Re: [ECOLOG-L] Field Assistant Wanted - April 25 2011 British Columbia
Hi all, After immediately being swamped with a single question, I thought it would be best to note that this is a PAID position. Pay will be approximately $1400/month depending on your level of experience. We will likely be staying in the field for 5-6 days at a time, leaving once a week to resupply, shower, etc. Expect to work about 40 hours per week. Also note that transportation is only included from Vancouver to the field sites; you must be able to get to Vancouver on your own. We may also be returning to Vancouver every couple of weeks to take a few days off; thus, you must be amenable to long hours in the car as well. Much thanks, Emily - Original Message - From: Emily M. Whattam ewhat...@sfu.ca To: ECOLOG-L@listserv.umd.edu Sent: Monday, 21 March, 2011 15:33:43 Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Field Assistant Wanted - April 25 2011 British Columbia FIELD ASSISTANT WANTED I am looking for a field assistant from April 25 - end of May 2011, with a possibility of extension to the end of July 2011. As this is the first field season of my Ph.D., a lot of it will consist of scouting for good field sites in BC and Alberta and trying out and perfecting different methodologies. We will be locating harlequin duck breeding streams and quantifying aquatic invertebrate abundance, harlequin duck density and terrestrial bird densities along these streams. Later in the field season, we may be mist netting and banding harlequin ducks and obtaining some non- invasive measurements from them. We may also do some field experiments involving fish odour and the aquatic invertebrates living in these streams. We will be driving to each site and living in tents in the backwoods of BC and Alberta. Food and transportation to each field site are included. Some sites may be as far as a day's hike from the car. No experience is necessary, though the ability to identify terrestrial birds by appearance or song is a great asset. Backwoods, banding and/or mist netting experience and a valid driver's licence are also assets. Candidates should have an interest in ecology and conservation, enjoy the outdoors, be very open to last-minute schedule changes, learn quickly, be able to work independently and have a high level of patience with changing methodologies. Candidate will be working and living with me in the woods for days at a time, so strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude are essential. Please send cover letter, resume and three references (including email amp; phone info) to Emily M. Whattam (email: ewhat...@sfu.ca). Interviews will be ongoing until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Two associate senior lecturer positions
Umeå University, Sweden, announces two associate senior lecturer positions. The positions are announced as part of the research programme Ecosystem Change which includes ecologists, environmental scientists, evolutionary biologists, bio-mathematicians, and biogeochemists. The focus of our research is on the complex interplay between external drivers such as climate, energy and matter inputs, and physical habitat structure and internal mediators (biological transformers of energy and material) to predict community and ecosystem responses to environmental changes. We are now looking for two young and visionary scientists in the areas of ecological stoichiometry and paleoecology to complement and strengthen our expertise in the research environment. Ecological stoichiometry (reference number 312-224-11) The holder of the position should carry out research within the area of ecological stoichiometry, defined in a broad context. We are looking for a researcher who could study how the flow of energy and matter is coupled to the dynamics of populations, communities and whole ecosystems in a bidirectional way. Research may include studies of elemental and stoichiometric constraints on individual performance and life history, and/or on the structure, function, and productivity of ecological systems, as well as studies of feedbacks of population and community dynamics, on flows and transformations of energy and matter. Paleoecology (reference number 312-225-11) The holder of the position should have one of two nonexclusive research profiles, both aimed at strengthening the integration between research in paleoecology, ecology and evolution in the research environment. One possible research profile is in aquatic paleoecology to study lake-ecosystem dynamics across limnological and paleolimnological timescales (Holocene), integrating geochemical and ecological/evolutionary research. Here, we particularly encourage applications from scientists using up-to-date paleolimnological approaches such as molecular genetic, spectroscopic or biogeochemical methods. An alternative research profile is in evolutionary paleoecology to address evolutionary questions with paleoecological methods, to enhance the ongoing integration of paleoecology with research in evolution and biogeography, and in collaboration with researchers in macroevolution, macroecology, phylogenetics or population genetics. The duration of a position as associate senior lecturer is four years of research, and can be expanded to five years with 20 % of teaching. At the end of the employment period, an associate senior lecturer owns the right to be examined for a permanent position as senior lecturer at Umeå University. The assessment criteria for such an examination are described in the corresponding job profile. To be eligible, in the first place, for the position as associate senior lecturer you should have a PhD, or a corresponding degree, which is not more than five years old, in a relevant field such as ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental science or biogeochemistry. An associate senior lecturer should primarily pursue research. The successful applicant is expected to create his/her own research group and to supervise graduate students as well as post-docs. He/she is also expected to attract research grants from external sources of funding and to have a vivid collaboration with scientists at both Umeå University and other universities. In the evaluation, particular emphasis will be given to scientific skills. Pedagogical and administrative skills and the ability to collaborate with other researchers in the Strong Research Environment will also be considered. Further information about the position and how to apply can be found at http://www8.