February 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Original Art & Marine Mammal collaboration
by Nico de Bruyn 27 Feb '15

27 Feb '15

Renowned and award winning wildlife artist, Vincent Reid, is collaborating with the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP) to create awareness and support marine mammal research and conservation efforts. He has sponsored a large proportion of the proceeds of some of his incredible original artworks to be auctioned for these purposes. Own this investment art and help marine mammals in an isolated pocket of our great Southern Ocean! Don't miss this opportunity, place your bid now - bidding closes at midnight SAST on 15 March 2015. http://www.marionseals.com/art Kind wishes, Nico -- P.J.N. (Nico) de Bruyn, PhD Mammal Research Institute Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria South Africa Tel (w): +27 (0)12 420 2058 Fax (w): +27 (0)12 420 2534 Cell: +27 (0)827461203 www.marionseals.com http://www.up.ac.za/zoology/?q=user/137/research ** --Calvin: You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood. --Hobbes: What mood is that? --Calvin: Last-minute panic. (Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson) ** --------------------------------------------------------------------- This message and attachments are subject to a disclaimer. Please refer to http://www.it.up.ac.za/documentation/governance/disclaimer/ for full details. / Hierdie boodskap en aanhangsels is aan 'n vrywaringsklousule onderhewig. Volledige besonderhede is by http://www.it.up.ac.za/documentation/governance/disclaimer/ beskikbaar.

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Arctic and SubArctic Scientist in Residency Fellowship application period extended until March 31
by Victoria OConnell 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Sitka Sound Science Center (*www.sitkascience.org <http://www.sitkascience.org>*) will hold 3 one-month Scientists in Residency Fellowships (SIRF) for mid-career scientists throughout the academic year in Sitka, a geographically isolated island community in Southeast Alaska. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation. The SIRF program brings polar and subarctic scientists to Sitka for one month mini sabbaticals to allow scientists time to work on completing data analysis, writing research results, thinking about new research questions and how their work can be integrated into other scientific work . At the same time the SIRF program will provide community engagement opportunities for scientists to give educational presentations in the schools and in a variety of public settings and to participate in science communication training. The purpose of these outreach activities is to help improve science literacy, provide opportunities for scientists to explain their research to the public and to give students insight into the many career paths available in science. The Fellowship is limited to US Citizens and is intended for mid-career scientists. The application period has been extended until March 31, 2015. www.sitkascience.org

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New publication on dolphin conceptive estrus behavior
by Holley Muraco 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Dear all We are pleased to share a new paper on dolphin conceptive estrus behavior published in Animal Behavior and Cognition. Conceptive Estrus Behavior in Three Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Holley Muraco1,*Stan A. Kuczaj II2 1Mississippi State University 2University of Southern Mississippi *Corresponding author (Email: holley(a)muraco.biz) Abstract - Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are a highly promiscuous species that routinely engage in socio-sexual interactions, yet relatively little has been reported about actual estrus behavior. For this study of three female dolphins located at two aquarium facilities, 20 reproductive behaviors were investigated during three conceptive estrous cycles with known endocrinology. Reproductive behaviors increased with estradiol levels and peak occurrences of behaviors were observed during the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Two novel behaviors were observed: (1) genital tracking, an investigatory-type behavior, and (2) immobility, a novel form of standing heat estrus. These behaviors appeared to communicate reproductive readiness and increased copulation success. A total of 314 occurrences of estrus behavior were recorded in 10 hours of footage from the three focal females, and copulation spanned from day -9 to day 0 in one dominant female. Sexual interactions during estrus included female-to-female, immature male-to-female, mature male-to-immature male and masturbation with toys. During estrus, focal females received more behavioral attention than they initiated, and passive and active dorsal fin mounting between females was the most frequent behavior. These dolphins showed behavioral patterns similar to those reported in estrus cows where genitals are nuzzled, females mount and are mounted by other females, and standing heat intensity increases as LH levels rise. Keywords - Dolphin, Behavior, Estrus, Reproduction, Conception, Copulation, Estrous Citation - Muraco, H., & Kuczaj, S. A. II. (2015). Conceptive estrus behavior in three bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Animal Behavior and Cognition, 2(1), 30-48. doi: 10.12966/abc.02.03.2015 The full paper can be downloaded at this link: http://abc.sciknow.org/archive_files/201501/03.Muraco_Kuczaj_FINAL.pdf Holley Muraco Zoological Reproductive Physiologist Email: <mailto:holley@muraco.biz> holley(a)muraco.biz Blog: <http://www.zooreproduction.com/blog/> http://www.zooreproduction.com/blog/ Twitter: @HolleyMuraco

