[MARMAM] One volunteer position available for Derawan marine park research in August (14-25) October (12-23) surveys
Dear all, This is a finall call for volunteers to join the Berau marine vertebrates conservation program, which aims to protect a high diversity of large marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays in the Marine Park of Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Besides raising awareness, engaging local communities in sustainable handycraft and ecotourism activities, part of the conservation program includes a long-term monitoring program of marine vertebrates in the area. Surveys are being conducted by the local NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) under guidance of Dr. Danielle Kreb and Ir. Budiono. The research team involves experienced RASI staff as well as local and overseas students and/or volunteers. We are looking for motivated volunteers and/or students that are willing to engage in the program through an eight-days monitoring survey in the beautiful landscape of the Berau archipelago.We will collect data to determine relative abundance, core area mapping, assessing seasonal species diversity and site fidelity as well as habitat usage of large mafine vertebrates. Through earlier surveys it was found that the highest relative abundance of ceteaceans was within 5km radius of islands or reefs, and therefore we also conduct coral reef monitoring at several locations by snorkling to asses its health. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn theory and practice of Reefcheck monitoring for the Indo-Pacific taught by a certified ecodiver that will join the survey.There will be an opportunity to do recreational things such as snorkling in the stingless jelly fish lake of Kakaban and snorkling near Manta Rays and/or whale sharks following good practice protocols. Underwater photo-id will be attempted as well of whale sharks.. Dates: 14-25 August (1 position left); 12-23 October 2015 (1 position left). Selections will be made until 10 May 2015. Day by day schedule, qualifications for volunteers and costs involved can be downloaded from a flyer posted on our website at: http://www.ykrasi.org/coastal.html We are looking forward to your participation! Regards, Danielle and Budiono -- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Member of IUCN/SSC/Cetacean Specialist Group Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Elephant seals and killer whales - Field helpers - FIRST CALL
VOLUNTEERS FIELD HELPERS RECRUITMENT PROJECT: Long term study of southern elephant seals and killer whales behavioral ecology WEB SITE: www.eleseal.org [1] POSITION: Volunteer (unpaid) field helper DURATION: 3 to 6 months, early September 2015 to early March 2016 LOCATION: Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands, Southern Atlantic DUTIES: - Elephant seals: counts, marking, GIS data collection, observation of behavior, pup handling, collection of samples - Killer whales: counts, photo-identification, observation and videotaping of behavior, necropsies of preys DEADLINE: May 15, 2015; please note that, capabilities being equal, positions will be allocated with a first come first served policy Volunteer field helpers are required for the 2015-2016 field season of a long term project on southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) and killer whales (Orcinus orca) carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group. The field work site is Sea Lion Island (Falkland Islands). Sea Lion Island on Google maps http://maps.google.com/?q=Sea%Lion%Island,Falkland%Islands [2] Successful applicants will receive adequate training and will help with tagging and marking, counts, mapping of seals positions by GPS, management of environmental data loggers, behavioral observations, handling (weighing) of pups, and collection of biological samples. Moreover, they will help with photo-identification and observation of killer whales, and their predation behavior. They will also help with necropsies of elephant seals and sea lions predated by killer whales. 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 6 months, from the beginning of September to the beginning of March. Only applicants who can stay for a minimum of about 3 months can be taken into consideration. Preference will be given to volunteers wishing to stay for the whole season (6 months). Applicants are required to pay all expenses to get to Sea Lion Island, and telephone/Internet expenses while there. Accommodation and food at SLI will be provided by the ESRG. Accommodation on SLI is rather basic and self-catering, but quite comfortable for a field research setting. Applicants will be required to work for the whole length of the day, seven days per week, with just half day per week of rest. The work is physically demanding, and it is often carried out in bad weather conditions. People without a good tolerance to cold climate are discouraged to apply. The island is a wonderful place with a very rich and tame wildlife, including large colonies of penguins and marine birds. To apply please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) a copy of an identification document with picture, to dr. Filippo Galimberti (fil_e...@eleseal.org). Please put all documents together in the same file. Preferred format for email attachments is PDF. Reference letters (3 maximum) are appreciated but not essential, and should be sent directly to the email address mentioned above. Deadline for submission is May 15, 2015. Due to the limited number of positions available we warmly suggest perspective candidates to apply as soon as possible. Filippo Galimberti Simona Sanvito Elephant Seal Research Group fil_e...@eleseal.org www.eleseal.org [3] Connetti gratis il mondo con la nuova indoona: hai la chat, le chiamate, le video chiamate e persino le chiamate di gruppo. E chiami gratis anche i numeri fissi e mobili nel mondo! Scarica subito l’app Vai su https://www.indoona.com/ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Dolphin research internships announcement - Last vacancies Summer/Fall season 2015
