Actividades: Conferencias Málaga!

CONFERENCIA INACHUS: JÓVENES INVESTIGADORES ESPAÑOLES Y
SU TRABAJO CON CETÁCEOS

La Asociación Inachus invita a su segunda conferencia sobre cetáceos, que se desarrollará el día 2 de abril de 2009, de 14.00 a 20.00 en el Salón de Grados de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad de Málaga.

La actividad, además de la conferencia, incluye una salida de avistamiento de cetáceos desde Tarifa, que se realizará el día 3 de abril de 2009, siempre que las condiciones meteorológicas lo permitan.

Programa de la conferencia:

Daniel Becerra: Introducción a los delfines de río.
Estudio del delfín del Amazonas en la reserva natural de Mamirauá, Brasil.

María Morell: Introducción a la acústica de cetáceos
Estudio de los oídos internos de cetáceos.

Philippe Verborgh: Introducción al estudio de poblaciones de cetáceos.
Estudio de los calderones comunes del Estrecho de Gibraltar.

Mark Fernández: Introducción a la oceanografía.
Estudio de cetáceos en aguas de Azores.

Pierre Gallego: Introducción a la patología de cetáceos.
Patología de cetáceos del Estrecho de Gibraltar.

Precios:
-Conferencia y salida: 35 euros
-Sólo la conferencia: 15 euros
-Sólo la salida: 25 euros

Incluye:

- La conferencia
- Certificado de asistencia
- Salida de avistamiento de cetáceos (con Turmares desde Tarifa, Cádiz)

No incluye:

- El traslado desde el lugar de origen hasta Tarifa

Para más información, entra en:
http://nuke.inachus.org/Espa%C3%B1ol/CursosyJornadas/tabid/64/Default.aspx


Elena Pérez Martin
informacion@inachus.org
Tlf: 654577733

Voluntariado: Proyecto fin de Máster!

UK-based ORCA – Organisation Cetacea (www.orcaweb.org.uk) is offering a field research opportunity for a student wishing to complete a Masters thesis on behalf of the charity, entitled:

Understanding fin whale behaviour as a tool for mitigating against large ship strikes

Ship strikes cause serious injuries and mortalities to whales worldwide, and are widely implicated as a major factor affecting the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) population. Despite this, world shipping activity is predicted to increase by 30% to 50% by 2030. The speed and size of vessels is also expected to increase dramatically, with 30% of the world’s shipping fleet expected to be too large to pass through the Panama Canal by 2020.

ORCA believes that more research is required to assess how whales behave in relation to large vessels, and has developed a project designed to provide a basis for future research with consequent recommendations to commercial operators to reduce the likelihood of ship strikes.

ORCA therefore seeks a Masters student to take part in this pioneering project to be run in partnership with ferry company Brittany Ferries (www.brittany-ferries.co.uk). The chosen researcher will work onboard Brittany Ferries flagship ferry Pont Aven, operating between Portsmouth (UK), Santander (Spain) and Plymouth (UK), and travelling through the Bay of Biscay. The field season will last for a 6 week period between July and September, which is the season of highest density of large whales (mostly fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus)) in the Bay of Biscay. The project will involve studying the location and behaviour of large whales throughout the season using GPS, video recordings, and field observations, in order to assess how the behaviour of the whales varies spatially, temporally and in relation to the proximity of the vessel.

Please note that ORCA and Brittany Ferries only have resources to provide food and accommodation whilst onboard ship. All other expenses, including travel expenses, must be borne by the participant. ORCA will also provide logistical support during the field season, but all scientific support must be provided by the educational institution represented by the Masters student. Equipment provision is also the responsibility of the student, most notably a video camera.

We would like to thank Brittany Ferries for allowing ORCA this opportunity. This project is part of a wider environmental programme operated by ORCA and Brittany Ferries, which includes long term monitoring of cetaceans and a new educational programme beginning in April 2009.

How to apply:

Please send an email to Dylan Walker at dylan@orcaweb.org.uk detailing your experience, your current Masters course, the scientific support available at your educational establishment, and why you are interested to take on this project as your Masters thesis.

Dylan Walker
Project Development Manager
ORCA - Organisation Cetacea
Email: dylan@orcaweb.org.uk
17 Embassy Court
Kings Road
Brighton
BN1 2PX
Mob: +44 (0)7900 471490
Web: www.orcaweb.org.uk

Se siguen necesitando voluntarios para ferries!

Oportunidades de empleo y voluntariado en diversos ferries conduciendo programas de investigación.
Más información:

http://losmamiferosmarinos.blogspot.com/2009/01/voluntariado-embrcate-en-un-ferry.html

Voluntariado: Estrecho de Gibraltar!

