March 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New England Aquarium Recruiting Marine Mammal Education & Research Interns
by Lace Garland 31 Mar '13

31 Mar '13

New England Aquarium is recruiting Marine Mammal Education & Research Interns to serve aboard our commercial Whale Watch Cruises, which are offered in partnership with Boston Harbor Cruises. Marine Mammal Education & Research Interns are responsible for collecting, and transcribing data related to the identification, location, and behavior of marine mammals found in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region. Interns are also involved in public education aboard the vessels. Additional duties include data entry, photo-identification processing, and educational outreach. Please click the following link to be redirected to a full description of the internship position: http://www.neaq.org/get_involved/volunteering_and_internships/internship s/complete_list_of_internships/position_details.php?id=101 Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, 2 references, and an unofficial transcript to Lace Anderson Garland, Manager of Volunteer Programs & Internships via email to LGarland(a)neaq.org. Lace Anderson Garland, CVA Manager, Volunteer Programs & Internships New England Aquarium tel 617.226.2150 cell 859.948.7936 fax 617.973.6552 LGarland(a)neaq.org <mailto:LGarland@neaq.org> www.neaq.org <http://www.neaq.org>

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Job post: Scientific Officer - Identifying ‘Areas of Concern’ for Global Cetacean Outreach Programme
by Dylan Walker 29 Mar '13

29 Mar '13

*Job title: *Scientific Officer - Identifying ‘Areas of Concern’ for Global Cetacean Outreach Programme *Hours:* 5 days a week (Equivalent 37½ hours) *Contract Period: **14* weeks; commencing 13th May until 16th August 2013 *Pay:* £3500 net *Based:* Planet Whale Headquarters, Brighton, UK Planet Whale is recruiting a Scientific Officer to be based in our Brighton office, UK. The role will focus primarily on running a global outreach programme to encourage the general public, experts, and other stakeholders from around the world to identify their ‘Areas of Concern’ for cetaceans using a free collaborative survey and mapping tool called SeaSketch. The Scientific Officer will provide technical support and assistance to stakeholders with different backgrounds and interests around the world to identify and map their priority issues affecting cetaceans. By encouraging stakeholders to focus on location, the outreach programme will be an effective way to: a) a) Enable the global community to highlight the many issues affecting cetaceans, and share their concerns and; b) Suggest areas and opportunities to work in partnership to deliver effective solutions to highlighted issues. In addition, the Scientific Officer will participate in a range of other tasks, including data analysis of cetacean survey and photo-identification data, plus other current field and office-based research being conducted by Planet Whale. Key responsibilities: · To lead Planet Whale’s global outreach programme to identify ‘Areas of Concern’ for cetaceans, using and analysing mapping software and related survey tools · To oversee current cetacean survey work, focussing on maintaining high standards of data collection and analysis with current field and office-based team · Manage and develop current photo identification catalogues. · Utilise social media as a feedback mechanism to notify stakeholders of developments on all scientific projects. · To develop a working relationship with partners assisting with the global outreach programme and other projects. · To complete a preliminary scientific report and analysis of all data collected during the global outreach programme for release and presentation at the World Whale Conference · To assist the team with administrative and other tasks as and when required Skills and experience: · Educated to preferably Masters level in the marine biology/science field · Good working knowledge of ArcView GIS essential · Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with people from all walks of life · Ability to lead and manage a small team, maintaining focus on work quality · Team player with a positive and pro-active approach · Highly motivated and able to concentrate in busy working office · Experience in conducting surveys of cetaceans · Experience in photo identification of cetaceans preferable Candidates will either be interviewed in Brighton, UK or via telephone/skype. There is also a possibility of introductory interviews at the ECS conference in Setubal, Portugal, early April if more convenient (please mention this in your application). To apply please send your CV and covering letter to dylan(a)planetwhale.comwith “Scientific Officer Application” as the subject header. Closing date for applications is 19th April, with interviews expected to take place the following week.

