The Pawlik lab will be recruiting one or two new MS/PhD students for Spring or Fall 2011 to study the ecology of Caribbean coral reefs. Our research program, funded by NSF and NOAA, includes research components in the Bahamas, southern Caribbean, and the Florida Keys, and has included missions in NOAA's Aquarius habitat. More information about our research is at this website.

Applicants should be highly motivated and independent, with an excellent academic record, references, and past field research experiences using SCUBA. More information about the UNCW graduate program and about expectations of graduate students in the Pawlik lab can be found at this website.

**************************************************************
Joseph R. Pawlik, Professor
Dept. of Biology and Marine Biology
UNCW Center for Marine Science
5600 Marvin Moss Ln
Wilmington, NC 28409 USA
Email ; Office:(910)962-2377; Cell:(910)232-3579
Website
PDFs

Please refer to the Full Funding Opportunity announcement for complete application information. The full announcement can be found at here. Click on Find Grant Opportunities>Basic Search and enter CFDA 11.482; click on the Domestic Grants information, which will link you to the Full Announcement/Full Opportunity PDF file./

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE: CRCP Domestic Coral Reef Conservation Grants

CFDA NUMBER: 11.482, Coral Reef Conservation Program

APPLICATION DUE DATES: Full Proposals must be received by Grants.gov, postmarked, or provided to a delivery service by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on November 1, 2010. Use of U.S. mail or another delivery service must be documented with a receipt. No facsimile or electronic mail applications will be accepted. Please note: Validation or rejection of your application by Grants.gov may take up to 2 business days after submission. Please consider this process in developing your submission timeline.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION: The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program, as authorized under the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, provides matching grants of financial assistance to institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, commercial organizations, and local and Indian tribal government agencies under the Domestic Coral Reef Conservation Grant program. These awards are intended to support coral reef conservation projects in shallow water coral reef ecosystems, including mesophotic depths, in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Proposals submitted to this competition must address at least one of the following four categories: 1) Fishing Impacts; 2) Land-Based Sources of Pollution; 3) Climate Change; and 4)Local and Emerging Management Issues. All proposed work should be consistent with the CRCP National Goals and Objectives 2010-2015
and/or the relevant Jurisdictional Coral Reef Management Priorities. Proposals selected for funding through this solicitation will be implemented through a grant and will require a 1:1 match of non-Federal funds. Approximately $500,000 is expected to be available for this competition in FY 2011. Funding will be divided among the U.S. Pacific and Atlantic regions to maintain the geographic balance of the Grant Program overall, as required by the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. NOAA will not accept proposals with a budget under $30,000 or over $125,000 under this solicitation. It is expected that the average award size will be $65,000.

--
Jenny Waddell
Grants and External Funding Coordinator
NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program
1305 East West Hwy, Rm 10400
SSMC4, N/OCRM
Silver Spring, MD 20910

301.713.3155 x150

TIDE is seeking a Science Director to support the management of the science and research program for the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and areas within the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor, Southern Belize. We offer an attractive salary and benefits package that is commensurate with training and experience. The position is open to any nationality.

Position: Science Director

Department: Science

Supervisor: Program Manager

Location*: Punta Gorda, Belize

*Major Function:*

You will guide and oversee TIDE?s science program, focusing on marine biology and conservation, but with aspects of freshwater and terrestrial biology. You will be responsible for the coordination of the scientific program which includes: monitoring, research and management activities for the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor
(MMMC); oversee science staff (Junior Marine Biologist and Terrestrial and Freshwater Biologist); develop budgets for the research and monitoring program; lead science staff in the development of policy and programs for monitoring and research; contribute to grant proposals when necessary; act as the primary liaison with visiting researchers, scientific groups and
projects; work with other managers to ensure management is based on sound scientific information; represent the organization at national and international meetings and conferences. **

*Primary Duties and Responsibilities;*

• Implement, and expand, the existing monitoring and research program for TIDE.
  
• Supervise data collection for the monitoring and research programs (coral, reef fish, seagrass, mangroves, water quality, lobster and conch), including supervision/coordination of junior science staff.
  
• Work with science staff to ensure proper data entry, data analysis and report writing.
  
• Work with other management staff to ensure monitoring and research data is utilized.
  
