March 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

HWDT Job vacancy- Sightings and Strandings Officer
by Kerry Froud 07 Mar '14

07 Mar '14

Sightings and Strandings Officer Dear All, The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust wishes to appoint a Sightings and Strandings Officer based in Tobermory, Isle of Mull. Working as a member of the Trusts small, dynamic research team, the Sightings Officer is primarily responsible for building and maintaining HWDTs Community Sightings Programme the reporting network for local marine users to register their sightings of cetaceans on the west coast of Scotland (including strandings and photographs). Overall purpose of the job: The main responsibilities of the Sightings and Strandings Officer are to liaise with the local communities within Argyll and Bute, Western Isles, Highlands and Islands, Skye and Lochaber to facilitate the reporting of animal sighting and stranding records. He/she will be responsible for organizing the collected sightings and strandings data and producing regular reports. Key tasks and responsibilities: Community engagement: · engage with members of targeted local communities (boat operators, eco-tours, ferries, fishermen, etc.) and tourists, and further expand the HWDT Community Sightings Network by recruiting new sightings volunteers/coordinators · train volunteers in the communities in marine mammal surveying and provide resource packs at fifteen community-based 'hubs', which will be running the project locally · ensure constant volunteer recruitment and provide ongoing comprehensive training and support to maintain the HWDT Community Sightings Network · Maintain and develop relationships with key local and regional marine stakeholders, organisations and operators; represent HWDT on local marine stakeholder groups; · Engage with local schools and lead a series of school visits to target the younger generation. Data management: · collect and organize sightings, strandings and photographic data from the communities as well as HWDTs own research surveys; manage the Community Sightings and Strandings database; including the Photo-Identification database · update relevant sections of the HWDT website and write regular reports on sightings. Other tasks: · The Sightings and Strandings Officer may also participate in cetacean surveys onboard HWDTs research vessel Silurian; training will be provided, but experience of boat based surveying and use of PAM is desirable. · Supervise HWDT interns working on sightings and strandings data · Participate in commissioned research projects when appropriate; work with partners in data sharing and other arrangements · Undertake science administration, dealing with general science-related enquiries, correspondence and consultations; Skills and experience: Required: · A degree in biological or related sciences and familiarity with the west coast marine environment and its users · Excellent communication and networking skills both written and oral; · Confidence in working with databases and images · Computer proficient including Excel and Access programs; · Previous experience with Photo-ID analysis · Experience of volunteer management; · Experience of partnership working and working in a team; · Ability to work independently; · Experience in developing training material and delivering training Desirable: · Knowledge of Scottish marine biology and nature conservation legislation; · Knowledge of the West Coast and islands and their communities · Past experience with community development projects · Knowledge of LOGGER data collection program · Full driving licence; · Applicants should be self-motivated, organised and self-reliant. Conditions: This is a full-time post. Salary: This is a full time salaried post at £19,400 gross per year, funded by the Coastal Communities Fund. It is based on 37 hours per week which may be worked in various work patterns. Overtime is not paid. The Sightings and Strandings Officer will be required to work evenings or weekends if necessary, in which case time will be given off en lieu. Length of contract: initially 2 years, possibly extendable subject to funding and performance Annual leave: 25 working days holiday and 12 statuary public holidays. Starting date and probationary period: The ideal starting date is May 1, 2014. The position is subject to satisfactory performance during the initial three-month probationary period. Location and travel: HWDT is based on the Isle of Mull, and the appointee will work both from its offices in Tobermory and Hebridean communities included in the projects carried out by the Trust. Expenses are payable and a valid driving license is desired. No company car is provided. Application procedure: Send CV and Covering Letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to: Mark Whitaker at admin(a)hwdt.org or post to: HWDT, Clydesdale Bank Buildings, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU. Further information on HWDT and on this post are to be found on the HWDT website www.hwdt.org, or telephone 01688 302 620. Applications should be made by 7th April, 2014. Please note: candidates will only be contacted if short-listed, by 22nd April. NB Interviews will be conducted face-to-face on Mull or via phone/skype ----- Marine Biodiversity Officer Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Clydesdale Bank Buildings Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <mailto:biodiversityofficer@hwdt.org> biodiversityofficer(a)hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org ----- The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

