March 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Postdoctoral position in animal bioacoustics
by Susan E Parks 08 Mar '13

08 Mar '13

The Bioacoustics Research Group in the Department of Biology at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY (http://parkslab.syr.edu/) is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to bring new ideas, approaches and analytical methods to the analysis of passive acoustic data collected from marine and terrestrial organisms. The work in the lab is focused on the ecological role of acoustic communication with emphasis on marine mammal systems. This position is a full-time one-year position with the possibility of renewal based on performance. Salary will be competitive with full benefits. Some funds are available to support travel to conferences, workshops, and/or fieldwork. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to work in three main areas in the lab: 1. Collect acoustic data from North Atlantic right whale mother-calf pairs. 2. Develop new methods to analyze and visualize passive acoustic data sets. 2. Explore different analytical options for signal detection, classification, and discrimination using existing datasets of whale vocalizations or other datasets of interest to the candidate. Qualifications PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science; or a PhD in Ecology, Marine Biology, or similar field, with strong analytical skills in signal processing and/or statistical analysis. Three or more years experience in analysis of acoustic datasets as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals is preferred. We are specifically looking for a candidate with a strong quantitative background in statistics and/or signal processing with an interest in applying new analytical methods to animal acoustic signal datasets. Interested candidates should complete the online application at the Syracuse University website (https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/48952) . A complete application package should include a brief description of past research accomplishments and future goals, CV, PDFs of two publications, and contact information for three professional references. Review of candidates will begin on April 1, 2013 and preference will be given to applicants that submit a full application prior to that date. The position start date is flexible, some time after May 1. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Susan Parks at sparks(a)syr.edu<mailto:sparks@syr.edu>. Susan Parks - Assistant Professor Department of Biology Syracuse University 114 Life Sciences Complex Syracuse NY 13244 (315) 443-4672 sparks(a)syr.edu<mailto:sparks@syr.edu> http://parkslab.syr.edu<http://parkslab.syr.edu/>

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ONR Call for Pre-Proposals
by Weise, Michael CIV ONR 322 08 Mar '13

08 Mar '13

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Marine Mammals and Biology (MMB) program supports basic and applied research and technology development related to understanding the effects of sound on marine mammals, including physiological, behavioral, ecological and population-level effects. Our current program topics include, but are not limited to: 1. Monitoring & Detection 2. Integrated Ecosystem Research (including Sensor & Tag Development) 3. Effects of sound on marine life: -Hearing -Behavioral Response Studies -Physiology (Diving & Stress) -Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCAD) 4. Models & Databases for Environmental Compliance Persons with an interest in obtaining support for their research should review the Marine Mammals and Biology (MMB) program topics and goals to evaluate the potential overlap between ONR MMB program goals and areas of interest and their research. The next step in assessing the potential for support is to submit a brief (two- to three-page) pre-proposal (also referred to sometimes as a planning letter or white paper) to the program. The pre-proposal is intended to be an informal document submitted to the program that briefly describes the rationale and nature of the work to be proposed, the approach to addressing questions posed and estimates for the research costs. Feel free to contact program officers to discuss the potential overlap between program goals and areas of interest, and your own research. Pre-proposals should: - Clearly and concisely describe the nature and objectives of the work proposed. - Indicate the amount of time needed to conduct the research. - Provide an estimate of funds required by federal fiscal year (Oct. 1 Sept. 30) if applicable, include the days of ship time and class of ship required should be clearly noted, but not included in your budget estimates. - Include a short one- to two-page CV for each principal investigator (PI). - Include complete contact information for each PI, including phone number and email address. 15 April 2013 - Pre-Proposal Deadline General ONR Funding Cycle: - Pre-proposals: Due March 31, 2013 - Invitation full proposal: June-July 2013 - Full proposals due: End of August 2013 (unless otherwise negotiated) - Funding Date: Oct. 1, 2013 - March 2014 More information on ONR MMB Program can be can be found at: http://www.onr.navy.mil/Science-Technology/Departments/Code-32/All-Programs… Dr. Michael J. Weise Marine Mammals & Biological Oceanography Program Office of Naval Research - Code 32 One Liberty Center - Rm 1068 875 N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22203-1995 703.696.4533 office 703.696.2007 fax michael.j.weise(a)navy.mil http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Science-Technology/Departments/Code-32/All-Progr…

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New publication on humpback whales and coastal management
by Cristiane Cavalcante de Albuquerque Martins 08 Mar '13