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/312-224-225-11.html#eng Last day for application is April 26, 2011. Roland Jansson, associate professor Dept. of Ecology and Environmental Science Umeå University SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden phone: +46-(0)90-7869573 web: http://www.emg.umu.se/english/about-the-department/staff/jansson-roland
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Research Coordinator (Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve)
http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/employment/research-coordinator-lake-superior-national-estuarine-research-reserve_employment1310853 Vacancy Announcement UW-Superior http://www.uwsuper.edu/ Human Resources Office http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/ Employment http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/employment/ Vacancy Announcement * Unclassified http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/employment/index.cfm * Classified http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/employment/classified.cfm * Welcome http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/index.cfm * Employment http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/employment/index1.cfm * Forms http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/forms/list.cfm * Alphabetical List http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/forms/index.cfm * Classified Staff http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/forms/classified.cfm * Faculty/Academic Staff http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/forms/academics.cfm * Other Forms http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/forms/other.cfm blank Subscribe to Employment Opportunities by RSS Feed. http://feeds.feedburner.com/UWS-HR-JOBS Subscribe to Employment Opportunities by Email. http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=UWS-HR-JOBS UW-Superior is committed to making excellence inclusive in every aspect of the institution. Diversity, inclusion and equity are prioritized learning resources for all community members. We strive to offer quality programs in an environment of trust and cooperation that centers on the worth of all individuals. The University is seeking candidates who will contribute to the achievement of this goal. POSITION: Research Coordinator (Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve) SEARCH NO: 11-28 DUTIES: The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a technical expert and source of scientific information about freshwater estuaries. The position is responsible for acquiring and interpreting scientific data about estuaries, particularly the LSNERR. These data consist of both project specific and long term measurements which characterize elements and processes occurring along a river to large lake gradient and within the Great Lakes. Data also describe the effect of human activities and the influence of natural changes occurring within this environment. The position works independently, with coworkers and with external investigators to acquire data required for completion of specific studies and programs of interest to the LSNERR and to communities within the Reserve's bioregion. The complete Position Description http://www.uwsuper.edu/hr/employment/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfilePageID=1310855Acrobat Reader http://www.fileinfo.com/extension/pdf may be viewed here. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: · Ph.D. in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position such as Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, Biological Sciences, Natural Resources, Earth Studies, etc. Ph.D. must be completed at the time of application. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: · Experience with and understanding of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. · Experience with GIS, experimental design, statistics, and invasive species. · Experience with participatory approaches to natural resource management. The successful candidate will be dynamic, energetic, creative, and engaging. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the public liberal arts mission and must be committed to the highest ethical standards and must demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills. Candidates that incorporate values of inclusive excellence and diversity in their work are especially encouraged to apply. SALARY: UW-Superior offers a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience and an attractive benefits package, including health insurance coverage for domestic partners and their eligible dependents. STARTING DATE: ASAP HOW TO APPLY: Send an application packet (hard copy) including: 1) Cover Letter (up to two pages) that summarizes how you meet the qualifications of this position, including knowledge, skills and abilities. Please describe your education and/or training, work experiences, research and any related life experiences in your response. Please note that your response will be evaluated for content and written communication skills. 2) Professional resume or vita, including related education, professional work history and volunteer experience. 3) Examples of Writing: 2-3 scientific publications or reports. 4) Contact information for three (3) professional work references, including at least one person who has you're your immediate supervisor. For each reference, please indicate the nature of your professional relationship and include the person's title, email address and telephone number. 5) Final college transcripts for each of your degrees. Unofficial copies are acceptable at this point; office transcripts are required upon hire. To: Karen Tuttle Lake Superior Estuarine Research Reserve
