- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Participants needed for humpback whale research in Nicaragua in February 2007
by John Calambokidis 04 Jan '07

04 Jan '07

Cascadia Research is seeking participants for a research expedition to study humpback whales in Nicaragua in February 2007. This is part of a long-term research program on humpback whales in Central America. Past work has been focused in Costa Rica (including trips sponsored by Oceanic Society) and only in the last 2 years has a more extensive effort been attempted in Nicaragua as part of the SPLASH research project. Past reports and publications on this research are available at Cascadia's web site (downloadable reports at http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/reports/onlinereports.htm) We are seeking participants for two week-long trips in February. Our primary trip will be 17-23 February 2007 with a trip on 10-17 February if the primary trip fills up. Daily trips will be taken in two boats to find, photo-identify, and acoustically record, humpback whales in the Pacific Ocean along the northern coast of Nicaragua. Participants will assist with sightings, recording data, taking photographs, monitoring weather, and making recordings. There will be nightly lectures and research wrap-ups. Food and accommodations are rather luxurious at a very nice resort based on a small lagoon in a remote area of northern Nicaragua. Costs of the trips cover all transportation, lodging, and meals starting in Managua as well as support the research effort. Full details on the trips are available at the Cascadia Research web site (www.cascadiaresearch.org <http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/> then follow link to Nicaragua research). For more information contact: John Calambokidis Research Biologist Cascadia Research 218 1/2 W 4th Ave. Olympia, WA 98501 Phone 360-943-7325 Email: calambokidis(a)cascadiaresearch.org Web site: www.cascadiaresearch.org

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5th International Coastal & Marine Tourism Congress (CMT'07)
by Michael Luck 03 Jan '07

03 Jan '07

Kia Ora MARMAMers this is just a quick reminder that full paper abstracts for the 5th International Coastal & Marine Tourism Congress (CMT'07) in September are due on February 16. Abstracts must be submitted via the CMT website, where you also find all necessary information regarding formatting, deadlines, and the CMT'07 in general: http://nztri.aut.ac.nz/cmt2007/pages/index.php We are very much looking forward to welcoming you in Auckland in September! All the Best for 2007 micha (for the Organising Committee)

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Call for Craneometry Standard Protocol
by Mario A. Pardo 03 Jan '07

03 Jan '07

Dear all, I need to make a craneometry of a false killer whale. Have any of you a standard protocol? Thank you, -- Mario A. Pardo Marine Biologist. B.Sc. Colombia biomario(a)gmail.com http://biomario.googlepages.com/

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MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING RESPONSE INTERNSHIP
by Cynthia Reyes 02 Jan '07

02 Jan '07

Please post the following, thank you: MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING RESPONSE INTERNSHIP Spring & Summer 2007 The California Wildlife Center in Malibu, California, seeks applicants for spring and summer internships working with stranded marine mammals. These are part time 8-week internship positions beginning March 15th (spring session) and May 15th (summer session). There is some flexibility of start dates. The internships are unpaid positions and interns are responsible for all housing and travel expenses. Intern housing may be available for qualified applicants. Summary/Program Description: The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital. This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal field, while also allowing for additional hands-on experience with other native California wildlife. The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff in all aspects of stranding response, including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint, transport to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility, and public relations. In addition, interns will provide support to CWC Hospital staff in animal husbandry tasks for avian and terrestrial wildlife. 1. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Spring internships are 3 days a week, 24 hours per week for 8 weeks. Summer internships are 4 days a week, 32 hours per week for 8 weeks. Due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal stranding response, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. Interns must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. Interns will be required to have good physical strength and the ability to lift/carry 50 lbs. Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment. Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required. Under supervision of Marine Mammal staff, duties will include: * Answering and responding to all calls, pages and messages concerning marine mammals in a timely and courteous manner * Assessing stranded marine mammals * Coordinating and leading responder team in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals needing medical attention * Coordinating transport of stranded marine mammals to the rehabilitation facility * Completion of NMFS Level A data sheets. Maintaining detailed database records of Malibu strandings, including reports of stranding, human interaction issues, etc. * Assist with marine mammal necropsy and sample collection * Ensuring marine mammal-designated equipment is kept in clean working order * Maintaining good rapport with representatives of various public agencies Application Process Interested individuals must send the following: * Letter of intent (please indicate which session [Spring or Summer] you would like to apply for) * Resume * Two letters of reference Submit the above items via regular mail or email (preferred) to: California Wildlife Center Attn: Cynthia Reyes P.O. Box 2022 Malibu, California 90265 Email: Cynthia(a)californiawildlifecenter.org The application submission deadline is February 5, 2007. If you have any further questions, contact Cynthia Reyes at (818)222-2658 or via email at Cynthia(a)californiawildlifecenter.org. If you would like to find out more about our Organization, please visit our website at http://www.californiawildlifecenter.org Cynthia Reyes Director, Marine Mammal Response California Wildlife Center Phone: (818)222-2658 Hotline: (310)458-WILD ·´¯`·.¸¸..><((((º>.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸ ..¸<º))))><`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.<º))))><.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. <º))))><¸.·´¯`·.¸.

