Actividades: Curso SIG en Barcelona!!

Dentro de la oferta formativa del Departamento de Educación de CIRCE (Conservación, Información y Estudio sobre los Cetáceos) y con la colaboración de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) se informa que durante los días del 29 de Marzo al 2 de Abril de 2011 en Barcelona se llevará a cabo el Curso de Aplicación de los Sistemas de Información Geográfica en Biología Animal.

Pueden contactarnos para recibir información del próximo curso en la dirección: cursos@circe.biz

Objetivos del curso:

Si bien es posible encontrar un gran número de cursos y tutoriales dedicados al manejo de las herramientas SIG y en particular del gvSIG, pocos hacen incidencia en la aplicación práctica de éstos en el ámbito de la biología animal.

Este curso tiene como objetivo preparar al alumno para iniciarse en el mundo de los sistemas de información geográfica dentro del entorno del software libre. Se trata de ofrecer una visión general de sus posibilidades y centrarse únicamente en aquellas herramientas que suelen ser de mayor interés o más frecuentemente utilizadas en ecología espacial.

La finalidad del curso es iniciar al alumno en el manejo de las herramientas SIG comprendiendo los conceptos básicos y explorando todas las posibilidades que ofrece este tipo de herramientas. De esta forma, una vez terminado el curso los alumnos serán capaces de aplicar todo lo aprendido en sus propios proyectos e investigaciones.    

Al final del curso se espera que los alumnos sean capaces de:

1.    Entender los principios básicos del funcionamiento de un SIG y sus elementos.
2.    Introducir y visualizar en un SIG información geográfica en los formatos más habituales, incluyendo el acceso a datos de servidores remotos.
3.    Entender y elegir correctamente el sistema de referencia apropiado en cada caso así como exportar los datos de un sistema de proyección a otro.
4.    Visualizar geográficamente los datos recopilados y modificar su aspecto y simbología.
5.    Realizar ediciones vectoriales simples.
6.    Realizar los análisis vectoriales y raster más habituales.
7.    Realizar presentaciones de resultados en forma de mapas elaborados.

Profesorado:

El curso será impartido por Raúl Vilela Pérez, licenciado en ciencias del mar, con un máster en teledetección por la Universidad de Dundee (UK) y actualmente és investigador en el departamento de Biogeografia y Ecosistemas pesqueros del Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia (IEO). También trabajó como investigador en el departamento de Pesquerías Lejanas del Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (IEO) a cargo del proyecto ‘Aplicación de los sistemas de información geográfica al estudio de la variabilidad espacio-temporal de especies de interés comercial’.

Coordinadores:
El curso será coordinado por  Joan Giménez Verdugo y por Cecilia Corbella Felip.

Duración:

El curso tendrá una duración de 30 horas, con horario de tarde de 15:00 horas a 21:00 horas. Debido al carácter práctico del curso y para aprovechar de la mejor manera posible el tiempo las plazas son limitadas.

Precio:

El precio del curso tiene un coste de 200€.
Cada alumno deberá traer su propio ordenador portátil, durante el curso se empleará el software libre gvSIG. Con el fin de aprovechar al máximo el tiempo de clase, la semana anterior al curso se le enviará a cada persona inscrita instrucciones sobre la instalación del software. Asimismo el profesor del curso estará disponible durante la semana previa para resolver cualquier incidencia relacionada con la instalación de gvSIG.

Dirigido a:

Curso dirigido a estudiantes, licenciados y profesionales que quieran iniciarse en el manejo de herramientas SIG, a través de software de libre uso (gvSIG). Además en el material del curso se dispondrá de un anexo para realizar los ejercicios en ArcGIS.

Si estas interesado en realizar este curso por favor rellena la ficha siguiente y realiza la transferencia correspondiente.

Para cualquier otra duda o solicitar más información puede ponerse en contacto con nosotros al correo

cursos@circe.biz

Volunteer: Research Expedition in Norway!!

