May 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Posting- Marine Mammal Specialist
by Braun, Katherine 13 May '16

13 May '16

Ecology and Environment, Inc. is a fully integrated environmental consulting firm committed to supporting sustainable development through responsible environmental stewardship. We are seeking a Marine Mammal Specialist for our Virginia Beach office to support project managers with a variety of offshore, energy, restoration, DOD, and other environmental projects. This position will be responsible for coordinating environmental and permitting documents, interacting with client and regulatory agencies, and coordinating staff work assignments. Our successful candidate must have strong technical research and writing skills with educational emphasis and experience in marine species biology and policy. Responsibilities: * Support project managers on a broad range of environmental projects including DOD and offshore energy projects primarily within the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico regions * Prepare environmental documentation/analyses and permit requests required under the ESA, MMPA, and NEPA * Ensure permitting compliance under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, specifically in securing Letters of Authorizations and/or Incidental Harassment Authorizations * Analyze potential impacts on marine species from proposed Navy and other offshore activities, including acoustical impacts to protected marine species (i.e. marine mammals, sea turtles, and fish species) and create appropriate mitigation and monitoring plans * Assess anthropogenic impacts on marine mammal populations including acoustic effects, vessel interactions, harassment, and cumulative impacts * Prepare environmental planning documents and outreach materials for federal and private clients. * Interact with regulatory, consulting, and industry organizations on marine mammal issues * Coordinate project work within a multi-disciplinary team Requirements: * 3-5 years of experience and a MS or 5-7 years of experience and a BS in Biology, Marine Biology, Marine Science, or related discipline; Master's Degree preferred * Experience supporting offshore environmental projects; environmental consulting experience preferred * Experience with environmental permitting in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico regions * Working knowledge of DOD/Navy and offshore energy policies/regulations, NOAA Fisheries acoustic criteria for protected marine species, and the principles of underwater acoustics * Knowledge of major federal statutes and implementing regulations, including NEPA, MMPA, ESA, CZMA * Experience preparing environmental documents for submission to NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, or Bureau of Ocean Energy Management a plus * Experience leading or conducting marine species surveys or as a Protected Species Observer a plus * Experience with project management, client relationship management, and interaction with regulatory agencies * Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills * Excellent verbal communication, technical writing and research skills * Ability to travel to support business needs E & E is its people. We are a knowledge based culture with an integrated staff of more than 85 scientific and engineering disciplines-a group of innovators who pave the way in implementing environmental solutions. E & E has been dedicated to environmental conservation and enhancement since our founding in 1970. E & E offers opportunities for growth in a team-oriented environment, with a competitive benefits package. Please view our website at www.ene.com<http://www.ene.com/> to apply on-line. Ecology and Environment, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Manatee GIS and Data Management Position at Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
by Koslovsky, Stacie 13 May '16

13 May '16

Position closing data is extended to Tuesday, May 24, 2016. Previous applicants do not need to reapply to be considered. Working Title: OPS FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST II Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02 Position Number: 77900909-51196773 Annual Salary Range: $16 per hour Announcement Type: Open Competitive City: SAINT PETERSBURG Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Pay Grade/ Pay Band: BB008 Closing Date: 5/24/2016 Job Description: This is a technical position that supports Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) scientists in managing tabular and spatial (GIS) data for research on the Florida manatee and its habitat. Specific manatee research conducted at FWRI includes population monitoring, carcass recovery and necropsy, telemetry, mark-recapture, and habitat characterization. The incumbent will interact and problem-solve with researchers and field station staff on various projects. The main responsibilities for this position are entering and verifying tabular and spatial data; assisting with the creation, maintenance, quality assurance and quality control of multiple databases; developing cartographic products and tabular data summaries for use in publications, reports, presentations and field research and for management purposes; assisting with metadata documentation and data archive; and locating, retrieving and compiling biological and environmental data. The person in this position will communicate technical information to coworkers, while maintaining a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units and with the Marine Mammal Program at FWRI. The person will occasionally participate in public outreach efforts and may have the opportunity to take part in a limited amount of field work, depending on interests, skills and program needs. Required Education: A Bachelor's degree with a major in one of the life or physical sciences. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Knowledge of GIS, relational databases and data management principles. * Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, or natural systems. * Skilled at using a personal computer, preferably including experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and ArcGIS 9.x or 10.x. * Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Qualified applicants will need to be organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated and adept at problem-solving and time management to succeed in this position. * Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Driver's License. Preferred Experience: Applicants having experience with SQL Server, Microsoft Lightswitch, Model Builder, Python and/or R may be given preference. Application Requirements: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77900909 in the keyword search field). Additionally, applicants are required to complete the additional application questions and are encouraged to attach a cover letter, resume and three references with their People First application by the closing date. Further supporting documentation may be submitted in People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida 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. 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 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. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. ________________________________________ Stacie Koslovsky Research Associate | Marine Mammals Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish & Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Ave. SE | St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-896-8626 x 4757