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Marine Mammal Internship-Summer & Fall 2007, Spring 2008
by Jenn Tackaberry 02 Jan '07

02 Jan '07

Marine Mammal Research Internships (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/intern.htm) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the summer (May 21-August 24) and fall (August 20 - December 21) semester of 2007 and for the spring (January 28 - May 23) semester of 2008. Please note: All positions are filled in the spring of each year. The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification and computer work (training provided), field data collection aboard commercial whale watching vessels and our 27' research vessel Silver II, attendance at necropsies (whale autopsies), marine mammal stranding response, harbor seal surveys and attendance at conferences and meetings. A fee of $1000 for the period will be charge and in return interns will receive housing and a $30 weekly food stipend. A common apartment is used, where interns live together and share cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with one other person. A living arrangement such as this is conductive to open discussion and interaction between peers and home life is often a continuation of the day in the field. Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. Internship applicants should have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work, live and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or lab * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for an internship: please send a resume, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, one letter of reference, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview will be arranged. In-person interviews are preferred, necessitating travel to Gloucester, MA, during one of two weekends in March 2007 (10th-11th & 24th-25th). All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2007. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Because of an increased work calendar during the summer session, volunteer positions are also available. Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to the intern coordinator: Jennifer Tackaberry P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) jenn(a)whalecenter.org

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New publications week 50
by Jan Herrmann 30 Dec '06

30 Dec '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 50 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Thanks to all of you who sent in reprints to be included in the weekly announcements. Kindest Regards and a happy new year, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Guo, J. (2006): WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: River Dolphins Down for the Count, and Perhaps Out. Science 314(5807): 1860. McCormick, J.G. (2007): Behavioral Observations of Sleep and Anesthesia in the Dolphin: Implications for Bispectral Index Monitoring of Unihemispheric Effects in Dolphins. Anesthesia & Analgesia 104(1): 239-241. Noda, K. et al. (2006): Effect of bovine lactoferrin on the immune responses of captive bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) being transported over long distances. The Veterinary Record 159(26): 885-888. Du, B. and D. Wang (2006): C-values of Seven Marine Mammal Species Determined by Flow Cytometry. Zoological Science 23(11): 1017-1020. McDonald, W.L. et al. (2006): Characterization of a Brucella sp. Strain as a Marine-Mammal Type despite Isolation from a Patient with Spinal Osteomyelitis in New Zealand. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 44(12): 4363-4370. PINNIPEDIA Crawford, R.J.M. et al. (2007): Trends in numbers of Cape gannets (Morus capensis), 1956/1957-2005/2006, with a consideration of the influence of food and other factors. ICES Journal of Marine Science 64(1): 169-177. Hoffman, J.I., S. Steinfartz, and J.B.W. Wolf (2007): Ten novel dinucleotide microsatellite loci cloned from the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) are polymorphic in other pinniped species. Molecular Ecology Notes 7(1): 103-105. Kowalewsky, S. et al. (2006): High olfactory sensitivity for dimethyl sulphide in harbour seals. Biology Letters 2(1): 106-109. Kretzmann, M. et al. (2006): Microsatellite Diversity and Fitness in Stranded Juvenile Harp Seals (Phoca groenlandica). Journal of Heredity 97(6): 555-560. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Turvey, S.T. and C.L. Risley (2006): Modelling the extinction of Steller's sea cow. Biology Letters 2(1): 94-97. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Vacancy for an experienced marine mammal scientist
by Christina Lockyer 29 Dec '06