JOIN A RESEARCH EXPEDITION IN NORWAY

We are currently searching for 7 research assistants to join boat based expeditions in Norway.

Best Explorer (www.bestexpeditions.net)

Aims of the expedition and itinerary

The aim of this expedition is to conduct a survey during which we will collect data on marine mammal distribution along the North coast of Norway. Data will be used by several students working currently on their PhD and Master´s thesis in Whale Safari Andenes, Norway. This expedition is organized in collaboration with La Isla de los Delfines (www.laisladelosdelfines.com). 

We will sail out from Tromsø harbor, and during 7 days of navigation we will pass through the areas of high concentration of cetaceans along the coast of the Vesterålen and Lofoten islands, like the Bleik Canyon, a key feeding ground for sperm whales. In the area we might also encounter killer whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, white beaked dolphins, pilot whales, porpoises, fin whales, minke whales and humpback whales. We will conduct visual and acoustic surveys, and work on the photo identification of sperm whales and killer whales. We will spend the night at a different harbor each day, allowing us to explore the wild coasts of these islands.

The itinerary is subjected to weather conditions, as sometimes the sea state may oblige us to stay on land. In this case, additional activities will be proposed.

Dates

·         16th – 24th June 2011

·         19th – 27th September 2011

The boat and life on board

Best Explorer is a 15 m long sailing boat that has been used for sailing across remote areas in Northern Norway and the Arctic during the past years. It has a capacity for 12 persons and is perfectly equipped to conduct research surveys.

More info: www.bestexpeditions.net

The boat is equipped with 3 showers and a full kitchen. As space might be limited, we recommend bringing reduced luggage.

Participant requirements and duties

Participants will help during the survey in effort and marine mammal data collection and analysis. During the expedition we will expend cca 10h a day working on the survey. Participants will learn how to design surveys and data sheets, use GPS, recognize marine mammal species, gather behavior data, individual identification of cetaceans and sailing skills among other tasks.

We will enjoy local nature and landscapes through excursions the rest of the time, the midnight sun in June, and northern lights in September.

During the expedition, participants will be provided with lectures about marine mammals, cetaceans and training in research techniques. A boat safety lecture will be also arranged on the first day of the expedition.

Anyone with an interest in getting actively involved in marine mammal research can join the expedition. Though no prior experience in the marine mammal field is necessary, it will be considered a plus. 

The applicants should be aware of the weather conditions on the Norwegian sea, which can sometimes be rough, so we discourage people who suffer from seasickness to apply.

Applicants will be accepted on a first come – first served basis. 

Participation fee

Unfortunately, the budget of this project is very limited, so there is a fee of 1500 euros per participant strictly to cover the boat expenses. 

The fee includes travel insurance, accommodation on board in 3-4 persons cabins, and boat expenses (e.g: rental fee, crew salary, oil, harbor fees). Food expenses will not be covered, but we will keep these expenses low by arranging community meals. 

As the participation fee only covers boat expenses calculated on the basis of 7 participants, we need to fill all the assistant positions for the expedition to take place.

The payment can be done by 30^th April and it can be done through installement, but please consult me beforehand for this way of payment. However, a part of the fee (300 euros) must be paid in advance (before 31^st March) to book the placement. This fee will be returned if the participant communicates refusal of the placement before 31^st March.

For more information and application, please contact:

macostaplata@gmail.com

Marta Acosta
Researcher
Whale Safari Andenes
www.whalesafari.no
macostaplata@gmail.com  

Volunteer: Seal rehabilitation in Netherlands!!!

The Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre (SRRC) in Pieterburen, the Netherlands, is looking for:

*Enthusiastic volunteers who are experienced in animal husbandry.*

The seals in the rehabilitation centre need intensive care treatment due to their health problems (mostly lungworm infections). We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who will work together with the SRRC staff in the seals care department. The SRRC is expecting many seals to be admitted during this coming winter season.