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Course Offerings at University of Maine - Darling Marine Center
The University of Maine's marine lab, the Darling Marine Center, is offering the following undergraduate and graduate courses this summer: Life Histories Functional Morphology of Commercially Important Marine Invertebrates of Maine, May 11-27 Estuarine Oceanography, May 11-27 MATLAB for Marine Sciences, May 31 - June 10 Natural Science Illustration, June 13-17 Calibration and Validation for Ocean Color Remote Sensing, July 11-29 For course descriptions and additional detail see below or go to the Darling Marine Center website (classes and workshops) http://www.dmc.maine.edu/coursesUM.html May-term and summer courses incur regular UMaine tuition and fees. UMaine students can register directly through MaineStreet http://www.umaine.edu/mainestreet. Non-UMaine students, please register through the Office of Continuing and Distance Education, 1- 877-947-4357, or http://www.umaine.edu/summeruniversity. Life Histories and Functional Morphology of Commercially Important Marine Invertebrates of Maine May 11-27 (alternates days with Estuarine Oceanography course below) Instructor: Dr. Kevin Eckelbarger Course Description: Students will explore the reproductive biology, life histories, and functional morphology (internal and external anatomy) of selected coastal Maine marine invertebrates of commercial importance and special ecological significance. Specimens collected during field trips will be dissected in the lab with an emphasis on learning the comparative morphology of reproductive, digestive, and nervous systems. Where possible, the eggs of sexually mature animals will be fertilized in the lab to observe fertilization and early embryonic cleavage and plankton collections will examine their larvae. Students will learn the basic tissue and organ structure of selected animals using histological techniques (preservation, dehydration, tissue sectioning with a microtome, mounting and staining microscope slides) as well as preparing whole mounts of selected anatomical features (e.g. sponge spicules, cnidarian stinging cells, nemertean stylets, mollusc radulae, crustacean mouth parts, echinoderm pedicellaria etc.). Animals to be studied will include sponges, jellyfish, sandworms, blood worms, lobsters, crabs, shrimp, oysters, scallops, mussels, starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and tunicates. Guest lectures will be provided by representatives from industry on the importance of commercially important species. 3 credits. Estuarine Oceanography May 11-27 (alternates days with Life Histories/Functional Morphology course above) Instructor: Dr. Larry Mayer Course Description: Estuaries are mixing zones between rivers and the ocean. We will examine how river flow, tidal mixing and geomorphology affect mixing and how the mixing process affects various components of estuaries. Fieldwork in mid-coast Maine estuaries will include hydrographic surveys coupled to various sampling, field sensor, and laboratory approaches to provide views of physical, biological, chemical, and sedimentary responses to mixing patterns. Students will learn how dissolved and living and dead particles move through these environments, and how sessile organisms respond to hydrography. We will cover planktonic and benthic ecosystems, with applications to processes such as aquaculture, eutrophication and contaminant dispersal. The course will include the use of models and various forms of data analysis. The fieldwork will be structured by team-oriented student projects. 3 credits. MATLAB for Marine Scientists May 31-June 10 Instructor: Dr. Damian C. Brady Course Description: Marine science is an increasingly technical field and Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) is the language of technical computing. Students will learn the basics of computer programming in MATLAB: pre and post processing environmental data (I/O), vectorizing code, conditional loops, and visualization. Students will learn how MATLAB interacts with external databases and other programming languages as well as how to produce scientific figures that effectively highlight and communicate their results. However, there is no better way to learn a computing language than to work on an application that interests the student. The course will consist of lectures and individual projects wherein students work with real data either collected by the student or downloaded from a field of their own interest (e.g. OBIS SEAMAP for marine mammals or CIMS for estuarine oceanography) to pre-process, analyze, and visualize their data. Advanced mathematical skills are not necessary. Specifically, students will learn: 1) Variable creation, 2) Saving, reading and loading data, 3) Matrix manipulation and operations, 4) The use of built-in functions, 5) Creating m-files and personal functions, 6) The use of for, while and if loops, 7) Plotting and visualization techniques, 8) Image analysis and manipulation, 9) Movie
Re: [ECOLOG-L] the precautionary principle makes sense and should be applied to GCC arguments