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2017 GoM Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference Call for Sessions
by suzanne garrett 13 May '16

13 May '16

The 2017 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference is now accepting submissions for scientific sessions. The 2017 conference theme, “Ecosystem Approaches to Gulf Response and Restoration,” encourages researchers to consider the application of their results to practical use. Looking across a broad range of disciplines, what have we learned about oil spills and their impacts that can reduce uncertainty, mitigate ecological, social and health impacts of a future spill, advance response strategies, and improve how we approach restoration? Using scientific research will be critical to informing planning, preparedness, response and recovery for future events, and connecting this to decision makers in the response and restoration communities will be key. The 2017 conference invites sessions focused on the following objectives: Restoration and recovery Oil spill response and management strategies Human dimensions Ecological impacts Long-term fate and impacts Breakdown and transport Data management Outreach and science communications The Deadline to submit a session proposal is June 24th, 2016.

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MMO/PAM/FLO required
by info＠geo-mar.com 13 May '16

13 May '16

Dear Marmam members, GMC has available positions for French /Arabic speaking consultants, with previous experience in the Mediterranean for an upcoming seismic survey: 2xMMO 2xPAM 2xFLO Please reply ASAP with your updated CV and availability, to the email address below: info(a)geo-mar.com <mailto:info@geo-mar.com> Regards, GMC Recruitment team

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Job Openings - Seal Rescue Ireland Management Positions
by Seal Rescue Ireland 12 May '16

12 May '16

Seal Rescue Ireland is now hiring for the following positions: 1. Project Manager (stipend position) 2. Animal Care Manager (potential free room and board) 3. Education Coordinator (volunteer position) available Seal Rescue Ireland's(SRI) is located in County Wexford Ireland. The organization’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned seals in Ireland. They strive to provide information and advice as well as promote public education and understanding of seals and the importance of the conservation of the marine environment. SRI is responsible for monitoring the entire coast of Ireland for stranded seals pups since it is the only rescue centre in Ireland that rehabilitates seals. The centre is busy year round with about 60-80 seals admitted annually and it also stays busy with a steady flow of visitors since the centre is open to the public and has an onsite education program. For more information about the organization, please visit <http://www.sealrescueireland.org> www.sealrescueireland.org To apply for the positions please send an email to Meadow Greenwood at sealrescueireland(a)gmail.com (Please name the Subject Line at the name of the position in which you are applying for) with your CV and a cover letter stating when you are available to start, why you wish to work at Seal Rescue Ireland, and why you are suited to the position. Applications for the Animal Care Manager position are due May 20th, Applications for the Project Manager position are due by May 26th, Applications for the Education Coordinator are due by June 1st. PROJECT MANAGER (please email us for a full job description before applying) Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Project Manager will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for Seal Rescue Ireland’s staff, programs, finances, expansion, animal care and execution of its mission. S/he will initially develop deep knowledge of the field, core programs, operations, and business plans. The main objective of this position is to manage all aspects of the facility and ensure the facility has adequate funds for operation. Candidates must have a strong work ethic and be passionate about the organization’s mission. Background experience with marine mammal medicine or similar roles is not required but is desired(the position is NOT an animal care position). This is a full time position with a stipend of €900/month yet the position has the potential of growing into a full time salaried pay position fairly quickly dependent on productivity of the candidate. Qualifications The Project Manager will be thoroughly committed to SRI’s mission. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching, and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include: · Advanced degree, with at least 1 year of management experience; track record of effectively leading businesses or organisations and staff; ability to point to specific examples of having developed and operationalized strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth. · Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation. · Excellence in organisational management with the ability to coach staff, manage and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives and manage a budget. The ability to multitask and handle multiple projects at once is a requirement. · Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing Board Member relationships. Not for Profit experience is desired. · Strong marketing, public relations and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures. · Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills. · Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning · Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people · Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed. · Animal care experience is preferred but not required. · Must be proficient in Microsoft programs such as Excel, Word and Powerpoint. · Public speaking skills are a requirement. ANIMAL CARE MANAGER (please email us for a full job description before applying) Reports to the Project Manager. There are 2 full time positions starting Aug 1st (somewhat flexible date) that are a contract position for a minimum of 6 months (visa assistance available for out of country candidates). Dependent on experience and availability, food and housing may be provided. Animal Care Managers are responsible for supervising the care of our wildlife patients which consist mostly of grey seal pups and common(harbour) seal pups. This includes setting up treatment plans, monitoring health, seal admins, administering medication and fluids, tube feeding, scheduling releases, applying for wildlife permits, maintaining seal database, etc. Additional non-animal related duties include managing our stranding network, supervising interns/volunteers, training new volunteers/interns, facility program management, facility maintenance, clerical management work, managing the volunteer house, assisting with the education program, assisting with the fundraising program, PR/Marketing work, volunteer/intern recruitment and more. We are looking for a well-rounded individual who is organized, who can juggle multiple duties/projects at once, and is proficient with Microsoft Programs. Candidates are REQUIRED to have previous experience in marine mammal rehab. Education Coordinator (please email us for a full job description before applying) Reports to the Project Manager. This is a volunteer position with a minimum commitment of 15hrs/week (or more) with a potential of working for commission on programs. This position is responsible for managing the SRI’s active education program. SRI has an offsite and on-site education program. The current education department has approximately 15 programs in which the coordinator will manage and promote. Development of new programs is desired. These programs cater to all age groups and abilities. The coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the success of all education programs, dealing with programs’ permits and paperwork, recruiting participants for ed programs, creating new programs, managing finances, developing lessons, scheduling events, helping with other SRI programs, helping the Project Manager as needed and much more. Applicant must pass a background check, be great with kids, be enthusiastic, have a strong work ethic, and be passionate about ocean conservation. Background/Schooling in marine biology or teaching is not required but preferred.

