August 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

ZP-3 Vacancies in HQ Office of Protected Resources
by Kristine Petersen - NOAA Federal 25 Aug '15

25 Aug '15

Greetings! Our ZP-3 Biologist (Endangered Species) vacancy announcement has published on USAJobs. We currently have two vacancies that will be filled from this recruitment. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/411874300 Job Announcement Number: PH-15-LH-1473694 (DE/MP)Control Number: 411874300 *It is open until September 7, 2015 **to merit promotion candidates as well as U.S. Citizens and Nationals.* *Please help us distribute this announcement widely!* Regards, Kris -- *Kristine Petersen* Deputy Chief, ESA Interagency Cooperation Division Office of Protected Resources NOAA Fisheries U.S. Department of Commerce Office: (301) 427-8453 Mobile: (240) 595-1963 kristine.petersen(a)noaa.gov <first.last(a)noaa.gov>

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Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships - Winter 2016
by Katie McHugh 25 Aug '15

25 Aug '15

*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships Winter 2016 - Deadline September 1st* 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 selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year: * Winter/Spring (positions January to April, applications due to Mote by September 1st); * Summer (positions mid-May to August, applications due to Mote by March 1st); * Fall (positions September to December, applications due to Mote by June 1st). All internships must be a minimum of 10 weeks of participation, but ideally will run for 12-16 weeks. Please note that we typically only seek 2-4 interns for each session and that we receive many more applications than we have openings – the selection process is very competitive.Successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1)*Dolphin population monitoring project**:*(/YEAR ROUND/) This study continues to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay and vicinity. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups during 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 weeks per month), work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, computer data entry and double-checking, logging of videos into database and archives, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog updates, boat and field equipment maintenance, and other duties. 2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT ONLY/) This study uses 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 and collection of other environmental data. Interns typically participate in this project 2-3 days per month. 3)*Other projects* (/TBD/)Interns may participate in other research projects, depending on availability and timing of grant funding for specific projects.Interns may also be asked to assist with dolphin rescues. 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 financial compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $95/week). A few scholarships may be 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 or graduate studies; * A background or degree in marine biology, biology, ecology, zoology, wildlife, fisheries, or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); * Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English; * Must be physically fit and able to swim; * Must be able to work effectively as part of a team; * Some prior field research experience preferred but not required; * 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 (http://mote.org/research/internships) and 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 /(incomplete applications will not be considered); 3) Send an email to SDRP Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, PhD, _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, Chicago Zoological Society, 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 will be given first priority. Applicants may contact Dr. 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 engaging in graduate studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with Program Director Randall Wells, PhD, upon acceptance into the program.There is no assurance that participation as an intern with the SDRP will lead to graduate research program opportunities. -- ************************************ Katherine McHugh Staff 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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New publication on bottlenose dolphin behaviour in Argentina
by Els Vermeulen 25 Aug '15

25 Aug '15

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following article: Vermeulen, E., Holsbeek, L., Das, K. 2015. Diurnal and Seasonal Variation in the Behaviour of Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Bahía San Antonio, Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 41(3), 272-283. DOI 10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.272 ABSTRACT: Diurnal and seasonal patterns in the behaviour of a small population of bottlenose dolphins were assessed in Bahía San Antonio (BSA), Patagonia, Argentina, between 2006 and 2011. Results indicated that dolphins used the study area mainly to rest, travel, and forage, with a marked diurnal and seasonal pattern in their activity. During the early morning, most dolphin groups were resting, while towards the afternoon and evening, surface feeding and social activities peaked. During winter, social activities and surface feeding increased notably; during summer, diving behaviour reached its peak, presumably associated with a tail-out/peduncle-dive foraging strategy. The observed seasonal variation in foraging strategies is hypothesised to be related to the seasonal behavioural changes of prey species in the area that are linked to spawning. The variation in group size further appears to reflect the regulation of feeding competition while reconfirming the low predation risk within the study area. Results of this study indicate the behavioural and social flexibility of bottlenose dolphins in BSA and suggest a link to the seasonal variations in prey availability. Considering the general bottlenose dolphin population declines in Argentina presumably related to prey depletion, it could be argued that the temporal occurrence of spawning shoals and a general low presence of other top predators directly and indirectly make this a favourable area for this population. Additional information is required to more comprehensively address this hypothesis. The information presented herein serves as vital baseline data for future conservation management protocols. This article can be downloaded from www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org or requested by email: elsvermeulen5(a)gmail.com or els(a)whalefish.org Kind regards, Els ---------------------------------------- Els Vermeulen, PhD Marine Mammal Biologist SANCOR Post-doctoral fellow - University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa Co-director, Sea Search, Cape Town, South Africa - www.seasearch.co.za Co-director, Whalefish - www.whalefish.org Cell: +27 (0)60 9714301

