February 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Open position: marine mammals and underwater noise
by Jakob Tougaard 04 Feb '13

04 Feb '13

Dear colleagues, We are very happy to invite applications for a position on effects of underwater noise on marine ecosystems in Danish and Arctic areas. It is a 4 year position at post-doc level, with perspectives for further employment beyond that. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact me for further information. The group and the department is an internationally oriented environment and we highly welcome qualified applications from abroad. Link to the call and application forms is: http://www.au.dk/stillinger/nat/vip/, look for "Researcher - Underwater Noise". Deadline for applications is Feb. 27, 2013. Best regards Jakob Tougaard ****************************** Jakob Tougaard, Ph.D. Senior Scientist Department of Bioscience Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399 P.O. box 358 DK-4000 Roskilde Denmark Phone +45 8715 8706 Mobile +45 4098 4585 Fax +45 8715 5015 E-mail: jat(a)dmu.dk<mailto:jat@dmu.dk> Skype: Jakob.Tougaard Homepage: www.dmu.dk<http://www.dmu.dk/> CV/VAT: 10859387, EAN: 5798000419988 Researcher - underwater noise: Aarhus University in Roskilde, Denmark At the Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University in Roskilde, Denmark, we are seeking an employee to manage primarily research-based advisory on biological effects of underwater noise. The advisory is primarily for the Governments of Greenland and Denmark and pertains to regulation of noise from for example oil exploration, vessel noise and sonar. Among your duties will be contributions to and evaluations of Environmental Impact Assessments, guidelines and technical advice, as well as planning and participation in monitoring programs. Besides you will be part of the institute's remaining research and advisory activities regarding marine mammals. The advisory regarding Greenland will be in close collaboration with the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources; however you will be based in Denmark. We wish to fill this position with a biologist, engineer or the like with experience in underwater acoustics, hearing physiology and bioacoustical problems. It is expected that applicants have solid experience with general acoustics and has - or within short time can obtain - comprehensive knowledge of the necessary background regarding hearing in marine organisms, underwater acoustics, and effects of underwater noise on marine organisms including behavioral changes. The Department of Bioscience is an active and internationally oriented professional environment within marine mammals (Danish and Arctic) and environmental effects of oil and mineral activities. We are the prime advisors for the Greenland Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum, the Greenland Government, regarding oil exploration and mineral activities and we are the prime advisors for the Danish Nature Agency, the Danish Government, regarding management of marine mammals in Denmark. Besides we advise a suit of authorities and private companies in Denmark and abroad within a wide range of management related problems regarding marine mammals and underwater noise. It will be a great advantage if you speak and write Danish, but it is not a precondition. To be hired as a researcher it is a prerequisite that you hold a Ph.D. Workplace is Roskilde, Denmark. The position is a four year vacancy. For more information, please contact Jakob Tougaard (phone +45 40984585) or Anders Mosbech (phone +45 87158686). Formalities and salary range The Faculty of Science refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation<http://www.au.dk/en/rules/2008/bek284>. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities<http://www.au.dk/en/rules/2006/vtu1>. The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). The recommended level of detail<http://science.au.dk/en/positions-and-fellowships/academic-positions/rules-…>. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Professional Unions. Deadline All applications must be made online and received by: 27/02/2013

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Summer Research Internship - Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
by Billie Stevens 04 Feb '13

04 Feb '13

Summer 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. Principle Duties and Requirements * 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, and learn how to use ArcGIS * Secondary Duties involve: Working with animal care staff, attending marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies, responding to strandings, 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. To Apply Please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship.php

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European Cetacean Society (ECS) Conservation Award 2013
by Aviad Scheinin 03 Feb '13