The research group CIRCE (www.circe-asso.org) is seeking applications from volunteers to help with fieldwork on killer whale energetic budget and fin whale collision risk assessment in the Strait of Gibraltar. Fieldwork will take place from 15 March to 31 May 2009 for the killer whale project and from 1 June to 31 July for the fin whale project, using a similar protocol.

Killer whale project: 15 March-31 May
The killer whale population of the Strait of Gibraltar has a diet mainly based on Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). This population is believed to be in danger due to the rapid decrease of their prey under human fishing. They usually feed on tuna using an endurance-exhaustion technique. This behaviour can be easily observed from 2 land based stations on top of the cliffs of La Breña national park, Andalucia, South of Spain. We wish to collect behavioural and positional data (using binos and theodolite) from these land stations as well as blow rates to assess the energetic budget of this foraging technique.

Fin whale project: 1 June-31 July
The fin whales observed in the Strait of Gibraltar are in migration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and are still recovering from years of hunting. Due to the high and increasing maritime traffic in the Strait, at least 2 ship strikes have been observed with fin whales since 1999 and probably more remain unknown. Therefore, we would like to assess for this population the risk of collision with tankers or ferries, or even smaller vessels such as whale watching boats. We will use theodolite tracking from 2 land stations to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements.

Volunteers should be available at least for one week study but long period availability will be preferred. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once there, we will provide accommodation and transport to the land stations. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low.

Successful applicants will:
- have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research
- be autonomous and quickly operational
- be able to live and work constructively with others in a team
- have (at least!) notions of English and/or Spanish (French?)

Preference will be given to those who:
- can commit for a long period
- have previous relevant marine mammal field experience
- have previous experience in theodolite handling, including tracking

Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to voluntariado@circe-asso.org .
The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV.

Applications will be accepted until 1 March for the killer whale project and 15 May for the fin whale project although early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception.

For more information, see :
http://www.circe-asso.org/english/index.html?voluntariado_en.htm&1
(also available in Spanish and French) or contact voluntariado@circe-asso.org

Best wishes

Pauline Gauffier
Ruth Esteban

Voluntariado: Mississippi!

The University of Southern Mississippi Psychology Department is offering a Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates for the summer of 2009. College credits for the internship are awarded by the University of Southern Mississippi.

Interns will work with faculty and graduate student researchers and will have an opportunity to help in the analysis of data from USM´s Mississippi Wild Dolphin Project, a boat-based research project surveying the Mississippi Gulf Coast bottlenose dolphin population. Interns may assist in the analysis of environmental, behavioral, and acoustic data, as well as photo-ID.

In the research laboratory, interns will gain experience in different areas, such as behavioral analysis using video and ethogram data and acoustic analyses of a variety of cetacean species, including killer whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, and bottlenose and rough-tooth dolphins. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist graduate students in the collection of behavioral data of captive rough-tooth dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Interns are also encouraged to complete a small personal research project on a topic relevant to their research interests.

The internship is a full time voluntary position, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements.

Students interested in the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship are required to send:

- a resume
- a letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship (what you expect to contribute and gain from the internship)
- an unofficial or official copy of your transcripts
- at least two letters of recommendation (preferably from college professors who know you personally)

All materials should be sent to:

Internship Coordinator
Department of Psychology
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive, # 5025
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025

Materials may arrive separately or together, but the complete application must be postmarked by April 1st.

We encourage interested applicants to become familiar with the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj or you can email the internship coordinator at kuczaj_laboratory@yahoo.com

Empleo: Florida!

The FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida is searching for a Quantitative Population Ecologist to conduct research on endangered marine mammal populations.

Title : Associate Research Scientist
Agency : Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Classification : Full time Position

Website : https://jobs.myflorida.com/index.html

Description :

- Designs and conducts research and statistical assessments on various aspects of marine mammal populations.
- Conducts statistical analyses and builds mathematical models of manatee and right whale populations in collaboration with other investigators within and external to FWRI, using
available databases (e.g. mortality, aerial survey, telemetry, habitat, genetics, and photo ID) or obtaining additional data as necessary.
- Designs studies and monitoring programs for research on manatee and right whale populations and related habitat issues.
- Evaluates and recommends appropriate changes to data collection methods to correct for or reduce sampling bias and increase reliability.
- Ensures that all data and modeling undergo rigorous quality control and quality assurance.
- Consults with and advises government agencies in evaluation of manatee population data collected by FWC and other agencies.
- Prepares reports and manuscripts of findings from above studies for Florida's marine resource managers.
- Publishes data in refereed journals or peer-reviewed books and proceedings.
- Reviews and evaluates reports, proposals, and manuscripts pertaining to marine mammals. -
- Seeks extramural funding.
- Serves on committees and working groups as assigned.
- Provides guidance to Imperiled Species Management on data interpretation.
- Provides leadership and participates in program planning.

-Responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel in a coaching and mentoring manner to maintain a team-oriented approach to section goals. Supervisory duties include but are not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance with employee and ensuring compliance with FWRI rules, policies and procedures.
- Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units
and with other sections in the Institute.

Location : St. Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County)
Salary : $1783.89 - $2000.00 biweekly

Education and Experience:

A master's degree and 4 yrs. of professional experience as described above; or a doctorate with 2 years of experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

-Knowledge of:
* wildlife biology, terminology, principles and techniques used in research on marine mammals or other wildlife species;
* statistical and simulation modeling methods, Bayesian statistics including hierarchical models;
* and aerial surveys, genetics, or other population survey techniques.

- Ability to:
* collect and maintain scientific data related to population research, biology and modeling;
* to perform quantitative analysis and modeling of scientific data;
* to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments;
* to publish manuscripts in refereed scientific journals;
* to work independently;
* to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
* to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
* to effectively supervise people;
* to establish and meet work-related goals;
* to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, to access and formulate budgetary needs, policies, principles and procedures used in personnel & database management;
* use of statistical analysis software;
* use of word processing, spreadsheet and database software.

Must apply online:
https://jobs.myflorida.com/
Search for Position #: FWC-FWRI #77072679

Application Deadline : 2/12/2009
Contact Person : Kathy Kulaas
Phone Number : 727-896-8626
E-mail : Kathy.Kulaas@MyFWC.com

Voluntariado: Canadá!

SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS ? SUMMER 2009

The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a non- profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of nearshore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several longterm ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/).

INTERNSHIPS

Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program!

MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and marine ecology.

Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard!

We are offering 2 or 4 week Marine Research Internships for May and June 2009. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the field. Ideal candidates possess a personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research.

Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long - though very satisfying! This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of wildlife.

THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail, have beach campfires, and interact
with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples. Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station.

Flores Island's natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime.

APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS

To qualify as a candidate for the MRIP, see the preaplication process on our website: http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html

Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to MRIP.

Two week Internship - $ 2000 Cdn
Four week Internship - $ 3000 Cdn

If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our website http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/seacr-application.html
Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: whalelab@mail.geog.uvic.ca

****************************
Laura Joan Feyrer - SEACR Director
& Christina Tombach Wright - SEACR Intern Coordinator
Society for Ecological and Coastal Research
P.O. Box 35052
Victoria, British Columbia
CANADA V8T 5G2
whalelab@mail.geog.uvic.ca
===============================
Christina Tombach Wright
Wildlife Biologist / Marine Mammal Specialist

Voluntariado: zifios con IFAW!

Temporary Field Assistant required for summer 2009 cetacean research project in the north-eastern and mid-Atlantic.

IFAW's Song of the Whale research team is seeking experienced and enthusiastic individual(s) to join the team as temporary field work assistant(s) during a project in the north-eastern and mid-Atlantic during the summer of 2009. Working in close collaboration with other research groups, the project will take place during summer 2009, beginning in May, and will primarily focus on detecting beaked whales with passive acoustics, although other cetaceans will be documented/recorded too.

The project will be conducted from IFAW's dedicated sailing research vessel, Song of the Whale. SOTW is a 22 m long, purpose-built sailing research vessel with accommodation for 10.

Experience in boat-based field work on cetaceans, particularly acoustic research is required as is familiarity with the use of computers. The team onboard will be made up of IFAW staff, visiting scientists and volunteers/student interns. For further information about the SOTW team and projects please see www.ifaw.org/sotw
Specific information about life on board for interns is also posted on the website.

Availability for all or part of the project will be considered for the right candidate(s). Reasonable travel expenses and board and lodging onboard the boat will be provided and a small weekly allowance may also be available.

Please email a letter of interest and CV, outlining your previous experience, why you think you should be considered for the post and your availability between May and October to the following email address sotwteam@ifaw.org by the 24th of February 2009.

A member of the SOTW team will be at the ECS in Istanbul, please indicate in your email whether you are attending the ECS and we may be able to arrange a meeting.


Claire Lacey
Programme Assistant
Song of the Whale team
International Fund for Animal Welfare
www.ifaw.org/sotw
clacey@ifaw.org

Voluntariado: Orcas en Washington!

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals for an unpaid Internship in Killer Whale Conservation Research.