Mike, It strikes me that your comments are beginning to sound less like a discussion of scientific principles and more like a rant against the academic and regulatory communities. I hope that besides simply venting your frustrations here, you also support research/scientific efforts which back up your claims and professional opinions with data. I have serious doubts that anybody anywhere is clamping down on the herp industry out of spite or with the intention of finding fortune or fame. Isn't it more likely that these are concerned scientists, stakeholders, and decision makers that are out to preserve the integrity of ecosystems and simply don't agree with your viewpoint? I realize that being the minority opinion is not always a pleasent experience, but the ability to disagree while remaining civil is what makes us professional scientists. I am not a herpetologist or wildlife expert, but as an environmental scientist I much prefer animals thriving outside of a cage and I regularly support efforts to ensure that they do so. While I am sympathetic to your perceptions, I disagree with the implication that a herp-harvesting industry unencumbered by regulation would somehow self-police to the extent that the greatest ecological benefit would be realized. On the contrary, examples exist (sea mink, cod) of animal communities being greatly diminished at the hands of the very people turning a profit from their harvesting. Phil From: Michael E. Welker sustainableharve...@gmail.com To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, March 21, 2011 6:25 PM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] the precautionary principle makes sense and should be applied to GCC arguments Here we go with the exceptions and the non-absolutes. I will not defend each little different case scenarios. The sometimes or the not always. Abuse and misuse of the precautionary principle is rampant in research and science. I have known many academics who are animal rights activists with degrees. I had the conservation at all costs mindset in the 90's - we need to protect these animals from evil money grubbing humans. I also found many folks with letters after their name feeling the same way. Then I got my BS in wildlife science and I learned a few things - like sustainable harvest, population biology and wildlife management techniques. I saw the difference between the banning agenda/conservation at all costs mentality and wildlife management. Game biologists understand this (not commercialization but harvest) but many classic natural history zoologists, biologists and herpetologists don't. Now they use the precautionary principle because of lack of data. And usually err on the side of extreme caution or banning. You can't go from no regulation of herps to banning collection of herps. That is slightly bipolar. And not writing clear regs so folks have to liquidate breeding collections is poor planning and not fair. Scientists are exempt from many state herp regulations. I believe the new NM regs they are exempt. I also remember something in the AL regs maybe possession of venomous? I don't have time to research every instance but they are there. I said the more famous a researcher becomes the more financial and other benefits he receives. The university gets part of the grant money for admin costs, the PI gets a salary. They usually set their hourly wage. You add all the benefits from being famous and they make some money not to mention the power and prestige. Mike Welker El Paso, TX - Original Message - From: Russell L. Burke To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, March 21, 2011 1:53 PM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] the precautionary principle makes sense and should be applied to GCC arguments The precautionary principle is why we buy car insurance, life insurance, and medical insurance. If based on good data, it makes perfect sense. It is not the primary reason that collection of turtles was banned in FL. Scientists are not exempt from collection regulations. I'd like to see the evidence of even a single scientist who is making money by promoting any ban on commercial collection. Scientists generally don't make money from the grants they get, that money goes to the institution and pays for research costs. -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Taylor, Cm Sent: Monday, March 21, 2011 3:29 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Climate Change Data Mike, I appreciate your situation, but the fact is that for every person like you there are many others who have little to no science background, routinely ship and receive animals and plants illegally, and decimate vulnerable populations of organisms, among other things as I am sure you are aware. I don't think it is fair to blame the science community for these problems. Again, I am sorry for
Re: [ECOLOG-L] More on anthropogenic effects on climate change
The attribution issue mentioned in these articles brought to mind another Nature article, 'Overstretching attribution' by Parmesan et al., that a colleague forwarded to me yesterday: http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate1056.html Interesting switch of the IPCCs WG2 focus from detection of climate change to attribution and why this may not be a good thing John Withey University of Washington Seattle, WA Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:42:14 -0400 From: David Inouye ino...@umd.edu Subject: More on anthropogenic effects on climate change http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v470/n7334/full/470344a.html reports on human influence on rainfall in a News Views article, with two papers on the topic in that same issue of Nature. Two older papers: Karoly, D. J., K. Braganza, P. A. Stott, J. M. Arblaster, G. A. Meehl, A. J. Broccoli, and K. W. Dixon. 2003. Detection of a human influence on North American climate. Science 302:1200-1203. Rosenzweig, C., D. Karoly, M. Vicarelli, P. Neofotis, Q. Wu, G. Casassa, A. Menzel, T. L. Root, N. Estrella, B. Seguin, P. Tryjanowski, C. Liu, S. Rawlins, and A. Imeson. 2008. Attributing physical and biological impacts to anthropogenic climate change. Nature 453:353-357.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Hypothesis testing in ecology