29 Dec '06

The NAMMCO Secretariat would like to draw MARMAM subscribers' attention to the position opening in April 2007. The details are provided below. Please be sure to reply only to the addresses provided in the advertisement and not to MARMAM. North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Vacancy Announcement - SCIENTIFIC SECRETARY The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) invites applications for the position of Scientific Secretary at the NAMMCO Secretariat, which is located at the Polar Environment Centre in Tromsø, Norway. NAMMCO is an inter-governmental body established in 1992 with the purpose of contributing, through regional consultation and cooperation, to the conservation, rational management and study of marine mammals in the North Atlantic. Member countries of the Commission are Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The Commission is made up of a Council, Management Committees and a Scientific Committee, which meet on an annual basis. The Scientific Committee, to which each member country appoints 3 scientific experts, provides scientific advice based on requests forwarded to it by the Council. The NAMMCO Secretariat currently has a permanent staff of three - the General Secretary, the Scientific Secretary and the Administrative Assistant. Additional staff are recruited on a short-term, project basis to assist with specific activities, when required. The main responsibility of the Scientific Secretary is to coordinate the work of the Scientific Committee and its Working Groups, including organisation of meetings, preparation of meeting documents and Committee and Working Group reports. In addition, the Scientific Secretary is responsible for the technical editing and preparation for publication of the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series, in collaboration with scientific editors appointed for each volume. The Scientific Secretary is also responsible for the further development and maintenance of marine mammal catch and reference databases in the Secretariat, as well as the regular updating and editing, in liaison with the Scientific Committee, of a status report on marine mammals in the North Atlantic for the reference of the Commission. As a part of a small international team, the Scientific Secretary will also be expected to assist, as appropriate, with other areas of the Commission's work, as may be determined by the General Secretary. The position will normally involve a minimum of three weeks overseas travel per year in connection with meetings, which rotate between member countries. The successful candidate should have: - a higher degree in a relevant field of natural or social science; - demonstrated experience in administration and familiarity with scientific cooperation through international organisations. A background in wildlife and/or fisheries biology would be an advantage; - fluency in written and spoken English and experience with the preparation and editing in English of reports and publications. A working knowledge of a Nordic language would be an advantage; - excellent communication skills, flexibility and the ability to work cooperatively and independently; - relevant skills in the use of modern data systems and the internet. The position of Scientific Secretary is for a four-year period, with the possibility of extension at the end of this term. The Scientific Secretary is appointed by the Council, and is responsible to the General Secretary. The salary is commensurate with the qualifications required of the position and in line with salaries for similar posts in other international organisations. NAMMCO will provide coverage for all removal costs to Tromsø. Staff recruited from outside Norway will be entitled to regular home leave with family. The successful candidate will be expected to take up the position as soon as possible after 1st April 2007. For further details on the job description and other information, please contact the General Secretary of NAMMCO on nammco-sec(a)nammco.no or call +47 77750180, and check out the website on www.nammco.no to learn more about the work of this international organisation and its goals and affiliations. Please send your application, together with your curriculum vitae detailing qualifications, work experience and publications, and the names, affiliations and contact details of three referees to the General Secretary, NAMMCO, Polar Environmental Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway, to reach NAMMCO postmarked no later than 1st February 2007. All applications will be acknowledged.

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GIS Developer job opening, OSU Marine Mammal Program
by littlefield, betsy 24 Dec '06

24 Dec '06

The OSU Marine Mammal Program, a world-renowned research program studying endangered whales, pinnipeds and cetacean genetics, seeks a GIS Developer/Modeler. The full-time, fixed-term faculty research assistant position is located in Newport, Ore., at the Hatfield Marine Science Center; reappointment at the discretion of the hiring authority. Salary $45,000 to $52,000. The successful candidate will develop graphic user interfaces and GIS tools, and program mathematical algorithms for data analysis, working with an SQL server, ESRI software, remote sensing imagery; as well as with Python, Visual Studio.Net, Visual Basic, C++, or Perl. For position details and to apply, visit www.oregonstate.edu/jobs, and enter posting # 0000107. Application closing date is 01/12/07. OSU is an AA/EOE.