03 Feb '13

Dear Colleagues, I am happy to inform you that, the ECS Conservation Award will be given for the third time during the 27th ECS conference in Setubal, Portugal (8-10 April 2013). Unfortunately Mandy McMath has passed away this year, Mandy was the co-founder and a member of the award committee, to honour dear Mandy we have decided to name the award 'ECS Mandy McMath Conservation Award'. Looking forward to seeing you in Setubal in April. Aviad Scheinin, ECS Conservation award Chair. *ECS Mandy McMath Conservation Award* The award is for an outstanding contribution to the field of marine mammal conservation and/or welfare, with particular emphasis on contributions to environmental education and/or to conservation in practice (e.g. leading to improved legislation or management). The award will be judged on the basis of a proposal made using the format given below and related material as described. It will be decided upon by consensus, or a majority vote of the ECS Conservation Award Committee. The winner of the award will be announced during the ECS Conference. Self-nominations are discouraged. The Committee reserves the right not to present the award if no appropriate nominations are received. The ECS Award Committee comprises: Aviad Scheinin (Chair) Simon Berrow Thierry Jauniaux Hanna Nuuttila Ayaka Öztürk Mark Simmonds Andrew Wright Pro-forma: Name(s) of person(s)/institution/body nominated for award Address and contact details Description of the work/body of work proposed for the award (maximum length of proposal 250 words) NB The award can be given for a single conservation-education tool (such as a book or for an entire body of work - i.e. a series of linked contributions) in the sphere of education relating to marine mammal conservation and or welfare. Full references for the material identified above and any relevant web-links. Name of nominator(s) Address and contact details This form, and any supporting material if deemed necessary, should be sent to the Chair of the Award Committee by 28 February 2013. Dr. Aviad Scheinin ECS Conservation Award Chair Email: shani.aviad(a)gmail.com -- - -- __________________________________________________________________ Aviad Scheinin, Ph.D shani.aviad(a)gmail.com The Mediterranean Marine Biodiversity Program coordinator - Hamaarag (Israel's National Ecosystem Program) http://www.hamaarag.org.il/ Chairman, IMMRAC - Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance center http://immrac.org/ ECS (European Cetacean Society) council member Home address: Tirat Shalom, P.B. 1356, Nes-Ziona 74052, Israel Tel 972-8-9406584 Mobile 052-3571193 __________________________________________________________________

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Education Coordinator - Employment Opportunity Announcement
by hwhitehead＠tmmsn.org 01 Feb '13

01 Feb '13

Feb. 1, 2013: Employment Opportunity Announcement - Education Coordinator The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is a non-profit 501C3 organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammal through rescue and rehabilitation, research and education along the Texas coast. TMMSN Is currently seeking an Education Coordinator for our Marine Mammal Education Program. Our Education Program is designed to educate the public on efforts related to the understanding and conservation of marine mammals, how they can become involved, and more specifically the conservation efforts of TMMSN and its mission. The Education Coordinator is a part-time, temporary position without benefits that will work out of our Rehabilitation and Research Center in Galveston, TX. Although the position is temporary, if there is consistent growth of the program and additional funding becomes available, there is potential for the position to become permanent. The Education Coordinator is responsible for the development of programs for the TMMSN Education Program and reports to the Executive Director. This person develops curriculum, activities, educational lectures, outreach booths, exhibit displays and updated educational materials. Depending on program activities, hours will vary from 20-30 hours each week and will require flexibility of schedule, including working weekends in order to cover program events. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: * Develop educational outreach programs related to marine mammals of the Gulf and TMMSN activities appropriate for presentation to both educational institutions and other interested groups. * Work closely with local school districts to develop public and home school curriculum that may be used by teachers * Develop activities for curriculum and events * Develop programs for public groups to include but not limited to: Boy/Girl Scouts, church groups, dive clubs, rotary clubs, etc. * Prepare grants and reporting requirements to support the operating expenses and expansion of the education program * Schedule volunteers for outreach events * Coordinate and present public presentations, demonstrations, and lectures relevant to the mission of TMMSN. * Develop informational lecture and presentation formats to target a range of age groups and audiences * Arrange presentation schedule with interested groups * Track invoice/payment information for lectures * Contact representatives from local fairs and events to coordinate Education booths, presentations, and lectures * Document and track participation in events * Provide updates and reports as requested for Board of Directors meetings with information on Education program * Oversee the development of educational materials and displays. * Produce educational materials for education programs * Create displays for booths, presentations/lectures * Manage volunteers assisting with these projects * Develop budget needed for the development of such materials and displays * Assist with other TMMSN duties as assigned Qualifications: * Candidate must be enthusiastic and able to engage audiences of all ages * Strong public speaking skills (experience in leading/teaching school groups and/or leading tours preferred) * Clear and concise writing skills * Ability to multi-task and complete tasks efficiently * Attention to detail with strong organizational skills * Works well with others, is able to give direction and delegate tasks * Experience in grant writing and/or grant budgeting and reporting a plus * Ability to lift and load education equipment (approx. 30 -50lbs), set up exhibits, and outreach booths * Ability to drive a large vehicle and has clean driving record * Educational background and/or experience in environmental education * Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions * Must be able to stand for long periods of time * Adaptability/Flexible Schedule * Proficient in Microsoft Office programs To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume with at least two professional references attention to Heidi Whitehead, Executive Director by email to hwhitehead(a)tmmsn.org<mailto:hwhitehead@tmmsn.org>. Please include "Education Coordinator" in subject line. Deadline for applications is Feb. 15, 2013. Please no phone calls regarding the position. Criminal background checks and verification of references will be completed. Heidi R. Whitehead Executive Director Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network 4700 Avenue U. Galveston, TX 77551 409.740.2200 voice 409-740-2207 fax www.DolphinRescue.org<http://www.DolphinRescue.org>

