- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Vessel strikes on marine mammals
by Laver, Robert (DEH) 22 Dec '06

22 Dec '06

Fellow Marmam users, The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (ADS) is 118 square kilometres, and is located along the eastern shore of Gulf St Vincent. It includes the Port Adelaide River and Barker Inlet and is home to an estimated 30 or more resident Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), with some 300 more dolphins thought to visit the area. The ADS is seeking any research (either published or unpublished) on vessel strikes on bottlenose dolphins or similar species. The information required would be focusing on recreational vessels to see wether there is a real or perceived issue of boat strike on dolphins and be used in assisting the day to day management of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Any information on this can be sent to Rob Laver email :mailto:laver.robert@saugov.sa.gov.au Robert Laver Conservation Officer www.adelaidedolphinsanctuary.sa.gov.au

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Re: [MARMAM] Right Whale Conservation Opportunity for Post-Doctoral Research Scientist
by Tonya Wimmer 21 Dec '06

21 Dec '06

WWF-Canada, in collaboration with oceanographic researchers at Dalhousie University is seeking a highly qualified Post Doctoral Fellow (PDF) to participate in a quantitative right whale conservation initiative based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We are seeking an NSERC Post-Doctoral Fellow (tenure at Dalhousie), or an applicant who would be successful in securing an NSERC Industrial PDF (tenure at WWF-Canada and academic/analytic collaboration with Dalhousie, Oceanography). The successful candidate would lead advanced research in quantitative spatial and temporal oceanographic habitat determination and analyses related to the ambit of the north Atlantic right whale working in collaboration with Drs C.T. Taggart (Dalhousie, Oceanography) and R. Rangeley (WWF-Canada) and their colleagues. Qualifications: 1) a strong PhD in statistics, quantitative biological oceanography and/or quantitative marine ecology; 2) a credible publication record relative to peer-group; 3) a demonstrated expertise in spatial statistics and analyses and spatial/temporal modelling. Experience with Bayesian statistics and use of large and small, complex and discordant data will be considered a discriminating asset, as would be computational skills involving MATLAB, R, S-Plus, WinBUGS, secondarily GIS, and their analogues. The position must be filled no later than 01 April 2007. An initial appointment of 6 months is possible with a 2-year renewal dependant on the candidate?s success at obtaining an NSERC Industrial PDF. NSERC-PDF appointment would be for a 2-year period. Annual salary $45,000. Applicants should forward on or before January 20 2007 a letter of interest, curriculum vitae (including a publication list), copies of graduate and undergraduate transcripts, reprints, names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three referees to: Ms. Maya Ahmad Program Administrator WWF-Canada 5251 Duke St. Suite 1202 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1P3 Email: mahmad(a)wwfcanada.org Tel: 902 482 1105 "From space, the planet is blue. From space, the planet is the territory, not of humans, but of the whale" - Heathcote Williams ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tonya Wimmer, MSc. Biology NS Marine Animal Response Society 1-866-567-6277 & WWF-Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia & Dalhousie University, Halifax http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/tw/tonya.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Get on board and experience marine field science
by Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School 20 Dec '06

20 Dec '06

Here are the deadlines for applying for the Spring 07 Beam Reach program. We'd appreciate it if you could share it with the list. Thank you, Tracy Undergraduates - this is a rare opportunity for you to work on your own independent research project and experience life as a field scientist. You'll follow your own question through the entire scientific process -- from initial inquiry to final presentation -- while collaborating with a mentor, living with your peers at sea, and studying at the Friday Harbor Labs. With Beam Reach you will spend 10 weeks studying killer whales, fish, and their acoustic environment. You'll sail in the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest, add a unique adventure to your resume, and earn 18 science credits from the University of Washington. Learn more about the experience: http://beamreach.org/?1LdS07mm061220 There's still time to apply for the Spring 07 program (March 26-June 4). Here are the important deadlines. Remember to check with your home school for their deadlines for applying to study off campus. January 15 - last day complete applications are accepted for Spring '07 January 31 - Beam Reach sends out acceptance notices Get on board! http://beamreach.org/?2LdS07mm061220 _____________________________________________________________________ Beam Reach http://beamreach.org Marine Science and Sustainability School 6537 16th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115 Dr. Scott Veirs, President 206.251.5554 Tracy Smith, Admissions 800.839.7495