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Blue Ocean Society- Research and Education Internships- Deadline March 15
by Dianna Schulte, Blue Ocean Society 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is accepting applications for Summer 2015 Research and Education Interns. Application deadline- March 15, 2015. Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is a nonprofit organization based in Portsmouth, NH, USA with a mission to protect marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine through education, research and conservation. We achieve our goals primarily through our core programs which include outreach/school programs, whale watch trips and beach cleanups. Blue Ocean Society's Research and Education Internship Program is a structured program designed to provide undergraduates and recent post-grads with hands-on experience in the field of whale research and marine conservation. Interns will be directly involved with contributing to our long-term studies of several wild cetacean species (humpback, fin, minke whales, etc) in the Gulf of Maine while working aboard commercial whale watching vessels departing from NH and northern MA. Responsibilities: . Collect detailed data (environmental and behavioral) on local marine species and marine debris . Interact with passengers of all ages and backgrounds . Enter data . Attend weekly meetings and lectures . Complete weekly reading assignments . Assist with beach cleanups . Assist with school/outreach programs (primarily in June) Qualifications: . Must possess a strong work ethic, have high attention to detail and the ability to work with limited supervision . Must be self-motivated, friendly and able to talk to small groups . Must be 18 or older . Preference is given to those who can commit to a minimum of at least 10 weeks . Must be available on weekends and holidays . Must be available to start by June 1, 2015 Prior experience is not required and all training is provided. Additional opportunities may be available to assist at our Blue Ocean Discovery Center in Hampton Beach, NH. This is an unpaid position. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Please visit <http://www.blueoceansociety.org/Jobs/intern.html> http://www.blueoceansociety.org/Jobs/intern.html for full Internship information. Details on how to apply can be found here <http://www.blueoceansociety.org/Jobs/app_forms.html> http://www.blueoceansociety.org/Jobs/app_forms.html. Application deadline is March 15, 2015. Dianna Schulte Research and Intern Coordinator Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation Gov. John Langdon House 143 Pleasant Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 Office: 603-431-0260 Email: <mailto:dianna@blueoceansociety.org> dianna(a)blueoceansociety.org <http://www.blueoceansociety.org/> www.blueoceansociety.org <http://www.facebook.com/blueoceansociety> Facebook | <http://www.twitter.com/blueoceansoc> Twitter

