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Announcement: Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum - MAY 15 REGISTRATION DEADLINE
by Andrea Hoyt 05 May '06

05 May '06

Good day everyone, We're coming up on the registration deadline for Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum, which will be held in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, Canada - on the coast of the spectacular Beaufort Sea! The theme of the Youth Forum is Change and Sustainability in Arctic Coastal Communities and we're inviting all youth (age 15-29) to come and share their knowledge and enthusiasm on topics relating to change and sustainability. For more information, check out our website at http://www.czc06.ca/e/youth.html. On the website, you will find the registration form, some info on the schedule, and a bit of background information on Tuktoyaktuk and the Coastal Zone Canada Association and biennial conference series. Please pass on this note to any youth you think might be interested in participating. Registrations are due by May 15, 2006. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at Youth.Forum(a)czc06.ca. Thanks in advance, Andrea Calling all Youth! Re: Invitation to Attend Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT We would like to invite you to participate in the Coastal Zone Canada Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk, in Canada's Western Arctic, August 11-14, 2006. If you're between the ages of 15 and 29, and interested in the environment and change, Tuktoyaktuk NWT is where you'll want to be this summer! The Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk will be an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about new and emerging ways to manage and adapt to coastal change. The theme of this year's conference is "change and sustainability in Arctic coastal communities" and Participants will be considering how livelihoods depend on the coast, from research, to hunting and fishing, to shipping and travel routes. We will look at how coastal residents can better adjust to changing times and conditions. We are confident that the Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum will provide many opportunities to learn and share with other youth from the Arctic and the rest of the world. Enclosed is some information about the Youth Forum, which may answer some questions you may have about the Forum. If you would like more information, don't hesitate to contact me at Youth.Forum(a)czc06.ca, or by replying to this letter at the address above. See you in Tuktoyaktuk! Yours truly, ________________________________________________ Andrea J. Hoyt Co-chair, Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum c/o Fisheries Joint Management Committee Box 2120 Inuvik, Northwest Territories X0E 0T0 Tel: (867) 777-2828, ext. 235 Fax: (867) 777-2610 E-mail: Youth.Forum(a)czc06.ca <mailto:fjmc-rp@jointsec.nt.ca> http://www.czc06.ca/e/youth.html

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Pinniped post-doc position, Kodiak Alaska
by Kate Wynne 05 May '06

05 May '06

Position Announcement Post-doctoral Fellow: Pinniped Foraging Ecology Gulf Apex Predator-prey Study Application Review Begins: Monday,14 May 2006 For further information, please contact: Kate Wynne E-mail: ffkmw(a)uaf.edu -------------------------------------- The Gulf Apex Predator-prey Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic person for a post-doctoral fellowship focused on the foraging ecology of pinnipeds in the western Gulf of Alaska. The position is based in Kodiak, Alaska at the University of Alaska's Fishery Industrial Technology Center. This individual will join a multi-disciplinary team studying apex predator-prey interactions in Kodiak Island waters. The successful candidate will assist in the a) analysis and synthesis of existing pinniped diet data in the context of related prey and foraging data, b) development of trophodynamic models, and c) preparation and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, reports, and proposals. This person will also be responsible for designing and implementing a short-term study of Steller sea lion pup weaning ontogeny and may be asked to assist in the collection of cetacean photos and samples on inter-related research projects. The candidate must be willing to work in the field and at sea in potentially inclement conditions, perform occasional heavy lifting, and travel by boat or plane in remote settings. Applicants are required to have marine mammal research experience with a focus on pinniped population dynamics, foraging ecology, and/or energetics. Candidate should also have a strong interest- and preferably experience- in modeling predator-prey systems and trophodynamics in marine ecosystems. The successful applicant will be expected to work independently but in collaboration with a team of interdisciplinary researchers. The ideal applicant will be organized, self motivated, independent, and have strong writing and communication skills. A proven ability to produce tangible and/or publishable results from significant or difficult tasks is desirable. This position is for 12 months commencing early summer 2006 with potential for extension, contingent on additional funding. The position is open until filled. To apply, please send electronically your curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, how you think you would fit into the organization, your professional experience, and the names of three references with contact information to: Kate Wynne Associate Professor University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences 118 Trident Way Kodiak, AK 99615 (907) 486-1517 ffkmw(a)uaf.edu

