International events: African Marine Mammal Colloquium!

The African Marine Mammal Colloquium is being hosted by the Mammal Research Institute (University of Pretoria) and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

The AMMC will create a forum whereby all interested people in the region can come together to present briefly their own, or their organisation's, marine mammal-related research, or conservation projects. Focus will be on fostering interaction and collaboration.

Location: Kleinbaai, Western Cape, South Africa

Date: 18-20 May, 2010

Structure: Two and a half days. Formal presentations (mornings) and open workshop & discussion time (afternoons & third morning). All participants are required to present.

Cost:
- Prices to be finalised by January 2010, but will be R1500 or less. Payments due at the end of Feb 2010.
- We will attempt to reduce costs for student attendees and/or provide some travel sponsorship for those most in need.
- Price includes: Accommodation (3 nights), all meals and participation costs.
- Price excludes: Transport from Cape Town city or international airport. Drinks at own cost.

Further details will be available via the Mammal Research Institute website in due course.

Please email: marinemammalogy.southernafrica@gmail.com if you are not already on the mailing list (i.e. you only received this message through a mail server such as MarMam/SANCOR), and would like to be included for direct updates.

LINKS

Mammal Research Institute:
http://www.up.ac.za/zoology/MRI/

Dyer Island Conservation Trust:
http://www.dict.org.za/


Meredith Thornton
Mammal Research Institute
University of Pretoria

Based at: Iziko Museums of Cape Town
25 Queen Victoria Street Cape Town
PO Box 61 Cape Town 8000 South Africa
Telephone +27 (0)21 481 3854
Facsimile +27 (0)21 481 3993
Fax to email 0866357818
Websites:
http://www.up.ac.za/zoology/
http://www.iziko.org.za

Volunteering: Fin whale project in Gibraltar Strait!

The research group CIRCE (http://www.circe-asso.org) is seeking applications from 4 volunteers to help with fieldwork on fin whale research in the Strait of Gibraltar. Fieldwork will be held from 16 November to 20 December 2009 (5 weeks).

Fin whale project:

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 need to assess for this population the risk of collision with tankers or ferries. We will use theodolite tracking from a land station to find the main routes for the fin whales as well as any behavioural changes in relation to boat movements.

Volunteers should be available for the entire period of 5 weeks. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation at the research centre and transport to the land station. You will be responsible for your food expenses, but we will arrange communal shopping/cooking so that these expenses will be low.

Activities will include land survey whenever the weather is good and helping with data management (data entry, photo-ID?) on rainy week days.

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

- speak fluently Spanish and/or English

- be available for the entire 5-week period

Preference will be given to those who:

- have previous experience in theodolite handling, including tracking

- have previous relevant marine mammal field experience

Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to
pauline@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 25 October 2009 and then your participation will be confirmed as soon as possible.

For more information, please contact pauline@circe-asso.org

All the best,

Pauline.

Pauline GAUFFIER

CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans)
Cabeza de Manzaneda, 3
11390 Pelayo-Algeciras (CADIZ)
SPAIN
http://www.circe-asso.org
Mobile: (+34) 658 199 045
pauline@circe-asso.org

International events: EAAM in Lisbon!

The European Association for Aquatic Mammals (E.A.A.M.), was founded in 1972 to congregate professionals and individuals interested in aquatic mammals and who devote a significant amount of time to maintenance and welfare of aquatic mammals, both in zoological environments and in the wild.

One of the best opportunities to join our efforts is the Annual Conference and as President Elect of the EAAM, it is my great honour to announce the:

38th Symposium of the European Association of Aquatic Mammals Hosted by Lisbon Zoo, Portugal March 12-15, 2010

We strongly encourage everybody with an interest in this field, to participate with knowledge and share their experience with a presentation. Lisbon is a very nice city and we’ll be spoiled by our host who are intensely organizing the “First Green Conference” for our association EAAM

Please check for general information and deadlines in January 2010 on the website of EAAM www.eaam.org

I look forward to receiving your paper soon and to meeting you all again in the next EAAM conference in 2010.

Sincerely,

Claudia Gili
President-Elect of EAAM
General Curator/Chief Veterinarian
Acquario di Genova - Italy

Voluntariado: Carolina del Sur!!

The Marine Mammal and Protected Resources (MMPR) Program in Charleston, South Carolina is recruiting to fill two Dolphin Photo-Identification Internship positions for the winter of 2010. 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 14 week period from January 11, 2010 to April 16, 2010. There is some flexibility in these start and end dates. Interns will participate in the field and laboratory activities of the Charleston Dolphin Abundance and Distribution Project (CDAD).

