- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New standards for anthropogenic noise impacts?
by Rossitercsi＠aol.com 14 Jan '06

14 Jan '06

Scientists interested in standards for anthropogenic noise impacts on marine mammals may wish to consider the default standards that may be established by the Environmental Impact Statement for the US Navy's Undersea Warfare Training Range, the Draft of which is currently open for public comment until 30 January 2006. The outcome of this process is likely to influence the broader acoustic criteria now being developed by the National Marine Fisheries Service. 190 dB re 1 µPa²-s is considered the threshold of significant behavioral disturbance for all cetaceans (DEIS page 4.3-24). This impact threshold was derived from subjective observations of "altered behavior" during Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) experiments with captive dolphins and belugas at the US Navy's SPAWAR lab, and is used to define Marine Mammal Protection Act Level B harassment. All dB values are as received, and include a factor for duration of signal. 190 dB re 1 µPa²-s is the received level at which beaked whales are considered behaviorally disturbed, and as a special case, considered potentially injured, MMPA Level A Harassment. This value is defined as receiving a single sonar ping, is based on selective data, and is considered conservative (4.3-30 through 32). Do you agree with the DEIS discussion of various theories and data relating to induced behaviors leading to injury in beaked whales? Do you know of additional references and data that might apply? 195 dB re 1 µPa²-s is defined as the onset of TTS in all cetaceans, and establishes MMPA Level B physiological harassment. The single value onset-TTS for all cetaceans was derived from very few experiments with highly conditioned captive bottlenose dolphins and belugas (4.3-6. and 12+). 215 dB re 1 µPa²-s is the threshold for Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS), the onset of injury for all cetaceans (expect beaked whales), and MMPA Level A Harassment. PTS was extrapolated from the onset-TTS assumptions and research on terrestrial mammals including humans (4.3-15 to 18). The DEIS concludes, from acoustic modeling, that right whales will not be affected by the activities at the Preferred Alternative, Site A, in the Cherry Point OPAREA between Cape Fear and Cape Lookout, North Carolina, USA. One of several ramifications is that ESA Section 7 consultation with NMFS will not include right whales unless another alternative is selected The DEIS concludes that "Navy vessels are not likely to adversely affect North Atlantic Right Whales," and that "the proposed action will not adversely modify or destroy any critical habitats, nor will the action jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species" (3.2-23 to 24. 4.3-13, and 44 to 45). The DEIS redefines some parameters without references or substantiation. For example "The definition of physiological effect and behavioral effect used here are specific to this OEIS/EIS and should not be confused with more global definitions applied to the field of biology" (4.3-3+). Page numbers given here may not be the only location for conclusions, which may be fragmented or stated in different ways. Calculated harassment distances are not given for all sonar sources, but with a threshold value of 190dB the DEIS assumes harassment within only a few meters of any source, often only within a narrow arc. Bowriding dolphins are not considered threatened by exposure. Comments on the DEIS for the Undersea Warfare Training Range must be postmarked by 30 January 2006. Comments must be sent to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, Attn: Mr. Keith Jenkins (Code EV21KJ), 6506 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23508, Fax: 757-322-4894. The USWTR DEIS may be downloaded from http://projects.earthtech.com/USWTR/ . Please consider whatever time you can give to this as a gift to whales. Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph 203-770-8615, fx 860-561-0187 rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.or

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New Publication
by Laura J. May-Collado 13 Jan '06