Could you please post the following. Hi everyone, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for late Summer and fall term 2015 (a minimum of 60 days of participation between August and November) for our research project along the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain). An internship period with the BDRI offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammal’s research methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. Undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects (Bachelor, Master, Diploma, etc.) can also be supported. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural ecology and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and communication. BDRI offers interns the chance to work through the many steps of research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more. Moreover, interns will also receive cross-training in different areas related with the strandings (Response, Rescue, Necropsy and data collection). As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. Our centre understands the importance of giving the participant the responsibilities and experience needed in order to give an insight and reflect the reality of a job within the field of marine mammal science. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. There is an interships fee that includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and other expenses derived of your participation (housing, use of equipment, field trips by car, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 8 weeks continuous commitment sometime between August through to November. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute presentation at the end of their internship. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled (maximum 8 vacancies). Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information and application form at: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdfwww.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by email to the email: info@thebdri.comFor more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit our new website www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. See you on site! Mr. Bruno Diaz LopezChief Biologist DirectorBottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRIUrb. Os Rueiros 1, N.22, 4ºIzqwww.thebdri.comtel. +34 605 52 14 41 ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] HWDT- FINAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
FINAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season (May - October) from aboard our research yacht Silurian. http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp Every year we welcome aboard enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute directly to our research work. Volunteers, in effect, become marine mammal scientists for the duration of the survey; living and working aboard Silurian, assisting with day-to-day running, as well as working together as a team to carry out visual and acoustic surveys. To find out more about the research onboard please click here http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp . ***HWDT are issuing a final call for volunteers in a bid to fill the remaining berth for the survey running 3rd 11th May. HWDT are unable to run these surveys without a minimum of 5 volunteers and are therefore heavily discounting this first survey, offering you the chance to join us aboard for only £250 for a 9 day survey. HWDT have also massively reduced the cost of participating in the 2nd survey, now only £575 for a 9 day survey! *** Volunteers will assist fully in the collection of data, with mega-fauna and sea bird identification training provided. Acoustic and visual methods are combined to produce comprehensive data sets. During encounters photographs are taken of dorsal fins to try and identify the individual, gaining a better understanding of species movements and interactions with each other. The data collected, and subsequent information produced is essential when monitoring the distribution, relative abundance and habitat preference of cetacean species in the Hebrides. Only with coherent data can effective conservation and management strategies be designed to enable long-term protection of the amazing species found in our waters. As a volunteer onboard Silurian, you will have the opportunity to see first-hand the amazing variety of marine wildlife the UK has to offer including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks and seabirds. You will explore some of the remotest, wildest parts of the British Isles, anchoring each night in a different secluded bay off one of the many Hebridean islands, venturing ashore to explore. The opportunity to gain sailing experience is also available, although no certificates are issued. If you are interested in joining the May survey please contact Morven Russell on mailto:volunteercoordina...@hwdt.org volunteercoordina...@hwdt.org or call 01688 302620. For further information about our surveys please go online to: http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/get-involved-join-us-onboard.asp http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/get-involved-join-us-onboard.asp For Further information about HWDT please go online to: http://www.hwdt.org www.hwdt.org ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] MMO and PSO training courses, Inverness, UK
MMO and PSO training courses in Inverness, Scotland, 12-13 May 2015 Taught by an experienced MMO and MMO trainer and presenting an affordable solution for prospective MMOs. JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters, 12th May 2015, £125 PSO course for the Gulf of Mexico, meets BOEM/ BSEE requirements, 13th May 2015, £55 (when taken in conjunction with the MMO course). For details of course content and to download a booking form, see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail i...@carolynbarton.co.uk . Carolyn Barton i...@carolynbarton.co.uk www.carolynbarton.co.uk ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Bushmeat - Information request
