February 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Tethys 2013 field courses
by Simone Panigada 07 Feb '13

07 Feb '13

The TETHYS RESEARCH INSTITUTE announces its 2013 courses on cetacean research and conservation, held in the Pelagos Sanctuary (Western Ligurian Sea), Italy. These courses are a unique opportunity for anyone with an interest in wildlife, wishing to observe cetaceans in their natural environment and contribute towards their conservation. Participants will be involved in data collection at sea with advanced methodologies. Informal lectures will be given by experienced researchers. The 6-day courses take place in May to September at a cost of 724.00 - 866.00 Euros, with special discounts for students. Please note that, willing to facilitate motivated people despite the widespread crisis, fees for 2013 have been lowered from 10% to 15%. Fees include room&board, insurance. For further details, including a full list of available dates and prices, or to download detailed information and application forms, please visit: http://www.tethys.org/expeditions/index.htm or contact the office by mail: istituto.tethys(a)gmail.com working hours: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm (GMT+1) Best regards, Adriana Geraci ___________________________ Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 0272001947 / 0272013943 fax +39 0286995011 tethys(a)tethys.org <http://www.tethys.org/>

1 0

Job announcement - NMFS Alaska Steller sea lion population abundance and survival project, closes Feb. 22, 2013
by kathryn chumbley 06 Feb '13

06 Feb '13

Biological Technician II and Field Research Leader II positions (May 13-Aug. 8, 2013) NOAA/NMFS/Alaska Fishery Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory (NMML), Seattle, WA Alaska Ecosystem Program/Steller sea lion field camps Ocean Associates, Inc., a contractor for The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fishery Science Center, is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2013 field season to study the western stock of endangered Steller sea lions (/Eumetopias jubatus/) in Alaska. This work is part of a long-term annual population abundance and survival monitoring program. Duties include conducting counts, identifying individual sea lions by tags, brands, and natural markings, and monitoring reproduction and survival at remote field sites in Alaska.For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/alaska <http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/alaska/> Employment will be from May 13-Aug 8, 2013.Between 1 and 6 new positions will be contracted for the 2013 field season, contingent upon funding.Compensation is provided (both regular and overtime rates).Please contact Ocean Associates for compensation information.Application information is listed below. The first week of employment (May 13-18, 2012) is spent in Seattle training.Attendance is mandatory and successful completion of training is required for all field team members each season.Transportation to Seattle and food and lodging in Seattle are not provided. Transportation from Seattle to and from Alaska and the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided.Field teams are typically in Alaska for 8-10 weeks.Employment period ends at the end of the field season and there is no additional work. Field work is conducted by 2-4 member teams in remote camps located at either Ugamak Island (eastern Aleutian Islands) or Marmot Island (central Gulf of Alaska).All personnel are expected to perform daily research duties as well as camp maintenance (chopping wood, hauling water, cooking, and compost toilet maintenance, etc.).Participants are required to stay for the duration of the field season and there are no crew changes.Field stations are remote, there are no other residents on the islands, and outside communication is limited (no cell phone coverage and no email).Researchers live in small shelters at the various sites with no running water or electricity.Field stations are accessible only by ship or helicopter. Each camp is staffed with one field camp leader and 1-2 assistants.The camp leader serves as the senior person in the camp and generally has previous experience on this project.Field camp leaders are responsible for field camp logistics and maintenance, ensuring that research goals are met and that safety protocols are followed, ensuring that all data is entered and edited during the season, the return of field equipment and supplies, and producing an annual report at end of the field season.Under the guidance of a field camp leader, field camp assistants help with camp preparation, data collection, data entry and editing, and field gear inventory and packing. All team members maintain a safe working environment for field personnel, participate in daily camp maintenance and operation, and assist with the return of field equipment and supplies at the end of the season. _Research Duties_:Research is conducted outdoors 7 days per week, often in inclement weather.Temperatures at field sites can range from 35 to 85 degrees.Fog, wind, and rain are common, with occasional snow early in the season.Candidates should be prepared to hike (> 5 miles) with a large, heavy daypack, over rough and uneven terrain, steep slopes, rocky ledges, and have no fear of heights or flying in helicopters.Observation stations are located on the edge of cliffs or overlooks above the sea lions.Observers will be expected to use binoculars and spotting scopes for long periods of time and be able to recognize markings or brands on sea lions./There is generally no animal handling during field camp operations./Sea lions should be unaware of the presence of biologists. Candidates should be in excellent physical condition with no pre-existing health problems such as heart disease, severe allergies, depression, debilitating asthma or other ailments that will compromise their health, the health and safety of others in the camp, or the completion of research duties. _Minimum Qualifications_:Candidates must be U.S. citizens and have an education in a biological science.A Bachelor's degree in biology or related field with previous field experience is highly recommended. Field work, employment, or life experience in very remote settings particularly in Alaska or other cold, wet climate regions is preferred.The ability to work well in a small team and independently, with good communication and problem-solving skills is mandatory.Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions and data protocols is mandatory.Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and relational database programs such as Access or SQL is highly recommended. Current First Aid and CPR certification is required.Wilderness First Aid is highly recommended and candidates will be given extra consideration with this certification. *_Application Deadline_: Feb. 22, 2013 * Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, and the names and contact information (email and phone numbers) of three work-related references to both contacts listed below.Applicants not meeting qualification criteria or who submit incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact Ocean Associates, Inc (employer) with questions regarding eligibility and compensation. Richard Marasco Ocean Associates, Inc oarich.mar(a)gmail.com <mailto:oarich.mar@gmail.com> With cc to: Kathryn.Chumbley(a)noaa.gov <mailto:Kathryn.Chumbley@noaa.gov>