• Publish scientific research in international peer-reviewed journals.
  
• Collaborate with visiting researchers to establish links between research and management activities.
  
• Develop research projects for TIDE within the area of the MMMC.
  
• Responsible for scientific program logistics, budgeting, and staffing.
  
• Assist with grant development including proposal writing.
  
• Assist with community outreach through the development of presentations and outreach materials.
  
• Coordinate with local, regional and international partners.
  
• Represent TIDE at national and international meetings, and on committees and organizations that have mutual interests in conservation.
  
• Responsible for relevant project documentation and report writing.
  Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
  

This report includes observations from an EcoRigs scuba sampling trip, on the east side of the Mississippi, to Main Pass (MP) 311 on August 8th 2010. We were surprised by what we found, the subsurface plume layer was larger, the water more turbid and currents were swifter than we normally encounter. We periodically saw scummy foam and oil sheen on the surface and oil on the pilings and the heavy murky plume for the upper 40 to 45 feet. The water cleared up at about 45 feet and we saw white noodles at 45 to 60 feet. Noodles are stringy white materials that fall out of subsurface plumes that are located in the upper water column. We caught a few on tape, but we missed catching a flurry of them on film when the noodles were coming down like snow.

The currents were extraordinarily swift, 5 mph down to 60 feet (the extent of our dive). I was holding on to a pipe and the current forced me horizontal like a flag in a strong wind. The plume was much more turbid than any other time in the past, with the exception of a dive on Mississippi Canyon (MC) 194 on June 24. (Aug. 8 video here.)

On a previous visit to MP 311 on June 6th, we observed a similar phenomenon and was described on the scene as big balls of brown “snot” and can be seen on video here.

We also have a video of MP 311 on May 19th and you can see materials from globules, flakes and small particulates to fine materials and dissolved oil and dispersants. You can view that here.

The May 19th video at MP 311 shows particulate oil and dispersants moving down the water column. The oil has not broken down to fine materials yet, as seen in the June 6th and August 8th video. The oil appears to be in transition to finer materials which may be caused by agitation from the wave action and currents. The water is relatively clear and fish do not appear to avoid the areas.

Finally, a video from October 2008 is presented for reference to view water conditions before the Deepwater Horizon spill.

I should note that MP 311 is on the east side of the river in 250 ft (76 m) of water and in a marine transition area, where the water is sometimes green due to freshwater flows on the surface of the ocean (freshwater floats) from the Mississippi. When wind and currents blow from a southerly direction, as it often does during the summer, blue ocean currents prevail and the water conditions around MP 311 are blue and clear. When fresh water prevails, there is greenish layer in the upper 10 -20 feet called murk. The fresh water gets pushed east and west of the Mississippi depending on prevailing wind and currents. When the winds are from the easterly direction, the surface water is blue at MP 311 and the murk is on the west side of the Mississippi.

We are very cognizant of the fact that we may be mistaking the oil and dispersant plume for a freshwater plume. There are characteristics that distinguish the two, first, the presence of the noodles or snot falling down the water column indicates that the plume is not just fresh water. Secondly, plume has a different mixing pattern than a freshwater layer. Looking at the oil and disperant plume from below, the underside of the plume billows and is not as even a layer like fresh water. The fresh water and the oil plume can both be present, however, the combination is much darker than freshwater alone. A freshwater layer was present on August 8th and May 19th but not so prevalent as in October 2008. We are presently collecting water samples and testing for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) & Trace Metals to verify our observations.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Qualified applicants will be contacted of internship opportunities as they become available.

Job Summary: The purpose of this position is to provide support in the areas of program delivery, academics, research, group dynamics, logistics, program safety, risk management and site maintenance. Interns assist faculty with various research projects, including planning, data gathering, analysis and report writing. Interns also assist the Diving Safety Officer in the
implementation of the dive and waterfront program, activities, and operations including the safe and prudent conduct of SCUBA, snorkeling, swimming, and boating activities conducted at the Center.

Location: SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies - South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands, B.W.I.