If you have experience with animal husbandry, and you are available in this coming winter, please send a letter to the SRRC info@zeehondencreche.nl

We require a minimum period of six weeks, but prefer a longer period. We offer food and accommodation at the centre and the chance to work with seals in a motivated group of international colleagues.

Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre

Hoofdstraat 94a

9968 AG PIETERBUREN

The Netherlands

Phone: (31) 595 - 526 526

Fax: (31) 595 - 528 389

Email: info@zeehondencreche.nl

Website: www.zeehondencreche.nl

English website: www.srrc.nl

Employment: Delaware!!

Position Announcement: Director of the School of Marine Science and Policy

The College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of Delaware invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Marine Science and Policy (SMSP). The position provides a unique opportunity to lead a premier marine organization into the coming decade. The Director is responsible for all teaching, research, and service activities within the School and reports directly to the Dean of the College. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of full professor.

We seek an energetic scholar in any area of marine science or policy who has developed a nationally and internationally recognized body of scholarship with evidence of deep commitment to marine education, research, and academic leadership. Candidates should have administrative experience as a department chairperson, laboratory director, or equivalent leadership position in
academia. This will include high achievement in teaching and service, as well as substantial experience in the conduct and administration of competitive research programs supported by funds from private sources, foundations, and government agencies.

The School is composed of 41 faculty members, approximately 100 graduate students, and a growing undergraduate program. The SMSP is ranked among the top institutions for marine education and research in the United States, with facilities located on the Sharp Campus at the mouth of Delaware Bay in Lewes, Delaware and on the main campus in Newark, Delaware. The 64-acre Sharp Campus features over 100,000 square feet of modern laboratory, classroom, and office space. The Director is expected to maintain an active presence at both the Sharp campus in Lewes and the main University of Delaware campus in Newark.

The University of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer which encourages applications from women and from members of minority groups. More information on the College and School may be found at http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/ and http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/academics/smsp/index.shtml. Applicants should submit a detailed statement of interest and qualifications along with curriculum vitae in electronic format, as well as contact information for at least three references. Applications and requests for information should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Patrick Gaffney, Professor of Marine Biosciences (302-645-4364; pgaffney@udel.edu). Applications must be received by 31 December 2010.

PIDO PERDÓN/PLEASE EXCUSE ME!!

I would like to apologize to all the readers and visitors of this blog for this long absence and the lack of new entries during the last months. Unfortunately, my own personal circumstances together with a complicated working situation has kept me away from this beautiful project.

Sadly I got to lose my job in Spain, but looking on the bright side, now I have much more time to dedicate to all of you and this little project, El Mundo de los Mamíferos Marinos. Thank you very much for your patience and for reading me!!

Now we´re back!!!

Marta



Me gustaría pedir disculpas a todos los seguidores y visitantes de este blog por la larga ausencia y la falta de entradas durante los últimos meses. Lamenteblemente, mis circunstancias personales y una situación laboral complicada y ajetreada me impidieron seguir con este hermoso proyecto.

Tristemente he perdido mi trabajo en España, por lo que mirándolo por el lado bueno, ahora vuelvo a tener mucho más tiempo para dedicaros a todos y a este pequeño hijo, El Mundo de los Mamíferos Marinos. Muchas gracias por vuestra paciencia y por leerme de vez en cuando :)

Ahora volvemos con más fuerza!!!

Marta

Volunteering: Slovenia - Morigenos Dolphin Project!!

Morigenos – marine mammal research and conservation society is seeking applications for:

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS for season 2010

WHAT

Research assistants are required to assist with the ongoing long-term research and monitoring programme of the Slovenian Dolphin Project. The project focuses on the study, monitoring and conservation of the local population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Slovenian and adjacent waters in the north Adriatic Sea since 2002, collecting information on distribution, abundance, social structure, habitat use, fishery interactions and tourism impact.

WHERE

The research base is located in Portoroz, Slovenia (EU). The fieldwork is carried out in Slovenian and adjacent waters (north Adriatic Sea).