13 Jan '06

New paper on Cetacean Phylogeny published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 38 (2006) 344354 Title: Cytochrome b and Bayesian inference of whale phylogeny Authors: Laura May-Collado a,b,¤, Ingi Agnarsson c,d a Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA b Esuela de Biologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, Apto. 2060, San Jose, Costa Rica, c The University of British Columbia, Departments of Zoology and Botany, 3529-6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC., Canada V6T 1Z4 d Systematic Biology-Entomology, E-530, Smithsonian Institution, NHB-105, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA Received 31 March 2005; revised 30 August 2005; accepted 20 September 2005. Available online 1 December 2005 Abstract In the mid 1990s cytochrome b and other mitochondrial DNA data reinvigorated cetacean phylogenetics by proposing many novel and provocative hypotheses of cetacean relationships. These results sparked a revision and reanalysis of morphological datasets, and the collection of new nuclear DNA data from numerous loci. Some of the most controversial mitochondrial hypotheses have now become benchmark clades, corroborated with nuclear DNA and morphological data; others have been resolved in favor of more traditional views. That major conXicts in cetacean phylogeny are disappearing is encouraging. However, most recent papers aim speciWcally to resolve higher-level conXicts by adding characters, at the cost of densely sampling taxa to resolve lower-level relationships. No molecular study to date has included more than 33 cetaceans. More detailed molecular phylogenies will provide better tools for evolutionary studies. Until more genes are available for a high number of taxa, can we rely on readily available single gene mitochondrial data? Here, we estimate the phylogeny of 66 cetacean taxa and 24 outgroups based on Cytb sequences. We judge the reliability of our phylogeny based on the recovery of several deep-level benchmark clades. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis recovered all benchmark clades and for the time supported Odontoceti monophyly based exclusively on analysis of a single mitochondrial gene. The results recover the monophyly of all but one family level taxa within Cetacea, and most recently proposed super- and subfamilies. In contrast, parsimony never recovered all benchmark clades and was sensitive to a priori weighting decisions. These results provide the most detailed phylogeny of Cetacea to date and highlight the utility of both Bayesian methodology in general, and of Cytb in cetacean phylogenetics. They furthermore suggest that dense taxon sampling, like dense character sampling, can overcome problems in phylogenetic reconstruction. Laura May-Collado WWF-Russell E. Train Scholar Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University 11200 SW 8th St Miami, FL 33199 Marine Mammal Lab OE 257, Lab phone (305)348-7429 lmayc002(a)fiu.edu http://delphinids.com

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Post doc opportunity
by David Rosen 13 Jan '06

13 Jan '06

Post Doc Research Fellow - Steller sea lion foraging energetics The University of British Columbia Marine Mammal Research Unit (MMRU) is seeking a highly motivated Post Doctoral Research Fellow to develop and manage a research program in the area of marine mammal foraging energetics. The research will focus on the foraging energetics and diving behavior of captive Steller sea lions as part of an integral component of the MMRU research goals. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing the science plan at the MMRU Open Water Research Station. This is a unique facility that allows researchers to study behavior and energetics of Steller sea lions using trained animals to carry out experiments in the open ocean. You must have a PhD in biological science, and experience in conducting and managing field- or lab-based research projects, ideally involving marine mammals. This should include a proven ability to lead and motivate research teams. Experience with the practical and analytical techniques required to conduct behavioral and energetic studies would be advantageous. You must also have excellent writing, communication and networking skills, illustrated by a strong publication record and evidence of effective communication with the scientific community. The post will be based at the University of British Columbia Fisheries Centre in Vancouver. However, a significant amount of time will also be spent at the MMRU Open Water Research Station located at a remote location away from the University campus. The position is under the direct supervision of the Dr Andrew Trites and Dr David Rosen with support from the Office Manager. They will directly supervise research technicians at the Open Water facility. The position will also work closely with Aquarium training and husbandry staff. The post is for 1 year with the possibility of renewal, and will start as soon as practical. Interested candidates should send a resume and covering letter of interest by January 27, 2006 to Dr Andrew Trites: consortium(a)zoology.ubc.ca.

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New Publication - Australian Snubfin and humpback dolphins
by Guido Parra Vergara 11 Jan '06