1 0

GIS Field Internship Courses in Scotland
by Dr Kevin Robinson 06 Feb '13

06 Feb '13

Teaming up with GIS In Ecology once again in 2013, the Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) is offering two 10 day residential cetacean field course at their field base in Gardenstown in northeast Scotland, from 27th May to 6th Jun, and from 30th Sep to 10 Oct. These courses will incorporate a custom-designed 3 day GIS module (including course manuals and materials) from GIS In Ecology (www.GISinEcology.com) taught by Dr. Colin MacLeod/Dr. Michael Tetley, both renowned experts in using GIS in ecological research. They will consist of a series of background and practical sessions covering the use of GIS in cetacean and marine research. Practical elements will include learning how to collect field data at sea and how to import this data into a Geographic Information System to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of identified species and analyse the home ranges of known individual animals. A combination of ESRI's ArcGIS 10.1 software and an open-source (and licence free) alternative will be used in this regard, and a uniquely numbered and verifiable certificate of completion for this GIS module of the course will be provided. Additional aspects of this course will include basic instruction in power boat handling, safety at sea and competent crew ability; cetacean identification, taxonomy and nomenclature; photo-identification procedures and mark capture-recapture analyses for bottlenose dolphins and minke whales; an introduction to relational databases and computer-assisted matching software; assessment, first aid administration and methods used in the care, transport and rescue of stranded cetaceans; and practical methods for the re-floatation of live stranded whales and dolphins In short, you will have the opportunity to learn about these mammals and their dynamic marine environment first hand; working closely alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable research team. As you participate in the CRRU's ongoing field studies, you will learn and apply the principles of field research design, data collection and analyses, undertake training in marine mammal rescue techniques, and gain a personal understanding of the conservation issues which drive current research, rescue and conservation activities by cetacean biologists. The cost for this internship course is £1250 [ <http://www.xe.com> for a currency converter, click here], which includes full board (i.e. all accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs (immersion suits, wet boots etc for boat trips), associated course materials and hand-outs, and all associated field costs during your stay with the CRRU team. You will simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to Banff in northeast Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. For further details and conditions, please visit <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp. Just 10 places are available for each of these exclusive GIS field teams, so immediate booking is advised. Founded in 1997, the CRRU boasts over 70 scientific publications to date ( <http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp) In cooperation with universities, research institutions and other environmental organisations, current studies focus on the key coastal cetacean species frequenting the outer Moray Firth in NE Scotland namely the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and the minke whale providing robust scientific data for the adoption of management measures and effective conservation strategies for their future protection. Dr. Kevin Robinson <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit | Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Education | Wildlife Rescue | Marine Conservation | Consultancy | Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473 PO Box 11307, Banff AB45 3WB, Scotland ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | 126 Suksamran Villas, 12/33 Moo 1 Sairee, Ban Koh Tao, Suratthani 84360, Thailand ( +66 (0) 844 651347 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Check out our new Facebook page at: <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