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HWDT Job Vacancy- Visitor Centre/Shop Manager
by Kerry Froud 07 Mar '14

07 Mar '14

Visitor Centre/Shop Manager Dear All, The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust wishes to appoint a Visitor Centre/Shop Manager based in Tobermory, Isle of Mull. Working as a member of the Trusts small, dynamic team, the Shop Manager is primarily responsible for the smooth running of the Visitor Centre and the Shop on Tobermory Main Street. Overall purpose of the job: Management, maintenance and further development of the HWDT Visitor Centre and Shop, including the webshop. Key tasks and responsibilities: Visitor Centre: · Management and maintenance of Visitor Centre equipment and display · Show visitors around; explain content of exhibition space · Contribute to further development of the content of scientific and awareness raising displays · Organize off-venue stands and displays (e.g. at fairs and exhibitions) · Ensure availability and quality of marketing materials; their distribution throughout the island and other appropriate locations Shop: · Manage and develop inventory; ensure appropriate levels of stock · Manage cash · Keep shop window fresh and appealing to visitors · Research and analyse customer needs · Organize staffing, including him/herself and HWDT staff and volunteers · Help recruit and train volunteers for the everyday operation of the shop · Maintenance and cleanliness · Develop growth strategy for shop Skills and experience: Required: · Experience in managing a retail outlet, preferably selling souvenir and gift items · Excellent communication and organizational skills; · Computer proficient in Microsoft Office package; · Excellent interpersonal skills; experience of working in a team; · Ability to work independently; Desirable: · Knowledge of Scottish, preferably Hebridean marine wildlife · Knowledge of the West Coast and islands · Experience with marketing similar retail outlets · Experience of volunteer management; · Full driving licence; · Applicants should be self-motivated, organised and self-reliant. Conditions: This is a full-time post. Salary: This is a full time salaried post at £19,400 gross per year, funded by the Coastal Communities Fund. It is based on 37 hours per week which may be worked in various work patterns. Overtime is not paid. The Visitor Centre/Shop Manager will be required to work evenings or weekends if necessary, in which case time will be given off en lieu. Length of contract: initially 2 years, possibly extendable subject to funding and performance Annual leave: 25 working days holiday and 12 statuary public holidays. Starting date and probationary period: The ideal starting date is May 1, 2014. The position is subject to satisfactory performance during the initial three-month probationary period. Location and travel: HWDT is based on the Isle of Mull, and the appointee will work mostly in the shop and HWDT offices in Tobermory. Any travel expenses are payable and a valid driving license is beneficial. No company car is provided. Application procedure: Send CV and Covering Letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to: Mark Whitaker at admin(a)hwdt.org or post to: HWDT, Clydesdale Bank Buildings, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU. Further information on HWDT and on this post are to be found on the HWDT website www.hwdt.org, or telephone 01688 302 620. Applications should be made by 7th April, 2014. Please note: candidates will only be contacted if short-listed, by 22nd April. Deadline for Applications: 7th April NB Interviews will be conducted preferably face-to-face on Mull or via phone/skype ----- Marine Biodiversity Officer Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Clydesdale Bank Buildings Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <mailto:biodiversityofficer@hwdt.org> biodiversityofficer(a)hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org ----- The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

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Re: [MARMAM] New publication on bottlenose dolphin growth in Israel
by Dani Kerem 06 Mar '14