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Last remaining Marine Mammal Research and Intern Opportunity in Croatia
by mag. Darja Ribaric Vivamar 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Vivamar Society, founded in 2002, is offering the intern opportunity in the research activity of Bottlenose dolphins along the western coast off Istria, Croatia, in the heart of Europe. This is an excellent offer to students that would like to, besides doing a research, visit a new country, yet to help in conservation of the last remaining marine mammals in the NE Adriatic. The situation is interesting due to the growing anthropogenic pressures which need to be reported and spoken out by research, in order to reduce/prevent a subpopulation’s decline. VIVAMAR teams are small and can therefore offer intense connection between the team members and a dedicated attention of a researcher to the motivated students. The program comprises lectures on Marine Ecology, Marine Mammals of the Adriatic Sea, other large vertebrates in the Adriatic and their role for the Marine Ecosystem balance, daily research on the field, including learning of the methods, data analysis and possible engagement in Vivamar awareness activities to the local people. Along the interns will learn how to prepare and deliver the key messages, which might remain as a good learning experience also for the everyday life and later for the employment. The available team dates are (arrival & departure is within the week due to the airfare cost reduction): 1st TEAM 27th APR - 7th MAY 2nd TEAM 15th MAY - 25th MAY 5th TEAM 26th JUN - 6th JUL 6th TEAM 10th JUL - 20th JUL 8th TEAM 14th AUG - 24th AUG 9th TEAM 28th AUG - 7th SEP Vivamar is self financed society, therefore intern participation is crucial for the programme survival. Intern positions are therefore unpaid. The COST & DURATION The price for an 11 day intern team duration is 965 EUR. WHAT IS and is not INCLUDED This is an all-inclusive rate. The price doesn’t include the transportation to and from the research site and the health insurance. For more information please visit www.vivamar.org/en and write to info(a)vivamar.org to apply and obtain a welcome pack, logistic details, code of conduct and payment options (PayPal etc.). Required Qualifications and conditins for Interns ª min work on a programme 4-6 hours/day; you will work 8 days out of 11, ª strong interest in the study of marine mammals, positive attitude to the other team members, ª being able to recognize the importance of Dolphin conservation & research for the local Marine Ecosystem and through this Vivamar efforts in the area, ª independent work, as well as in the group, ª basic computer literacy in Microsoft Officem and possible ability in writing the reports (or at least a will to learn that); How to Apply Please send us an interest inquiry to <mailto:info@vivamar.org> info(a)vivamar.org along with the short CV summary and a cover letter describing your background experiences and interests... As a hint: less important, but not negligible, are the beautiful sites within the research area. An attractive geographical position will make a perfect possibility for a holiday extension. Meet you in this summer in Istria for Dolphin Conservation, DARJA RIBARIČ, MPhil in biol. President and Head researcher VIVAMAR Society for the Sustainable Development for the Sea Dolphin Research & Conservation / Marine Wildlife Awareness www.VIVAMAR.org/en <https://www.facebook.com/vivamar?ref=hl> e943ecc8-5be2-4768-a17e-1b829b908afe <https://twitter.com/infoVivamar> 541aa3ae-22f4-4ed9-bfd4-35cb8d8633b6 <https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=14368368&trk=nav_responsive_tab_pr…> 7b24d431-b33f-4266-8e00-6ec431907477 logo Recognised in the Ministry for Environment as being in the public interest 215-10/2007/4

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2015 Aquatic Ecosystem Health conference Abstract Deadline Extended!
by Thompson,Nina 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Please post to your list serve; The University of Florida’s Aquatic Animal health Program is pleased and excited to invite you to join us for the 2015 Aquatic Ecosystem Health conference consisting of two back-to-back meeting: the Fifth Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference, June 2-4 2015 directly following the Third International Symposium on Ranaviruses May 30-June 1 in Gainesville, Florida. The focus of the Fifth Marine Mammal Health Conference will be to discuss how Florida faces the same global challenges affecting aquatic ecosystems worldwide including development pressure, resource depletion, water quality deterioration, chemical contamination, biotoxin imbalance, trophic level disruption and an increasing number of marine animal mortality events. The Fifth Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference will bring together scientists, veterinarians, policy makers and students from throughout Florida to discuss environmental factors and their interrelationships with marine animal health, including: *Ecosystem health assessments and monitoring *Infectious diseases *Anthropogenic health stressors *Molecular techniques and immunology *Reproductive health *Conservation solutions * Role of government in ecosystem health In addition to oral presentations by experts and students, there will be Keynote addresses by Dr. Jan Landsberg (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) and Dr. John Reynolds (Mote Marine Laboratory), a panel discussion, and a poster session. The conference will be held at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center and there will also be a social networking event held at the Florida Museum of Natural History (http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/) We encourage all individuals with an interest in ecosystem health, wildlife diseases and marine mammal health to attend both meetings (http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/) Abstract submissions are due MARCH 8th, 2015. More information and instructions for abstract submission can be found on the conference website: (http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/marinemammal) In order to ensure that interested students and researchers are able to participate, we are seeking support and donations to help defer the travel costs of invited speakers, provide travel grants to students and research associates, as well as cover other expenses including program printing, rental fees, refreshments, light snacks, and lunches. If you are interested in being a sponsor for the Aquatic Ecosystem Health Conference or know someone who may, please visit our website for more information (http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/marinemammal/sponsor_ops.html) We hope to see you in Gainesville! Fifth Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference Organizing Committee Thank you, Nina Thompson Program Assistant/Biologist Aquatic Animal Health Program UF College Of Veterinary Medicine PO Box 100136 Gainesville, FL 32610 352-214-7133 (cell) 352‐294‐4198 (Office) [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig]

