August 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Genomics Workshop with Student Travel Grants
by Kristina Cammen 14 Aug '13

14 Aug '13

A one-day workshop entitled “Marine Mammal Genomics: applications to evolution, ecology, and conservation” will be held at the University of Otago on December 8, 2013, immediately prior to the Society for Marine Mammalogy’s (SMM) Biennial Conference. The workshop will consist primarily of invited talks, focusing on both genome sequencing/annotation and the use of genomics to study speciation, population structure, and adaptation in marine mammals. For a more complete description of the workshop, please see the conference workshop website ( http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl… ). Student Travel Grants: With support from the American Genetic Association, publishers of the Journal of Heredity (http://www.theaga.org/) we are pleased to announce the availability of eight awards of $1,000 each to support graduate student registration and travel to the workshop. The award will also support a one-year AGA student membership. Students who wish to be considered for the award should submit a CV and 2-3 paragraph (no more than 250 words) essay describing why they should be supported. A small committee of marine mammal scientists using genomic techniques will review the applications. Award recipients will be selected based on 1) demonstrated interest in marine mammal genomics (i.e. publications, ongoing research projects) and 2) financial need. We hope to support a diverse group of students. Applications must be submitted by September 1 via email to kristina.cammen(a)duke.edu. Registration: With generous support from an American Genetic Association Special Event Award, we are able to offer reduced registration fees to all participants. Registration fees will be $25 for students who are members of SMM, $60 for all other members of SMM and students who are not members, and $100 for non-members. These fees cover the cost of space, audio-visual equipment, and catering (lunch and coffee breaks). Registration will soon be available at the above conference workshop website. For more information about registration or any other questions about the workshop, please contact kristina.cammen(a)duke.edu. -- _______________________ Kristina Cammen Duke University Marine Lab kristina.cammen(a)duke.edu

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Publication on Ship-based Automatic Detection of Whales for protection from Underwater Noise Impacts
by Daniel P. Zitterbart 14 Aug '13

14 Aug '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers, I’d like to draw your attention to our recent publication which might be of interest for your work. Zitterbart DP, Kindermann L, Burkhardt E, Boebel O (2013) Automatic Round-the-Clock Detection of Whales for Mitigation from Underwater Noise Impacts. PLoS ONE 8(8): e71217. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0071217 In this manuscript we describe the development and evaluation of a thermal imaging based automated whale detection system. We discuss detection performance, double blind comparison with MMO's, and timeous availability of whales. Details on the detection algorithm are described in the manuscript. The Article is available here: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071217 For questions and comments please contact: Daniel.Zitterbart(a)awi.de or Olaf.Boebel(a)awi.de Best Regards Daniel Abstract: Loud hydroacoustic sources, such as naval mid-frequency sonars or airguns for marine geophysical prospecting, have been increasingly criticized for their possible negative effects on marine mammals and were implicated in several whale stranding events. Competent authorities now regularly request the implementation of mitigation measures, including the shut-down of acoustic sources when marine mammals are sighted within a predefined exclusion zone. Commonly, ship-based marine mammal observers (MMOs) are employed to visually monitor this zone. This approach is personnel-intensive and not applicable during night time, even though most hydroacoustic activities run day and night. This study describes and evaluates an automatic, ship-based, thermographic whale detection system that continuously scans the ship’s environs for whale blows. Its performance is independent of daylight and exhibits an almost uniform, omnidirectional detection probability within a radius of 5 km. It outperforms alerted observers in terms of number of detected blows and ship-whale encounters. Our results demonstrate that thermal imaging can be used for reliable and continuous marine mammal protection. -- +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Daniel P. Zitterbart Alfred Wegener Institut phone: +4947148312212 Am Alten Hafen 26 27568 Bremerhaven mail: daniel.zitterbart(a)awi.de web: http://www.awi.de/People/show?dzitterb web2: http://madscientists.de +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Cybertracker review
by Daphna Feingold 14 Aug '13