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Volunteers required to assist with a study of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Northland, New Zealand
by Peters, Catherine 28 Mar '13

28 Mar '13

Volunteers required to assist with a study of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Northland, New Zealand Program: The Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG - http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/) was established under the auspices of the Institute of Natural Sciences (INS)<http://ins.massey.ac.nz/> at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand in 2000. Since then, both its staff<http://masseyuniversity.webs.com/ourteam.htm> and postgraduate students<http://masseyuniversity.webs.com/students.htm> have undertaken marine mammal research within and beyond New Zealand waters, concentrating specifically on conservation and management orientated questions. Volunteers are required to assist on a PhD study (supervised by Dr Karen Stockin, Massey University and Prof Mark Orams, AUT University) to assess the behavioural ecology and conservation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand. Bottlenose dolphins are classified as nationally endangered within New Zealand waters (Baker et al 2010), with a local population recently described (Tezanos-Pinto et al in press). This study builds upon earlier research undertaken by Tezanos-Pinto (2009) and Constantine (2002) and will among other things, reassess the status and effects of tourism interactions (a decade on from Constantine 2002). Volunteer activities: The field season runs year round and volunteers are required for all periods. A minimum commitment of three months is preferred, with priority given to those who can commit for longer periods. The volunteer team will be required to fulfill several key roles: 1) 1) Assist on a 5.5m dedicated research vessel operating from the Bay of Islands. Surveys will involve daily return trips (not overnight) and be conducted in favorable conditions only. As such, no minimum or maximum number of research days onboard the research vessel can be guaranteed 2) 2) Assist with vessel of opportunity data collection in the Bay of Islands 3) 3) Assist with data processing and preliminary analysis on bad weather days 4) 4) Undertake additional responsibilities/roles as the season progresses 5) Effort will placed into allowing all volunteers the opportunity to gain experience on each element. Volunteer requirements: · 1) Be adaptable and patient – field work is highly weather dependent and could include long, consecutive days both on and off the water · 2) Be enthusiastic and team orientated (both in a living and working environment) · 3) A willingness to learn · 4) Possess a positive attitude · 5) Be polite to, and engage positively with, the local community · 6) Be physically fit and able to work in outdoor conditions · 7) Speak English · 8) Possess basic computer skills (excel, word, etc) Preferred (but not necessary) skills/traits: · 1) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a degree in a related field (Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Behaviour, etc) · 2) Have small boat experience · 3) Have previous (marine) field experience Enthusiasm and demonstrable commitment to the project will supersede formal qualifications. Volunteers will be expected to work and live as part of a team with shared cooking and cleaning duties. Unfortunately, monetary compensation cannot be provided, and volunteers will be required to pay for their own food and accommodation. However accommodation will be provided in the field research house at a reasonable rate. Volunteers must pay and organize for their own transport to the field site (3 hours North of Auckland). Information, prices and assistance can be provided to successful applicants. Application process: Applicants should send a short email cover letter, using ‘volunteer opportunity’ as the subject line, to c.peters(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:c.peters@massey.ac.nz>. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your availability and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference. Early application is recommended to avoid disappointment. Successful applicants will be notified ASAP. This is a great opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and gain further experience, whilst working on an important research project. For more detailed information on the project please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your interest. <http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/> *********************************************** Catherine Peters PhD Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 Auckland New Zealand Tel: + 64 (9) 4140800 Ext: 41196 Mob: + 64 (0) 211058040 Email: c.peters(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:c.peters@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/

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Interns/survey volunteers for Faroe Islands cetacean distribution survey
by Sarah Jackson 28 Mar '13