08 Mar '13

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, We are pleased to inform you of a new publication: Martins,C. C. A., A. Andriolo, M. H. Engel, P. G. Kinas and C. H. Saito. 2013. Identifying priority areas for humpback whale conservation at Eastern Brazilian Coast. Ocean & Coastal Management 75:63-71. Abstract One of the humpback whales' stocks uses the Brazilian Coast as breeding and calving ground during the austral winter. The species is recovering from commercial hunting and re-occupying previous breeding areas. Aerial surveys conducted to estimate the species density and abundance along the continental shelf of the Eastern Brazilian Coast revealed important core areas at the southern portion of the Abrolhos Bank. The rapid growth of human activities in these coastal areas motivated the use of Geographic Information Systems as a tool to guide the identification of priority areas for the species conservation. The species distribution was modelled using a kernel density estimator. The corresponding layer was used to identify areas of overlay with components of maritime traffic and with hydrocarbon exploitation areas. The resulting risk map was overlaid with existent Marine Protected Areas, allowing the cartography of areas where management measures still need to be undertaken to ensure habitat protection. These areas were identified as priorities for the species conservation as they encompass important breeding concentrations that were completely overlain by areas used to hydrocarbon exploitation and/or as navigation corridors. The present work gives support to an ecosystem-based management and ocean zoning of this portion of the Brazilian coast. The pdf can be accessed online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569113000318 or via email request albuquerquecris(a)gmail.com Cheers, Cristiane C. de Albuquerque Martins Candidat au doctorat/Ph.D. candidate Laboratoire sur les systèmes complexes/ Complex systems laboratory Université de Montréal Département de Géographie 520 chemin côte Ste-Catherine Montréal (QC), Canada H2V 2B8 Tél.: (514) 343-8064 albuquerquecris(a)gmail.com http://www.geog.umontreal.ca/syscomplex/3MTSim/index.htm http://www.geog.umontreal.ca/recherches/memoirestheses/encours.html#cristia…

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Biomass removal from shore-based whaling in the Azores
by Rui Prieto 08 Mar '13

08 Mar '13

Dear Marmam members, We are pleased to announce the publication a new work entitled Biomass removal from shore-based whaling in the Azores, in Fisheries Research. Abstract Knowledge on historical fisheries removal is essential for adopting an ecosystem approach to the management of marine resources. Shore-based whaling was an important economic activity for the Azores archipelago with 23,557 sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) captured between 1896 and 1987. The corresponding biomass is unknown because local official fisheries statistics report this extractive component in number of sperm whales and total oil production. The objective of this study was to estimate total sperm whale biomass removed during shore-based whaling operations using two different methods: (1) a function of length of males and females and (2) a function of oil extraction efficiency. The estimated sperm whale biomass removed from Azorean waters by shore-based whalers between 1896 and 1987 was 361,039 tonnes (250,297-619,561 tonnes). For the period 1950-1987, sperm whale catches represented 29% of the total biomass removed by fisheries, including whaling. At the peak of whaling activity (1950-1957), sperm whale catches were about twice the amount reported by the fisheries sector. The results show that biomass removal by whaling was important in the scope of the regional fisheries. Consequently, including sperm whale biomass extractions into the total marine fisheries catch for the Azores is of high relevance for implementing an ecosystem approach to management. The paper can be obtained from the permanent link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783613000179# In case you have any difficulty in gaining access to the paper, please contact me for reprints. Rui Prieto Dep. Oceanography and Fisheries Un. Azores R. Prof. Frederico Machado 9901-862 Horta Portugal Ph.: + 351 292 200 400 <http://www.whales.uac.pt> http://www.whales.uac.pt e-mail: <mailto:rui@portulano.org> rui(a)portulano.org e-mail: rprieto(a)uac.pt

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Apes and Dolphins Seminar Series
by Justin Gregg 08 Mar '13

08 Mar '13

Dear colleagues, We are excited to announce and invite you to attend the upcoming Apes and Dolphins Seminar series. This three part seminar series will explore the scientific and ethical issues surrounding the study of language and intelligence in apes and dolphins. The first seminar in the series, titled "Why can't apes and dolphins talk? Communication and language research with apes and dolphins," will take place on April 13th from 10:00 to 17:00 at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in The Netherlands. This day-long seminar will be led by ape language researcher Esteban Rivas from the Institute for Animals in Philosophy and Science, and dolphin communication researcher Justin Gregg from the Dolphin Communication Project, and features lectures covering the study of apes' and dolphins' natural communication systems and the nature of the information they share with each other, as well as the many experiments that have been conducted to teach apes and dolphins to use artificial symbol systems. The seminar will cover the history of the field, current research topics, and future directions, and we encourage a healthy discussion and debate on these subjects throughout the day. For more information and registration information, please visit: <http://www.apesanddolphins.com> www.apesanddolphins.com Or our Facebook page at: <http://www.facebook.com/ApesAndDolphinsSeminarSeries> http://www.facebook.com/ApesAndDolphinsSeminarSeries A PDF flyer can be downloaded here: http://justingregg.com/ApeandDolphinLanguageSeminar.pdf Dates for the second seminar in the series (on ape and dolphin intelligence) and the third seminar (on ape and dolphin ethics) will be announced in the near future. The Apes and Dolphins Seminar Series is a Minding Animals Partner Event. More info about Minding Animals at <http://www.mindinganimals.com> www.mindinganimals.com We hope to see you there! All the best, Justin and Esteban ____________ Justin Gregg, PhD Research Associate, Dolphin Communication Project <mailto:jgregg@dolphincommunicationproject.org> jgregg(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org <http://www.justingregg.com> http://www.justingregg.com <http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/> http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/