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FWC Manatee Photo-identification Internships
by Johnson, Jennifer 01 Feb '13

01 Feb '13

Manatee Photo-identification Internships The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency. For more information about FWRI, please visit: www.MyFWC.com/research/<http://www.MyFWC.com/research/>. FWRI's manatee photo-identification research focuses on the long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The primary goal of our program is to document individual manatees. These capture histories are used to estimate annual adult survival rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use, behavior, intra- and inter- specific associations, and reproductive parameters such as calving intervals and length of calf dependency. Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, entering information into databases, scanning data sheets, and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based, however during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, data entry, special projects, and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency. Two positions are available each year: one position in the winter (November-March) and one position in the summer (May-September). Start and end dates are flexible, however, a minimum commitment of four weekdays per week for four months is required. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the institute. Positions are open until filled. Qualifications: * Computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred. * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters, and lenses preferred, but not required. * The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment. * A valid U.S. Driver's License. * Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods. Application process: Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and the contact information for three references via hardcopy to FWRI's Intern Coordinator, Robin Allen, at the address listed below. Alternatively, application materials may be submitted via email to Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com>. Please indicate in your cover letter the position for which you are applying and the dates you are available. Robin Allen Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applicants may contact FWRI's Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Rood, (Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Kari.Rood@MyFWC.com>, 727-896-8626 x1912) with questions regarding the internship.

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Systematic photo-identification studies of Delphinus populations
by Rankmore, Krista 31 Jan '13

31 Jan '13

Dear marmam subscribers, I am currently conducting a PhD as part of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University, New Zealand. My thesis is focused on determining the abundance, social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. I have been using photo-identification and mark-recapture techniques to gain an abundance estimate on this population. It is my understanding from the literature that there are few systematic photo-id studies that have been conducted worldwide on Delphinus populations. I am therefore seeking assistance from the scientific community to help identify if any current or historical yet unpublished photo-id studies have been conducted outside of the peer-review system. I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone whom has used unique pigmentation patterns on the dorsal fins of Delphinus to assist with their photo-id research. If you are conducting similar studies or have any images of common dolphins presenting unique pigmentation patterns that you would be willing to share, I would be extremely grateful to hear from you. Please email me at k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.rankmore@massey.ac.nz> with any contributions you are able to make. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Kind regards, Krista Krista Rankmore PhD Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800 Ext: 41520 (office) Cell: +64 (0)220 256 290 Email: k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.rankmore@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/

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