14 Aug '13

Dear Colleagues, I am interested in receiving some comments and reviews about the 'cybertracker'software. The Sea Watch Foundation undertakes Line-transect and Photo ID surveys which last a minimum of 8-10 hours though some are longer and we are interested in collecting field data using a hand held device (PDA/tablet etc.) using the 'cybertracker' software. I am interested in getting some reviews from other researchers who are using the 'cybertracker' software in the field. Any comments and reviews would be welcome in particular, information regarding any weaknesses/limitations that researchers may have found. Please send all comments to: daphna.feingold(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Best, Daphna ________________________ Daphna Feingold Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR +44(0)1545 561 227 <mailto:gemma.veneruso@seawatchfoundation.org.uk> daphna.feingold(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

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Some good news on the sperm whale in Southern Norway
by Marta Acosta 13 Aug '13

13 Aug '13

Dear all, I just wanted to make an update with the most recent information about the sperm whale in Southern Norway. This morning at 10:30 with still low tide we started a coordinated effort to herd the sperm whale out of the bay. He had been trapped in for more than 5 days. This effort consisted on a coordinated maneuvering of 4 vessels: 2 medium sized fishing and 2 small boats. As the whale seemed to react to acoustic stimuli produced with a simple hammer and metallic bars the previous day, we thought that this acoustic method would be the first method to use. We reproduced the same sounds with these simple tools and noticed a change in the activity on the whale. He seemed stressed and started moving fast in circles in the beginning, sometimes approaching land and other moored vessels. We realized that the hammering sound was probably too stressful for the whale so we stopped this attempt after circa 15 minutes and decided to try to heard the whale only with the vessels at a very low speed out of the bay. The whole operation lasted for about one hour and a half and we managed to conduct the whale about 1,2 nm out of the bay to waters of about 100 m depth. At that point the whale, that had been actively swimming, started rolling on the surface and soon disappeared under the water for more than 20 min. At this moment we lost visual contact with him. We had tried to use a hydrophone to confirm if he was clicking, but that was not the case. Once in the area to which we herd him, the sea state conditions were too rough to be able to try the hydrophone again. We could not spot the whale again, so the fleet returned to the bay. Our biggest concern was that the whale would immediately return to the bay, as he had done during the previous attempt on the first day he was trapped in the bay. On that attempt he returned only one hour after he had passed the very shallow waters of 4m. One hour after we had lost the whale, one of the medium sized fishing boats scanned the area where the whale was last seen. They managed to find the whale further towards the open sea at around 14:00h. The last confirmed position of the whale is at 14:55h at 60 29.355N - 04 50.759E swimming towards open waters at a sped of 3.5 knots and performing short dives in Greinpingen area, very close to open seas (North Sea). There has not been any more news on the whale since. All the vessels, locals and authorities of the area as well as the media are very aware of the whole situation so in case the whale is again sighted in the surroundings, it will most certainly reported immediately. We are optimistic about the situation, still we are aware that the whale could appear again in shallow waters. If this is the case, we will keep you updated. We want to thank in any case to the Øygarden kommune for their hospitality, concern, and fantastic work, to all the locals that participated in the operation, especially to the fishermen that contributed with their vessels and dedication during this morning, and to Julie Marie Andersen for her commitment, brilliant contribution to the development of the plan, her valuable time and her incredible help, which made her participation paramount. We believe that this coordinated attempt to release a trapped whale was a success in terms of organization and commitment and very important example in Norway regardless of the fate of the whale. Thanks, Marta Acosta Marine Research and Education Fund of Andenes (0047)41419672 m.acosta(a)marefa-whaleresearch.org

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Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships - Winter 2014
by Katie McHugh 13 Aug '13