Perhaps I missed it in this discussion, but I haven't seen any reference to differences in how easily hypotheses can be formulated in different cases. In studying a series of similar systems, such as a series of glacial lakes, it is easy to formulate hypotheses based on the idea that there are similarities between them. But when sending an ROV into a deep trench what is the basis for formulating a useful hypothesis? When it comes to hypothesis testing in ecology, I don't think that one standard can be applied to all systems. Bill Silvert
Re: [ECOLOG-L] the precautionary principle makes sense and should be applied to GCC arguments
On the contrary, examples exist (sea mink, cod) of animal communities being greatly diminished at the hands of the very people turning a profit from their harvesting. Phil The tragedy of the commons. The benefit from harvesting a resource accrues only whoever collects it (and probably to some middlemen), while the costs are shared by everyone with a stake in the resource. The economically rational thing to do, on the individual level, is to harvest as much as you can, but this produces the collective result of putting all the harvesters out of business. The only way for them to stay in business is for them to accept some set of rules (either their own or someone else's) that keeps them, collectively, from over-harvesting. If the resource is very scarce, the rules might say not to harvest at all, on the assumption that all the rule-breakers will harvest at unsustainable or barely-sustainable rates. It's an economic theory, but while almost every ecologist I've talked to about it seems to be familiar with it, every time I've mentioned it to an economist, I've gotten a blank stare in return. Jim
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant/Associate Professor -- Geomatics, College of Forestry, Oregon State University
ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (TENURE-TRACK) IN GEOMATICS DEPARTMENT OF FOREST ENGINEERING, RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY Posting # 0007018 Oregon State Universitys Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor. This is a 0.75 FTE, 12-month or 1.0 FTE, 9-month, tenure-track position (at the discretion of the Department Head). Though this tenure track position will be offered at 0.75 FTE, the incumbent is authorized and encouraged to increase his/her working FTE up to 1.0 by securing other sources of funding for the additional 0.25 FTE. The Department seeks a scholar to complement and enhance the Departments reputation for excellence in undergraduate and graduate instruction, research, and public education and outreach. As a critical member of the faculty, the Assistant/Associate Professor in Geomatics will be responsible for delivering high quality instruction and maintaining ABET accreditation for the Forest Engineering Degree. Undergraduate teaching responsibilities will include: land and resource surveying, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), remote sensing, and other geospatial measurement and analytical applications within forested landscapes. Additionally, advising duties will be provided for 15-20 students. At the graduate level, responsibilities will include the development, guidance, and delivery of an advanced geomatics course to anchor the geomatics concentration for the Departments Sustainable Forest Management graduate program. Advising for 2-4 graduate students will be expected. Managing the instrument room and surveying laboratory will also be an essential position responsibility. Minimum required qualifications for this position include: a PhD in forestry, forest engineering, civil engineering, geosciences, or a related field; two or more years of verifiable experience with conventional surveying, GIS, GPS, and remote sensing techniques: good interpersonal and communication skills enabling collaboration with a broad spectrum of students, teachers, researchers, and natural resource professionals; a commitment to the educational equity in a multicultural setting and to advancing the participation and support of diverse groups and their perspectives. Preferred qualifications include: Demonstrable evidence of experience in the areas of university-level teaching, research and scholarly work, competitively funded grant writing, and professional service; conventional surveying, GIS, GPS, and remote sensing techniques in a mountainous forest environment; commercial/industrial experience as a professional surveyor or engineer in responsible for geomatics projects; Licensing as a professional survey or a professional engineer, or ability to obtain a professional surveyor or engineering license within two years. Application procedure: To view the posting and apply, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs and search for posting #0007018. When applying, applicants will be required to upload the following documents: 1) a Curriculum vitae 2) a letter summarizing qualifications for this position 3) Statements of research and teaching interests (if not included in the cover letter) 4) Names and contact information for three professional references (if not included in the Curriculum vitae). For full consideration apply by May 15, 2011. The anticipated start date is September 15, 2011. For additional information: Contact John Sessions, Search Committee Chair, Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, 204 Peavy Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331. Email: john.sessi...@oregonstate.edu. For questions regarding the application process, contact: Jeannette Harper (jeannette.har...@oregonstate.edu); 541-737-6554). OSU is an AA/EOE.