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New Article: Population Genetics of Franciscana Dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei): Introducing a New Population from the Southern Edge of Their Distribution
by Lic. Maria Constanza Gariboldi 24 Aug '15

24 Aug '15

Dear Colleagues, We would like to announce the recent publication: Gariboldi MC, Túnez JI, Dejean CB, Failla M, Vitullo AD, Negri MF, Cappozzo HL. 2015. Population Genetics of Franciscana Dolphins (*Pontoporia blainvillei*): Introducing a New Population from the Southern Edge of Their Distribution. PLoS ONE 10(7):e0132854. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0132854. Abstract: Due to anthropogenic factors, the franciscana dolphin, *Pontoporia blainvillei*, is the most threatened small cetacean on the Atlantic coast of South America. Four Franciscana Management Areas have been proposed: Espiritu Santo to Rio de Janeiro (FMA I), São Paulo to Santa Catarina (FMA II), Rio Grande do Sul to Uruguay (FMA III), and Argentina (FMA IV). Further genetic studies distinguished additional populations within these FMAs. We analyzed the population structure, phylogeography, and demographic history in the southernmost portion of the species range. From the analysis of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences, 5 novel haplotypes were found, totalizing 60 haplotypes for the entire distribution range. The haplotype network did not show an apparent phylogeographical signal for the southern FMAs. Two populations were identified: Monte Hermoso (MH) and Necochea (NC)+Claromecó (CL)+Río Negro (RN). The low levels of genetic variability, the relative constant size over time, and the low levels of gene flow may indicate that MH has been colonized by a few maternal lineages and became isolated from geographically close populations. The apparent increase in NC+CL+RN size would be consistent with the higher genetic variability found, since genetic diversity is generally higher in older and expanding populations. Additionally, RN may have experienced a recent split from CL and NC; current high levels of gene flow may be occurring between the latter ones. FMA IV would comprise four franciscana dolphin populations: Samborombón West+Samborombón South, Cabo San Antonio+Buenos Aires East, NC+CL+Buenos Aires Southwest+RN and MH. Results achieved in this study need to be taken into account in order to ensure the long-term survival of the species. The article can be downloaded from: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0132854 Kind regards, Constanza -- Lic. María Constanza Gariboldi Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico - CEBBAD Universidad Maimónides Hidalgo 775 6to piso (1405) Tel: 4905 1197 Fax: 4905 1133

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NMFS Alaska Job Posting
by Jon Kurland - NOAA Federal 24 Aug '15

24 Aug '15

Please post the following. Thank you! The NMFS Alaska Region, Protected Resources Division, currently has two job opportunities available. The division is responsible for management of a variety of protected species including whales, fur seals, ice seals, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions. Both positions will be located in Juneau. Marine Mammal Specialist, ZP 401 band III (GS 11/12 equivalent) Resource Management Specialist, ZP 401 band III (GS 11/12 equivalent) The people hired for these two positions both will work in a team environment to conduct analyses and implement conservation actions to promote the management and recovery of protected species under the ESA and MMPA. The duties for the two jobs will be similar, including tasks such as such as ESA section 7 consultations, status reviews, responses to petitions for listing, and co-management with Alaska Native organizations under the MMPA. The Marine Mammal Specialist's duties will include working with stakeholders to avoid or minimize harassment of marine mammals due to vessel disturbance and other human activities. The Resource Management Specialist's duties will include conducting analyses regarding the impacts of commercial fisheries on marine mammals. For both jobs we're looking for people with excellent project management, analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills, and hopefully having experience with the MMPA and ESA. Both of these positions are being advertised for status and non-status applicants. These announcements will be open from August 25 through September 1. Here are the links: Marine Mammal Specialist, ZP-401-03: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ ViewDetails/408075200 Resource Management Specialist, ZP-401-03: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/408833600 Please share with anyone who may be interested. Anyone with questions, please feel free to contact Aleria Jensen (aleria.jensen(a)noaa.gov, 907-586-7248) or me (jon.kurland(a)noaa.gov, 907-586-7638). Thanks! Jon Kurland Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected Resources NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Region

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Job Announcement: Right Whale Observers – Florida, USA
by Pitchford, Tom 24 Aug '15