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Cetus Society Internship Opportunities British Columbia Canada
by Cetus Research 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

“*Through research, education and direct action, we work to * * protect species at risk and inspire others to do the same.”* For more information please visit our website www.ProtectOurWhales.com <http://www.protectourwhales.com/> ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Cetus is looking for enthusiastic and hard working individuals to fill the following unpaid internship positions: · *Straitwatch Educator Internships* · *Warden Program Internships** * Internship positions will be based out of Victoria and/or Alert Bay (Boat Bay) British Columbia, Canada. Positions will be offered between May and October 2013. A commitment of at least two months is required. Preference will be given to applicants who are able to commit to longer. Successful applicants may have the opportunity to split their time between the two (North and South Island) locations. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with a variety of possible tasks ranging from community outreach and education to marine mammal response and fundraising initiatives. Our programs focus on protecting British Columbia’s marine mammal populations and encouraging others to do the same. Interns may also have the opportunity to spend time on our monitoring vessels in which case they will participate in data collection, data entry and on-the-water boater education. *Responsibilities include: * - Educating boaters, kayakers, park visitors, and members of the public about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. - Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity. - Public interpretation in the form of dock talks and participation in community events. - Potentially helping to respond to injured, sick or dead marine mammals in support of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network. - Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network. - Helping to organize and carry out fundraising initiatives. - Assisting with general administrative duties. * * *What skills and experience will interns gain?: * - Experience educating the public on important conservation issues. - Experience with data collection. - Interpretive skills and techniques - Potential for experience in marine mammal response. - Experience with fundraising and community outreach. - Experience working with Microsoft Access. *Essential Requirements: * - Fluent spoken English - Interest in marine wildlife and conservation. - Flexibility - Ability to work long hours outdoors. *Additional Information: *These positions are unpaid and carry a cost to the interns of $50/ week for Staitwatch, to cover administrative costs and $125/ week for the warden program, to cover accommodations, extra fuel and dinners (Warden Interns will be responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches). Interns are also responsible for all living costs while working with the Straitwatch programs. We are happy to help applicants find accommodations in both Victoria and Alert Bay if assistance is required. *How to apply: *Please forward your cover letter, resume and two references via *email* by *April 14, 2013*. Please indicate your availability and location preference. Only successful applicants will be contacted. Contact: Leah Thorpe Cetus Research & Conservation Society Email: info(a)cetussociety.org

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Robson Bight Marine Warden - Employment Opportunity
by Cetus Research 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

“*Through research, education and direct action, we work to * * protect species at risk and inspire others to do the same.”* For more information please visit our website www.ProtectOurWhales.com <http://www.protectourwhales.com/> ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Cetus is seeking to fill the following positions: · *Robson Bight Marine Warden (Vessel Operator/Research Observer) - Alert Bay/Boat Bay British Columbia, Canada.* *Responsibilities include: * - Educating boaters, kayakers, and park visitors about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. - Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity. - Public presentations: either as informal, individual interpretations or scheduled, formal community presentations. - Supervising volunteers and interns and involving them in the daily responsibilities of the program while ensuring a safe & productive work environment. - Responding to injured, sick or dead marine mammals in support of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network. - Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network. *Knowledge, skill and ability required: * - The ability to safely operate 16-18ft rigid hull inflatable vessel in coastal waters, including rough waters with limited visibility. - The ability to multi-task and work in a fast paced, quickly changing environment. - The ability to work for 8-11 hour shifts in all weather conditions. - Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays. - Effective communications skills. - The ability to record and observe data and enter into a database. - The ability to be observant and timely with attention to detail. - The ability to live and work comfortably in a coastal wilderness environment. - Demonstrated background knowledge of marine mammal species in the area and current marine conservation issues and a passion for conservation. - The physical ability to carry 20 lbs of gear to and from the vessel (this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline). Robson Bight Marine Wardens are required to hike 5 km (each way) from the base camp to the observation site regularly. - Knowledge of boat maintenance and repair (preferred). Required Certifications: · A current BC drivers licence · A current Marine First Aid and CPR ticket · A Marine Radio Operators license (ROC-M) · A Marine Emergency Duties A3 certificate · A Small Commercial Vessel Operators Proficiency Certificate There are two positions available. Both are seasonal with contract dates from June 24th to September 2nd. Please forward your cover letter, resume and two references via *email* by *April 14, 2013*. Only successful applicants will be contacted. Contact: Leah Thorpe Cetus Research & Conservation Society Email:* * info(a)cetussociety.org