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Position: CRS, Analyst in Marine and Coastal Resources Management
by Gene Buck 05 May '06

05 May '06

Colleagues: In anticipation of my retirement in 5 or so years, CRS has posted a position opening in "marine and coastal resources management." The individual hired under this posting will work on policy analysis for the U.S. Congress, including marine mammal policy, with me until I retire. The position can be found on CRS's employment page, under Environmental and Natural Resources Policy, at: http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo/ This page also has links to background about CRS, etc. Closing date on this posting in May 31, 2006. Please pass this along to whomever might be interested. I'd be glad to answer any questions about CRS or this position ... just drop me an e-mail. Gene Buck, Specialist in Natural Resources Policy Congressional Research Service gbuck(a)crs.loc.gov

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Leatherwoods' PhD Thesis (access?)
by Salvador Herrando-Pérez 05 May '06

05 May '06

Dear colleagues, I am a member of the Omacha Foundation in Colombia, we are preparing a couple of papers on Sotalia fluviatilis data from the Colombian Amazon for the Rio de Janeiro Workshop in June 2006. I would appreciate if any or you could (if available) provide me with, or direct me to some kind of access to, a pdf copy of Steve Leatherwood's PhD thesis (see reference below). Kindest regards, Salva Leatherwood, S. 1996. Distributional ecologyand conservation status of river dolphin(Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis)in portions of the Peruvian Amazon.PhD. Thesis. Texas A&M University, 233pp. Salvador Herrando-Pérez, Biólogo acuático, BSc. MPhil. FUNDACIÓN OMACHA, Associated Researcher (www.omacha.org) DIRECCIONES POSTALES / POSTAL ADDRESSES: C/ Padre Jofre 19, piso 3, pta 7, 12006 Castellón de la Plana, ESPAÑA Fundación Omacha, Diagonal 86ª # 30-38. Barrio El Polo, Bogotá, COLOMBIA PARA CONTACTAR / CONTACT INFORMATION salherra(a)ono.com / salvador(a)omacha.org / salherra68(a)yahoo.es (mensajes/messages> 5 Mb) Teléfonos, España: +34 964036814 / +34 657787340 Teléfono, Colombia: +571 2362686 Ahora estoy en España... / I am currently in Spain...

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Brucella positive control serum needed
by Gabriela Hernandez 04 May '06

04 May '06

Hi, My name is Gabriela Hernandez, I am student of Veterinary Medicine in Costa Rica at Universidad Nacional (UNA) I am making my thesis related to Brucella spp. in doplhins, we are developing and ELISA for these deseasse as part of the Program of Investigation of tropical deseasses (PIET), I need a positive control serum from doplhin that have show to be positive for brucella spp, to compare with the results that we have been working here. I really appreciate if someone can help me with these serum. Let me know any question or information about it, at gabbytica(a)gmail.com. Thanks.

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Job Opportunity - Leadership Position for State of Florida Marine Mammal Research Program - Extended to May 12.
by Huff, Alan 03 May '06