06 Mar '14

_____ _____ Dear MARMAM list members, The article below has just been published online: Dan Kerem, Rafi Kent, Mia Roditi-Elasar, Oz Goffman, Aviad Scheinin & Pavel Gol'din (2014): Early physical maturation of female common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus in the eastern Levantine Basin. Israel Journal of Ecology & Evolution, DOI: 10.1080/15659801.2013.892297 Abstract Regional resource limitation in the eastern Levantine Basin was predicted to protract the growth of members of the Israeli sub-population of the common bottlenose dolphin (CBD), compared to CBD sub-populations of similar adult size. Growth curves were fitted to length-at-age data available for 24 male and 26 female CBD stranded or incidentally caught along the Israeli coastline between 2000 and 2009. The obtained model growth constants were compared to those of other CBD sub-populations from the southeastern coast of the United States and a correlation to regional seawater primary productivity was sought. As in other sub-populations, local CBD females initially grow faster than males for approximately 3-4 years and remain longer until around eight years old, after which males surpass them in length. Yet the steep early growth of females as well as its high rate of decay was found to be extreme compared to other CBD sub-populations, with 99% of the asymptotic length being reached at the age of six years. A positive correlation between seawater primary productivity and early growth rate as well as growth decay constants could be demonstrated for CBD males from Texas, Florida and Israeli coasts. Females of the same sub-population presented a non-monotonic relationship to primary productivity. Early female attainment of physical maturity in an ultra-oligotrophic region was unpredicted and is not readily explained. It may accompany early reproductive maturation, selected for as partial compensation for lower lifelong reproductive success. If interested, the following Taylor & Francis link will last 50 free downloads, after which PDF copies may be requested from me. <http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/PZAtiUyG6Xmn2MqerUyJ/full> http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/PZAtiUyG6Xmn2MqerUyJ/full Cheers, Dani Dan H. Kerem, PhD IMMRAC (Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center) The Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies The Charney School for Marine Sciences The University of Haifa Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905 Israel <http://maritime2.haifa.ac.il/eng/DK.asp> http://maritime2.haifa.ac.il/eng/DK.asp <http://immrac.org/> http://immrac.org Phone: 972-4-8249449 Fax: 972-4-9240493 e-mail: <mailto:dankerem@research.haifa.ac.il> dankerem(a)research.haifa.ac.il

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Abstract Deadline Reminder for the 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress
by Andrew Wright 06 Mar '14

06 Mar '14

The 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress will be held from 14-18 August 2014 at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. We are now accepting abstracts for oral (spoken), speed (short spoken), and poster presentations. All abstracts must be submitted online by 5pm (GMT) on 8 March 2014. Decisions will be made by 22 March 2014. Complete instructions for submitting proposals are available at the meeting website: www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014. The selection process is highly competitive. The overall theme of the congress is Making Marine Science Matter. For marine conservation to be effective, marine conservation science must matter to stakeholders, policy makers, and practitioners. To accomplish this, the congress will be organized around specific topics of interest for marine conservation in general, as well as for the local area. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but merely a guide for proposers. Other topics of interest are welcomed. * Marine renewable and non-renewable energy and their impacts on marine mammals and other species * Climate, ocean acidification, and the changing oceans and their impacts on marine mammals and other species * Advancing marine conservation through international agreements * Effective conservation planning (including EBM and MPAs, cumulative impacts) * Communicating marine conservation (marine conservation awareness and outreach, social media) and the use of keystone species, such as marine mammals, for furthering conservation goals * Participation in marine conservation science (e.g. citizen and indigenous science) * Marine tourism, including whalewatching In addition, the SCB Marine Section developed a list of 71 research questions critical to the advancement of marine conservation ( http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014/registration-participation/71-qu…) We encourage proposals that address one or more of these questions but welcome all abstracts related to marine conservation science and practice. For additional information contact the program committee at IMCCprogram(a)conbio.org. -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D.

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recent publications: cetacean paleontology, life history and diet
by Pavel Gol'din 06 Mar '14