[ECOLOG-L] Spodoptera wanted
I am seeking approximately 100 eggs or young larvae of a generalist feeding Spodoptera (frugiperda or exigua would do nicely, among others) ASAP). Thanks in advance for your help! Malia Fincher rmfin...@samford.edu Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Re: [ECOLOG-L] the precautionary principle makes sense and should be applied to GCC arguments
Phil, It is a discussion of all of the above because they are deeply inter-twined. I have never said they (academics and regulators) were tightening down out of spite, fortune and fame. As with many discussions about issues there are many facets that are inter or intra-related. And often times those who are unaffected or have a moral or philosophical lean towards a particular view tend to ignore facts and or consequences because it doesn't fit their agenda. I have met and talked to many academics and other environmentalists or animal rights academics if you will, who just care about protecting the animals and resources at all costs. That is, at cost to Constitutional rights, business (making money), socio-economic realities, fairness and often times actual scientific data. The precautionary principle fits right into this type of thinking. If it could be bad don't do it. We don't have the data that says its okay so don't do it. We can't live on earth and survive off natural resources as we do and live in a capitalistic society using that principle exclusively. Many folks take the precautionary principle to far because their agenda is a) extreme or b) they are not considering all the factors: rights, economics, etc. They are only considering protecting the animals and resources at all costs. How do I know this? I was educated by and worked with and for many folks like this. It is obvious. I have NEVER said no regulation. As a mater of fact you must not have read my post because I explicitly list regulatory options that are backed by science: Sustainable harvest techniques, bag limits and wildlife management techniques. I fully support regulation. Collectors and harvesters need to pay for permits. They need to keep records of harvest and they need to follow regulations. This requires law enforcement participation to make sure this happens. Again, there are many issues here that have an impact as to how this needs to come about for example the funding and structure of wildlife agencies. There is alot more but we can't get into everything. You bring up the cod example. Everyone learned about this when they got their Bachelors. If you remember, only the commercial fisherman were considered when setting the harvest. The recreational fishermen were ignored. The scientists in Canada told the government that they were setting the harvest to high because they were not considering the recreational fisherman. The government didn't listen. The cod fisheries crashed. I could have that backwards. Yes, we need good data. Herps are a little different then the cod fisheries. You can't use a fish finder to catch massive amounts of herps. They are very cryptic and their observability is very low. No, we don't have the data but we could get it. We could have herp specific licenses. We could require all harvesters to report their take. We can use the natural history data and GIS data we have. And for those species for which there is a concern we could do some more intense research. In most cases harvest is extremely low for most herp species and I am sure it will be determined that impact is negligible. Put the resources into the species with the most concern. Who pays for it? The collectors, the hobbyists, the citizens of the state, the developers and the concerned citizens. There are many options here but that is another discussion. Everyone makes a profit. We are required as citizens of the world to make money to live. Academics do make a profit off their work. They don't profit directly from harvesting and selling animals but they make a profit (an income). The more famous and well known ones can make more then others. They are desired by entities to consult, conduct studies and give expert opinion. Because they are desired they have to choose how much they can fit in to their schedule. They can also start private consulting firms and make money there. Everything we use comes from natural resources. Do we get all that stuff for free? We have to pay for that stuff. People who want herps have to pay for them and people who collect and breed them have to make a living too. Collecting herps is not free. It takes many, many things that cost money to do this: permits, licenses, vehicles, gas, collecting equipment, caging, time and knowledge to name a few. Nothing is free and everyone needs to make a living. You don't think that people should put animals in cages? I don't think you should eat tofu. I don't think you should drink beer. I don't think you should wear Birkenstocks. I don't think you should eat vegetables or maybe meat. Who died and made you or me boss? What about the Constitution and our rights? Is it okay for you to dictate what someone can and can not do? What happens if my herps are happy in their cages? They breed, eat and are healthy. There are no predators here and they get vet care. Hell I don't even get medical care. These are all examples of
[ECOLOG-L] Job Posting: Postdoc in bioacoustic signal detection, Cornell University