1 0

A bottlenose dolphin with an unusual humpback
by Elena Gladilina 05 Feb '13

05 Feb '13

Dear colleagues, My name is Lena Gladilina. I'm a PhD student from Ukraine. During my field work in the Crimean coastal waters (the Black sea) I observed a bottlenose dolphin with a humpback near the dorsal fin. It was a juvenile or adult dolphin swimming alone. Please look at the pictures. Do you have any idea what could cause this deformation? Is it spondylosis deformans or tumor, or anything else? There is a link to the photos: http://imageshack.us/a/img829/7171/20120806nsmotorboategl0.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img831/7171/20120806nsmotorboategl0.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img132/7171/20120806nsmotorboategl0.jpg http://imageshack.us/a/img713/7171/20120806nsmotorboategl0.jpg Thank you for your help in advance. Best regards, Lena -- Lena Gladilina, Department of Zoology, V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University, Simferopol, Ukraine

1 0

South African Bryde's whale project - internship
by Gwen Penry 05 Feb '13

05 Feb '13

South African Bryde’s whale project. False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 22 April – 19 May 2013. The South African Bryde’s whale project, administered through the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute (MRI), is looking for a motivated individual to join our small team for a month of fieldwork in False Bay, Cape Town from the 22 April to 19 May 2013 (dates may vary slightly). The selected candidate will gain experience in all aspects of fieldwork including data collection (photo-identification, biopsy sampling, data recording and entry, handling genetic samples), boat and equipment maintenance and the sharing of communal duties. The candidate must be relatively fit and strong (able to lift a minimum of 25kg), able to withstand long days at sea on our 6m RIB and be a willing team participant. Previous experience with marine mammal work is not essential however he/she must show a keen desire to learn and be part of all aspects of the work. Applicants with a BSc in biological sciences and experience with a digital SLR camera will be preferred. The intern will be required to join the project for the duration of the fieldwork period (4 weeks). The cost of the internship is; Euro 1 200 or US$ 1 600, excluding flights to Cape Town. Interested persons should please send their CV to Dr Gwenith Penry, gpenry(a)iziko.org.za<mailto:gpenry@iziko.org.za>, and provide a short paragraph outlining why they would like to join our team and what they hope to gain from the experience. Further information about the project (background to the work, travel logistics, what to bring etc) will then be provided. Kind regards Gwenith Penry Postdoctoral Researcher Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Email: gpenry(a)iziko.org.za<mailto:gpenry@iziko.org.za>

1 0

MMO training course April 2013
by Maja Nimak-Wood 05 Feb '13

05 Feb '13

Pro-MMO Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd.s' Marine Wildlife Department provides a field taught training course for new and current Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), in preparation for the working environment of offshore industries, whilst giving the opportunity to expand marine mammal identification skills. The Pro-MMO course trains applicants to become fully qualified, JNCC approved, professional MMOs who gain exceptional field experience during their training. The next available dates for this field-based course will be 16th - 18th April 2013. Applications and info packs for the course can be obtained and all queries directed to maja.nimak-wood(a)gardline.com Kind regards, Maja Nimak-Wood Marine Mammal Scientist Gardline Environmental Limited Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG Tel: +44 (0)1493 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1493 852106 www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> [cid:image002.jpg@01CE0395.770EEB80] Gardline Environmental Limited is part of the Gardline Group of Companies Registered in England No.04589816 | VAT Registration No. 640 4800 66 Registered office: Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 0

marine bioacoustic symposium in IBAC meeting
by Marcos Rossi 05 Feb '13

05 Feb '13

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce and invite you to participate in the following symposium, to be held as part of the IBAC program (Pirinópolis, Brazil, Sept 8 - 13): Marine Bioacoustics in the XXI century: integrating new technologies to conservation and ecological studies Organizer: Dr. Marcos Rossi-Santos (TAUASSU Ambiental/ Unijorge, Brazil) Marine Bioacoustics is an open research field for the future, contributing to understand the ecological processes involving marine animal sensitivity to sounds and how economic development could affect their survival. This symposium aims to offer an overview about new techniques to increase our knowledge of the marine ecosystem. Check out more information at www.ibacbrazil.com Best whishes, Marcos Rossi-Santos www.tauassu.com.br

1 0

Workshop on Marine Mammal Morbilliviruses, 7 April, ECS Setubal
by Mariano Domingo Alvarez 04 Feb '13