11 Jan '06

Dear colleagues, the article below is currently available online in the Articles in Press section of Biological Conservation: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00063207 or <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2005.10.031>doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2005.10.031 . Alternatively, a pdf reprint is available from me. Parra, G., J., Corkeron Peter, J., Marsh, H., in press. Population sizes, site fidelity and residence patterns of Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: Implications for conservation. Biological Conservation. Abstract Very little is known about the ecology of snubfin Orcaella heinsohni and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis in Australian waters. We used photo-identification data collected between 1999 and 2002 in Cleveland Bay, northeast Queensland, to estimate abundance, site fidelity and residence patterns of these species in order to make recommendations for their effective conservation and management. Our abundance estimates indicate that less than a hundred individuals of each species inhabit this coastal area. Even with relatively unbiased and precise abundance estimates population trends will be extremely difficult to detect in less than three years unless changes in population size are very high (>20% p.a.). Though both species are not permanent residents in Cleveland Bay, they both used the area regularly from year to year following a model of emigration and reimmigration. Individuals of both species spend periods of days to a month or more in coastal waters of Cleveland Bay before leaving, and periods of over a month outside the study area before entering the bay again. Because of their small population sizes and movement patterns, snubfin and humpback dolphins are particularly vulnerable to local extinction. Our results illustrate that: (1) detection of population trends should not be a necessary criterion for enacting conservation measures of both species in this region, and (2) efforts to maintain viable populations of both species in Cleveland Bay must include management strategies that integrate anthropogenic activities in surrounding areas. Best regards, Guido ____________________________________ Guido J. Parra, Ph.D School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography James Cook University Townsville Queensland 4811 Office TG-239 Phone: 61 7 47815560 Fax: 61 7 47814020 Mobile: 0437630843 e-mail:guido.parravergara@jcu.edu.au

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job posting
by Sima, Brandi 11 Jan '06

11 Jan '06

The National Aquarium in Baltimore's Conservation Department is looking for a Stranding Coordinator to manage all aspects of the Marine Animal Rescue Program, and implement administrative and field components of the program while working with multiple departments within the institution. Responsibilities include insuring Aquarium standards and protocols with respect to all operational aspects of the Marine Animal Rescue Program are upheld, portray the program as an integral facet of the Conservation Department, respond to and coordinate the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles and communicate with, cooperate with and report to appropriate agencies. The National Aquarium in Baltimore seeks to stimulate interest in, develop knowledge about, and inspire stewardship of aquatic environments. A member of the Baltimore community, Maryland's leading tourist attraction, and an international icon, the Aquarium provides cultural, recreational, and educational experiences that meet the needs of diverse communities. The Aquarium adheres to the highest principles of husbandry, staff development, fiscal responsibility, and economy of resources, and we strive to provide effective outreach and conservation programs. In all operations, we practice and promote the highest standards of animal husbandry. To be the best aquarium in the world, we owe our visitors the finest possible experience from their first point of contact. By constant evaluation of visitor satisfaction, we strive to exceed expectations for facts, fun, friendliness, and service. We strive to recruit, train, and develop exceptionally talented and effective board of directors and staff. We create a safe work environment which encourages teamwork, personal initiative, and accountability. We are accountable for the efficient use of our internal resources of capital, facilities, and personnel. We promote appropriate use of natural resources through example, education, and action. The Aquarium is deeply committed to extending the knowledge and resource gained through day-to-day operations toward the betterment of the natural environment. The position is open until filled. For further information or to apply please visit: www.aqua.org <http://www.aqua.org/> \par\i This electronic mail transmission may contain confidential or privileged information. As such, if you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by reply transmission and delete the message without copying or disclosing it.\i0

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Publication
by sara.heimlich 09 Jan '06