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Summer Internship
by Kelly Melillo 23 Dec '06

23 Dec '06

Thank you for posting. Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistant/Intern - Summer 2007 Bimini, The Bahamas & Connecticut, USA The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer 2007. These internships have both field and office components, both of which are mandatory. DCP, directed by Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski and part of Immersion Presents at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (MAIFE), looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. Our questions focus primarily on communication among dolphins. As a team, DCP research scientists study four groups of dolphins in three countries. Interns are needed at our Bimini, The Bahamas research site, where we study Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. Responsibilities In the field: ¨ Travel to & assist for 3-4 weeks during June, July or August 2007 at our Bimini research site ¨ Assist in gathering data (general observations, photographs, underwater video) during 4-5 hour/day boat excursions ¨ Assist in the analysis of still photos & video to confirm dolphin IDs (photo-identification) ¨ Assist with ship-board educational programs At the office: ¨ Travel to & assist office staff during months alternating with month in the field (June - August 2007) at our Connecticut office ¨ Process & analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, conducting detailed focal follows from video data for behavioral analyses Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills & working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior, and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidate(s) should be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions. They should also be proficient swimmers with a desire to improve free-diving skills. Interns will work as a part of a team both at the office & in a fairly remote & isolated field setting. Good writing & public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to detail. Expenses & Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini & Connecticut. There is a $500 fee that will offset expenses in the field, including room & board. Room & board while in Connecticut is the responsibility of the intern, although assistance in finding and securing lodging is available. Interested applicants should send a CV and letter of interest to kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org by January 31, 2007. Transcripts may be requested and interviews (in-person or via telephone) may be arranged. For more information, please contact Kel Melillo at kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org. ----------------------------- Kel Melillo Research Associate Dolphin Communication Project Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration kmelillo(a)dolphincommunicationproject.org www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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Scholar in Residence Position at Arkansas State University
by Aldemaro Romero 23 Dec '06

23 Dec '06

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE The Department of Biological Sciences is offering Scholar in Residence position in Biology to an individual who, in the judgment of a review panel: · demonstrates outstanding academic achievement. · remains committed to a career in teaching and a rigorous research program at the university level. · demonstrates use of diversity as a resource for enriching the education of students. Eligible Fields Awards will be made for scholars in any discipline in the Biological Sciences. Arkansas State University Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, enjoys a reputation as a quality institution of higher education and is recognized for offering special services to the people of the Arkansas Delta. It is the only comprehensive public university located in this region. Dedicated to teaching, research and service, the university provides students with the broad educational foundations that help develop critical thinking and analytical skills, decision-making capabilities, and communication skills. Department of Biological Sciences This growing department addresses biological issues ranging from local to global, from molecular to organismal levels. Much of our research is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective through collaborative projects. Our Department has recently increased almost exponentially the number of publications and grant money generated. We are also initiating projects including a new Biodiversity Center and collaborative efforts with the Arkansas Biosciences Institute. For more information see: http://biology.astate.edu/ Stipend and Benefits * Competitive annual stipend * Research stipend to be provide as a start-up package * Health benefits * Assistance with securing affordable on-campus housing Conditions of Fellowships * Teach a maximum of three courses in the Department of Biological Sciences each year. * Mentor minority students through participation in the McNair Scholars program and undergraduate and graduate research mentoring How to Apply Submit the following materials: * Cover letter outlining: academic background, commitment to teaching and mentoring students of ethnic groups normally underrepresented in the natural sciences * Academic vitae * Three letters of reference * Letter from academic advisor verifying ABD status Application Deadline February 1 2007; Award notification: April 16, 2007 Mail application materials to: Dr. Aldemaro Romero, Chair Department of Biological Sciences Arkansas State University P.O. Box 599 State University, AR 72467 For additional information contact: Dr. Aldemaro Romero; aromero(a)astate.edu; (870) 972-3082

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