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[Marmam] Job Posting - Tenure-track positions
by JOHN WANG 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

The following is a job posting for the National Sun Yat-sen University of Taiwan (NSYSU). **************************************************************************** Faculty Position at the Institute of Marine Affairs (NSYSU), Taiwan The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and Department of Marine Environment and Engineering (MEE) of the National Sun Yat-sen University at Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, are seeking candidates to fill five tenure-track positions at all levels. Four positions for IMA are sought with specializations in marine policy and law, fisheries resource management, marine environmental studies, or coastal zone management and conservation. One candidate, being sought by the MEE, must have a major in environmental planning and management. IMA was newly established in 2005 and offers a master's degree program. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. with proven track records of accomplishments and publications. English speaking candidates without fluency in the Mandarin Chinese language are welcome to apply. Applications should include, a curriculum vitae, selected reprints and publication list, statement of teaching and research interest and at least two recommendation letters before January 15, 2007 (or until the position is filled). All correspondence should be sent to: Prof. Chiu L. Chou, Director of the Institute of Marine Affairs, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lien-Hai Road, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan or e-mailed to: syvia(a)staff.nsysu.edu.tw. Applicants for the MEE position should contact Prof. Chonlin Lee or e-mail to: linnohc(a)mail.nsysu.edu.tw.

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New publications week 49
by Jan Herrmann 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

Dear all, here are some new publications of week 49 / 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, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Beineke, A. et al. (2007): Increased blood interleukin-10 mRNA levels in diseased free-ranging harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 115(1-2): 100-106. Dere, E. et al. (2006): The case for episodic memory in animals. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 30(8): 1206-1224. Durie, B.G.M. and H. Jones (2006): New Bioaccumulations of Toxins in Resident Coastal Dolphins Signal Dangers of Human Myeloma. Blood. 108(11): 5062. Foote, A.D. et al. (2006): Killer whales are capable of vocal learning. Biology Letters 2(4): 509-512. Hung, C.L. et al. (2007): Risk assessment of trace elements in the stomach contents of Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins and Finless Porpoises in Hong Kong waters. Chemosphere 66(7): 1175-1182. Newell, C.L. (2006): Unusual gray whale Eschrichtius robustus feeding in the summer of 2005 off the central Oregon Coast. Geophysical Research Letters 33(L22S11): . Slooten, E., W. Rayment, and S. Dawson (2006): Offshore distribution of Hector's dolphins at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand: is the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal sanctuary large enough? New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 40(2): 333-343. PINNIPEDIA Hemilä, S. et al. (2006): High-frequency hearing in phocid and otariid pinnipeds: An interpretation based on inertial and cochlear constraints. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 120(6): 3463-3466. Makhado, A.B., R.J.M. Crawford, and L.G. Underhill (2006): Impact of predation by Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus on Cape gannets Morus capensis at Malgas Island, Western Cape, South Africa. African Journal of Marine Science 28(3&4): 681-687. Mashburn, K.L. and S. Atkinson (2006): Seasonal and predator influences on adrenal function in adult Steller sea lions: Gender matters. General and Comparative Endocrinology 150(2): 246-252. McIntosh, R.R., B. Page, and S.D. Goldsworthy (2006): Dietary analysis of regurgitates and stomach samples from free-living Australian sea lions. Wildlife Research 33(8): 661-669. McMahon, C.R. et al. (2006): Assessing hot-iron and cryo-branding for permanently marking southern elephant seals. Journal of Wildlife Management 70(5): 1484-1489. Trites, A.W. et al. (2007): Bottom-up forcing and the decline of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatas) in Alaska: assessing the ocean climate hypothesis. Fisheries Oceanography 16(1): 46-67. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de