13 Aug '13

*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships * ** The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), a partnership led by the Chicago Zoological Society and based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world's longest-running study of a dolphin population. The program's primary goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit: <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>www.sarasotadolphin.org <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>. The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for our Winter/Spring 2014 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 6 January -- 25 April, with applications due by Sept 1st). Please note that we are only seeking 3-4 interns this session and that we receive many more applications that we have openings -- the selection process is very competitive. The successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1) *Dolphin population monitoring project**:* (/YEAR ROUND/) This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups one to two weeks per month. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group, and additional data related to human-dolphin interactions will also be collected in conjunction with this project. While in the lab (at least 2 wks per month), work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, computer data entry, video logging, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance and other duties. 2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT ONLY/) This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques, collection of prey fish for nutritional analysis, and collection of other environmental data. Interns may participate in this project 2-3 days per month. Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field, and about 80% of their time in the lab working with data, or performing equipment maintenance. There is no compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $85/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only). Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); * Some field research experience preferred but not required; * Must be able to swim; * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full time as a volunteer with our program. * * *To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should: * 1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory's website (www.mote.org/interns <http://www.mote.org/interns>). Be sure to select "Sarasota Dolphin Research Program" as your first choice; 2) Complete and provide to Mote's intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae/; 3) Send an email to SDRP Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, _kmchugh(a)mote.org_) stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship opportunity (/e.g. /Mote, SDRP, Brookfield Zoo website, MARMAM, etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline of September 1st will be given first priority. We are seeking 3-4 interns for the winter and spring, depending on scheduling. These are competitive positions - we typically receive many more applications than we can accept. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 450, kmchugh(a)mote.org <mailto:TUkmchugh@mote.orgUT>) in the SDRP with any questions. Applicants applying because of an interest in possibly being involved in graduate studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with Program Director Randall Wells upon acceptance into the program. -- ************************************ Katherine McHugh Post-Doctoral Scientist Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 x450 office (650) 400-2776 cell kmchugh(a)mote.org ************************************

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PhD opportunity, Quantitative movement analysis
by Alastair Baylis 12 Aug '13