03 May '06

Agency Name: FWC - Fish and Wildlife Cons Comm Description: OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: Program Administrator FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION - FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Closing Date: May 12, 2006 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, FL County: Pinellas County POSITION #: 071320 HIRING RATE: $55,046 - $60,000 annually, depending on qualifications DIVISION: Fish and Wildlife Research Institute SECTION: Wildlife Research SUBSECTION: Marine Mammal Research TO APPLY State of Florida Application forms are being accepted through the closing date at the People First web site: https://jobs.myflorida.com/index.html JOB DESCRIPTION Direct and supervise the scientific activities of the state-wide marine mammal research program and supervise assigned staff. Participate in the development of long-term goals and strategies for the program in conjunction with state and federal managers. Recommend cooperative research programs with other governmental agencies and private labs. Oversee program research and design and ensure timely and quality publications. Develop and monitor the program budget ensuring expenditures do not exceed the spending authority. Assist in the preparation of legislative budget requests and budget amendments. Represent Florida and the FWC at conferences and serve on related committees at the state, federal and regional level, as assigned. REQUIRED, ENTRY LEVEL, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: the terminology, principles, procedures and techniques used in scientific research, analysis or testing, program management, budgeting, supervision, and in wildlife research and management. Skill in: written and verbal communications and in the use of personal computers and associated software. Ability to: manage research programs effectively, establish and maintain effective professional relationships, assess budgetary needs, resolve problems and travel. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences plus 5 years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences, two years which must have been supervisory; OR a master's degree as described above plus fours years of professional experience, two years of which must have been supervisory; or a doctorate from an accredited college or university as described above plus two years professional supervisory experience as described above. Experience with state and federal agencies (preferably in environmental matters) and demonstrable leadership experience required. Certain veterans and spouses of veterans receive preference in employment by the state as provided by Chapter 295, F.S. and are encourage to apply. FWC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA employer. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please contact the hiring authority in advance. Alan Huff, Program Administrator FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 896-8626 SC 523-20126 www.floridamarine.org

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M.E.E.R. field course, autumn 2006
by info＠m-e-e-r.de 03 May '06

03 May '06

------ Dear Marmamers! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: "Assisting in field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera" from 15-29 October 2006 The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification and others. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt", which is granted since 1987 by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project "realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way". For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit http://www.m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208&L=2 One course is offered during the 2006 autumn field season: 15-29 October 2006. The price is 875.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Early bookings are accepted until 31 June 2006 at a price of 814.- € For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to newsletter(a)m-e-e-r.de _____________________________________ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the "Deutsche Umwelthilfe" (Radolfzell/Germany) "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine" (Munich/Germany), " and the "Club de Mar" (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _____________________________________________ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. & Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. & Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. (2006): The Year of the Whale - Extraorbinary occurrence of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) off La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the 20th Annual Conference of the ECS in Gdynia, April 2006. -- _________________________ Fabian Ritter MEER e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin TEL/FAX: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-mail: info(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _________________________ "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and had no major answers they wished to know the question to." (after Douglas Adams)

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Volunteers are needed for Northern Cyprus Monk Seal Survey
by Serdar Sakinan 03 May '06

03 May '06

Volunteers are needed for Northern Cyprus Monk Seal Survey The marine conservation of the Middle East Technical University - Institute of Marine Science is looking for volunteers to help with the Northern Cyprus monk seal survey project. Volunteer positions are available for the field work in July 2006. The team is going to cruise from Turkey to Cyprus with the 16m research vessel (RV LAMAS) and survey more than 100 nautical miles coast line on the Northern Cyprus coasts. The answers of following questions are aimed to be revealed. 1. Is there a reproductive resident seal colony on the Cyprus coast? 2. If so, where are the most important seal habitats and what is the level of disturbance? 3. Are there seal movements between Cyprus and Anatolian coast? Although there are sightings from the coast of Northern Cyprus, there is no scientific study on the seal inhabiting there. The theoretical analysis indicates that existence a small colony with 8 individuals on the Cyprus coast, and further protection will increase the low survival probability of Mediterranean monk seal in the Eastern Mediterranean. Therefore, either to fill the scientific gap on the species or to get effective results from the conservation efforts, it is critically important to determine the seal population inhabiting the Northern Cyprus coasts and their relations with the colony on the Turkish coast. Types of activities are: * Backing the team during underwater cave survey (free diving) * Identifying and photographing the suitable caves. * Trailing the seals tracks. * Installation of the infra-red monitors. * Observation from the research vessel during the cruise and shooting (Nikon D70 80-400mm and Sony Video Camera). * Recording the human disturbance. * Visiting fishing ports and diving associations to collect and compile sightings from fishermen and local divers.. * Informing locals and tourists on MMS and its conservation. Qualifications: Biologists or Biology students are preferred. Skin diving, computer skills are required. Volunteers must be able to work everyday with long hours. Lang.: English and Turkish Applicants should enclose a short CV underlining qualifications and skills useful to the project. (Please indicate gender) The volunteers shall meet the team at Girne (Kyrenia) harbor at a date that will be specified later. Volunteers are expected to contribute food and cleaning expenses during their stay. No additional fee is asked. The accommodation will be onboard. Contact: E mail: contact(a)ecocilicia.org For further details about cruise and the project team, please visit the http://www.ecocilicia.org/ Serdar SAKINAN serdar(a)ims.metu.edu.tr METU - Institute of Marine Science