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, including temporal and spatial aspects, of the distribution 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. During the internship, 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 be an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and research literature in this field.

Preference will be given to the selection of interns 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 first correspond with Todd Speakman by email before preparing and submitting application materials. We anticipate filling this internship position by the end of November, 2009.

Interested applicants should correspond by email to Todd Speakman

Email:

Todd.Speakman@noaa.gov


Zolman .pdf download:
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Zolman2002.pdf

CDAD SOP .pdf download:
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/CDAD_Internship_SOP.pdf

Speakman et al. pdf download:
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/classes/psychology/psy211/defran/CDAD/Speakman_et_al_2006a.pdf

Voluntariado: Australia!!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

WHAT: Volunteer assistants are requested to partake in a PhD project investigating diet and foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins.

WHERE: Bunbury, South Western Australia (180 km south of Perth). A beautiful coastal town with easy access to Perth, the Margaret River wine region, surfing and bush walking.

WHEN: January to March 2010; and June to September 2010.

DUTIES:

- Relative composition and abundance of prey species in the Koombana Bay region will be sampled using beach seine nets, fish traps, and gillnets. Volunteers will be required to manually deploy and retrieve fish traps, seines and gillnets, assist in the operation of a research vessel, identify, count, weigh, and measure fish and invertebrate species.

- Stomach contents of stranded dolphins and scat samples will be analysed for prey content. This will involve separating and identifying hard parts in scat and stomach samples. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist with post mortem examinations of stranded dolphins.

- Spatial analysis to determine foraging "hot spots" will be carried out using point observational data. Assistants will be required to assist in the creation of data layers by entering data into an ArcGIS format and learn to use some basic GIS tools.

- Fish, invertebrate, and marine plant samples will be collected and prepared for stable isotope analysis. Volunteers may also be required to assist in the biopsying of dolphins for stable isotope work.

- Data entry and management, equipment maintenance, and other office and lab tasks will be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Mandatory:

-Primary requirement is a good attitude, work ethic, and ability to work in a physically demanding environment. This can include long hours in extreme weather conditions and long days on the water. Hauling fish traps and nets is physically demanding work. Volunteers must be able to repeatedly lift over 23 kg (~51 lbs).

-Must be able to commit to a minimum of one month. People able to commit for longer periods will be preferred.

Preferred, but not mandatory

-Undergraduate degree in the biological sciences

-Previous field work experience, specifically with fisheries or marine mammals

-Experience using ArcGIS or similar spatial analysis software

-Experience managing large datasets

-Experience operating vessels up to 7 meters in length

COMPENSATION:

Regrettably volunteers will be required to arrange their own transportation to Bunbury, accommodation and all living expenses. (Backpackers and rooms in shared houses are available for approximately AU$90/week). Schedules may be flexible to allow volunteers to work on a part-time basis if legally able in Australia (e.g. possession of a working holiday visa). Academic credit may be earned if arranged through your local institution. Valuable field and lab experience in the ecological sciences will be gained through participation in this project.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send a CV, letter of interest, and at least one letter of reference to:

Shannon McCluskey
Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit
c/o Dolphin Discovery Centre
Bunbury, Western Australia 6230

or electronically to: S.McCluskey@murdoch.edu.au

LINKS OF INTEREST:

Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/

Dolphin Discovery Centre: http://dolphins.mysouthwest.com.au/

Information on Bunbury: http://www.mybunbury.com/

http://www.travelau.com.au/wa/bunbury/

Empleo: Hawaii!!

JIMAR PIFSC DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SPECIALIST ?
ID# 29403.
Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School
of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance and availability of funds.

MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: $3,222/Mon.

DUTIES:

- Assumes lead role in monk seal application development team.
- Develops, implements, modifies and maintains application systems for data checking, viewing, editing, analyzing, summarization, and report generation.
- Develops, implements, enhances, and maintains new or improved data management systems and general program operating procedures for existing data and field data collection.
- Provides technical and non-technical assistance and instruction on the acquisition and use of computer hardware and database programs to other staff.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Computer Science.
EXPERIENCE:
- Five to seven (5-7) years of work experience in the design of computer programs dealing with biological data, including design and programming of database applications.
ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:
- Knowledge of system design, programming procedures, SQL, PL/SQL visual basic, FORTRAN or PASCAL, as well as third party libraries (Object Professional, B-Tree Filer, and other DOS Protected mode complaint data base applications.)
- Familiarity with networking personal computer conventions, various types of data storage media and file organization.
- Ability to prepare well-organized and complete documentation of developed systems and procedures.
- Working knowledge of personal computer peripherals running the MS WINDOWS family operating systems.