12 Aug '13

To apply for this exceptional PhD please visit: http://cie-deakin.com/2013/07/19/phd-position-quantitative-movement-analysi… For further details please contact: g.hays(a)deakin.edu.au Quantitative movement analysis: tracking sea turtles, seals and marine birds in the global ocean Professor Graeme Hays, Dr Daniel Ierodiaconou, Dr Rebecca Lester, Dr John Arnould and Professor Gerry Quinn School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University (Warrnambool) Australia. The last decade has seen the development of reliable satellite tracking equipment that has allowed routine long-term (months to years) tracking of a range of marine vertebrates including turtles, seals and sea birds. This project will focus on examining a number of cutting-edge questions related to patterns of movement and habitat use including both “blue skies” questions on animal orientation as well as more applied questions on marine conservation planning. This studentship will suit candidates with interests in quantitative ecology, statistics and ecological or mathematical modelling or computer science, given its focus on quantitative movement analysis, GIS data analysis and data mining techniques. It may also suit students with interests in marine vertebrate ecology, as it will involve some targeted deployment of tracking equipment onto marine vertebrates at sites around the world. Some of the contemporary questions that will be addressed include: Orientation of sea turtles travelling across the open ocean: Using data-sets emerging from long-term tracking of adult loggerhead turtles travelling across the Mediterranean from their breeding grounds in Greece, green turtles travelling across the Indian Ocean from their breeding grounds on the Chagos Archipelago as well as juvenile loggerhead turtles moving in the South Pacific, the student will examine whether turtles show directed swimming to take account of current advection that may lead them off-route and how they approach and locate isolated targets such as small islands. In this way the extent and resolution of the geospatial map that turtles use will be assessed in relation to laboratory experiments that have shown the potential for turtles to use geomagnetic maps in long-distance movements. Habitat use by both breeding and foraging turtles: Using tracking data from around the world (including the Indian Ocean, Pacific and Atlantic) across a range of sea turtle species the student will use high-resolution Fastloc-GPS tracking to assess the habitat use by sea turtles in both their breeding and foraging locations. The extent of space use will be compared to habitat quality and diet, including comparison between species and populations in different parts of their range. This work will involve GIS analysis of space use and be used to develop informed conservation strategies in terms of protected area designation. Drift scenarios for juveniles: The student will use oceanographic techniques including Lagrangian drift trajectories and ocean particle tracking models to consider the drift scenarios for hatchling sea turtles. This work will be embedded within questions regarding the ontogeny of migration in sea turtles (e.g. do adults travel to those sites they experienced as drifting hatchlings?), implications of climate change in terms of drift scenarios and consideration of the global distribution of sea turtles in terms of the proximity of beaches to suitable current regimes. Meta-analysis of movement patterns across diverse species: The advent of comparable (Argos and Fastloc-GPS) tracking data for a range of marine vertebrates (turtles, seals, birds) allows the patterns of movement across taxa to be considered such as migration distances, course directness and migration periodicity. The student will compare and contrast the movement patterns across a range of contrasting marine vertebrates. For further details please contact: g.hays(a)deakin.edu.au See: http://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=7rc3SmAAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao Further reading on our recent work in this area: Fossette S, Putman NF, Lohmann KJ , Marsh R, Hays GC (2012). A biologist’s guide to assessing ocean currents: a review. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 457, 285-301. doi: 10.3354/meps09581 Hays GC, Fossette S, Katselidis KA, Schofield G, Gravenor MB (2010). Breeding periodicity for male sea turtles, operational sex ratios, and implications in the face of climate change. Conservation Biology 24, 1636–1643. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01531.x Hays GC, Fossette S, Katselidis KA, Mariani P, Schofield G (2010). Ontogenetic development of migration: Lagrangian drift trajectories suggest a new paradigm for sea turtles. Journal of Royal Society Interface 7, 1319-1327. doi:10.1098/rsif.2010.0009. Hays GC, Scott R (2013). Global patterns for upper ceilings on migration distance in sea turtles and comparisons with fish, birds and mammals. Functional Ecology 27, 748–756. doi: 10.1111/1365-2435.12073 Lohmann KJ, Luschi P, Hays GC (2008). Goal navigation and island-finding in sea turtles. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 356, 83–95.doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2007.12.017 Schofield G, Scott R, Dimadi A, Fossette S, Katselidis KA, Koutsoubas D, Lilley MKS, Pantis JD, Karagouni AD, Hays GC (2013). Evidence-based marine protected area planning for a highly mobile endangered marine vertebrate. Biological Conservation 161, 101–109. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2013.03.004 Schofield G, Dimadi A, Fossette S, Katselidis KA, Koutsoubas D, Lilley MKS, Luckman A, Pantis JD, Karagouni AD, Hays GC (2013). The importance of sample size: tracking large numbers of individuals to infer population level dispersal and core areas for protection. Diversity and Distributions. doi: 10.1111/ddi.12077 Scott R, Marsh R, Hays GC (2012). Life in the really slow lane: loggerhead sea turtles mature late relative to other reptiles. Functional Ecology, 26, 227-235. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2011.01915.x Scott R, Marsh R, Hays GC (2012). A little movement orientated to the geomagnetic field makes a big difference in strong flows. Marine Biology, 159, 481-488.doi 10.1007/s00227-011-1825-1

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Aquatic Animal Health Fall Online Course - Register Now!
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 12 Aug '13

12 Aug '13

At the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine we are offering an exciting online course in the upcoming Fall semester that is specifically geared towards students and professionals interested in Biology and Veterinary Medicine. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Jeffrey Hendel (hendelj(a)ufl.edu) There are a limited number of spots left and the Fall semester is fast approaching, be sure to register early if you would like to take this course." REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, AUG 23RD Thanks, Jeffrey Hendel (hendelj(a)ufl.edu) Distance Education Program Assistant University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Iske V. Larkin, PhD Research Assistant Professor & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 For packages 32608 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/extension/aquatic/

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Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator and Lab Technician Needed
by Courtney Nelson 12 Aug '13