28 Mar '13

Interns/Survey Volunteers for Cetacean Distribution Survey in the Faroe Islands 30th April – 3rd August 2013 (14 weeks) Planet Whale is recruiting two interns/survey assistants for a cetacean survey project in the Faroe Islands, led by a Lead Scientific Officer, reporting to the Planet Whale team based in Brighton, UK. This project, supported by WSPA, will focus on establishing areas of high site fidelity for cetaceans around the Faroe Islands, with a particular emphasis on orcas. The study, now in its second year, aims to develop a community-based sightings network to further our understanding of the distribution of cetaceans around the islands. Emphasis will also be placed on the development of a photo-ID catalogue for orcas. A primary goal of the project is to assess the potential for whale and dolphin watching on the islands as a means of diversifying wildlife ecotourism. Skills and experience: Land-based cetacean survey experience - you will carry out cliff-top cetacean survey work at a number of sites on the islands, using angle and distance measuring equipment to obtain the exact position of any cetaceans sighted, and a spotting scope for species identification and behavioural observations. Willingness to spend long hours (often alone) in the field when the weather allows. Highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Photo identification experience preferred – you will assist in the development of a killer whale photo identification catalogue. While all cetacean sightings will be recorded, the project’s key focus will be to study orcas. Good “people skills” – you will help run a small cetacean 'exhibition space' and assist with a questionnaire designed for the public. Ability to work in a team environment maintaining focus on work quality. Good written and spoken English. Knowledge of Faroese/Danish/Icelandic considered an advantage but we welcome other applications. Preferably educated to at least degree level in marine science/biology. Driving license preferable. During the survey period (May, June and July) volunteers will be allocated at least one day off per week, usually during bad weather. This may include working in some fairly ‘wild’ weather – please be aware of this! You will be fully supported by our office team in Brighton & Hove, UK. The positions will not be paid, but all accommodation and travel costs will be covered, including flights to the Faroe Islands. Shared accommodation and a food budget will be provided and cooking/cleaning will be shared between the three members of the team. You will need to have your own laptop/smartphone so we can regularly communicate online. Candidates will either be interviewed in Brighton, UK or via telephone/skype. There is also a possibility of interviews at the ECS conference in Setubal, Portugal, early April if more convenient (please mention this in your application). Applications from within the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Denmark are encouraged. To apply please send your CV and covering letter to sarahjackson(a)planetwhale.com with “Survey Volunteer Application” as the subject header. Closing date for applications is 4th April, with interviews expected to take place the following week. Many thanks, Sarah JacksonProject Manager, Planet Whale & WhaleFest sarahjackson(a)planetwhale.com www.planetwhale.com www.whale-fest.comoffice: +44 (0)1273 355011 skype: planet.whale

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Lead scientific officer for cetacean distribution survey in the Faroe Islands
by Sarah Jackson 28 Mar '13

28 Mar '13

Job Opportunity: Lead Scientific Officer for Cetacean Distribution Survey in the Faroe Islands 30th April – 3rd August 2013 (14 weeks)Contract fee: £5950/€7000 - £7140/€8400 (dependent on experience) Planet Whale is recruiting a Lead Scientific Officer to execute a cetacean survey project in the Faroe Islands, with the support of two interns/survey assistants, reporting to the Planet Whale team based in Brighton, UK. This project, supported by WSPA, will focus on establishing areas of high site fidelity for cetaceans around the Faroe Islands, with a particular emphasis on orcas. The study, now in its second year, aims to develop a community-based sightings network to further our understanding of the distribution of cetaceans around the islands. Emphasis will also be placed on the development of a photo-ID catalogue for orcas. A primary goal of the project is to assess the potential for whale and dolphin watching on the islands as a means of diversifying wildlife ecotourism. Key responsibilities:To lead cliff-top cetacean survey work at a number of sites on the islands, using angle and distance measuring equipment to obtain the exact position of any cetaceans sighted, and a spotting scope for species identification and behavioural observations. To oversee the development of a killer whale photo identification catalogue. While all cetacean sightings will be recorded, the project’s key focus will be to study orcas.The collection (and verification when possible) of sightings from a range of locally interested parties with a view to establishing a self-sustaining sightings network.To set up and maintain a small public information area within the capital of Torshavn. To develop a working relationship with small boat operators with the potential to integrate whale and dolphin watching into current tours. To engage the Faroese and tourist community in the project and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.To complete a scientific report and analysis of all data collected during the survey period, with data and photo analysis support provided by Planet Whale. Skills and experience:Educated to at least Masters level in the marine biology/science field.Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with people from all walks of life. Knowledge of Faroese or Danish considered an advantage but not essential.Ability to lead and manage a small team, maintaining focus on work quality.A positive and pro-active approach.Willingness to spend long hours (often alone) in the field when the weather allows.Highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time.Experience in conducting land-based surveys of cetaceans.Experience in photo identification of cetaceans preferable.Clean driving license. The three months will be spent surveying for cetaceans whenever weather conditions allow. This may include working in some fairly ‘wild’ weather – please be aware of this! You will be free to take one day off a week, usually during bad weather. You will be fully supported by our office team in Brighton, UK, but you will be responsible for allocating duties to two survey assistants. All accommodation and travel costs will be covered, including flights to the Faroe Islands. Shared accommodation will be provided and cooking/cleaning will be shared between the three members of the team. This is a self-employed short-term contract and will be paid from £425 / €500 per week up to a maximum of £510 / €600 per week dependent on qualifications and work experience. Candidates will either be interviewed in Brighton, UK or via telephone/skype. There is also a possibility of interviews at the ECS conference in Setubal, Portugal, early April if more convenient (please mention this in your application). Applications from within the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Denmark are encouraged. To apply please send your CV and covering letter to sarahjackson(a)planetwhale.com with “Lead Scientific Officer Application” as the subject header.Closing date for applications is 4th April, with interviews expected to take place the following week. Many thanks, Sarah JacksonProject Manager, Planet Whale & WhaleFest sarahjackson(a)planetwhale.com www.planetwhale.com www.whale-fest.comoffice: +44 (0)1273 355011 skype: planet.whale