24 Aug '15

North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer Positions (Seasonal) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Section: Wildlife Research – Marine Mammals Job Title: OPS Biological Scientist I Job Location: St. Augustine, FL (St. Johns County) Rate of Pay: $16.00; 40 hrs/week including weekends and holidays Closing Date: 9/6/2015 Observer positions are temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. Anticipated end date for this position is 4/1/2015. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: FWC’s FWRI conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale population. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. Observers collect in-flight survey data and right whale photo-documentation and assist with photo-identification and data entry, analyses, and archival tasks. Observers also provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and must communicate effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as well as the general public. Observers may also assist with vessel based photo-identification, multi-agency genetic sampling effort, field necropsies of right whales, and disentanglement. Prior to the start of surveys on December 1st (dates TBA), applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training as well as training to introduce the skills and responsibilities of an observer with FWC’s North Atlantic right whale program. Applicants must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and evenings. Observer positions are temporary/seasonal and contingent upon funding. QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited university is required. Applicant must be able to: work and share accommodations in a team environment, utilize problem solving techniques, excel under adverse field conditions, endure a full day in a small aircraft, and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. Previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience and photo-identification knowledge and skills are strongly desired. Applicants should also have experience in database entry and photographic management software as well as familiarity and knowledge of digital cameras and zoom lenses. TO APPLY: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com . Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter highlighting their qualifications for this position along with a copy of their resume or CV with professional references. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, please call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. (TTY applicants call 1-866-221-0268). If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at 1-888-403-2110. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. E-Verify will be used to verify work authorization and identity. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan -mandatory * Workers’ Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program – voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights

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Mystic Aquarium Internship Postings
by Freeman, Kathleen 24 Aug '15

24 Aug '15

Would it be possible to please post the following internship positions? Thank you, Kathy Animal Husbandry Internships Mystic Aquarium's intern program is designed to provide college students and recent college graduates with a dynamic educational opportunity while simultaneously providing career experience. Our unique program combines independent project research, public educational outreach, and work experience in the department of choice; all under the guidance of an aquarium supervisor. We accept 1-3 interns per semester in each department, allowing a close working relationship between intern and accomplished aquarium staff. Internships are available in departments working with Fish and Invertebrates, Steller Sea Lions, Beluga Whales, California Sea Lions, African Penguins, reptiles, and more! Application deadlines are: Spring Semester-September 30; Summer Semester-January 31; Fall Semester-May 31. For complete application instructions go to our website, http://www.mysticaquarium.org/get-involved/internships. Research Internships Mystic Aquarium has a long history of conducting high quality research. Much of this research has contributed to the advancement of husbandry techniques for animals in an aquarium setting as well as improvements in aquatic animal medicine. Internships are available within our Research department involving detailed analysis of behavior, specimens, data records and a combination of field, in-house, and laboratory-based research projects that focus on animal behavior, ecology, infectious disease, neuro-immunology, and physiology. Application deadlines are: Spring Semester-September 30; Summer Semester-January 31; Fall Semester-May 31. For complete application instructions go to our website, http://www.mysticaquarium.org/get-involved/internships. Education, Water Quality, Life Support and More! Mystic Aquarium's intern program is designed to provide college students and recent college graduates with a dynamic educational opportunity while simultaneously providing career experience. Our unique program combines independent project research, public educational outreach, and work experience in the department of choice; all under the guidance of an aquarium supervisor. We accept 1-3 interns per semester in each department, allowing a close working relationship between intern and accomplished aquarium staff. Internships are available in various departments including Education, Water Quality, Life Support, Media & Public Relations, Marketing, and more! Application deadlines are: Spring Semester-September 30; Summer Semester-January 31; Fall Semester- May 31. Complete application instructions may be found on our website, http://www.mysticaquarium.org/get-involved/internships. Kathleen Freeman Internship Coordinator & Mission Programs Administrator Human Resources Department / Mission Programs Phone | 860-572-5955 Ext 306 kfreeman(a)mysticaquarium.org<mailto:kfreeman@mysticaquarium.org> www.mysticaquarium.org<http://www.mysticaquarium.org/> [cid:image001.jpg@01D06AE5.5079F7D0] [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: FBicon]<http://www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium>[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: twitterlogo]<http://twitter.com/mysticaquarium>[Description: cid:image007.png@01CBE934.31FFF3E0]<http://www.youtube.com/user/MysticAquarium>

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Manatee Field Biologist, Melbourne, FL
by Reinert, Tom 24 Aug '15