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Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Positions for 2007
by Thea Johanos-Kam 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2007 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries,entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ Employment will be from early April to mid-September, though some positions will continue until early October. The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. The first 4-5 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live either in wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. *NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31 BUT SOONER IS BETTER* Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references to: Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam(a)noaa.gov Phone (808) 983-5713 Fax: (808) 983-2902 Email submissions are preferred, but you can also mail applications to: Thea Johanos Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 2570 Dole St. Honolulu, HI 96822 Please also send duplicate cover letters and resumes to: Calinda Goo Aquatic Farms Email: officeafl(a)hawaii.rr.com (preferred) or By mail to: 49-139 Kam Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Employment will be provided by Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii) a contractor that provides Scientific Support Services to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Applicants will be considered for two types of positions: field camp leader and field camp assistants. First time leaders will receive a base salary of $14.87/hr and first time assistants will receive $10.73/hr. Some overtime will be paid during the field portion of employment. Returning leader and assistant salaries will be based on experience. FIELD CAMP LEADER One field camp leader serves as the senior person in a camp. Leads field personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field team's work. Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for field personnel. Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies for remote research camp are prepared. Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Responsible for return of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Produces annual report at end of field season. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education requirements). Good communication, leadership and decision-making skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance. FIELD CAMP ASSISTANT One or two assistants participate in each field camp. Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Maintains a safe working environment for field personnel. Participates in daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years field experience. Good communication and team skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.

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new article
by pedrom＠servidor.unam.mx 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

Dear colleagues, The following paper has been published: Salivary cortisol in captive dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): a non-invasive technique. Animal Welfare 2006, 15: 359-362 C Pedernera-Romano, RA Valdez, S Singh, X Chiappa, MC Romano and F Galindo Dolphins in captivity have to cope with severe changes in their environment. So far, there are few studies on the welfare of these animals under these conditions. The aim of the present study was to find if cortisol was present in the saliva of dolphins and to explore the possibility of performing serial, non- invasive cortisol assays in captive dolphins. Saliva was collected non- invasively during a month from four dolphins that had responded to previous training, in order to provide saliva samples, in two aquaria in Mexico City. In addition, serum and saliva time-matched samples were obtained in an aquarium in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Cortisol concentrations in saliva and blood were measured by radioimmunoanalysis (RIA). Results show for the first time that measurable quantities of cortisol are secreted within the saliva of dolphins. Salivary cortisol measurements could be a useful tool for carrying out long- term cortisol sampling. It is far less invasive than blood-sampling and could be used, in conjunction with behavioural observations, to monitor the welfare of captive dolphins, non-invasively. For reprints please contact: Cecilia Pedernera Romano PhD Student Unidad de Fisiología Animal Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona <º))))>< pedrom(a)servidor.unam.mx cecilia.pedernera(a)campus.uab.es Best regards, Cecilia Pedernera-Romano ------------------------------------------------- www.correo.unam.mx UNAMonos Comunicándonos

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Extended deadline UK marine mammal student meeting
by UK Regional Student Chapter 19 Dec '06

19 Dec '06

Subject: Extended Abstract Deadline & Registration of Interest 2007 Annual Meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy Date: 1-2 February 2007 Location: Scottish Association for Marine Science Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory Near Oban www.sams.ac.uk To register your interest in attending and to submit abstracts, please email ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk before 18:00 on 16th January 2007. _________________________________________________________________ The UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy would like to invite postgraduate students enrolled at UK Universities to submit abstracts for oral presentations (max 300 words). The presentations should be timed for 12 minutes followed by 3 minutes for questions. We invite all participants to bring along a poster for display during the annual meeting (preferred but not compulsory). We encourage postgraduate students working in marine mammal science to join our Student Chapter. This is an informal forum for discussion and information and it is FREE to join, see our website http://bmprojects.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/ Any questions regarding the conference please email Lindsay or Caroline at ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk -- UKRSC Chapter Contact Sea Mammal Research Unit Gatty Marine Lab University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB UK ------------------------------------------------------------------ University of St Andrews Webmail: https://webmail.st-andrews.ac.uk

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Job Announcement
by Jenelle Gilding 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