09 Jan '06

Dear Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the following paper, published in the *September* edition of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Vol 118, No.3, Pt.1 pp.1830-1837 *Types, distribution, and seasonal occurrence of sounds attributed to Bryde's whales (/Balaenoptera edeni)/ recorded in the eastern tropical Pacific, 1999-2001* Sara L. Heimlich(1), David K. Mellinger(1), Sharon L. Nieukirk(1), Christopher G. Fox(2) / (1) Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, Oregon State University, and NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365/ /(2) National Geophysical Data Center, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 325 Broadway, E/GC, Boulder, Colorado 80305-3328/ *Abstract* Vocalizations resembling known Bryde's whale sounds were recorded on autonomous hydrophones at seven sites in the eastern tropical Pacific. Five short (<3 s) low-frequency (<80 Hz ) "phrase" types were observed. "Swept alternating tonal" phrases included a 37 Hz tone and often a 25-16 Hz downswept tone, while "non-swept alternating tonal" phrases had a predominant tone at 29 Hz and often additional tones at 16 Hz and 47 Hz. Alternating tonal phrases were found in 79% of the total hours in which phrases were detected, and occurred primarily at the eastern hydrophone sites/. / "Burst-tonal" phrases included tones that were often preceded by a wide-band burst of noise. The "low burst-tonal" phrase contained tones at 19 Hz and 30 Hz, and was detected at five of the hydrophone sites. The "high burst-tonal" phrase included a 42 Hz tone and was observed only on the northwestern hydrophones. A single "harmonic tone" phrase type was observed that included a fundamental tone at 26 Hz and at least two harmonics; this phrase was observed exclusively at the eastern hydrophone stations. This opportunistic survey has shown that acoustics is an effective means of studying this poorly understood, pelagic balaenopterid. *ERRATA: Page 1834, Section C. Geographic and seasonal occurrence. The first sentence should read: Swept and nonswept alternating tonal phrase types were the most abundant of the five types, comprising 1535 (46.3% and 1097 (33.1%). respectively, of the total 3315 PTH. * Cheers- Sara Heimlich CIMRS/NOAA Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365 (541) 867-0328

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Now available - Marine Mammals Ashore, Second Edition
by Yates, Nathan 09 Jan '06

09 Jan '06

Marine Mammals Ashore: A Field Guide for Strandings (J.R. Geraci & V.J. Lounsbury)-in the hardcover format-is back! A comprehensive manual for understanding and dealing with a stranded seal, manatee, dolphin, whale, or sea otter, this book contains information for the interested beach dweller or student and for the scientist or marine resource manager. Marine Mammals Ashore describes rescue operations, how to organize a response team, and how to deal with the media and the public. It includes basic information on marine mammal biology, life history and health, and an extensive bibliography. The book also provides stranding network participants with practical guidelines for collecting data and specimens to better understand the biology and behavior of marine animals and the condition of their environment. All chapters have been updated and expanded, with emphasis on topics that include: * Enhancing network organization, public education, and media relations. * Natural and human-related mortality in each major marine mammal group. * Recognizing, responding to, and investigating unusual mortality events. * New or updated protocols for specimen and data collection (e.g., samples for PCR analysis; basic guidelines for investigating possible noise-related strandings; collecting environmental data and samples; and a detailed protocol for examining marine mammals for signs of human interactions). * Zoonoses and other public health issues. * Updated overview of marine mammal stranding frequency and distribution in North America, with coverage extended to Canada and Mexico. * Overview of special topics provided by invited authors: disentanglement (Peter Howorth, Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center, Santa Barbara CA); tagging and monitoring (Anthony Martin, British Antarctic Survey); and GIS applications (Greg Early, A.I.S., Inc., New Bedford, MA). * Close to 600 new references (and a few new carcass disposal stories!). The 372-page second edition features water- and tear-resistant paper, a vinyl cover and durable plastic coil binding. Cost (=$38 U.S. plus shipping and handling) * U.S. or Canada - $44 * Other countries (surface, 4-8 weeks) - $47 * Other countries (airmail, 7-12 days) - $54 For more information or to order, please visit www.aqua.org/research_marinemammalsashore.html. You can also email me at nyates(a)aqua.org for an order form. While supplies last, get a free copy of the Marine Mammals Ashore CD-ROM with every order. Support for the second edition (© 2005 by National Aquarium in Baltimore) was provided by NOAA/NMFS John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program and Office of Protected Resources; NOAA/NOS Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research; Marine Mammal Commission; National Aquarium in Baltimore; Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration; and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Program in Comparative Medicine. Thanks, and let me know if you have any questions! -Nathan Yates _________________________________________ Special Projects Assistant, Biological Programs National Aquarium in Baltimore 501 East Pratt Street, Pier 3 Baltimore, MD 21202 410-576-3805 (ph) 410-576-1080 (fax) nyates(a)aqua.org www.aqua.org \par\i This electronic mail transmission may contain confidential or privileged information. As such, if you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by reply transmission and delete the message without copying or disclosing it.\i0