24 Aug '15

Wildlife Research - Marine Mammals (Manatees) TITLE: OPS Biological Scientist I POSITION #: 77902141 LOCATION: Melbourne, FL (Brevard County) RATE OF PAY: $13.00/hour, 40 hours/week DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: Duties include but are not limited to recovery of manatee carcasses from a six county area on the central East Coast of Florida (Brevard, Indian River, southern Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola). Conduct necropsies on badly decomposed manatee carcasses and transport fresh to moderately decomposed manatee carcasses to the necropsy facility in St. Petersburg. Participate in manatee rescues, including coordination of capture and transportation of injured manatees to the appropriate rehabilitation facility. Conduct aerial surveys of manatees, track radio-tagged manatees and photograph manatees for photo identification purposes. Participate in aerial verification and/or documentation flights for the North Atlantic right whale. Participate in data entry, office work, cleaning of equipment, maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and trailers, and public outreach including working with the media. Work long, unscheduled hours on short notice that include some evenings, weekends and holidays. Regular schedule may include weekends. Overnight trips within the state also may be required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the biological sciences. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Applicant must obtain boater safety certification within the first six months of employment. Applicant must be able to swim proficiently. Field work is highly physical and applicant must be willing and able to lift 50 lbs on a regular basis. Must have the ability to work both as a team member as well as independently in various field situations. Must be able to work under adverse field conditions, potentially nights, on weekends and holidays. Must be able to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships; think logically and apply problem-solving techniques; effectively communicate verbally and in writing; and maintain a valid driver's License. Must have a clean record to pass a required Homeland Security clearance for some areas within our coverage. Applicants must be detail oriented, have a strong work ethic, and be self-motivated. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Marine mammal stranding-response experience is preferred. Knowledge and the ability to use personal computers, field gear, and cameras are highly desired. Demonstrable ability to safely operate and trailer boats less than 30 feet in length is also highly desired. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan* - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (upon availability and you must meet eligibility requirements) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please submit a current resume, three references, and a cover letter along with your State of Florida Employment Application electronically in People First: http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/> Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) or faxed to 1-888-403-2110 by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted in People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at 1-888-403-2110. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. An Employment Eligibility Verification Check will be conducted in the E-Verify System which is a federal government electronic database that confirms the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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Second Mares Conference on Marine Ecosystems Health and Conservation
by Mares Conference Coordination Office 24 Aug '15

24 Aug '15

Dear all, The MARES Consortium and EuroMarine Network are pleased to invite you to participate in the second Mares Conference on Marine Ecosystems Health and Conservation. Call for abstracts is open until the 7th September 2015 at www.maresconference.eu/submit/abstract <http://www.maresconference.eu/submit/abstract> Early bird registration is open until the 29th October 2015 at www.maresconference.eu/registration <http://www.maresconference.eu/registration> The second Mares Conference will be held from 1st- 5th February, 2016 in Olhão, Portugal and is expected to attract around 200 attendees from across the world. It presents a unique opportunity to bring together marine researchers, scientists, educators and policymakers to address the key issues regarding marine ecosystems health and conservation. The conference will be dynamic and innovative, by providing a mixture of oral presentations, scientific exhibitions and training workshops. Throughout the conference scientific sessions and exhibitions, the following six thematic subjects will be explored and keynote speakers will present on each theme: Future oceans: temperature changes - hypoxia - acidification - Professor Jean-Pierre Gattuso Understanding biodiversity effects on the functioning of marine ecosystems - Professor Steve Widdicombe Biological invasions - Professor Anna Occhipinti Ambrogi Natural resources: overexploitation, fisheries and aquaculture - Dr Jake Rice Ocean noise pollution - René Dekeling Habitat loss, urban development, coastal infrastructures and marine spatial planning - Dr Tundi Agardy Further details regarding the conference venue, keynote speakers, scientific programme and training workshops are available on the Mares Conference webpage or visit the conference Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you in Olhão. Kind regards, On behalf of the organising committee, Katherine Brownlie Mares Conference Coordination Office Ghent University Marine Biology Research Group Krijgslaan 281/S8 B-9000 Gent, Belgium Phone: +32 9 264 85 26 <mailto:info@maresconference.eu> info(a)maresconference.eu <http://www.maresconference.eu/> www.maresconference.eu

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Call for short presentations: World Whale Conference
by Dylan Walker 23 Aug '15

23 Aug '15

Dear Marmamers, The programme for the WCA World Whale Conference and Whale Heritage Sites Summit, to be held in Faial, Azores, Portugal, 26-30 October, is now available here: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/conference-programme/ The Conference will include the following four symposia, each of which will begin with a series of short presentations to inspire discussion and debate. If you would like to submit a proposal to give a short presentation at the conference (five minutes plus questions) please email Lauren Horncastle at: lauren(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org The four symposia for which presentations are requested are: 1. CETACEAN CAPTIVITY: BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE GLOBAL NETWORK 2. GHOST NETS / PORPOISE ENTANGLEMENT 3. BEAKED WHALE RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION 4. RESPONSIBLE WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING – WITH A FOCUS ON THE AZORES We look forward to hearing from presenters. Regards, Dylan Walker *WCA Secretariat* *Without collaboration we will achieve nothing more than a drop in the ocean. ~ Jean-Michel Cousteau, Honorary President, WCA* *WCA, Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK * *Office: +44(0)1273 355011 <%2B44%280%291273%20355011>. Mob: +44(0)7900 471490 <%2B44%280%297900%20471490> * *www.worldcetaceanalliance.org <http://www.worldcetaceanalliance.org>*

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