The Alaska SeaLife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, rehabilitation, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: Animal Care Technician (Seasonal) This position is responsible for providing logistical support for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine wildlife admitted to the ASLC Stranding Program. Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): 1. Assisting in the care and maintenance of animals managed by the Center's Stranding Program. 2. Daily animal diet preparations, water quality testing, and routine cleaning of animal enclosures, holding pools, food preparation facilities and rehabilitation work areas. Following procedures for animal care, food preparation, and clean up, including proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment. 3. Assisting with logistics pertaining to live and dead stranded wildlife including rescues, animal transport and releases. 4. Under direction of the stranding coordinator, assisting research and veterinary services staff in facilitation of research projects and the collection of data samples, etc. Maintaining written and computer based records. 5. Participating in educational presentations to visitors and the public on topics relating to marine mammal stranding and ASLC operations. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Zoology or related field. Some captive or stranding marine mammal and/or avian experience is required. Soft and technical skills should include: exceptional time management /organizational skills; self-motivated; ability to communicate effectively with various levels in the organization; computer skills including MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and database programs; excellent written and oral communication skills. Certified open water S.C.U.B.A. diver preferred. Must be physically fit with a good sense of balance and be able to lift over 50 lbs. Must have a valid driver's license. This is a seasonal, full-time position. The SeaLife Center offers a competitive wage in a beautiful setting. Seward is a tourist destination, located on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, boasting incredible recreation opportunities. Imagine partaking in world-class halibut and salmon fishing, rafting, and kayaking in Resurrection Bay and on the Kenai River. Experience icebergs calving from glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. Hike the 200 miles of trail in the Chugach National Forest, viewing wildlife like moose, black and brown bears, bald eagles, and Dall Sheep. Start Date: May 1, 2007 Apply by: February 15, 2007 Send resume & application (downloadable at www.alaskasealife.org <http://www.alaskasealife.org/> ) to Human Resources, Alaska SeaLife Center, P. O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664-1329, or fax 907-224-6320, or email to HR(a)alaskasealife.org <mailto:human_resources@alaskasealife.org> . www.alaskasealife.org The ASLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Dolphin photoID Research Internship: final call
by Gwenael Beauplet 18 Dec '06

18 Dec '06

DOLPHIN PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION INTERNSHIP The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Spring/Summer 2007 semester (February - June 2007). The MMRP is located on Galveston, southern Texas. Our research lab is coordinated under the auspices of the Institute of Marine Life Sciences (IMLS) at Texas A&M University in Galveston (TAMUG). Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at MMRP, please visit our website, at http://www.tamug.tamu.edu/mmrp/ Internships at MMRP represent an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. It offers an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to participate in MMRP's ongoing research projects and to obtain laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced marine mammal researchers. In addition, educational opportunities are available, such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Successful applicants will be primarily responsible for assisting with lab-based photo-identification tasks. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry into the computer for analysis, library research, and involvement in special projects. This coming year, we will not be engaged in gathering data from vessels, although some limited shore-based work with bottlenose dolphin position information may be possible. Therefore, please be advised that this is primarily an intensive laboratory-analysis experience with marine mammals. Internships require a minimum of a 12-week commitment (16-20 weeks is preferable), 40 hours per week. Starting and ending dates are flexible. There is no compensation for this internship position and successful applicants will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Successful candidate will also be responsible for providing their own housing. However, MMRP will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns desiring roommates. * Qualifications required: - Must have basic computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred - Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. - Prior research experience is recommended, but not required. * The deadline for application is 15th January 2007, and must contain the following: 1. Curriculum vitae, or "resumé", 2. Letter of intent, which clearly spells out what you would wish to accomplish with the internship, 3. Two letters of reference, from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits, 4. A letter listing classes taken and grades obtained. An official transcript is not necessary, but a copy is appreciated. Please send the above materials to : Marine Mammal Research Program, Attn. Internship Coordinator, 5007 Ave. U, Galveston, TX 77551. Interested applicants should correspond to: Dr. Gwenael Beauplet Marine Mammal Research Program Institute of Marine Life Sciences, Texas A&M University 5007 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 77551, USA Email: ufuf(a)tamug.edu

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