12 Aug '13

*Position:* Stranding Coordinator and Lab Technician, Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network * * *Location:* Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) seeks a dedicated individual to serve as Stranding Coordinator for the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN), which is operated out of the DISL’s Marine Ecosystem Response Lab. The position is full-time, year-round for 1-year, with potential for renewal depending on performance and funding. The ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network that responds to all stranded marine mammals on the Alabama coast. ALMMSN works under the direction of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for small cetaceans and under the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) for manatees. *Primary responsibilities:* The Stranding Coordinator directs and manages the stranding network, staff, interns and volunteers. The coordinator will be on call 24/7 to coordinate response efforts for marine mammal strandings in Alabama waters and will act as the lead responder, coordinating volunteer response to all small cetacean strandings, including response, salvage, and performing necropsies. The Coordinator is responsible for processing and archiving small cetacean stranding data and samples, writing and developing necropsy reports and protocols, and managing the ALMMSN database. Additional responsibilities include assisting with writing grant proposals, progress reports, publications, and metadata; organizing and developing educational outreach; attending and conducting training classes; processing samples for analytical testing, and working closely with collaborators from NOAA/NMFS, USFWS, AL Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), and other regional stranding networks. *Other responsibilities:* The Stranding Coordinator will work closely with DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network, including crossover work assisting with manatee captures, tagging and tracking efforts, sighting response and other data collection. Lab Technician responsibilities include assisting with graduate student projects, ordering supplies, and maintaining lab cleanliness and organization. The applicant must have at least one year of stranding response experience with an established marine mammal stranding network, must be able to endure sometimes strenuous physical activity and long days in the field under various weather conditions, and be comfortable handling highly decomposed carcasses and working with live animals. Due to the 24-hour on call status, the Stranding Coordinator must be flexible in working early and/or late hours and traveling, sometimes overnight. *Qualifications:* Bachelor’s degree and minimum one-year experience with marine mammal stranding response, clean driving record, small boat handling experience, excellent communication skills (oral and written), ability to motivate and manage others, organizational skills, and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite). Experience with GIS software, public communication, other types of fieldwork, and primary research or statistical analyses are a plus. This position may be rolled into an academic degree program for a qualified applicant. Pay is commensurate with experience. Applications must be received by 1 September 2013. Review of applications will begin immediately. Start date is negotiable but preference will be given to applicants able to start by 1 October 2013. To apply, send a brief letter of interest and CV, including contact information for 2 references to Dr. R. Carmichael, c/o Elizabeth Hieb, jobs(a)disl.org -- ****Please notice name change * *<>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> * *Courtney Nelson* * * *Director and Stranding Coordinator* *AL Marine Mammal Stranding Network* * * *Dauphin Island Sea Lab* *101 Bienville Blvd* * * *Dauphin Island, AL 36528* * * *251.861.2141x7547* *cmiller(a)disl.org* *http://almmsn.disl.org/* <http://almmsn.disl.org/> "Like" Us on Facebook: *http://www.facebook.com/AlabamaMarineMammalStrandingNetwork*<http://www.facebook.com/AlabamaMarineMammalStrandingNetwork> *1.877.WHALE HELP* *<>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><>*

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River dolphin internships in Brazil
by Tony Martin 11 Aug '13

11 Aug '13

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak fluent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria. This wastes everyone's time, so please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 50 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially the relatively new harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking 2 people to commence work as soon as possible, ideally in July or Aug 2012. But we would also like to hear from people available later in 2012 or early 2013. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 500 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend. Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Further information on all aspects of the work is available at www.projetoboto.com Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 26 June 2012. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 3 days, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 June latest.

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42nd Annual Symposium of the EAAM
by Élio Vicente 11 Aug '13

11 Aug '13

Dear Colleagues, As per the request of Dr. Arlete Sogorb, President-Elect of the EAAM - European Association for Aquatic Mammals, and Chair of the Association's Annual Symposia, we would like to announce the upcoming international meeting of the EAAM, which it will take place in Tenerife (Spain), between March 14-17, 2014. The event will be hosted by Loro Parque, in Puerto de la Cruz. For further information, you can browse the following websites: - www.loroparque.com/eaam & www.loroparque.com - www.eaam.org & www.eaam.org/index.php?option=com_content We do look forward to welcome you, next March, in the largest island of the seven Canary Islands and... the home of the amazing Teide! Kind regards, Élio Vicente

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