Post Offer/Employment Conditions:
Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed.

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master?s Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Database Design, or related field.
- Experience working in remote areas, deploying hardware and software
into remote areas, or troubleshooting systems remotely.
- Proficiency with standard tools used in Unix/Linux environments.
- Experience using ORACLE, MSDE2000, MS Access and/ or other ODBC compliant software packages.
- Background in statistical and analytical programming, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) data and data communications protocols.

INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-9465 (Oahu).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to:
www.rcuh.com
click on "Employment" and navigate to "Job/Announcements/Apply for a Job."

However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022

or mail to:
Director of Human Resources,
Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii,
2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki
Hall D-100, Honolulu,
HI 96822

before the closing date. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100.

CLOSING DATE: October 12, 2009.

Voluntariado: delfín oscuro en Texas!!

Dusky dolphin internship positions

I am seeking 2 volunteer interns to assist with analyses of dusky dolphin foraging behaviors/vocalizations. These positions will be through the Marine Mammal Research Program, Texas A&M University at Galveston, in Bernd W?rsig?s lab. Positions are unpaid, and we are unable to provide housing. However, each intern will be included as a co-author on the resulting publication/s. Intern positions will be 30-40 hours per week.

Intern (1) will assist with quantification of underwater foraging behaviors. Our objectives here are to a) describe prey herding and capturing behaviors, and b) examine relationships between these behaviors, dolphin party size, and prey ball size. This intern will quantify behaviors (e.g., numbers/types of prey capture attempts, duration of within 2-m passes by the prey ball) using Quicktime, and summarize temporal parameters using Microsoft Excel. Duration of this position is Jan. 5-May 7, with the potential option of continuing through summer.

Intern (2) will assist with analysis of dolphin vocalizations during foraging. Our objectives with these analyses are to a) describe vocalizations, and b) examine vocalization functions (e.g., echolocation/communication) during foraging. This intern will identify vocalizations using Adobe Audition, quantify parameters for each vocalization using a custom Matlab script, and objectively categorize vocalizations. Duration of this position is Jan. 19-May 21, with the potential option of continuing through summer.

To apply, please email a letter of interest, CV, transcript/s and 2 letters of recommendation by Nov. 27 to:

Robin Vaughn
Ph.D. Candidate
Marine Mammal Research Program
Texas A&M University
Galveston, TX 77551
vaughnrl@tamu.edu

Empleo: Tromso!!

Research scientist in ecotoxicology

The Norwegian Polar Institute is looking for a research scientist with expertise in the field of environmental contaminants and biological effects of these, particularly focusing on the effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals in marine organisms. Through the newly established Centre for Ice, Climate and Ecosystems (ICE) at the Norwegian Polar Institute, this field of research is being intensified.
We seek to fill this permanent position as soon as possible.

Tasks

The Norwegian Polar Institute seeks a research scientist to work with research related to monitoring of persistent organic pollutants/heavy metals and the effects of these in Arctic organisms, sea birds and mammals. It is of crucial importance that the scientific focus and results, and also the projects the successful candidate will be involved in, are treated in an ecosystem perspective. The scientist is expected to work multidisciplinary and closely with biologists, oceanographers and
sea ice researchers. The successful candidate is an expert in the field of environmental monitoring. The position includes laboratory work and field studies in Svalbard, in addition to serving as an adviser in issues of environmental management related to environmental contaminants in the Arctic.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who holds a Ph.D. degree within relevant disciplines.

Salary

The salary will commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate, according to the Norwegian State salary code 1109 - 1183, scale 57 - 68 (NOK 435.500 - 533.300) = 62000 euros anuales!!!

General

The work place is the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromso, Norway. The position is open, and the successful candidate should be able to start as soon as possible.

For further details please contact Section Head ecotoxicology Geir Wing Gabrielsen, tel. +47 7775 0529, e-mail
jobb@npolar.no

or Staff Manager Rita Brannfjell, tel. +47 7775 0613, e-mail jobb@npolar.no

The Norwegian State Administration strives to mirror the diversity of its population and thereby achieve a balanced mix of age, gender and ethnic backgrounds among its employees. Hence, candidates with immigrant backgrounds and women are encouraged to apply for the position.