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Fall 2016 Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Victoria Howard 12 May '16

12 May '16

*Fall 2016 Marine Mammal Research Internship* The IMMS Research Internship Program located in Gulfport, MS is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. - *Principle Duties include*: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21’ and 31’ boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS - *Secondary Duties involve*: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours. - *Field days: *Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. *Deadline to Apply for the Summer Session (8/1/16 - 10/12/16 and 9/26/16 - 12/16/16) is June 1, 2016* *Please visit **http://imms.org/internship.php* <http://imms.org/internship.php>* for application and full details*

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River dolphin research Internship opportunity in Indonesia-deadline 22th May 2016
by Danielle Kreb 11 May '16

11 May '16

Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) is offering an internship opportunity to join our bi-annual monitoring surveys on the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin population in the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Our bi-annual population monitoring surveys using mark-recapture of photo-identified individuals has been running since 2005. Two extensive monitoring surveys covering dolphin habitat are planned between 1)16-25 August 2016, 2) 8-17 September 2016. The candidate is required to aid in the photo-identification analysis after each field survey, so the minimum required available period will be from 14 August until 1 October 2016. Other requirements include: 1) physically healthy as the field work will be carried out under tropical heat conditions, 2) good eye-sight and experienced with binoculars, 3) good motivation, 4) good concentration during working hours and patience, 5) have a health certificate that is valid abroad, 6) can pay for own accommodation and food while doing analysis at RASI office in Samarinda city. We can help arrange accommodation nearby our office for you. Accommodation incl. breakfast in Samarinda comes to about 300 USD for 2 months, whereas field accommodation is covered by RASI. Lunch or dinner prices may vary between 1.5-2 USD per meal. 7) experience with the computer program MARK is a plus but not required. If you are interested please send us your CV and motivation letter where you also asked to relate to the 6 requirements above. Deadline for applying is: Sunday, 22th of May 2016. All applicants will be notified by 30th of May at the latest. Thanks for your attention and interest, -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia *“To the dolphin alone, nature has given that which the best* *philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no* *need of help from any man, it is a genial friend to all and has helped mankind.”* *–Plutarch*

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New publication on the influence of geographic scale on marine tourism valuations.
by Coralie D'Lima 11 May '16

11 May '16

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication on the influence of geographic scale on marine tourism valuations. *Full citation:* D’Lima, C., Welters, R., Hamann, M., and Marsh, H. 2016. Using regional geographic scale substitution to value coastal wildlife tourism: implications for stakeholders, conservation and management. *Ocean & Coastal Management*. 128: 52-60. doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2016.04.019 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2016.04.019> *Abstract:* Marine and coastal wildlife tourism industries such as cetacean and shark tourism are increasing globally, as is the need to value and sustainably manage these industries. To reliably estimate expenditures attributable to wildlife tourism, it is important to consider the degree to which the target species can be substituted by other attractions in the same geographic area. However, the effect of substitution between coastal wildlife tourism industries and other geographically-connected tourist attractions across a broad region is typically neglected. We value a coastal wildlife tourism industry by considering the influence of substitution between wildlife tourism and other attractions, locally and regionally. Using surveys, we found that dolphin-watching at Chilika Lagoon was partially substituted by other attractions locally, and geographically neighbouring attractions in the region of Odisha (India). If dolphins are extirpated, stakeholders in Chilika and Odisha will lose, but neighbouring stakeholders gain. This approach is useful for: (1) estimating the value of coastal wildlife tourism where neighbouring attractions also draw tourists to a region, (2) identifying which stakeholders to target through conservation and management interventions. *The paper is freely available online at:* http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569116300758 *Or please contact me at:* coralie.dlima(a)my.jcu.edu.au or coralie.dlima(a)gmail.com Warm regards, Coralie D’Lima

