- MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Environmental Science MS degree at American University
by Stephen MacAvoy 19 Oct '05

19 Oct '05

The Environmental Science Program at American University in Washington DC invites applications from students interested in graduate work at the interface of science and policy. Located minutes from downtown DC, and the states of Maryland and Virginia, graduate students in our program have the unique opportunity to build on classroom instruction with internships and fellowships at all levels of government as well as with the many NGO’s headquartered in this region. The Environmental Studies Program offers competitive fellowships, teaching assistantships and student grants to qualified applicants. For more information, go to: www.american.edu/cas/env_std/environ_about.html or contact Dr. Steve MacAvoy at macavoy(a)american.edu or 202-885-3003

1 0

Request for photos to accompany book chapter on cetacean coutship and mating
by Cathy Schaeff 18 Oct '05

18 Oct '05

Hi folks, I recently finished writing a chapter on cetacean mating and courtship for "Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Cetacea.", part of an series edited by Barrie Jamieson. I am now trying to find some photos to illustrate the material in the chapter. Some of the topics covered are: male mating strategies; intrasexual competition; contest, mate choice, scramble and sperm competition; weapons, scarring; male alliances and consorts; sexual dimorphism; multi-male mating groups; and hybridization. I was wondering if folks had any photos of that you would be willing to let me use to help illustrate the material? If you have any photos that you are willing to contribute, please contact me [Cathy Schaeff (202) 885-2194; schaeff(a)american.edu] thanks very much, Cathy Dr. Cathy Schaeff Associate Professor and Chair Department of Biology, American University 4400 Mass. Ave. NW, Washington DC 20016-8007 (phone): (202) 885-2194; (fax): (202) 885-2182 schaeff(a)american.edu

1 0

Job posting, South Africa
by Shanan Atkins 17 Oct '05

17 Oct '05

Marine and Coastal Conservation Group Coordinator Endangered Wildlife Trust The Endangered Wildlife Trust, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has grown over the past thirty-two years into one of the major non-governmental conservation organisations operating throughout southern Africa. The Endangered Wildlife Trust seeks to appoint a Marine and Coastal Conservation Group Coordinator (MCCG). This challenging position requires a dedicated and organised individual who is able to develop the group and oversee implement various projects relating to marine and coastal conservation and research in southern Africa. The successful candidate is expected to develop and implement a strategic plan which will address gaps in marine and coastal conservation throughout the sub-continent. Strong communication and negotiation abilities are required to develop and nurture effective partnerships with the private sector, conservation/environmental organisations and governmental agencies. The successful candidate is also expected to develop, guide, oversee and implement MCCG research projects producing regular peer-reviewed publications on MCCG projects and ensuring timely delivery of effective conservation outcomes from all projects. Strong fundraising skills/abilities are required to ensure the financial stability of the MCCG and effective administration skills to ensure the smooth running of the group. Strong communication skills are required and bilingualism is an advantage. The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Masters degree in Zoology, Conservation Biology or a related, relevant field and a proven track record in applied research and field work as well as in producing peer-reviewed publications. Management experience is also required. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for conservation and the environment, a sound knowledge of the threats facing the marine and coastal environment throughout the region, a proven scientific track record and an understanding of and/or willingness to work in a non-governmental organisation. This is a contract appointment. The remuneration package is negotiable based on experience. The Endangered Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunity employer. Successful applicants will be required to attend interviews in Johannesburg. MCCG office base negotiable. Applicants are to submit a comprehensive CV, as well as a motivation as to how they see their role in this post. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Candidates who have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, must please assume that their applications were not successful. The EWT reserves the right not to make an appointment. Closing date: Friday, 21 October 2005 To apply please e-mail your CV to alisond(a)ewt.org.za Or post to "Administration Manager", Private Bag X11, Parkview, 2122. Or fax to +27 (11) 485 1506 Regards Alison de Smidt Endangered Wildlife Trust NPO 015502

1 0

Ultrasound blubber-depth measurements
by Patrick Robinson 17 Oct '05

17 Oct '05

Dear MARMAMers, I am looking for a simple (i.e. inexpensive) portable ultrasound instrument to measure blubber thickness on seals and sea lions. The existing literature on this topic indicates the predominant use of the Scanoprobe model (scanco, Ithaca, NY). However, Scanco no longer produces new units. Two questions for you: 1. If you currently own a Scanoprobe, are you willing to part with it? (a fair price can certainly be arranged) 2. Alternatively, have you had success measuring blubber thickness with another instrument? Thank you very much for your help, Patrick Robinson robinson(a)biology.ucsc.edu