04 Feb '13

Dear ECS and MARMAM members, The following workshop will be held at the forthcoming ECS Conference, Setúbal, Portugal: Workshop on "Marine Mammal Morbilliviruses", Sunday, 7th of April 2013 Morbilliviruses have long been known as the cause of serious diseases in a wide range of mainly terrestrial domestic and wildlife species. Since their characterisation in the 1980s, morbilliviruses have been reported in an increasing number of marine mammal species and both phocine distemper virus (PDV) and cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) have been associated with mass mortalities in pinnipeds and cetaceans, respectively. The workshop aims to discuss marine mammal morbillivirus epidemiology, taxonomy and phylogeny, clinical signs and lesions, diagnostics, as well as other relevant factors, in order to improve our knowledge about and to understand the consequences of these infections. Program and speakers Marine mammal morbillivirus epidemiology and worldwide distribution - Mariano Domingo Molecular epidemiology and taxonomy of the Cetacean morbillivirus. - Consuelo Rubio Guerri Morbillivirus in seals with focus on the PDV outbreaks in Europe - Rune Dietz Morbillivirus infections in Mediterranean Striped dolphins - Mariano Domingo Demographic consequences of CeMV on the resident Gibraltar strait pilot whale population: implications for the conservation of the species in the Spanish Mediterranean - Pauline Gauffier Chronic CeMV central nervous system disease - Sara Soto A review of CeMV in Mysticetes - Thierry Jauniaux Morbillivirus secondary infections (Toxoplasmosis, Mycoses, Herpes) – Sara Soto Diagnose of cetacean morbillivirus – Eva Sierra It will be a full-day workshop, from 9:30 to 18:00. Cost: 25 €, to be paid at the venue of the workshop. Pre-registration is required, as places are limited to 50. To register, go to : http://ecsmorbillivirus.wufoo.com/forms/workshop-on-marine-mammal-morbilliv… For more information, or question, contact with Ana Godinho ana_godinho(a)yahoo.com<mailto:ana_godinho@yahoo.com> More information about the workshop and the ECS Meeting: http://www.escolademar.pt/ecs2013/workshops/ Organisers: Ana Godinho, Mariano Domingo, Morten Tange Olsen Best regards, Mariano Domingo, workshop co-organiser Mariano Domingo Investigador Campus de Bellaterra,edifici CReSA 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona) Tel.: +34 93 581 4567 Fax: +34 93 581 44 90 mariano.domingo(a)cresa.uab.cat www.cresa.cat [cid:3A2E1867-09E9-48C2-B179-81D8E9D1ABA9] ________________________________

1 0

SEAMAMMS Abstract Deadline 15 Feb 2013
by Richmond, Julie 04 Feb '13

04 Feb '13

[cid:image001.jpg@01CE0314.CC843A10] The 2013 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will take place March 22-24, 2013, in Jacksonville, Florida hosted by the University of North Florida (https://www.unf.edu/coas/biology/ ). The abstracts must be submitted within the next 10 days, deadline 15 February 2013 at 5:00 pm. You will receive an email notification within 24hours that your abstract has been received. Notification of abstract acceptance will be provided by 22 February 2013. Online early registration deadline is 1 March 2013. Information on abstract submission, lodging, and registration can be found on the website http://www.unf.edu/coas/biology/SEAMAMMS.aspx SEAMAMMS is a forum for biologists conducting research on all species of marine mammals in waters from New Jersey to Texas. The purpose of the conference is to bring together scientists and students to present their latest research results in a regional, student-oriented meeting format. SEAMAMMS provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to present their research to their colleagues. Awards will be given for the best student oral and poster presentations. The 2013 conference will mark the twentieth year for this productive annual meeting. Please contact SEAMAMMS2013(a)unf.edu<mailto:SEAMAMMS2013@unf.edu> if you have any questions about the conference.

1 0

Seal Species Identification in Guinea Gulf
by Joana Hancock 04 Feb '13

04 Feb '13

Dear list members, A few weeks ago I posted a request for help in identifying seal that was sighetd at São Tomé and Príncipe islands, Guinea Gulf a couple of months ago. Many people in the list provided many interesting insights (thank you!!!), but so far, there is no consensus on the species sighted, therefore I have uploaded a couple of videos on YOU TUBE. If you have the time, your input would be very useful: http://youtu.be/f7gqJuVaty4 http://youtu.be/GP5SatOueiA Please note that the rope around the animal's neck and flipper on the first video are ropes that were attached to the animal to restrain it, and were placed by the locals. Also in this video, the animal was apparently just "scratching" in the sand, after someone poured water over it. The animal was soon (after much discussion!) released from them, but yet remained on the beach for a while. The animal seemed very comfortable around people, and even ate some fish that someone threw at it. Any new ideas? Thanks for your help! Joana > > --

1 0