*Postdoctoral Associate- Animal Acoustic Signal Detection, Classification and Localization *(position 14540) *Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University* The Bioacoustics Research Program (BRP) is a diverse group of scientists and engineers focused on studying the natural sound-scape and animal vocal signals. This position will join BRP's Application Science Engineering (ASE) team to focus on the development and implementation of automatic detection, classification, and localization algorithms specifically related to processing large quantities of bioacoustic data. * Collaborate with researchers and software programmers on developing systems and methods that facilitate the rapid processing of acoustic data, writing and publishing manuscripts, and assisting with grant applications. * Collaborate with researchers in multiple programs in the Lab as well as other algorithm developers. * Survey available research and incorporate methods and algorithms. * Conduct original scientific research in the field of bioengineering, animal communication, and bioacoustics. * Perform research and development of novel signal processing and machine learning algorithms which can be applied to the detection, measurement, classification, and quantitative comparison of animal sounds. * Conceive of, develop, and implement complex code providing robust solutions to specific and general research needs. * Provide leadership in core research areas by providing training and technical presentations for internal and external audiences. * Participate in the preparation and implementation of project plans. * Provide input into project management systems including effort allocation for self and co-workers. * Obtain an understanding of process engineering and utilize these skills to provide organized methods and practices to meet project deadlines and technical goals. /Qualifications/ * PhD in engineering or related field, with particular focus in signal processing. * Demonstrated experience in algorithm development. * Strong programming ability. * Experience with acoustics and/or marine mammal research preferred. * Experience in embedded programming a plus. * Ability to work effectively both in a team and independently. * Experience in scientific programming and the generation of highly complex computer code in MATLAB and other high-level languages such as C/C++. * Ability to conduct original research, from conception to completion, and to develop innovative technical solutions to support that research. * Experience in literature review and publishing scientific papers. * Must have strong communication skills, efficient scientific writing capability, and be proficient in spoken and written English. To apply, send a letter of application, complete résumé or CV, list of references and academic transcripts to: Susan Taggart, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsuckers Woods Road, 283A Johnson Center for Birds Biodiversity, Ithaca, NY 14850 or by email to s...@cornell.edu mailto:s...@cornell.edu. Inquiries about position specifics can be directed to Peter Dugan at 607-254-1149, pj...@cornell.edu mailto:pj...@cornell.edu or Harold Cheyne at 607-254-6280, ha...@cornell.edu mailto:ha...@cornell.edu. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Located at the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity in the 220-acre Sapsucker Woods sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture Life Sciences, where several full-time faculty teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, and manage world-class, mission-driven programs. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work, and our Board leadership includes faculty from Cornell and other universities, successful entrepreneurs and managers from the business and non-profit sectors, and conservation-minded citizens from the United States and beyond. Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is an inclusive, dynamic, and innovative Ivy League university and New York's land-grant institution. Its staff, faculty, and students impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas and best practices to further the university's mission of teaching, research, and outreach. /Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer./
[ECOLOG-L] Internship oppty: data managment for citizen science projects
Internship Opportunity with DataONE Citizen Science Working Group, USA National Phenology Network, and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology: Best practices of data management for public participation in science and research The Data Observation Network for Earth (DataONE) is a virtual organization dedicated to providing open, persistent, robust, and secure access to biodiversity and environmental data, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation. DataONE is pleased to announce the availability of summer research internships for undergraduates, graduate students and recent postgraduates. Description: The DataONE Citizen Science Working Group (CSWG) is working to organize and develop best practices for management of data and information for the increasing number of local, regional and national projects that focus on ?Public Participation in Science and Research (PPSR),? also called Citizen Science projects. The 2011 CSWG intern will assist in the inventory and description of data practices for PPSR projects, based on the response from an earlier survey conducted as part of the CSWG. The goals of the intern project are to develop a metadata description for key aspects of the data held by each group, and make this information available back to the CSWG as a small database. The intern will then help identify and document best practices for data management by PPSR projects, assist in vetting the best practice documents across the PPSR community, and work with CSWG to make the best practices available via the DataONE website as well as other outlets. Products will include a suite of best practices for data management by PPSR projects; in addition, the intern will be encouraged to give a formal presentation at a scientific, data management or PPSR conference or meeting. Local work preferred, at Tucson or Ithaca, though remote work would be possible for outstanding candidates (though one trip for an organization meeting would be required). Qualifications needed: Undergraduate or graduate student or equivalent; simple database management (e.g., MS Access) skills preferred; public engagement; writing; organization; small project management Skills to be learned: Metadata management; best practices template; database management; communications and outreach; project management Primary mentor: Jake Weltzin (USA National Phenology Network) Secondary mentor: Rick Bonney (Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology) For more infomation about this and 7 other similar opportunities, check out http://www.usanpn.org/node/7850 * Jake F. Weltzin Executive Director, USA National Phenology Network National Coordinating Office 1955 East 6th Street Tucson, AZ 85721 Phone: (520) 626-3821 Fax: (520) 792-0571 E-mail: jwelt...@usgs.gov NPN homepage: http://www.usanpn.org/