1 0

job posting
by Research (HWDT) 17 Oct '05

17 Oct '05

HWDT Cetacean Sightings and Community Education Officer Over the past three years HWDT established a pilot project that involved collecting and collating cetacean sighting information, involving members of the public and other marine users. HWDT has collated over 8,000 sightings of cetaceans from the Argyll Islands and throughout the Hebrides. Building on this work, HWDT would like develop a new Sightings and Community Education Project. The project would have two elements. 1. To engage marine users, to increase their awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the marine biodiversity of the Argyll Island area and promote action for biodiversity. 2. Increase our knowledge of the priority BAP species, the bottlenose dolphin. Very little is known about the west coast of Scotland’s Bottlenose Dolphin population, by their nature (coastal inshore species) they are one of Argyll’s most visible species. By focusing our efforts on well known flagship species which can be readily identified in the field with we are able to not only gather important data regarding their status and distribution but also capture the public’s imagination while sending a clear, positive conservation and biodiversity message. In the pilot project we established good links with fish farm companies, fishermen and wildlife operators which we plan to maintain. Up until now HWDT has not had the resources to engage with recreational marine users. The Sightings officer would target recreational marine users including yachtsmen, divers, kayakers, anglers as well as visitors to the area. We will target different groups duration the 2 year project duration. The Sightings officer, with volunteer support, will work with guidance from the Scientific Committee to implement the proposed Sightings and Community Education Program. This includes the following key tasks: Encourage marine-users throughout the Argyll Islands to report sightings of marine life species focusing primarily on cetaceans and other priority species through the distribution of identification sheets, sightings forms and the organization of ID workshops. Maintain sightings Access database, which will include supervision of the Sightings Volunteer with the input of sightings data.. Generate up to date web-based maps of sightings and sightings reports based on the database. Encourage the continuation of HWDT’s Logger program which encourages whale watching operators to collect detailed effort-related data marine mammal sighting data. Tasks include, onboard training and assistance; checking, maintaining and archiving collected data. Analysis of dataset. Organise a series of targeted talks and workshops to specific marine users identified above. These events would focus on highlighting the following issues: Marine biodiversity in the Argyll Region; raise awareness of the marine wildlife watching code, what to do in the event of a live or dead strandings, the value of reporting sightings, and the effects of marine debris, engaging many more people in working towards marine conservation enhancement. Focus on promoting and encouraging participation to the sightings network. By engaging the public, we will maximise sightings contributions to the Bottlenose dolphin sightings network. · Assist in ferry sightings project · You will also continue to share updated information with the wider public and current contributors to the Sightings Programme, through our website and quarterly newsletters. Reports are also required by Sea Watch Foundation, the Whale and Dolphin magazine, British Wildlife Magazine ,WWF, Biodiversity Action Grants Scheme and NADAIR · Assistance with Funding Proposals, through reports will also be required · As part of this project, HWDT would continue to work in partnership with many other environmental organisations to develop an effective management framework that ensures biodiversity is taken into account in all decision making. · General administrative duties related to the NADAIR community sighting programme · Additional duties may include attending strandings and a variety of other work which may come up from time to time. Desirable Skills/Qualifications:- a) A degree in a biological or environmental subject - ideally a subject with a large marine component. b) Considerable experience of database construction and analysis (access and excel). c) Knowledge of managing and setting up GIS packages. d) PR skills including experience of public speaking and dealing with people with a wide variety of backgrounds. e) Experience of writing popular and scientific articles/reports. f) Excellent marine life identification skills. g) Excellent IT skills. h) Experience of working as part of a small team. i) A full driver’s licence. General Information: Conditions: The post-holder will need to operate as part of a small team in a small but dynamic NGO. Salary: salary is based on a full time £13,104 pro rata. As the post is ¾ time, this is £9828, although for the first 6 months this post will be funded full time. There is a possibility that the post will receive further funding beyond that period. Term of Contract and Probationary Period: The term of contract will be from the date of appointment until June 2007 and is subject to satisfactory performance during the initial six-month probationary period. Location and travel: HWDT is based on Mull, and the appointee will work primarily from its offices in Tobermory though much of the day-to-day work may be conducted elsewhere. Travelling in Argyll and beyond will be essential. A small proportion of the work may be boat-based. Some other travel will be required including overnight stays away from home. The Sightings Officer will be required to own or have unrestricted access to a vehicle for the purposes of such travel, for which a mileage allowance will be paid. Living on Mull can be challenging, often with poor weather in the winter months, limited facilities and is also relatively expensive. Hours of work: Normal working hours for this contract are 25 per week. Owing to the nature and location of the work, flexible working hours will be required, with some evening work and work on public holidays and weekends. No overtime is paid but time off in lieu of extra work will be granted. Annual leave: 17 working days leave plus 8 statutory public holidays. A day off in lieu will be granted for any statutory holidays worked. In addition to this the post holder will be expected to take 17 days leave during the winter months from November – February. Expenses: Agreed travel, subsistence and other expenses arising from project work will be paid in arrears. Interview expenses will be paid to short-listed candidates. Relocation expenses are the responsibility of the appointee. Application Procedure Please send a detailed curriculum vitae and covering letter by 27 October with the names of two referees to: Cally Fleming, Executive Director Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street, Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU For further information on the work of the Trust, see our website www.hwdt.org email: admin(a)hwdt.org