06 Mar '14

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of a few recent papers in cetacean paleontology, life history and diet: Gol'din, P., Startsev, D. 2014. *Brandtocetus*, a new genus of baleen whales (Cetacea, Cetotheriidae) from the late Miocene of Crimea, Ukraine. *Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology* 34(2):419-433. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2013.799482 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02724634.2013.799482?journalCode… A new cetotheriid baleen whale, Brandtocetus chongulek, gen. et sp. nov., is described from the late Miocene of Crimea, Ukraine. The type series is represented by three partial skulls with periotic bones and tympanic bullae, one of the three belonging to a juvenile. Brandtocetus chongulek has transversely expanded squamosals, 'S'-shaped nuchal crests, an anterior margin of the occipital shield extending anterior to the center of the temporal fossa, and an elongated posterior process of the tympanoperiotic. The tympanoperiotic and postglenoid process of the squamosal are typical of cetotheriines (as opposed to herpetocetines). Comparison of the juvenile specimen with adults shows no differences in tympanoperiotic anatomy, moderate squamosal growth, and significant growth of the neurocranium after the age of at least 1 year. The phylogenetic analysis including 13 cetotheriids supports the monophyly of Cetotheriidae sensu stricto and suggests the monophyly of whales from the Eastern Paratethys (Brandtocetus, Cetotherium, Kurdalagonus, and possibly Eucetotherium). Brandtocetus and other cetotheriids from the Black Sea region possess cranial features hypothesized to be adaptations to a generalized filter feeding strategy combining different modes of suction feeding. Gladilina E. V., Gol'din P. E. 2014. New Prey Fishes in Diet of Black Sea Bottlenose Dolphins *Tursiops truncatus *(Mammalia, Cetacea). *Vestnik zoologii*. 48(1): 83-92. DOI: 10.2478/vzoo-2014-0009 We report 7 new prey fishes in diet of the Black Sea bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) and the fi rst records of 9 prey items from their stomach contents: herring (Alosa sp.), sand smelt (Atherina sp.), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), picarel (Spicara flexuosa), Mediterranean sand eel (Gymnammodytes cicerellus), Atlantic stargazer (Uranoscopus scaber), garfi sh (Belone belone), gobies (Gobiidae indet.) and blennies (Blenniidae indet.). The Atlantic stargazer was recorded as a prey species for the common bottlenose dolphin for the fi rst time. The horse mackerel and the picarel, formerly recorded in the diet of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins, now were frequently found in the examined Black Sea dolphins. The list of prey fi shes for Black Sea bottlenose dolphins now includes 23 items, with many small pelagic and demersal fishes, and it is similar to that of Mediterranean dolphins. Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) is still an important prey species, as 50-70 years ago, whereas turbot (Psetta maeotica), not recorded by us, could lose its importance due to population decline. As before, red mullet (Mullus barbatus) is recorded in winter feeding. Feeding on mullets (Mugilidae) is not a universal trait, and it is possibly restricted to local geographical areas. Kerem, D., Kent, R., Roditi-Elasar, M., Goffman, O., Scheinin, A., Gol'din, P. 2014. Early physical maturation of female common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus in the eastern Levantine Basin. *Israel Journal of Ecology & Evolution*, DOI: 10.1080/15659801.2013.892297 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15659801.2013.892297#.UxjI3eN_v… Regional resource limitation in the eastern Levantine Basin was predicted to protract the growth of members of the Israeli sub-population of the common bottlenose dolphin (CBD), compared to CBD sub-populations of similar adult size. Growth curves were fitted to length-at-age data available for 24 male and 26 female CBD stranded or incidentally caught along the Israeli coastline between 2000 and 2009. The obtained model growth constants were compared to those of other CBD subpopulations from the southeastern coast of the United States and a correlation to regional seawater primary productivity was sought. As in other sub-populations, local CBD females initially grow faster than males for approximately 3-4 years and remain longer until around eight years old, after which males surpass them in length. Yet the steep early growth of females as well as its high rate of decay was found to be extreme compared to other CBD sub-populations, with 99% of the asymptotic length being reached at the age of six years. A positive correlation between seawater primary productivity and early growth rate as well as growth decay constants could be demonstrated for CBD males from Texas, Florida and Israeli coasts. Females of the same sub-population presented a non-monotonic relationship to primary productivity. Early female attainment of physical maturity in an ultra-oligotrophic region was unpredicted and is not readily explained. It may accompany early reproductive maturation, selected for as partial compensation for lower lifelong reproductive success. Gol'din, P., Zvonok, E., Rekovets, L., Kovalchuk, A., Krakhmalnaya, T. 2014. Basilotritus (Cetacea: Pelagiceti) from the Eocene of Nagornoye (Ukraine): New data on anatomy, ontogeny and feeding of early basilosaurids. *Comptes Rendus Palevol* http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.crpv.2013.11.002 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1631068313001930 A new specimen of early basilosaurid, now identified as Basilotritus sp., comes from thelate Middle Eocene of Ukraine. It has basilosaurid-type cheek teeth with cinguli, similar tothose of Zygorhiza, and roots resembling those of Georgiacetus vogtlensis and early Neoceti;an unusual feature of these teeth is the presence of accessory denticles of the second orderlocated on the crown denticles. The postcranial anatomy shows a mixture of primitive andadvanced basilosaurid traits. The phylogenetic position of the genus Basilotritus is confirmedto be near the base of Basilosauridae, between Supayacetus and Zygorhiza. The ontogeny ofthe specimen from Nagornoye is characterized by large body size, slow skeletal matura-tion and intensive pachyosteosclerosis that are interpreted as neotenic development. Rapidtooth wear with strong apical abrasion is the result of specialized diet, possibly feeding on sharks For details, please contact me at: pavelgoldin412(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Pavel Pavel Gol'din Taurida National University Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine

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Norwegian FLOs needed
by Emma Forrester - Hydenlyne 06 Mar '14

06 Mar '14

Good afternoon, Hydenlyne are seeking experience FLOs to add to their database. We currently have an opening for 2xFLOs in Norway from May/June. You will ideally be Norwegian. However, previous experience in Norwegian waters is essential. You must have valid safety and medical certificates along with NPD training for Fishery Liaison Officers. If you are interested in this opportunity, please reply with your CV and references. All other enquiries are welcomed but may not be replied to with haste. Kind regards, Emma Forrester Project Manager UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG This email is confidential and for the intended recipient(s) only. If you are not the intended or authorised recipient, please maintain this confidentiality, notify the sender immediately and then delete it from your computer systems. Any unauthorised duplication, dissemination or other use of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

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International Marine Conservation Congress deadline is tomorrow (Friday !)
by Chris Parsons 05 Mar '14

05 Mar '14

The deadline for abstract submission for this year's International Marine Conservation Congress is tomorrow (Friday !) Don't forget to submit your abstract at http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014 Many marine mammal-oriented workshops and symposia have already been approved for the meeting. We are now accepting abstracts for talks/short-talks and poster presentations. For a video about the IMCC meetings go to: http://vimeo.com/87295354 About IMCC 2014 ... The overall theme of the congress is Making Marine Science Matter. For marine conservation to be effective, marine conservation science must matter to stakeholders, policy makers, and practitioners. To accomplish this, the congress will be organized around specific topics of interest for marine conservation in general, as well as the local area. This list is not meant to be exhaustive but merely a guide for the conference. . Food security and the oceans (sustainable fisheries and aquaculture) . Marine renewable and non-renewable energy . Climate, ocean acidification, and the changing oceans . Advancing marine conservation through international treaties . Effective conservation planning (including EBM and MPAs, cumulative impacts) . Communicating marine conservation (marine conservation awareness and outreach, social media) . Participation in marine conservation science (e.g. citizen and indigenous science) . Marine tourism . Estuary restoration And many other topics .

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REQUEST FOR ARTICLES - SIRENEWS
by Cynthia Taylor 05 Mar '14

05 Mar '14

The editors of Sirenews, the newsletter of the IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group, would like to request articles for the upcoming edition. Updates on manatee and dugong research, management, education, and conservation activities from around the world are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is APRIL 1, 2014. Please submit articles to ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org. Thank you - Cynthia Taylor and James Powell Sea to Shore Alliance ___________________________ Cynthia R. Taylor Research Scientist Sea to Shore Alliance 941-232-4587 ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org www.sea2shore.org

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PAM operator positions
by Wharam, Jo [Fugro EMU] 05 Mar '14