Re: [ECOLOG-L] the precautionary principle makes sense and should be applied to GCC arguments
Passenger pigeon, anyone? WT - Original Message - From: James Crants jcra...@gmail.com To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 10:35 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] the precautionary principle makes sense and should be applied to GCC arguments On the contrary, examples exist (sea mink, cod) of animal communities being greatly diminished at the hands of the very people turning a profit from their harvesting. Phil The tragedy of the commons. The benefit from harvesting a resource accrues only whoever collects it (and probably to some middlemen), while the costs are shared by everyone with a stake in the resource. The economically rational thing to do, on the individual level, is to harvest as much as you can, but this produces the collective result of putting all the harvesters out of business. The only way for them to stay in business is for them to accept some set of rules (either their own or someone else's) that keeps them, collectively, from over-harvesting. If the resource is very scarce, the rules might say not to harvest at all, on the assumption that all the rule-breakers will harvest at unsustainable or barely-sustainable rates. It's an economic theory, but while almost every ecologist I've talked to about it seems to be familiar with it, every time I've mentioned it to an economist, I've gotten a blank stare in return. Jim - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3511 - Release Date: 03/16/11
[ECOLOG-L] Audubon magazine article: Wetlands - rice and the long-billed curlew
Hi Some years ago I sent a link for the Davis wetlands area (Yolo Bypass) [see below]. This month (March-April, 2011) there is an excellent article in the Audubon magazine titled Grains of Change (pages 64-71) showing pictures of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife area talking about rice production and long-billed curlews. A system for mapping Riparian Areas in the Western United States can be downloaded from the US Fish and Wildlife Service website http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/ There is much information on the above website for wetlands, including wetlands mapper. The city of Davis, California has a '400 acre Davis wetlands project'. Anybody interested here is the link with updated information http://www.ci.davis.ca.us/pw/water/wetlands.cfm It is open free to the public - well worth a visit (in the winter it is sometimes closed due to flooding) Regards, from Ling Huang Chemistry Department Sacramento City College http://huangl.webs.com
[ECOLOG-L] Plant water relations question
Dear ECOLOGGERS: One of my intro biology students posed a question for me last week that I cannot answer. Can you help? I am doing a unit on plant physiology, covering how trees take up water from the soil. I have told students that a turgid living plant cell is one where the pressure potential balances the osmotic potential. Thus, a turgid cell will have a water potential of zero. Right so far? Now, however, I come to how root epidermal and cortical cells create water potentials lower than the soil water potential. Now, I have assumed that they do it by modifying their cytoplasmic solute potential to give a water potential that is lower than that of the soil. Is this right? Or am I deluded, here? If so does this mean that cells in the root endodermis and cortex are flaccid, and not turgid, all the time they are taking up water from a drying soil? If they are turgid, they wouldnt be able to create the required gradient .. And then to move water out of the leaf vascular tissue and into the leaf parenchyma, at least through the symplast, the cells again would have to have a negative water potential, and thus also not be turgid. But arent cells in the plant normally turgid to give the plant structural integrity? Where am I going wrong, here? Is most transport in the apoplast, where transpiration pull can operate? My students question was, how can the root cells have a negative psi to take up water, if they are turgid? How DOES that water get into the root? Lordie, I took Plant Water Relations from Paul Kramer only 35 years ago but this is not what I spend my time thinking about. Any help would be most welcome. Please reply to me, and I will summarize to the list. Thanks. Lyn Loveless
[ECOLOG-L] Plant water relations quesiton 2
I forgot to tell you how to reach me: mlovel...@wooster.edu Thanks. Lyn Loveless
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Director/Coordinator of Sustainability Education Programs, Dickinson College, Carlisle PA
*Assistant Director/Coordinator of Sustainability Education Programs, Dickinson College, Carlisle PA* Dickinson College’s Center for Sustainability Education ( www.dickinson.edu/departments/cese) seeks a dynamic self-motivated individual with sustainability education experience in higher education to coordinate and support programs for advancing sustainability learning in our curriculum and co-curricular programs, supervise student interns, and develop a comprehensive communication strategy for the Center. Exceptionally qualified candidates will be considered for appointment at the Assistant Director level. Dickinson is committed to diversity, and we encourage candidates who will contribute to meeting that goal to apply. Applications and nominations of women and minorities are strongly encouraged. To see the full job ad and apply online, go to https://jobs.dickinson.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1299852259171. Review of applications will begin April 4. Sarah Brylinsky Sustainability Education Coordinator T http://www.dickinson.edu/departments/cesehe Center for Sustainability Education http://www.dickinson.edu/departments/cese Dickinson College Carlisle, PA 17013 Tel: 717.245.1117 bryli...@dickinson.edu - Ecology is permanent economy. - Sunderlal Bahuguna, Gandhian activist and philosopher