1 0

Internship available in Auckland, New Zealand
by Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto 14 Oct '05

14 Oct '05

Available Internship: Photo-identification and population genetics of bottlenose dolphins in New Zealand. I am currently seeking an experienced intern to work with, at the Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. The position entails assisting with the catalogue of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Northland waters and related fieldworks. The placement shall run for 6 to 9 weeks commencing 1st February 2006 (although a long-term assistant is preferred, short-term periods may be discussed). The position involves a variety of tasks including assisting during fieldwork trips (for photo-identification and biopsy sampling), sorting, labelling and data entry. The successful candidate should have photo-identification and boat handling experience and good motivation to collaborate with land-based tasks. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses and travel costs. Visas will be the responsibility of the candidate as well. There is no monetary compensation for this position. Ideally the candidate should have: Experience with marine mammal photo-identification Experience with boat handling Good English language skills - must be fluent both written and spoken Motivated and able to work well independently A team player with good communication skills Applicants should apply by mail to: GABRIELA DE TEZANOS PINTO at the following address. Please include a CV, intention letter and 2 references. Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour Group School of Biological Sciences The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. More info about the project can be found at http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/research/popgenevol/baker/projects/bottlenose… hins.htm Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto PhD Candidate Population Genetics & Evolution Lab The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland New Zealand http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/research/popgenevol/baker/gabriella.htm ·´¯`·.¸¸..><((((º>.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>`·.¸ ..¸<º))))><`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.<º))))><.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. <º))))><¸.·´¯`·.¸. ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through University of Auckland http://www.auckland.ac.nz/

1 0

NEW Society for Marine Mammalogy Student Chapter
by ezollett＠mail.sdsu.edu 14 Oct '05

14 Oct '05

The NEW Northeast Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy has planned our first event! We invite all students in the Northeast (USA) to join us on Tuesday, October 25th at 7:00 pm on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus in Boston (Location: MIT 68-121). Come meet other students of marine mammalogy and learn about our upcoming events. For more information and directions, check out our website at: www.marmam.org Email erika.zollett(a)unh.edu with questions.