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: VERTEBRAL COLUMN MALFORMATIONS IN WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHINS: FIRST CALL FOR COLLABORATION
by chiara bertulli 27 Mar '13

27 Mar '13

VERTEBRAL COLUMN MALFORMATIONS IN WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHINS: FIRST CALL FOR COLLABORATION Few detailed reports of vertebral column malformations in white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) have been published. Data and photographs of white-beaked dolphins were collecting off Iceland on board whale-watching boats (Elding Hvalaskoðun Reykjavik ehf, in Reykjavik; North Sailing Whale-watching in Húsavík; Dolphin and Whale Spotting in Keflavík) over a 10-year period (2002-2012) during the course of Master and PhD projects. Six cases of kyphosis in wild white-beaked dolphins were documented. We are seeking collaborations with researchers outside of Iceland, who have data on wild and dead L. albirostris specimen showing vertebral column malformations. The goal of this collaboration is to report the occurrence of spinal deformities in a delphinid species which has been poorly studied. Collaborating scientists currently include Marianne H. Rasmussen (University of Iceland), Anders Galatius (University of Aarhus) and Carl C. Kinze (Danish Marine Mammal Society). Proposed deliverables will include publication in peer review journals. The funding agency along with all the collaboration organizations will be acknowledged in all scientific publications and scientific and public presentations of the research. This is an initial call so if you have interest in participating in this collaborative effort, please contact us by emailing Chiara G. Bertulli (ciarabertulli(a)yahoo.it) Best wishes Chiara G. Bertulli ********************* Chiara G. Bertulli, PhD student University of Iceland Biology Department Náttúrfræðahús/Askja Sturlugata 7 101 Reykjavik Iceland Skype: chiara.giulia.bertulli Website: www.faxa-cetacean.org

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White-beaked dolphin survey - Your knowledge of the species
by Sarah Dolman 26 Mar '13

26 Mar '13

Dear MARMAM members On Saturday 6th April the workshop 'Towards a Conservation Strategy for White-beaked Dolphins in the North East Atlantic' will be held as part of the European Cetacean Society conference in Setúbal, Portugal. This will be a closed workshop, with invited participants presenting and discussing the development of recommendations, for informing a possible Conservation Strategy for the species within the North East Atlantic. The workshop is organised and supported by Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS) and the European Cetacean Society (ECS). To ensure as much information on the species is collated for informing the participants of the workshop the organisers wish to ask as many interested parties and individuals with knowledge and experience with white-beaked dolphins to complete the following online questionnaire (survey monkey). Please use the below link, following all instructions provided. The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes, depending on the amount of information you wish to share: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X86PLY7 The outputs of the online questionnaire and the workshop 'Towards a Conservation Strategy for White-beaked Dolphins in the North East Atlantic', as well as an associated bibliography, will be made available via the workshop proceedings and can be emailed to those expressing an interest to receive a copy (PDF only). The workshop organisers' thank you for consideration and any information you can provide. Kindest Regards The Workshop Organising Panel Sarah.dolman(a)whales.org<mailto:Sarah.dolman@whales.org> [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Sarah Dolman Northeast Atlantic programme manager Telephone: +44 (0)1316 617 722 Mobile: +44 (0)783 449 8275 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Scottish Dolphin Centre Spey Bay Moray IV32 7PJ United Kingdom whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://www.whales.org/wdcsblog.php> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://www.whales.org/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/WDCSchang…]<http://www.whales.org/wdc.php> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC") is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system. ________________________________

