a)GrayWhalesCount.org project-collaborators include: Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington Journey North, Norwich, Vermont 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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New paper on bottlenose dolphin at São Tomé Island, São Tomé and Príncipe, Gulf of Guinea
by Andreia Pereira 23 Dec '13

23 Dec '13

Dear colleagues, On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I would like to announce the publication of a new paper: "Bottlenose dolphin *Tursiops truncatus* at São Tomé Island (São Tomé and Príncipe) — relative abundance, site fidelity and social structure" A Pereira, F Martinho, C Brito & I Carvalho African Journal of Marine Science 35(4):501-510 DOI: 10.2989/1814232X.2013.850444 Abstract Although the bottlenose dolphin *Tursiops truncatus* is one of the most common cetacean species around São Tomé Island, Gulf of Guinea, little research has focused on this species in this region. This study investigated the population of bottlenose dolphins around São Tomé Island by estimating the minimum population size, site fidelity and social structure. During a total of 226 surveys between 2002 and 2006, and in 2012, 51 sightings were recorded but only 33 had photographic data suitable for rigorous analysis. The minimum annual total population size, based on permanently marked dolphins, was 37 individuals, and the discovery curve indicated that a large part of the population remained undiscovered. The annual sighting rate for 76 highly distinctive adult animals ranged from 0.20 (seen in one year only) to 1.0 (seen every year of the study period). Resighted individuals demonstrated low association values; the dolphins seemed to form a single group with a fluid structure. The full article can be found online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/1814232X.2013.850444#.UrQyeSfnQ8K Please contact me if you do not have access to the article and would like to have a copy: andreiafspereira(a)gmail.com Kind regards and happy holidays, Andreia Pereira - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Andreia Pereira Conservation Biology M.Sc Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon

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DOLPHIN - Reaktion Books
by arauch 23 Dec '13

23 Dec '13

To all (apologies for cross-posting): As the new year approaches, I'd like to announce that my book "DOLPHIN" has been published by Reaktion Books (UK) and is available through U. Chicago Press (US)… Or on Amazon. But beyond the self-promotion, I want to thank list-members (as I do in the book) for their support and information through the writing process. All the best, Alan ALAN RAUCH | Professor of English | | Co-Editor with Martin Willis || Intersections in Literature and Science | |University of Wales Press | | Department of English | UNC Charlotte | | Charlotte, NC 28223 | arauch(a)uncc.edu | | Tel: 704.687.0391 | http://webpages.uncc.edu/~arauch/

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New website: MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal
by Alexandros A. Karamanlidis 23 Dec '13

23 Dec '13

Dear friends and colleagues Sorry for cross-posting We would like to announce the launch of the renewed web site of MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal. Our renewed site presents the highlights of Mediterranean monk seal research, conservation and management in Greece, while providing at the same time valuable material for researchers, educationists and journalists. Please visit our new site at: www.mom.gr Season's Greetings from Greece Alexandros Karamanlidis, PhD Scientific Coordinator MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal 18, Solomou Str. GR-10682 Athens GREECE Tel: +30 210 5222888 Fax: +30 210 5222450 Mob: +30 6942439175 http://www.mom.gr *Support* *us* *now**:* http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=176

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UPDATE: PhD opportunity: grey seal behaviour - earlier deadline
by TWISS S.D. 21 Dec '13