Program: University of Washington, Center for Conservation Biology
Location: San Juan Island, Washington.
Duration: 1 month minimum between May 15th, 2009 and October 15th, 2009 (priority will be given to applicants that can commit longer
than 1 month).

Project Summary

The Southern resident killer whale (SRKW) community of the Pacific Northwest experienced an unexplained 20.4% decline between 1995-2001, resulting in their listing as an endangered population. The UW- Center for Conservation Biology uses noninvasive hormone measures of
stress, nutrition and reproductive condition in feces to investigate three potential threats to the SRKW:

1.) Disturbance from private and commercial whale-watching vessels,
2.) Nutritional deficits associated with decline in SRKW primary prey, Chinook salmon,
3.) Endocrine disruption from toxins such as PCBs, PBDEs and DDT/DDE. We also use specially trained scat detection dogs to help us attain the sample sizes needed for this multivariate study. Use of dogs also allows us to acquire samples at greater distances from the killer whales allowing us to acquire valuable information from the scat while minimizing any potential impact of our research vessel on the whales.

Specifications:

1. Minimum of 20 hours/week working for the Center for Conservation Biology either assisting with killer whale scat collections on the boat, data entry, boat/equipment maintenance, scat detection dog care, proposal writing and/or sample processing in the lab. Activities will depend on killer whale presence and the current needs of the project.

2. Minimum of 1 day/week working for our collaborators informing the public about laws pertaining to marine mammals and recording data for various killer whale research projects.

Requirements...

-The ability to spend long days on a small research vessel.
-Arrange for your own housing on San Juan Island, Washington.

Katherine (the team leader) will assist in finding the most affordable housing in any way possible. If you are at all interested, contact Katherine ASAP and she can help you apply for housing at Friday Harbor Labs.

-Your own transportation to and from the Island as well as to and from the Harbor.
-Flexibility is really important as well as a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!

Competitive Bonuses that are not required:
-Field and/or lab research experience
-Experience operating and/or maintaining an outboard motor boat
-First aid certification

This internship is extremely intensive; however, you will come away with invaluable research experience from 2-3 different killer whale research projects. If interested please send a CV and cover letter to Katherine Ayres at kla5@u.washington.edu. Feel free to contact Katherine with any questions.

Voluntariado: centro de rescate en California!

The California Wildlife Center in Malibu, California, seeks applicants for spring and summer internships working with stranded marine mammals.

These are part time 8-week internship positions beginning March 15th (spring session) and May 15th (summer session). There is some flexibility of start dates. The internships are unpaid positions and interns are responsible for all housing and travel expenses. It is possible that interns may stay on the premises on a first come - first served basis (a small fee may apply). Must have own transportation and current drivers license.

Summary/Program Description:

The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital.

This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal field, while also allowing for additionalhands-on experience with other native California wildlife. The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff in all aspects of stranding response, including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint, transport to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility (California Wildlife Center does not provide rehabilitation services for marine mammals), and public relations. In addition, interns will provide support to CWC Hospital staff in animal husbandry tasks for avian and terrestrial wildlife.

Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications:

The internship is open to all applicants at least 18 years of age or older. Undergraduate students and non-students alike are encouraged to apply. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, the intern will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Spring internships are 3 days a week, 24 hours per week for 8 weeks. Summer internships are 4 days a week, 32 hours per week for 8 weeks.

- Due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal stranding response, interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours.

- Interns must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

- Interns will be required to have good physical strength and the ability to lift/carry 50 lbs.

- Interns need to have the ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment.

- Animal care and/or marine mammal experience is a plus but not required.

Under supervision of Marine Mammal staff, duties will include:

* Answering and responding to all calls, pages and messages concerning marine mammals in a timely and courteous manner

* Assessing stranded marine mammals

* Coordinating and leading responder team in the capture and handling of stranded marine mammals needing medical attention

* Coordinating transport of stranded marine mammals to the rehabilitation facility

* Completion of NMFS Level A data sheets. Maintaining detailed database records of Malibu strandings, including reports of stranding, human interaction issues, etc.

* Assist with marine mammal necropsy and sample collection

* Ensuring marine mammal-designated equipment is kept in clean working order

* Maintaining good rapport with representatives of various public agencies

Application Process:

Interested individuals must send the following:

* Letter of intent (please indicate which session [Spring or Summer] you would like to apply for)* Resume

* Two letters of reference

Submit the above items via regular mail or email (preferred) to:

California Wildlife Center

Attn: Cynthia Reyes

P.O. Box 2022

Malibu,

California 90265

Email: Cynthia@californiawildlifecenter.org

If you would like to find out more about our Organization, please visit ourwebsite at http://www.californiawildlifecenter.org