1 0

Volunteer Opportunities with Sea Watch Wales
by Hanna Nuuttila 14 Oct '05

14 Oct '05

*Sea Watch Wales* 2006 Marine Research and Education Volunteer Opportunities The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face, and by the regular production of material to educate, inform and lobby for better environmental protection. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales through research and education. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, with support from Defra and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, particularly its two Special Areas of Conservation, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various research projects including: - Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within the Cardigan Bay SAC using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys - Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in West Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. - Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (TPODs) - Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. In addition, line-transect abundance surveys for common dolphins are conducted monthly in the Celtic Deep west of Pembrokeshire. In summer 2005, these revealed sizeable numbers of minke whales and six fin whales, as well as orca, Risso's dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Education We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. This is carried out through a school education programme, public talks and road shows, and the production and dissemination of educational and interpretational materials. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. Volunteers Volunteers are invited to assist with all the various projects listed above, including: land- and boat-based marine mammal surveys and photo-identification studies, database entry, awareness raising initiatives, school education programme, developing education and interpretation materials and assisting with and participating in training courses and public talks. Volunteers are required from mid April until mid October 2006, with a minimum commitment of 4 weeks. Preference will be given to those who can stay for longer periods, including the whole 6-month period. Volunteers would be based in New Quay, West Wales, and it is possible to obtain part time paid work in the area if required. We will try and help to find accommodation for all volunteers (approx. 50GBP per week). However, volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses. Main tasks involved include: *Research volunteers: * · Conduct land based surveys of dolphins and porpoises · Conduct boat-based line transect surveys onboard our research vessel · Collect observational data on marine mammal sightings and weather conditions on board local marine wildlife watching boats · Data entry for land and boat based sightings · Interacting with the public on the pier about the marine wildlife in the area and the work being conducted by Sea Watch · Assist with photo-identification work and analysis · Assist with acoustic monitoring, using T-PODS and hydrophones *Education volunteers:* · Conduct land based surveys, including recording sightings information and updating sightings records and reports. · Interact with the public on the pier about the marine wildlife in the area and the work being conducted · Assist with school visits, talks and awareness raising events · Assist with the research and production of education and interpretational materials · The opportunity to participate in boat based fieldwork *Important skills/qualifications:* · A background in marine biology/environmental science etc is desirable · A background in environmental education and experience working with children is desirable (Education volunteers) · A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans would be an advantage · Prior experience in boat based survey work would be useful · An ability to get on well with others in a small group · Good verbal and written communication skills · Experience in interacting with the public · Public speaking and IT skills · An ability to work in a conscientious and reliable manner · Willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather · Driving Licence and preferably a car owner (Education volunteers) All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of seals and bottlenose dolphins. For more information on our research and the volunteer programme, please visit our website www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk<http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/>. *To Apply:* * * Please send a CV and a covering letter detailing whether you want to work with education or research, including any relevant experience you have and specifying *when in the season you are available and for what length of time to:* Hanna Nuuttila hanna.nuuttila(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Please put VOLUNTEER APPLICATION into your subject title.** Or by snail mail: Sea Watch Foundation Wales, Paragon House, Wellington Place, New Quay, Ceredigion, SA45 9NR. Tel:01545 561227 The volunteer selection will take place after the New Year so you will hear back from us by the end of February. * * * * *Conference Presentations and publications:* Lastra, P. and Ugarte, F. (2004) Photo identification of bottlenose dolphins in the Cardigan Bay candidate Special Area of Conservation. Poster for ECS Conference, Kolmarden, Sweden, March/April 2004. Ugarte, F., Lastra, P., Evans, P.G.H., Hartley, S. and Laing, S. (2004) Present and future abundance estimation of marine mammals in the Cardigan Bay candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) from line transect surveys using a small boat. Poster for ECS Conference, Kolmarden, Sweden, March/April 2004. Lamb, J. and Ugarte, F. (2005) Relationships between presence of bottlenose dolphins, environmental variables and boat traffic; visual and acoustic surveys in new Quay Bay, Wales. Poster for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Lott, R., Evans, P.G.H., Perez, S., Stone, E., Hartley, S. and Ugarte, F (2005) Social structure and long term Residency of Bottlenose Dolphins in Cardigan Bay. Presentation for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Lott, R., Stone, E., Perez, S., Hartley, S., Evans, P.G.H., and Ugarte, F. (2005) Social structure of bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay, Wales. Poster for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Perez, S., Lott, R., Stone, E., Luque, P. Hartley, S., Evans, P.G.H., Baines, M., Reichelt, M., Baxter, J. and Ugarte, F. (2005) Long-term site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay, Wales. Poster for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Simon, M. andVerfuß, U. (2005) Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins using T-PODs. Presentation for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Ugarte, F., Felce, T., Perez, S., Stone, E., Hartley, S. and Evans, P.G.H. (2005) Abundance of marine mammals in the Cardigan Bay SAC estimated with distance sampling and photo identification surveys from a small boat. Presentation for ECS Conference, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. *Masters theses published or in preparation since 2004 from projects undertaken in conjunction with Sea Watch Foundation:* - *Evonne Amblin, University of Plymouth: *Environmental factors affecting the distribution of short-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis)* of the Celtic Deep. (in prep.)** * * - *Ina Ansmann, University of Wales, Bangor*: Acoustic behaviour and whistle characteristics of common dolphins, (*Delphinus Delphis)*, in the Celtic Sea. (in prep.) ** - *Juliana Castrillon, University of Javeriana, Colombia: *Estimating the population size and long-term residence of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Cardigan Bay SAC. (in prep.) - *Ronan Hickey, University of Wales, Bangor: *Comparative study of bottlenose dolphin whistles in the southern Cardigan Bay SAC and in the Shannon Estuary. (in prep.)** * * - *Jennie Lamb, University of Wales, Bangor: *Relationships between bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*), environmental variables and boat traffic; visual and acoustic surveys in New Quay Bay. (2004)* * * * - *Kate Lewis, University of Wales, Bangor: *Habitat use, behaviour and site fidelity of grey seals along the Ceredigion Heritage Coast. (in prep.) - *Rob Lott, University of Wales, Bangor: *Social structure of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Cardigan Bay. (2004) - *Neal Reay, University of Wales, Bangor: *Estimating the g(0) in linear surveys of harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. (in prep.)** * * - *Mercedes Reyes-Zamudio, University of Wales, Bangor: *Acoustic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*): a comparison between T-POD and visual surveys. (in prep.) - *Andrew Scullion, University of Wales, Bangor: *Short-beaked common dolphin, *Delphinus delphis*, whistles: Is whistle density, a reliable Form of measuring group size? (2004) * *