21 Dec '13

Dear Marmamers, please note a change to the deadline for the Phd opportunity described below. Due to a change in administration deadlines, we unfortunately have to bring the closing date for applications forward to January 10th 2014. Project title: Coping styles: understanding individual differences in stress reactivity in a wild population of grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and their fitness consequences Project supervisors: Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham University): s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk>, Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews) Project description: Within animal populations individuals differ in their ability to cope with stress. Most wild animal populations are subject to increasing anthropogenic stressors. Even non-consumptive activities, such as the rapidly expanding ecotourism industry, can add stressors to animals. Quantitatively assessing how individual animals react to, and cope with, anthropogenic stress is critical in determining ‘acceptable’ levels of disturbance in situations where human-wildlife interactions are inevitable. However, behavioural measures can be misleading or difficult to interpret in terms of how stressed and individual actually is, and should be supported by physiological evidence of when stress becomes distress. This project will investigate the physiological underpinnings of behavioural types in wild pinnipeds. Individual grey seals are known to differ in behavioural type, along a proactive-reactive axis. Proactive and reactive behavioural types are regarded as differing coping styles, with differing behavioural and physiological responses in the face of stressors, both natural and/or anthropogenic. Laboratory studies suggest that individual differences in stress reactivity may be controlled by differences in the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and are associated with differences in heart rate (HR) parameters. HR reflects the autonomic balance between the slowing effects of parasympathetic nerves and the accelerating effects of sympathetic nerves, a balance that is suggested to differ between pro- and reactive individuals. This project aims to investigate the physiological underpinnings of behavioural types, in wild, free-ranging grey seals, by the application of heart rate data-loggers to individually identified seals during the breeding season. The project will (i) use established observational and experimental approaches to classify individual female grey seal behavioural types, (ii) examine whether physiological indicators (heart rate and breathing rate) relate to behavioural type, and (iii) whether individual variation in physiological measures contribute to variation in maternal investment strategies. Over 3 consecutive breeding seasons, field data collection will involve: (1) identifying individual breeding females using established photo-ID protocols, (2) observations to provide metrics describing behavioural type, (3) application of heart rate monitors allied to detailed observations from video footage to record physiological proxies. Behavioural and physiological data will be analysed with respect to natural and anthropogenic stressors experienced by the focal seals. Direct measures of maternal expenditure will be gained from the identified females, allowing examination of how differences in coping style influence patterns of maternal reproductive investment. Potential candidates must fulfil the University’s requirements regarding English language ability (see below) and will require (i) a clear understanding of behavioural ecology theory and practice and (ii) the ability to conduct prolonged and isolated fieldwork in harsh conditions, and would ideally have experience of; (i) behavioural observation of wild pinnipeds, and (ii) ecological modelling approaches. Candidates should also hold a UK driving licence (or equivalent). The student will gain extensive training in behavioural observation, application of biotelemetry devices, compilation and maintenance of photo-ID database, spatial data manipulation and analyses within a GIS, statistical analyses (including quantifying ‘personality’ and analysis of HR data), organisation of fieldwork logistics and safety in remote, isolated locations. Reference: Twiss SD, Cairns C, Culloch RM, Richards SA & Pomeroy PP (2012). Behavioural Variation in Female Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) Reproductive Performance Correlates to Proactive-Reactive Behavioural Types. PLoS ONE 7(11): e49598. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049598 Notes on funding: This project is in competition with others for funding. The potential funding comes from the Durham Doctoral Studentship programme (DDS), which funds both tuition fees and living costs. Success will depend on the quality of applications received, relative to those for competing projects. Details of the Durham Doctoral Studentships can be found at: https://www.dur.ac.uk/science.faculty/postgraduatefunding/#faculty Notes on eligibility: Applicants must be applying to start a full-time PhD in the Faculty in October 2014. They must have fulfilled the University's requirements regarding English language ability and must not require a pre-sessional course as a condition of their place. See: https://www.dur.ac.uk/englishlanguage.centre/englishlanguage.courses/prospe… Notes on application procedure: If you are interested in applying and/or require further details, in the first instance contact the supervisor (Dr Twiss: s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk>.) with a CV and covering letter, detailing your reasons for applying for the project. Dr Twiss will then request the best applicants to submit a full application for DDS funding via the University’s online application process. Candidates wishing to proceed with a full application must then complete the University's postgraduate online application form and state, in response to the question ‘how you plan to fund your studies’, that you wish to be considered for a Durham Doctoral Studentship. The following documents should be submitted, by the deadline specified, using the University’s online application process: • The completed application form (including a description of the proposed research project prepared by the candidate (no more than one side of A4). This can be based on the above project description. • CV • Two references for the candidate • Copies of academic certificates and/or transcripts • Evidence of English language ability, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL transcripts. • For further details, see: https://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/ https://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/finance/ For further information on the application procedure, contact: Postgraduate Admissions School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Science Laboratories South Road Durham University DH1 3LE, UK Telephone: +44 (0) 191 334 1200 / +44 (0) 191 334 9167 Fax: +44 (0) 191 334 1201 email: biosci.pgsecretary(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:biosci.pgsecretary@durham.ac.uk> _________________________________ Dr. Sean Twiss, Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. E-mail: s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk Web-site: https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/about/schoolstaff/academicstaff/?id=1132 Blog: http://sealbehaviour.wordpress.com/ Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office) Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab) Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201 _________________________________

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