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Influence of Manatees' Diving on Their Risk of Collision with Watercraft
by Edwards, Holly 11 May '16

11 May '16

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication entitled" Influence of Manatees' Diving on Their Risk of Collision with Watercraft" in the journal PLOS ONE. This manuscript can be downloaded at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0151450 Abstract: Watercraft pose a threat to endangered Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Mortality from watercraft collisions has adversely impacted the manatee population's growth rate, therefore reducing this threat is an important management goal. To assess factors that contribute to the risk of watercraft strikes to manatees, we studied the diving behavior of nine manatees carrying GPS tags and time-depth recorders in Tampa Bay, Florida, during winters 2002-2006. We applied a Bayesian formulation of generalized linear mixed models to depth data to model the probability (Pt) that manatees would be no deeper than 1.25 m from the water's surface as a function of behavioral and habitat covariates. Manatees above this threshold were considered to be within striking depth of a watercraft. Seventy-eight percent of depth records (individual range 62-86%) were within striking depth (mean = 1.09 m, max = 16.20 m), illustrating how vulnerable manatees are to strikes. In some circumstances manatees made consecutive dives to the bottom while traveling, even in areas >14 m, possibly to conserve energy. This is the first documentation of potential cost-efficient diving behavior in manatees. Manatees were at higher risk of being within striking depth in shallow water (<0.91 m), over seagrass, at night, and while stationary or moving slowly; they were less likely to be within striking depth when ≤50 m from a charted waterway. In shallow water the probability of a manatee being within striking depth was 0.96 (CI = 0.93-0.98) and decreased as water depth increased. The probability was greater over seagrass (Pt = 0.96, CI = 0.93-0.98) than over other substrates (Pt = 0.73, CI = 0.58-0.84). Quantitative approaches to assessing risk can improve the effectiveness of manatee conservation measures by helping identify areas for protection. ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>< Holly H. Edwards Ph.D. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Ave. SE, St Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727-896-8626 ext 4745, 727-502-4745 Fax: 727-893-9176 ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

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New publication on harbour porpoises in a tidal-stream habitat
by Steven Benjamins 11 May '16

11 May '16

Dear colleagues,On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to announce the following new publication: Benjamins, S., Dale, A., van Geel, N., & Wilson, B.(2016) Riding the tide: use of a moving tidal-stream habitat by harbourporpoises. Marine Ecology Progress Series 549: 275-288 + Supplementary Material. DOI: 10.3354/meps11677. Abstract: Tidal-stream habitats present periodically fast-flowing, turbulent conditions. Evidence suggests that these conditions benefit top predators such as harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena, presumably allowing them to optimise exploitation of prey resources. However, clear demonstration of this relationship is complicated by the fact that strong tidal flows often occur near-simultaneously across a wide area. The Great Race of the Gulf of Corryvreckan (western Scotland, UK) is a jetting tidal system where high-energy conditions persist across a broad range of tidal phases in a localised, moving patch of water. Porpoises can therefore actively enter or avoid this habitat, facilitating study of their usage of adjacent high- and low-energy environments. The distribution of harbour porpoises was studied using passive acoustic porpoise detectors (C‑PODs) deployed on static moorings (~35 d) and on Lagrangian drifters moving freely with the current (up to ~48 h). This dual approach provided complementary perspectives on porpoise presence. C-PODs moored in the path of the Great Race registered a significant increase in detections during the passing of the energetic tidal jet. Encounter durations recorded by drifting C-PODs were longer than those recorded by moored C-PODs, suggesting that porpoises tended to move downstream with the flow rather than remaining stationary relative to the seabed or moving upstream. The energetic, turbulent conditions of the Great Race are clearly attractive to porpoises, and they track its movement with time; however, their structured movements in response to the evolving tidal situation cannot simply be represented as a direct relationship between current speed and porpoise presence. The publication is available online (http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v549/p275-288/) or by request (Steven.Benjamins(a)sams.ac.uk) Regards, Steven Benjamins Dr. Steven BenjaminsResearchAssociate in Marine Vertebrate EcologySAMS (ScottishAssociation for Marine Science) Oban ArgyllScotlandUK PA37 1QA Tel: +44(0)1631-559449 (office)Tel:+44(0)1631-559000 (switchboard) Fax: +44(0)1631-559001 E-mail address: Steven.Benjamins(a)sams.ac.uk http://www.sams.ac.uk

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