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Special Issue 41.1 of Aquatic Mammals now available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 26 Feb '15

26 Feb '15

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The most recent issue (volume 41, issue 1) of Aquatic Mammals is a special issue with articles related to "Biologically Important Areas for Cetaceans within U.S. Waters." Sponsored by NOAA Fisheries, the issue is available from the journal web site for free access and download. The issue is now available at this Aquatic Mammals journal link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate… Additionally, in early March, the issue can be found and downloaded at http://cetsound.noaa.gov/important The NOAA Cetsound site provides additional background information about the Biologically Important Areas (BIA) project, an interactive map for exploring and visualizing the BIAs, as well as the ability to download these products. The site also provides information on NOAA's Ocean Underwater Noise and Marine Life strategy and other tools that are available for both scientists and managers. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Thank you for your continued interest in the journal. We encourage you to read this special issue! With Regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D., Managing Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com and Sofie Van Parijs, Ph.D., Special Guest Editor sofie.vanparijs(a)noaa.gov

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Marine Mammal Observer Training Course running - March - Dorset UK
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 24 Feb '15

24 Feb '15

*We are pleased to announce our brand new training courses for 2015.* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* specialises in training, consultancy and supply of *Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)* / *Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) *worldwide. We are JNCC recognised/approved course for industry and research for the UKCS and have been running for over 12 years. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training of MMOs/MFOs including courses adapted/personalised to the requirements of our clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in all areas of the MMO/MFO line of work. Our specialised training is to ensure RESEARCH/INDUSTRY attains the best MMOs/MFOs they require for the specialised work, the outcome from our training, KNOWLEDGABLE, EFFICIENT and EFFECTIVE in the job and are prepared for ALL necessary actions. Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the quality standard of the MMO/MFO industry is gaining. Our training course dates are below and there are still places available for the *MARCH and APRIL *courses. Please note you must register and pay at the same time. We are holding the standard price until the 27th February for the March Course in the UK. NOTE: pre registering will NOT entitle you to the standard price the price coding will be at time of full and final payment. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. *MMO Training Course Dates in UK and Australia* *UK* March 16-19th - Standard pricing still available until the 27th February 2015 *Australia* April 20-23rd June 22-25th August 24-27th Sept 7-10th Nov 23-26th REGISTER NOW <http://www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/> *Register Online* Visit the website to register for the next MMO course. www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/ *Other Useful Links* Marine Mammal Observer Training on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Magazine on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Jobs on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammaljobs With regards, *Yvonne Miles* Managing Director yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.com www.scanningoceansectors.com www.marinemammaljobs.com -- Regards, Yvonne Miles *Managing Director* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* E: yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.com W: www.scanningoceansectors.com W: www.marinemammalobservertraining.com W: www.marinemammaljobs.com

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SEAMAMMS Early Registration Reminder
by Margaret C. Lynott 24 Feb '15

24 Feb '15

Just a reminder that early registration for the 2015 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) ends February 28th. For meeting details and to register please visit www.virginiaaquarium.com/conserve/SEAMAMMS<http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/conserve/SEAMAMMS> SEAMAMMS will take place March 27-29, 2015 in Virginia Beach, VA and will be hosted by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented, scientific marine mammal meeting. We hope to see you in March! Maggie Lynott Stranding Response Manager Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program 717 General Booth Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23451 mlynott(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:mlynott@virginiaaquarium.com> 757-385-6482 (desk) 757-437-4933 (fax)