1 0

Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-identification Internships - Spring 2006
by R.H. Defran 13 Oct '05

13 Oct '05

From: "Dr. R.H. Defran" <rdefran(a)sunstroke.sdsu.edu> The Marine Mammal and Protected Resources (MMPR) Program in Charleston, South Carolina is recruiting to fill two Dolphin Photo-identification Internship positions for the Spring of 2006. The MMPR is organized within NOAA's National Ocean Service and is located at the Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) laboratory in Charleston, SC. The intern position involves a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 15 week period from Tuesday January 17, 2006 to Friday, April 28, 2006. The intern will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution Project (CDAD). Two useful sources of information about the CDAD project are: 1) Zolman, E. 2002. Residence patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Stono River estuary, Charleston County, South Carolina. Marine Mammal Science 18:879-892; and 2) The Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution (CDAD) Project: Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) for Field and Photographic Analysis Procedures (download this pdf file at web site listed below). The CDAD project carries out boat-based photo-identification surveys in the coastal and inland waterways of the Charleston SC area. This research is designed to provide an understanding of the population characteristics of Charleston dolphins as part of a comprehensive health assessment of Charleston area Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-identification methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. There is no compensation for this internship position and the successful applicant will be responsible for their living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. The interns must have a personal vehicle to allow them to travel to and from the laboratory and to some of the local field sites in the Charleston area. Ideal internship applicants will be advanced undergraduates or a recent graduate of a scientifically oriented university program in the behavioral or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology, have potential interests in future graduate study in marine mammal science, and is an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and the research literature in this field. Preference will be given to the selection of an intern with well developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The internship application will consist of a letter of interest, transcripts of university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with your scholarship, research skills and work habits. Interested applicants should correspond with Dr. Defran by email before preparing and submitting application materials. We anticipate filling this internship position by November 25, 2006. Interested applicants should correspond by email to: Dr. R.H. Defran Email: rdefran(a)sunstroke.sdsu.edu Defran Home Page: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Director.html CDAD SOP pdf download: http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/CDAD%20Interns hip%20SOP.pdf.

1 0

Re: New Paper
by Brendan Godley 13 Oct '05

13 Oct '05

Dear Colleagues See paper of interest below. If you would like to get involved then please contact Michael Coyne <mcoyne(a)seaturtle.org> With kind regards Brendan Coyne MS, Godley BJ (2005) Satellite Tracking and Analysis Tool (STAT): An Integrated System for Archiving, Analyzing and Mapping Animal Tracking Data. Marine Ecology Progress Series 301:1-7 This article is open-access and available for download here: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v301 ABSTRACT: Despite the obvious power and advantages of the Argos system to track animals by satellite, the data generated are difficult for many biologists to exploit. A broad range of skills is required to efficiently download, collate, filter and interpret Argos data. Integration of animal movements with other physical (e.g. remote sensing imagery) and anthropogenic (e.g. fishery distributions) datasets presents additional technical and computing challenges. The Satellite Tracking and Analysis Tool (STAT) is a freely available system designed for biologists who work on animal tracking; it includes a set of standardized tools and techniques for data management, analysis, and integration with environmental data. STAT logs in to the Argos computer network each day and downloads all available locations and associated data for each user. These data are parsed and stored in a relational database and automatically backed up to an offsite location. A number of data filtering options are available, including setting maximum speed, time or distance between consecutive points, Argos location class, and turning angle. A variety of environmental data layers, including bathymetry, sea surface temperature, sea surface height, ocean currents and chlorophyll, can be sampled for all locations in the STAT database and can be downloaded and incorporated into tracking maps and animations. STAT also facilitates collaboration and the sharing of animal tracking information with the wider public and funding organizations. We hope that STAT will act as a catalytic foundation, fostering collaboration among users of satellite telemetry, and ensuring maximum value from these studies. Dr. Brendan J. Godley Lecturer in Conservation Biology Marine Turtle Research Group Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter in Cornwall Tremough Campus Penryn TR10 9EZ UK Tel: 01326 371 861 Homepage <http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/> Editor Endangered Species Research <http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/> Editor Marine Turtle Newsletter <http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/>

1 0