Dear MARMAMers I am compiling information about the use of marine mammals (especially small cetaceans and sirenians) as bait and for human consumption, resulting from direct hunts or opportunistic catches (e.g., by-catch) occurring in Africa, especially on the west coast. I would be very grateful if you would get in touch with me at orcinus.orca.1...@gmail.com if you have any published literature (e.g., scientific articles, reports), news, or contact details of people/organisations that could provide me with further information (in English, but also in Spanish or French would be appreciated). Attached is a list of the literature I found. Thank you in advance, A. Mel Cosentino References Alfaro Van Waerebeek (2001). Drowning in a sea of silence: the bushmeat concept as applied to marine wildlife. Angelici et al (2001). Some new mammal records from the rainforest of South-Eastern Nigeria. Ayissi et al (2011). Report on the exploratory survey of cetaceans and their status in Cameroon. Ayissi Jiofack (2014). Impact assessment on by-catch artisanal fisheries: sea turtles and mammals in Cameroon, West Africa. Ayissi et al (2014). Rediscovery of Cameroon Dolphin, the Gulf of Guinea Population of Sousa teuszii ( Kükenthal , 1892 ). Bamy et al (2010). Species occurrence of cetaceans in Guinea, including humpback whales with southern hemisphere seasonality. Brashares et al (2004). Bushmeat hunting, wildlife declines, and fish supply in West Africa. Clapham Van Waerebeek (2007). Bushmeat and bycatch: the sum of the parts. Collins et al (2009). The Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii) in Gabon and Congo: cause for optimism or concern? Collins (2012). Progress report for Atlantic humpback dolphin work in Gabon and Congo Debrah et al (2010). An update on the catch composition and other aspects of cetacean exploitation in Ghana. Essuman (2008). Bioaccumulation of platinum group metals in dolphins, Stenella sp., caught off Ghana. Fa et al (2006). Getting to grips with the magnitude of exploitation: Bushmeat in the Cross–Sanaga rivers region, Nigeria and Cameroon. Leeney et al (2015). Food, Pharmacy, Friend? Bycatch, Direct Take and Consumption of Dolphins in West Africa. Lewison Moore (2012). Improving interview-based assess- ments of sea turtle and marine mammal bycatch in West Africa: Putting fishing activity into a socio-economic context. Maigret (1994) Marine mammals and fisheries in the west Africa Morissette et al (2010). Ecosystem models clarify the trophic role of whales off Northwest Africa. Murphy, et al (1997). Cetacean in Gambian waters. Ofori-Danson et al (2003). A survey for the conservation of dolphins in Ghanaian coastal waters. Robards Reeves (2011). The global extent and character of marine mammal consumption by humans: 1970–2009. Segniagbeto et al (2014). Annotated checklist and fisheries interactions of cetaceans in Togo, with evidence of Antarctic minke whale in the Gulf of Guinea. Sohou et al (2013). Biodiversity and status of cetaceans in Benin, West Africa: an initial assessment. Swensson (2005). Bushmeat trade in techiman, Ghana, West Africa. Thibault Blaney (2003). The oil industry as an underlying factor in the bushmeat crisis in central Africa. Uwagbae Van Waerebeek (2010). Initial evidence of dolphin takes in the Niger Delta region and a review of Nigerian cetaceans. Van Waerebeek et al (1997). Cetacean research in Senegal 1995-97: An overview Van Waerebeek Ofori-Danson (1999). A first checklist of cetaceans of Ghana, Gulf of Guinea, and a shore-based survey of interactions with coastal fisheries. Van Waerebeek et al (2004). Distribution, Status, and Biology of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin, Sousa teuszii (Kükenthal, 1892). Van Waerebeek et al (2008). Indeterminate status of West African populations of inshore common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus cautions against opportunistic live-capture schemes. Van Waerebeek et al (2008). Preliminary findings on the mass strandings of melon-headed whale Peponocephala electra on Boavista Island in November 2007, with notes on other cetaceans from the Cape Verde Islands. Van Waerebeek et al (2009). The cetaceans of Ghana, a validated faunal checklist. Waerebeek et al (2014). Cetacean landings at the fisheries port of Dixcove , Ghana in 2013-14: a preliminary appraisal. Weir et al (2009). Challenges and priorities for the conservation of the Vulnerable Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii), with a case study from Namibe Province , Angola. Weir et al (2008). Records of Fraser’s dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei Fraser 1956 from the Gulf of Guinea and Angola. Weir (2010). A review of cetacean occurrence in West African waters from the Gulf of Guinea to Angola. Weir et al (2011). West Africa’s Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii): endemic, enigmatic and soon Endangered? Weir Pierce (2013). A review of the human activities impacting cetaceans in the eastern tropical Atlantic.
[MARMAM] New paper on southern Australian cetacean diversity
My co-authors and I would like to announce the publication of the following paper: Gill, P.C., R. Pirzl, M.G. Morrice and K. Lawton. 2015. Cetacean diversity of the continental shelf and slope off southern Australia. Journal of Wildlife Management 79(4): 672-681. DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.867 ABSTRACT We recorded a diverse cetacean assemblage from systematic aerial surveys in productive upwelling waters off southern Australia in 2002-2013. Surveys recorded 133 sightings of 15 identified cetacean species consisting of 7 mysticete (baleen) whale species, 8 odontocete (toothed) species, and 384 sightings of unidentified dolphins. This is the first assessment of cetacean diversity for the region and we found diversity to be comparable with other productive regions elsewhere. Differential spatial and temporal distributions of mysticete and odontocete species were apparent, and were associated with habitat variables and seasonal migration cycles. The study contributes new information to assist the environmental planning and management of activities in the region, including oil, and gas exploration and production, fishing, shipping, and renewable energy development. If you would like a PDF copy please contact me at p...@bluewhalestudy.org Regards, Dr Peter Gill Director | Blue Whale Study Inc. C/- Post Office | Narrawong VIC 3285 Australia Ph. [61+3](03) 5529 5227 |Mob. 0409 147 875 Email mailto:p...@bluewhalestudy.org p...@bluewhalestudy.org ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