Reports to: Center Director. Day to day supervision may be delegated to Student Affairs Manager, Faculty, Site Manager, or Diving Safety Officer as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Marine Ecology, Marine Resource Management or Marine Policy and Socio-economics


• Current First Aid and CPR certifications


• Current, active Dive Master certification, including insurance


• Experience organizing and facilitating groups


• Clean driving record and ability to operate standard transmission vehicles and boats


• Small boat handling experience


• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and independently


• Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues


• Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the field station with a small team of permanent staff, groups of US undergraduate students and visiting researchers or programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.Sc. in Marine Ecology, Marine Resource Management or Marine Policy and Socio-economics


• Successful completion of an SFS or similar international residential program


• Life guard certification


• Basic knowledge of small boat and 2-cycle outboard engine repair


• Familiarity with MS Word, Excel, Access and statistical software skills


• In country or regional experience

Due Date: Full proposals are due October 21, 2010 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

Description:

NOAA's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (NOAA/CSCOR), in partnership with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (NOAA/OER), National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office, and Gulf of Mexico Regional Collaboration Team, is soliciting proposals for a project under the Regional Ecosystem Prediction Program of up to 5 years in duration to conduct research to improve the understanding of population connectivity of key species between the southernmost portion of Pulley Ridge on the West Florida continental shelf and downstream to the coral ecosystems of
the Florida Keys. Coral ecosystems upstream of Pulley Ridge can be considered if directly relevant to population connectivity or to provide context to the overall study. This information will be used to improve the ability of Gulf of Mexico resource managers to proactively develop
strategies to manage and protect poorly understood mesophotic coral ecosystems, including coastal and marine spatial planning and the siting of marine protected areas and marine protected area networks for shallow and mesophotic coral ecosystems.

One project is expected to be supported for up to 5 years, with an annual budget up to $1,000,000. At no additional cost, up to 15 days per year for two years of time using the MolaMola/ /AUV will be provided by the NOAA/OER National Institute for Undersea Science and Technology.

The Senior Aquarist is responsible for all aspects of aquarium plant and animal husbandry for the area to which they are assigned. Specifically this includes the design, set-up, care and maintenance of live exhibits, disease recognition and treatment, life support system construction and operation, field collecting and species identification and knowledge. In addition to the Senior Aquarist's scheduled duties, he or she is highly encouraged to work independently to contribute to various research and development projects and other investigations aimed at furthering the quality of MBA's live exhibitions. The Senior Aquarist, when directed, will also be responsible for carrying out the daily tasks of the Associate Curators during their absence. The Senior Aquarist also trains and supervises Aquarist II, Aquarists, Aquarist Trainees, Assistant Aquarists and Volunteers as needed or directed. SCUBA certification is required. Click here for more information.

Raytheon is seeking an individual to join their Antarctic dive teams at McMurdo and Palmer research stations. The contract begins October 2010 and would last either six or 12 months. The position entails assisting with Raytheon Polar Services (RPSC) diving projects and may include underwater construction and limited salvage work. Scientific studies may also require the diver to collect samples, document dive conditions and act as a tender for research divers. Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, a nationally recognized scuba certification, CPR/first aid certification, a minimum four years of commercial and/or scientific diving experience and American or New Zealand citizenship. Register with the Raytheon career website to apply.

The Georgia Aquarium is seeking a part-time maintenance diver to work in their Atlanta, GA facility. Major duties are split into two categories: commercial and scientific diving work. Commercial duties include daily aquarium husbandry, inspection and preventative maintenance of aquarium exhibits and equipment ordering and inventory. Scientific duties include participation in and assistance with advanced dive personnel training, monitoring of aquarium species and sample collection, and implementation of dive safety measures. The diver may also serve as a liaison between the Georgia Aquarium and guests, media and the general public. Candidates must hold an Advanced Open Water (or higher) diving certification and have a minimum of two years experience in aquarium or scientific diving. Additional requirements relate to first aid certifications, equipment service/technician certifications and proficiency in Microsoft Office Products. For more information visit here.

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON)

Invasive Coral Species Project: Research Assistant / Research Associate

Research position in Coral Reef Ecology. Computer skills required, including data processing, data analysis, statistical analysis, graphics, and data management/archiving.

• Processing of underwater still and video images derived from diving and ROV reconnaissance
  
• Quantification of population and community variables from digital imagery


• Statistical analyses: univariate and multivariate


• Computer graphics: 2-D and 3-D


• Organizing, preparation for, and breakdown of, offshore field trips,
  including top-side support for cruises.