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Seal Sounds
by Mauricio Carrasquilla 26 Mar '13

26 Mar '13

Dear Marmam, One of my PhD colleagues is looking for recordings of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) vocalizations to be used as a control (i.e., non-threatening) audio stimulus in a predator playback study examining the effects of predator presence on foraging behavior in coastal raccoons. Ideally, recordings would consist of up to 20 seconds of uninterrupted seal vocalizations (i.e., no human voice over), and multiple recordings (or single recordings with multiple individual seals) are highly desirable. This work is part of a PhD project being conducted through the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. If anyone has sounds we can use, we would of course fully acknowledge that individual in all publications that come out of this work. Please contact Justin Suraci (jsuraci(a)uvic.ca) Thanks in advance, Mauricio Carrasquilla Marine Biologist Msc. PhD Student Biology Department University of Victoria BC

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New Paper on Dolphin/Human interaction sites
by Scott Taylor 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce publication of the following paper: Taylor, C. S. & Carter, J. (2013) The agency of dolphins: toward interspecies embassies as sites of engagement with 'significant otherness'. Geographical Research, 51, 1 1-10. The abstract appears below. Please contact me (dolphin(a)dolphintale.com) if you would like a copy of the PDF. Cetacean–human interaction, at sites where free-ranging dolphins approach humans, is occurring more than ever before. Management policies and strategies, and their underlying research, intended to protect both dolphins and humans during these interactive events, affect the quality and nature of interactivity. The agency of the dolphins, and its representation in management schemes, is analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis of selected texts from the discourse of Dolphin–Human Interaction Management (DHIM). Analysis suggests a prevailing discourse of protectionism but also reveals the possibility for a new kind of management scheme based upon an acceptance of the ‘significant otherness’ of non-human species. This can be achieved by means of inter-species etiquette, acknowledging the choices made by non-humans to interact with humans. An inter-species etiquette, coupled with multi-species education (education across species boundaries, designed and delivered so as to enable mutually beneficial interaction), offers those non-human animals widely referred to as ‘ambassadors’ safe places in which to be encountered. This new form of inter-species interaction space is named an ‘embassy’. Sincerely, C. Scott Taylor BSocSc (Hon) PhD candidate University of the Sunshine Coast Australia

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Seeking experienced volunteer field assistants for autumn 2013 whale research project offshore South Australia.
by Livermore, Sharon 25 Mar '13

25 Mar '13

Seeking experienced volunteer field assistants for autumn 2013 whale research project offshore South Australia. Dates: 24 April to 9 May 2013 Overview: IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) is seeking experienced and enthusiastic individual(s) to join our research team as voluntary fieldwork assistant(s) for a project offshore of South Australia during late April - early May 2013. Departing from Adelaide, this project will take place for 16 consecutive days and applicants will need to be available for the duration of the survey. Work will be primarily focused on conducting visual and 24 hour passive acoustic research on cetaceans. Essential experience: * previous relevant survey experience of boat-based field work on cetaceans, with time spent living and working offshore * acoustic research experience * familiarity with the use of computer systems * reliable, motivated and team oriented, with a positive attitude and a genuine interest in marine mammal science * No history of seasickness The team onboard will be made up of IFAW and Marine Conservation Research (MCR) staff, visiting scientists and volunteers. Preference will be given to locally-based applicants. Further information: The project will be conducted from S.V. Pelican, a 19 m long sailing catamaran with accommodation for 20 (http://www.svpelican.com.au/) This an unpaid post, although lodgings onboard the boat will be provided. For more information about MCR and IFAW please see the following websites: www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk/ and http://www.ifaw.org/australia Please email a CV and letter of interest outlining your previous experience, availability and why you think you should be considered for the post to Sharon Livermore, IFAW Marine Campaigner at slivermore(a)ifaw.org Application deadline: 2 April 2013 Sharon Livermore | Marine Campaigner ___________________________________________________________ IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare Oceania Office 6 Belmore Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia. tel. +61 (0)2 9288 4984 mob. +61 (0)410 815 650 email. slivermore(a)ifaw.org <mailto:slivermore@ifaw.org> Rescuing and protecting animals around the world www.ifaw.org <http://www.ifaw.org/> The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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