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funding opportunity
by Gisiner, Bob CIV EXWC, EV1 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

The Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals in six topic areas related to underwater sound produced by human activities and its effect on marine life. Topics include hearing data and hearing assessment technologies, behavioral responses to sound, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), PAM data processing, and the assessment and mitigation of sound from pile driving and similar near shore construction noise. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the LMR website, www.lmr.navy.mil, for more information about the LMR program and the solicitation. Federal government applicants will be directed to relevant Navy Statements of Need. Academic, non-federal government, nonprofit, and private sector applicants will be directed to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Solicitation Number N39430-13-R-1235, which can be viewed at www.neco.navy.mil or www.fbo.gov, or at the LMR website, www.lmr.navy.mil. All submissions must be made via the LMR website. The solicitation period will close on 18 April 2013 (see website or BAA for official dates and other guidance).

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Summer Internship 2013 - Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

*Summer 2013 Internship Opportunity* *Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown MA USA* * * The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies is a non-profit organization dedicated to conducting scientific research with emphasis on marine mammals of the western North Atlantic and on the coastal and marine habitats and resources of the Gulf of Maine. PCCS has been conducting research and marine and coastal educational programs on Cape Cod for over 35 years. *Education Responsibilities*-Interns will assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, and festivals, including PCCS’s new signature summer week of events: Whale Week: A Celebration of the Sea. Interns will assist in the staffing of the Center’s informational and sales kiosk on MacMillian Pier; designing and delivering presentations, answering questions about PCCS, marine mammals and ocean conservation issues, and other general duties. Intern may assist with a theater project, create displays for the PCCS’s laboratory, and help create lesson plans and activities that are aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks. Other Responsibilities- Each intern will take on a project which they will work on for the duration of their internship. The project must be proposed by the student and agreed upon with the PCCS staff. At the end of the internship the intern will present the project to the staff, volunteers, and members of the public. Interns must have their own transportation, and housing is not provided. A small stipend will be available. Qualifications- - The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. High school students may also be considered. - Preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards environmental studies, education, marine science, biology or other related fields. - Intern should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. - Theater experience a plus, but not necessary. - Students that are adaptable, responsible, hard working, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. - Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. - Must be comfortable working with all ages. - Must be comfortable working outside in all conditions. - Interns must be able to commit to at least two months; start and end dates are flexible due to school schedules. - Interns must work a minimum of 15-20 hours per week. To Apply- Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to Stephanie Richardson at srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org or 115 Bradford St, Provincetown, Massachusetts 02567. Applications must be received by April 1st, 2013. -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02652 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495 Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 AM-2:00PM

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Volunteer research assistant position - Coastal-Marine Research Group at Massey University
by Rankmore, Krista 06 Mar '13

06 Mar '13

A volunteer is required to assist with a PhD study investigating the abundance, social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) PROJECT BACKGROUND: The Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is an important habitat for common dolphins that occur in the Gulf year round and use the region extensively for foraging and nursing. Common dolphins in this region consistently utilise inhabit coastal waters, making them vulnerable to the effect of tourism, pollution, and inshore recreational bycatch. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed for the month of April 2013 (4 week commitment period). There are also positions available from September - December 2013, for those who express an interest. Priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods (3 months minimum suggested). LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of common dolphin fin photo identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of MS Access databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis, photo-ID). Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. Surveys will be conducted from both a 20m whale watch vessel as well as a small independent 5.3m research vessel. As such, applicants should be comfortable from working from a small platform in isolated areas. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys from a local dolphin watching vessel, and small (<6m) independent research vessel, collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data for dolphin groups (25% of the time). . Subsequent analysis of photo-identification data in the lab, including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, maintenance of long-term photo-id catalogue using a MS Access database and Finscan. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on boats including tour platforms and on small open vessels QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and Access) Preferred qualifications but not required: . Field research including photo-identification experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . Prior experience working on small research vessels . Experience with Endnote . First AID/CPR certification APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz, using “photo-id position” as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, 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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