05 Mar '14

[Fugro-for-advert-2012.jpg] PAM Operators Fugro EMU Limited forms part of Fugro's Offshore Survey Division and is a market leading Environmental Services company, providing a full range of environmental survey, consultancy, laboratory, metocean and geophysical support services in North West Europe and worldwide. To meet the growing demands of an extended fleet of Fugro's own vessels as well as the many client vessels used for survey operations, we require skilled, motivated and flexible personnel to add to our core staff of personnel within the Marine Ecology Department. The environmental work carried out by Fugro EMU Limited is undertaken for a variety of applications, both for the oil and gas industry and non O&G industry (renewables, aggregates, ports and harbours etc). Job Title: PAM Operator We have exciting opportunities for a number of experienced Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators to grow our PAM and MMO operations. Working almost solely offshore, there may be opportunities to work on environmental surveys as well as MMO/ PAM activities. In addition to offshore work, a key component of the role will be to identify and develop business development opportunities both within the international Fugro network and to Clients directly. This is a unique opportunity to the right individuals to assist in establishing Fugro's PAM and MMO operations on an international scale. The successful applicants will have a very good range and depth of experience in installing, configuring and operating PAM systems and be familiar with PAMGUARD software. Benefits include a competitive salary accompanied by an attractive package including contributory pension scheme and access to salary sacrifice schemes. To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to recruitment(a)fugroemu.com<mailto:recruitment@fugroemu.com> by 21 March 2014. For more information please visit www.fugroemu.com<http://www.fugroemu.com/> Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Kind regards, Jo. Fugro EMU Limited Jo Wharam Marine Mammal & Seabird Team Manager Telephone: +44 (0) 2392 205 520 / Mobile: +44 (0) 7899 941367 / Fax: +44 (0) 2392 205 550 E-mail: jo.wharam(a)fugroemu.com<mailto:jo.wharam@fugroemu.com> / Website: www.fugroemu.com<http://www.fugroemu.com/> Address: Fugro EMU Limited, Trafalgar Wharf (Unit 16), Hamilton Road, Portchester, Portsmouth PO6 4PX Registered Address: Fugro House, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, OX10 9RB, UK Registration No: 3469947 / VAT No: GB 704 4481 52

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Dolphin Research Field Course
by Kel Melillo Sweeting 04 Mar '14

04 Mar '14

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) – University Level Field Course 3 – 9 May 2014 Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is hosting a field course in cetacean ecology at our Bimini, Bahamas field site. The remaining spaces will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Arrival: 3 May 2014 Departure: 9 May 2014 Course topics: DCP's research methods, photo-ID, dolphin behavior and more Schedule: Exact schedule varies by day and weather, but in general, the morning and early afternoon include lectures, discussions and photo-ID exercises. The afternoons are spent on the boat in search of wild dolphins. While on the boat, students assist in data collection, including surface observations and collecting underwater still photographs for DCP's photo-ID catalog (when we are able to observe the dolphins underwater). Fee: $1620; Non-refundable deposit of $325 is required to hold your space, with final payment due by 1 April The course includes 5 boat trips (weather dependent; no refunds), 6 nights' hotel accommodation (double or triple occupancy, fresh water shower, basic cable TV, A/C) and all group meals (students assist with meal prep and clean-up). Students are not required to register for academic credit, although DCP can provide documentation and assessment for your participation should you require it. The course fee does not include tuition credits or airfare to Bimini. Requirements: All students must be at least 18 years of age and have completed an college-level, introductory biology or psychology course. Students do not need to be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program. All students must be able to swim. Comfort on a boat is recommended. Rental snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is available at no additional charge, however personal snorkel gear is recommended to ensure a proper fit. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/publications/scientific-publicat…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2012. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 25:21-43. Dudzinski, KM, Danaher-Garcia, N, Gregg, JD. 2013. Pectoral fin contact between dolphin dyads at Zoo Duisburg, with comparison to other dolphin study populations. Aquatic Mammals. 39(4): 335-343. Melillo-Sweeting, K, Turnbull, S and Guttridge, T. In press. Evidence of shark attacks on Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Bimini, The Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12082 _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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