WHEN

20th June – 1st October 2010

Candidates are expected to committ to the project for a minimum of 1 month, but can also apply for the whole period.

DUTIES

The research assistant will be responsible for assisting the project leaders in all aspects of research and associated tasks. Duties include, but are not limited to:

· daily fieldwork (boat surveys on a 5.7 meter RIB, land-based watches with binoculars and theodolite tracking, photo-identification, behavioural sampling, data recording)

· database entry, database management, data analysis

· boat upkeep and maintenance

· research base upkeep and maintenance

· coordinating teams of participants in Morigenos research camps

CONDITIONS

This position is unpaid, but accommodation and food are provided. Successful applicants need to cover their own travel costs.

IMPORTANT SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• A background in biology, veterinary medicine, geography or related sciences
• Previous experience in cetacean research
• Nautical licence and experience in handling RIBs
• Good IT skills (Word, Excell and Access are a must)
• Ability and willingness to work long hours outdoors, in often hot weather
• Ability to work well in a small international team
• Good verbal and written communication skills

The following qualifications are not required, but one or more of the following will be considered an advantage:

• Good knowledge of GIS
• Previous experience and knowledge of photo-ID, distance sampling, habitat modelling, theodolite tracking or C-POD use
• Experience in the use of software packages MARK, SOCPROG or R

HOW TO APPLY

Send a letter of interest and a CV, outlining why you are applying, your previous experience and qualifications, why you think you should be considered for the position and your availability in the given period. Include contact details of two references.

Send your application to tilen.genov(at)gmail.com. Please specify 'MORIGENOS RESEARCH ASSISTANT' in your subject title. Deadline: 3rd April 2010.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 13th April 2010.

Morigenos team will be at the ECS conference in Stralsund, where we would be happy to talk to you. When you send your application, please let us know whether you are attending the ECS and we can possibly arrange a meeting.

Tilen Genov

Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society

Jarska cesta 36/a

SI-1000 Ljubljana

Slovenia (EU)

www.morigenos.org

Activities: Workshops at St Andrews!!

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops in the summer of 2010 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software.

The first workshop (24-27 August) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on "conventional" distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book "Introduction to Distance Sampling." The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program "Distance." Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys.

The advanced distance sampling workshop (30 August - 1 September) will include advanced treatment of: incorporating covariates in detection function modelling, analyses in which detectability on the transect line is not assumed to be perfect (the so-called g(0) problem), automated survey design, advanced stratified survey analysis, advanced trend analysis, and adaptive survey designs. The aim of this workshop is to bring participants up to date with the latest developments in distance sampling methods and software. It is also an opportunity for those actively engaged in the design, analysis and execution of distance sampling surveys to discuss common issues and problems, and set future research directions. The workshop will be a combination of lectures and computer sessions, with considerable time for discussion.

For both workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached
to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptop computers.

Additional details regarding the workshop can be found at our website
http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/distance2010/workshop_overview.html

Employment: UK!

Head of Bioacoustics Technology, Aquatec Group, Hartley Wintney, UK

About Aquatec
Aquatec Group is a UK-based manufacturer of oceanographic and subsea instrumentation, sold throughout the world for use by research organisations, survey companies, fisheries and the oil and gas industry. Our product range includes a number of bioacoustics-related products, including the AQUAclick (a Static Acoustic Monitoring data logger) and various models of AQUAmark (acoustic deterrent devices) for bycatch mitigation.

About the Role
To support our growing bioacoustics-related business, we are currently recruiting at our UK office for a Head of Bioacoustics Technology position, reporting to the Managing Director.

Aquatec develops and manufactures solutions for marine mammal monitoring and bycatch mitigation, with an in-house engineering team that comprises acoustics, electronics and software engineers. Within the role, you will be expected to provide the interface between the engineering team and the needs of regulators, specifiers and end users of the technology. You will be in regular contact with marine mammal scientists around the world.