• Experience with and knowledge of coral ecology


• Familiarity with Indo-Pacific corals preferred


• Biochemical laboratory processing of coral tissue for molecular genetic/DNA PCR analysis - experience helpful


• B.Sc. required, M.Sc. preferred


• SCUBA diving skills required


• Starting date asap


• EOE, ADA, MA/FE.

For further information, contact Dr. Paul W. Sammarco at 1-985-851-2876 or email. Submit resume, transcript, and the names of three referees to

Dr. Paul W. Sammarco
LUMCON
8124 Hwy. 56
Chauvin, LA 70344
USA

Paul W. Sammarco, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean (AMLC)

and

Professor
Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON)
8124 Hwy. 56
Chauvin, LA 70344
USA

Tel: 1-985-851-2876
FAX: 1-985-851-2874
Email
Website

The Washington Office has issued an announcement for a national dive training and safety officer. Although the person selected will report to the deputy chief of emergency services, he/she will be duty-stationed with the NPS Submerged Resources Center in Lakewood, Colorado. This new position was created along with funding provided for diver training and development to strengthen national-level support for the dive program, and accomplishes a
key objective in the Ocean Park Stewardship Action Plan.

The announcement, available here, closes on August 9.

The Nature Conservancy in the USVI has three vacant positions in the USVI. Responsibilities include operating coral restoration projects on St. Croix and St. Thomas. Advanced SCUBA and boat operations experience required, scientific diving preferred.

• (1) full-time term-limited (2 year) position on St. Croix (Science Tech I, ID# 12136);
• (1) full-time, short-term position on St. Croix (Science Tech I, ID# 12137); and
• (1) full-time, short-term position on St. Thomas (Science Tech I, ID# 12165).

Full job descriptions are available here. How to Apply / View Positions, search by job ID#, title, or USVI. Closing date is July 18, 2010. All applications must be made on line.

This opportunity is also suitable for experts that have already an employment and are available to a collaboration in the field.

Mappamondo GIS is seeking a Marine GIS and Remote Sensing expert for short term collaboration projects with the following characteristics:

1. Proven teaching/presentation skills and experience in the preparation of educational and training material in GIS and Remote Sensing


2. Proven involvement in major Marine GIS and Remote Sensing projects and applications to add personal know how during classes


3. In depth knowledge of the ArcGIS software including ModelBuilder, Geodatabases and advanced applications.


4. In depth knowledge of image processing/analysis techniques and Remote Sensing in general


5. Fluent written and oral English (Italian would be an asset)
   
6. ESRI Authorized Instructor status and PADI and Scientific SCUBA Diving license would be an asset


7. Database management and programming skills are not required but preferable.

Please note that the first 5 points are mandatory.

Please email your cover letter and CV to by the 5th of July including links to videos of lectures or presentations and to educational material developed (slides, manuals) as well as your availability. Interviews of suitable candidates might take place on-distance through Skype and further information requested by email. Selections are not limited to one post or in time.

Tasks can be performed on-distance when possible (e.g., preparation of educational material) or seldom at client site worldwide (e.g. lectures).

Compensation is negotiable and project based.

Please feel free to forward this announcement to anybody that might be interested.

Kind regards
Mappamondo GIS

------------------------------------------------
Mappamondo GIS
Parma - ITALY
Website
Email

The successful applicant must have a minimum of a MS (or MSc) but preference will be given to those with a PhD in a relevant field of study. Preference given to certified Science Diver. Prior teaching experience strongly preferred. Preference given to those with the ability to attend a summer course in Coral Reef Ecology in July, which would provide knowledge of local sites and species and familiarity with BIOS and its teaching format. The summer course is described here.

Please email cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy, resume, and names of 3 references familiar with your teaching credentials. Review of applications will begin immediately. Salary will be based on prior level of experience and qualifications. The position may be renewed for a second year.

The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), Inc. (founded as the Bermuda Biological Station in 1903) is a U.S. incorporated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research and education institute, incorporated in New York state, employing a multi-national staff of approximately 100 people. Activities include oceanographic and marine biological research conducted by resident and visiting scientists and university level courses on topics ranging from marine pollution to ocean genomics. Additional information on BIOS can be found here .

BIOS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and operates a drug-free work-place and learning environment.