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New publication on automated categorization of cetacean vocalizations
by Volker Deecke 08 Jan '06

08 Jan '06

Dear Colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to the following paper, published in the January edition of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Deecke, V.B. and Janik, V.M. 2006. Automated categorization of bioacoustic signals: Avoiding perceptual pitfalls. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 119 (1): 645-653 ABSTRACT Dividing the acoustic repertoires of animals into biologically relevant categories presents a widespread problem in the study of animal sound communication, essential to any comparison of repertoires between contexts, individuals, populations, or species. Automated procedures allow rapid, repeatable, and objective categorization, but often perform poorly at detecting biologically meaningful sound classes. Arguably this is because many automated methods fail to address the nonlinearities of animal sound perception. We present a new method of categorization that incorporates dynamic time-warping and an adaptive resonance theory (ART) neural network. This method was tested on 104 randomly chosen whistle contours from four captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), as well as 50 frequency contours extracted from calls of transient killer whales (Orcinus orca). The dolphin data included known biologically meaningful categories in the form of 42 stereotyped whistles produced when each individual was isolated from its group. The automated procedure correctly grouped all but two stereotyped whistles into separate categories, thus performing as well as human observers. The categorization of killer whale calls largely corresponded to visual and aural categorizations by other researchers. These results suggest that this methodology provides a repeatable and objective means of dividing bioacoustic signals into biologically meaningful categories. KEYWORDS Automated categorization, automated classification, killer whale, bottlenose dolphin, signature whistle, neural network, call recognition, repertoire size, dynamic time-warping Best regards Volker Deecke ============================================================== Volker Deecke, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Research Unit Cetacean Research Lab University of BC Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre AERL Bldg., 2202 Main Mall P.O. Box 3232 Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8 Canada Canada Phone: +1.604.822.9150 +1.604.659.3429/3430 Fax: +1.604.822.8180 +1.604.659.3599 WWW: http://www.marinemammal.org/MMRU ==============================================================

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Summer & Fall Internship Opportunities
by core＠coreresearch.org 06 Jan '06