The application deadline is 18 September 2009. Applications should include CV, names of at least two references, a list of publications and details of your relevant qualifications and experience. The NPI prefers electronic applications, submitted at www.jobbnorge.no

If this is not feasible, printed applications may be submitted to the Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, NO-9296 Tromso, Norway.

All applications can be handled confidentially until the application deadline. Thereafter, a public list of applicants will be prepared. Applicants who wish to reserve their applications from the public list must give reasons for this in their applications. In accordance with new public information laws, information about an applicant can be made public even if the applicant has requested not be included from the public list of applicants, cf.

Empleo: Seattle!

Job Announcement: Fisheries Research Scientist

Position: Scientist I working for a NOAA contractor on a temporary contract of approximately 1 year.

Project Title: Antarctic Pack Ice Seals (APIS) analyses

Education and Experience: PH.D degree in Biology or related science with emphasis in fisheries, oceanography or natural science. Three (3) years experience with marine mammal surveys, abundance estimation, and statistical analyses are required.

Location: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Mammal Lab (NMML), Seattle, WA. Data processing and analysis will be done at NMML and no field work is anticipated.

Duties: Full time position, 40 hours per week.

Duties to be performed under this task order include but are not limited to conducting research on the abundance, trends, and distribution of Antarctic pack ice seals. The main focus will be to estimate the abundance of Antarctic pack-ice seals (crabeater, leopard, Ross, and Weddell seals) from three separate and disparate, but geographically overlapping, survey efforts (between 26oW and 4oE) in the Queen Maud Land region and South Atlantic sector of the Antarctic.

Specific deliverables are required to be accomplished by due dates specified in work assignments and submitted to the NMFS Project Leader for approval and acceptance.

The successful candidate will work as a member of a scientific team, but will have the lead for undertaking the data processing and analyses as agreed in consultation with the team. This work will involve evaluating scientific literature and compiling data from a wide variety of sources. Previous experience with marine mammal surveys, abundance estimation, and statistical analyses are required.

Salary: based on $28.52 per hour plus paid medical and dental plan

Please email resumes to the attention of Cal Goo at officeafl@hawaii.rr.com

Position start date currently scheduled for October 1, 2009

Calinda "Cal" Goo
Aquatic Farms
49-139 Kamehameha Hwy
Kaneohe, HI. 96734
(808) 239-2929
FAX: (808) 239-8436

Voluntariado: elefantes marinos!

POSITION: Volunteer field helper for elephant seal research

DURATION: 3 months, September-November 2009

CONTACT: Filippo Galimberti, fil_esrg@eleseal.org

We have an urgent needing for an extra volunteer field helper for the 2009 field season of a long term project on southern elephant seals carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group. The field work site is Sea Lion Island (Falkland Islands). More details on the project are available on the research team web site: www.eleseal.org.

One of our field helper had a serious family problem and so is not able to come. The field work season starts very soon, and the other helpers are arriving in the Falklands on September 5th. We are looking for candidates wishing to arrive the same date, or with a maximum delay
of one week. There is only one flight per week, from Santiago (Chile) on Saturday.

Successful applicants will receive adequate training and will help with tagging, marking, counts, behavioral observations, handling of pups, and collection of biological sampling. Volunteers will be
supervised by the PIs and/or by trained technicians. Previous experience of field work is appreciated but not essential. The field season runs for approximately 3 months, from the beginning of September to the end of November. Only applicants who can stay for the whole season can be taken into consideration. Applicants should pay all expenses required to get to the field work site, and telephone/Internet expenses while at Sea Lion Island. Accommodation at Sea Lion Island is rather basic and self-catering. Applicants will be required to work for the whole length of the day, seven days per week (with half day per week of rest). The work is physically demanding, and it is often carried out in rather bad weather conditions. People without a good tolerance to cold are discouraged to apply. The island is a wonderful place with a rich and tame wildlife.

To apply please send a cover letter describing your interest in the position and a CV or resume to Filippo Galimberti at fil_esrg@eleseal.org, and copy to fil_esrg@prodigy.net.mx. Contact information for one or more references is appreciated but not essential. Due to the very close deadline, the first candidate with an acceptable CV will be selected.

Thanks.

The ESRG team

Filippo Galimberti, PhD
Elephant Seal Research Group
fil_esrg@eleseal.org
www.eleseal.org