Within the role you will be expected to develop the bioacoustics arm of the business, take part in product development and testing, and support existing users of products. The role requires someone who has a well-rounded mix of personal, scientific, and business development skills.

About You
You will be degree qualified with a Masters or PhD in Marine Biology or similar. You will be a citizen of the European Community or will have a permanent right to work in the United Kingdom. You will have practical field experience in the use of static acoustic monitoring systems, and a good understanding of bioacoustics principles. You will be able to process and present bioacoustics data using Matlab, C or both. Ideally you will be in a similar position, or actively working in marine mammal research in the field, and looking for a new challenge. You will need to be competent and confident in the representation of Aquatec to potential customers as well as confident with Aquatec’s internal team to build and expand the company’s business.

The Reward

Aquatec is based in pleasant semi-rural surroundings in Hampshire, UK, approximately 40 miles or one hour’s train journey from London. You will be working with a highly motivated and dynamic team and a diverse range of clients and contacts around the world, with opportunities to travel. Salary will be competitive and will reflect your current experience. Assistance with relocation may also be available.

For more information or queries please send CV/Resume to Reva Perryman, Office Administrator at Aquatec Group, email rperryman@aquatecgroup.com.

Aquatec Group Limited Registered in England No 2523284

Registered Address: High Street, Hartley Wintney Hampshire, RG27 8NY, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1252 843072 Fax: +44 (0)1252 843074 www.AquatecGroup.com

Volunteering: Maine!

Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks 4 interns for the 2010 summer field season.

Two three-month positions (June-August) and two five-month positions (June-October)are available.

Individuals will assist in numerous research projects monitoring humpback, finback and North Atlantic right whales, including off-shore surveys, data collection on local whale watching boats, tower surveys on our remote off-shore research base,passive acoustic monitoring, and general logistics. Individuals will be able to earn limited income as deckhands. Research responsibilities include photo-identification
of whales and data collection/entry. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, and passenger safety. Training will be provided.

The applicants should have a college background in biology and/or zoology. Some knowledge of research methods is an advantage. Knowledge of marine mammals and seabirds is an asset. Previous experience in photography (conventional and digital) is helpful but not required. Applicants must be positive, flexible, able to work independently, and comfortable working offshore on boats.

These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research.

The positions begin June 1st and applicants must be able to work through with no other commitments (excluding COA students).

Please specify which position you are interested in.

Hours will vary depending on schedules, housing is provided and mandatory for a fee (~$100/wk).

Application deadline is March 22, 2010.

Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to:

Interns 2010
Allied Whale
105 Eden St.
Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609
(207)288-5644
Or e-mail to: alliedwhale@coa.edu

Leah M. Crowe

Allied Whale
(207) 288-5644

Employment: Hawaii!!

We would like to announce a new job position opening as a Research Ecologist in the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center PIFSC), located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The person in this position will conduct research in support of the PIFSC Cetacean and Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Programs. Research activities will include characterizing species' distribution and terrestrial/marine habitat use and predictive modeling for population assessment and recovery efforts.

Duties include: analyzes marine mammal spatial information; submits manuscripts for publication and works with other scientists to produce reports and scientific publications on the population assessment of Hawaiian monk seals and cetaceans; conducts and writes analysis to support permit applications for marine mammal conservation efforts; designs and develops studies on aspects of spatial distribution and other elements of Hawaiian monk seal ecology; conducts field studies as needed; works with other scientists and stakeholders to produce reports and presentations to inform the general public on the spatial ecology of Hawaiian monk seals and Pacific cetaceans.

This is a Permanent full time federal position. You must be a US Citizen to be accepted for this job.

For more details on job duties, application process and more please go to usajobs.gov and search for job number NMFS-PIC-2010-0012.

If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact the individual listed on the job announcement at the USAJobs website.

Applications close on April 2, 2010.

Charles Littnan
Lead Scientist, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program
NOAA Fisheries Service