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TMMSN Employment Opportunity - Assistant Stranding Coordinator
by hwhitehead＠tmmsn.org 24 Feb '15

24 Feb '15

Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Employment Opportunity Announcement - Assistant Stranding Coordinator (Full-time) February 23, 2015: The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is a non-profit 501C3 organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals through rescue and rehabilitation, research and education, along the Texas coast. Position: Assistant Stranding Coordinator Hours: Flexible hours including some weekends and holidays Application Deadline: March 1, 2015 TMMSN is currently seeking a full-time Assistant Stranding Coordinator for our marine mammal stranding program. Our program investigates marine mammal strandings along the Texas coast and collects information that is important to the advancement of knowledge and conservation of marine mammals (primarily cetaceans). The Assistant Stranding Coordinator position is a full-time temporary position without benefits that will work out of our Rehabilitation and Research Center in Galveston, TX. This position encompasses a variety of tasks, both in the field and in an office setting. Due to the unpredictable nature of stranding response work, weekly schedules may vary. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Assistance with: * First response to live marine mammal strandings, transports, live animal feeds, and rehab observation shifts * 24hr. stranding hotline coverage * Rehabilitation pool water quality * Recovery of dead marine mammal strandings in assigned area of coverage as needed including examination, data collection, necropsy, and tissue sampling according to TMMSN sampling protocol * Proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment following response * Coordinate disposal of marine mammal carcasses according to TMMSN protocol (e.g., scheduling rendering, burial, transport, etc.) * Submission of complete stranding forms, photo uploads, and 24 hr. reporting forms in a timely manner (i.e., within 24 hrs. of stranding) * Stranding database * Maintain electronic sample database for frozen and fixed samples including chain of custody management * Maintain organization of necropsy laboratory and supply inventory * Responsible for training and supervision of volunteers while in the field * Responsible for assistance with equipment and vehicle maintenance * Assistance with research projects * Communicates with the public or local agencies for coordination of response as needed * General office duties * Public outreach including fundraising events and education programs QUALIFICATIONS: * Physically fit, able to lift a minimum of 50-75 lbs., swim, walk long distances, work in hot and cold field conditions, tolerate strong odors * Ability to be on-call 24hrs * Ability to drive large 4WD truck and tow a large (25-30ft.) trailer * Preference given to applicants with the ability to operate personal watercraft, small boats, and ATV's, including launching and retrieval * Valid state of Texas driver's license * Proficient in basic computer programs such as the Microsoft Office Suite; particularly Microsoft Excel * Works professionally with the public and volunteers * Background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology or a related field OTHER: MUST be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends, and holidays. This position can require long days, including late night and early morning hours. Please understand that the level of stranding activity is not only physically demanding but can also be extremely unpredictable. As a result, there are no guarantees about the number of animals or species we will encounter. In addition, much of the work related can be classified as unpleasant due to the condition of the marine mammals found. HOW TO APPLY Please submit the following information electronically (PDF or Word document) by March 1st, 2015 to: Contact: Heidi Whitehead, Executive Director E-mail: hwhitehead(a)tmmsn.org-<mailto:hwhitehead@tmmsn.org-> Include "Assistant Stranding Coordinator" in Subject Line 1. Statement of Interest (brief, 250 word maximum) that describes: a) your professional interests and career goals, b) your reasons for applying for this position, c) why you should be selected for this position, and d) your availability in terms of flexible hours. 2. At least two professional references- list individuals capable of commenting on your professional qualifications. 3. Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, other activities you have been involved in, and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify. Please no phone calls regarding the position. Criminal background checks and verification of references will be completed. Heidi R. Whitehead Executive Director Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network 4700 Avenue U. Galveston, TX 77551 409.740.2200 voice 409-740-2207 fax www.DolphinRescue.org<http://www.DolphinRescue.org>

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