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Job Announcement-Defenders of Wildlife Marine Program Assistant (P/T-Temporary)
by Jim Curland 02 May '06

02 May '06

Defenders of Wildlife Marine Program Assistant (P/T - temporary) Summer 2006 Defenders of Wildlife, a leading conservation organization with over 480,000 members and supporters, is hiring a paid temporary part-time assistant to work with the California Marine Program Associate in coordinating and participating with the activities surrounding the 2006 Sea Otter Awareness Week, September 24-October 1. Our Sea Otter Awareness Week focuses on the sea otter and its role as a keystone species and indicator species for the nearshore marine environment in which it resides. Description: The assistant will work with the Marine Program Associate to set-up local and national events surrounding Sea Otter Awareness Week, as well as a variety of miscellaneous administrative tasks related to organizing the week. The assistant will be working with local and national marine institutions (aquariums, zoos, research facilities, etc.) to assist in setting up both local and national celebrations/events focusing on public awareness of sea otters. Some travel within California will be necessary (Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and other areas). In addition, the assistant will work with the Marine Program Associate to get California coastal mayors to adopt, by proclamation, Sea Otter Awareness Week as an official week of recognition. Finally, the assistant will work with the Marine Program Associate to conduct outreach to the Latino communities throughout California. We will provide a salary of $10/hour for three months (July-September). Interested candidates must be able to make a 3-month commitment. All out of pocket expenses (i.e, phone, travel, etc.) will be covered. Required Qualifications: · The assistant will be expected to work 20-25 hours per week out of his/her home, with supervision from Defenders of Wildlife's marine program office in Moss Landing, CA. The assistant must be based in the Monterey Bay area or be able to find temporary housing in the Monterey Bay Area. · Strong writing, communication and organizational skills. · High level of proficiency with various computer programs, including word processing and Internet browser software. · Successful candidate will provide his/her own workspace, transportation, phone, computer and printer. Office supplies will be provided by Defenders of Wildlife. · Ability to work independently. · Strong interest in and commitment to wildlife and marine conservation. Desired Qualifications: · Ability to speak and understand Spanish. · Previous experience with event coordination. How To Apply: Applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to: Defenders of Wildlife Attn: Jim Curland Sea Otter Awareness Week Marine Program Assistant Search P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA 95039 FAX: (831) 726-9010 jcurland(a)defenders.org Please save resources and email your application. DEADLINE: May 31, 2006 -- Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010 (phone) 831-726-9020 (fax) Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Defenders' Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Defenders' Sea Otter Teaching Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Defenders' Marine Program Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Defenders' California Marine Program Page)

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Re: [MARMAM] Mass stranding leaves dolphins dying in Zanzibar (29 April 2006)
by Omar A. Amir, 02 May '06

02 May '06

Dear all, Dozens of dolphins beached off the coast of Florida are being treated for dehydration and stress, officials said on Friday, but several of the animals have already died. Hundreds of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) strayed into shallow waters off the northwest coast of Zanzibar island on Thursday afternoon. About 600 of the animals then became stranded in water just few centimetres deep and died later. It was not immediately clear what caused these dolphins to strand. When I got the news next morning, I went to the site and collect some samples from the dead dolphins. I dissected about 65 dolphins and all had empty stomachs and some gastrointestinal worms. Normally this species inhabit deep waters around Zanzibar. I checked the body of the animals and they were looking healthy. I would very much appreciate if you share some views on the possible cause of this mass stranding. Regards, Omar -- Omar A. Amir, M.Sc. Marine Mammal Research and Education Group, Institute of Marine Sciences, P. O. Box 668, Zanzibar - Tanzania

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