06 Jan '06

Center for Oceanic Research and Education Internship Opportunities The Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE), based in Essex, MA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of cetaceans. Cetaceans are whales, dolphins and porpoises. CORE's mission is to promote stewardship and conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment. Our research focuses primarily upon the populations of fin and humpback whales found in the inshore waters of New England. We are currently working on several projects including: hierarchy among social/feeding groups of humpback whales. novel feeding behavior (the use of bubbles) in fin whales. the presence of orca scars on humpback whales, their main predator in the N. Atlantic. bias in whale watching i.e. data/photos collected on humpback whales vs. fin whales. shifts in distribution of whale species over time. on-going research includes photo-identification studies of humpback whales, fin whales, sperm whales, Northern right whales, minke whales and pilot whales. CORE conducts whale watch education programs, school presentations and public outreach activities throughout the year as part of our endeavor to educate people about endangered whales and their fragile marine environment. We collect much of our data aboard commercial whale watching vessels that operate out of Gloucester, MA. Interns are aboard each trip as research assistants, and are primarily responsible for data collection. The types of data recorded on each trip include physical information - such as climate and sea conditions, number and species of each cetacean, as well as behavioral information and identification photographs of focus animals. Other duties aboard the boats include answering passenger questions, assisting with fund raising efforts and helping crew on deck. A paid "education mate" position aboard the whale watching boat in Gloucester is included - interns will rotate day-to-day through the week as research assistants and education mates. There are also paid galley positions available to interns which provide another daily avenue for raising personal funds. Founded in 1996, CORE earned our non-profit status in 1999. Though we have no publications currently in print, we are currently analyzing data on several on-going research projects with the goal of developing papers on such varied subjects as novel feeding behavior in fin whales, to observations of Sowerbys and Cuviers beaked whales in offshore submarine canyons. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of research including: Data collection; data entry; archiving and cataloging photographs and negatives; general office work. Data analysis methods; individual identification of whales through photo analysis; data submission to educational on-line program, WhaleNet. Public speaking; fund raising; correspondence with other organizations, researcher and students. Interns are also assigned a specific on-going research project and will be expected to complete an extensive reading list to gain important background knowledge. Basics of navigation; boat handling; use of marine electronics including GPS, LORAN, radar and echolocation; handling lines; and knowledge of vessel safety and emergency protocol. In 2006, interns will also be instrumental in assisting in a new program we have developed with a local organization that oversees programming for 15,000 home-schooled children throughout the region. CORE will be providing specialized courses specifically for this group. A new and exciting addition to our educational outreach line up. CORE offers year-round internship opportunities to qualified college students or graduates. We require a two-month minimum stay. These are strictly unpaid, volunteer positions. However, interns will be paid for their duties as Education Mates, as well as galley positions, aboard the commercial whale watching vessels out of Gloucester. We do not provide room or board, but will assist interns in any way in finding housing and transportation. We also offer flexible hours, so that interns can obtain part-time jobs, if needed. Interns are also encouraged to receive either undergraduate or graduate credits for their internships with CORE. We will help students design and implement a project through their school or with two local schools with whom we are affiliated (Endicott College, Beverly, MA and Wheelock College, Boston, MA). Application deadline for the summer internship session is March 24th, with interviews being conducted during the first week of April. The deadline for the fall internship session is July 24th, with interviews during the first week of August. We also accept limited applicants for spring. To apply for an internship, please complete an application and send your resume or CV, a letter of interest identifying your reason for applying, and two letters of recommendation to the below address. The Center for Oceanic Research and Education internship applications can be found on our website at: www.coreresearch.org/intern form.htm. You may then use your browser's print function to print it out. We will contact applicants to schedule an interview as soon as we receive the above materials. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at core(a)coreresearch.org or 978-768-4560. Lisa Fox, Director Center for Oceanic Research and Education 245 Western Ave, Box 8, Essex, MA 01929 -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .

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sea otter job in Alaska
by Verena_Gill＠fws.gov 05 Jan '06

05 Jan '06

Go to http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/?WT.svl=searchbutton, to find details and apply for this job. Closing date is 11 January. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE) SALARY RANGE: 30,846.00 - 40,091.00 USD per year OPEN PERIOD: Thursday, December 29, 2005 to Wednesday, January 11, 2006 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0404-05 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Term appt NTE 4 yrs PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 07 DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Anchorage, AK WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: U.S. Citizens JOB SUMMARY: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conserving the Nature of America Promotion Potential: GS-07 In this position you will provide support work to professional biologists working on biological programs for Northern sea otters, polar bears, and Pacific walruses. MAJOR DUTIES: Provides technical support and assistance to professional biologists engaged in scientific and technical work with marine mammals management. Work will include but is not limited to the following: - assembling basic information on wildlife populations such as habitat use, sex and age structure, seasonal movement, harvest characteristics, and condition of forage, range, or streams; - collecting anatomical materials and making preliminary assessments of such things as habitat preference and population dynamics; - preparing drafts of sections of field reports; - researching and extracting data from publications and manuscripts; - uses a combination of tranquilizer guns, traps, nets, and hypodermic syringes to tranquilize and capture wildlife for study, measurement, or collaring; - correlation and analysis of data and completion of reports or other documents related to a project using word processing. The work can include both office and outdoor work, as well as operation of small boats, cars, trucks, or other vehicles. Seasonal field studies involve considerable physical demands, such as frequent, extensive travel on foot; exertion from lifting and carrying equipment; and energy drain from cold, wet and windy weather. Field activities are normally conducted in remote locations and often under primitive living conditions. Small boats, canoes, or small aircraft may be used for travel or as a survey platform. Large numbers of biting insects are present during part of the year. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Verena A. Gill Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Marine Mammals Management 1011 East Tudor Road, MS 341 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 work phone: 907-786-3584 cell phone: 907-250-3721 fax: 907-786-3816 e-mail: verena_gill(a)fws.gov ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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