MILFORD LAB
212 Rogers Avenue
Milford, CT 06460-6490
Milford Lab Webpage
Project Title: Shellfish genetics and
breeding
Project Location: Milford Lab, Aquaculture and Enhancement Division,
Biotechnology Branch
Project Leader: Sheila Stiles, (203)882-6524, Sheila.Stiles@noaa.gov
The focus of the Genetics research
program at the Milford Laboratory is to investigate the application
of genetics and breeding technology for improving growth and
survival rates of bivalves, primarily the commercial bay scallop,
Argopecten irradians, which could ultimately contribute to increased
commercial production and recreational harvesting. Three major
approaches are being explored: breeding, population genetics,
and field evaluations. Responses to selective breeding and inbreeding
are being determined by developing lines for increased growth.
In addition, genetic diversity of various stocks and populations
is being ascertained to support or complement breeding and broodstock
management. Habitat suitability and field evaluations also are
being conducted for stock enhancement and restoration, along
with line development and assessment of scallops, especially
with phenotypic markers. The employee will assist with various
projects for evaluating genetic lines, from spawning adults
and rearing of larval and post-set bay scallops, to the collection
of data for genetics studies on growth and survival. Tasks include
providing assistance in the maintenance and operation of shellfish
culture facilities, and sampling and measuring scallops of various
stages from eggs to adults. Observations will be made on differences
in growth and survival of scallops under various conditions,
which could provide opportunities for independent study. There
are both laboratory and field components.
Project Title: Characterizing habitat
use of young fish and lobster
Project Location: Milford Lab, Aquaculture and Enhancement Division,
Culture Systems and Habitat Evaluation Branch
Project Leader: Ronald Goldberg, (203)882-6546, Ronald.Goldberg@noaa.gov
We are investigating both an offshore reef
used by black sea bass and lobster and a coastal nearshore nursery
areas used by young fish. Data are analyzed to determine the
spatial and temporal distribution and abundance of young-of-the-year,
juvenile, and adult fish. An intern will assist in field surveys
and ecological experiments. Beach seining and fish traps deployed
from small boats will be used for sampling. Predators and food
habits of young black sea bass and tautog will be identified
and quantified. Lobster and some young fish will be tagged and
released. Recaptured animals will be analyzed to determine movement,
growth rate, and population size. Ageing of young fish using
otolith analysis and creation of GIS maps will be part of this
assignment. Potentially, individual projects, based on activities
above, could be developed. For example, analyzing young lobster
recaptures and charting movements and time at liberty.
Project Title: Shellfish aquaculture
Project Location: Milford Lab, Aquaculture and Enhancement Division
Culture Systems and
Habitat Evaluation Branch
Project Leader: James Widman, (203)882-6508, James.Widman@noaa.gov
The Milford Laboratory shellfish aquaculture
(shellfish farming) unit is conducting research on bay scallops,
hard clams and oysters. An intern will be part of a program
determining the commercial feasibility of raising shellfish
in state-of-the-art recirculating seawater systems. Incumbent
will work in a marine laboratory research shellfish hatchery
rearing larval and juvenile shellfish under the direction of
a research fishery biologist. You will be assisting in experiments
determining optimum feeding concentrations required to maximize
growth of bivalves. You will learn about innovative automated
control systems developed for experimental shellfish culture
systems. You will perform daily tasks such as recording temperatures,
pH, dissolved oxygen and other water quality data. You will
work with one or two others to maintain various shellfish organisms
while conducting laboratory and field experiments. Microscope
work, recording of data, measuring shellfish and computer skills
will be utilized. Incumbent must be able to lift 15 pounds;
some work may occur on a research vessel.
JAMES J. HOWARD LAB
74 Magruder Road
Highlands, NJ 07732
J.J. Howard Lab Webpage
Project Title: Characterizing
the size, age, and reproductive status of adult weakfish in
the Raritan
Bay system
Project Location: Howard Lab, Ecosystems Processing Division,
Coastal Ecology Branch, Life
History and Recruitment Group
Project Leader: Chris Chambers, (732)872-3075, chris.chambers@noaa.gov.
Project Summary: Weakfish, Cynoscion regalis,
is an important recreational and commercial fish in coastal
and inshore waters of the Mid-Atlantic States. New regulations
from regional management councils on allowable catches have
currently been tabled due to the need for more data on sizes
and ages of landed fish. Our research addresses research question
related to this management need. We are focusing on the size,
age, and maturation status of weakfish during their residence
in inshore waters of Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays, New Jersey.
We will interpret these data in the context of size and age-based
differences in the arrival times and spawning status of adults
entering this ecosystem in late spring and early summer. The
data will also be used to assist resource managers in their
need for more extensive and systematic data on the demographic
structure of weakfish in New Jersey. As a participant in this
research, the student intern will acquire and develop skills
in methods of collecting, measuring, and ageing fish; extracting
and preparing fish otoliths for age and growth determination;
image acquisition and analysis; and data interpretation and
presentation. During the course of the internship, the student
will have the opportunity to contribute to boat and shore-based
field collections of benthic fish and to laboratory-based fisheries
methodologies. The student will interact with other undergraduate
and graduate students, research associates, and career NOAA
research scientists.
Project Title: Evaluating contaminant
effects on full life cycle responses in estuarine fishes
Project Location: Howard Lab, Ecosystems Processing Division,
Coastal Ecology Branch, Life History and Recruitment Group
Project Leader: Chris Chambers, (732)872-3075, chris.chambers@noaa.gov
Project Summary: Inshore habitats are used
by a variety of marine and estuarine organisms as a source of
prey, location for reproduction, and shelter during vulnerable
life-stages. These habitats are also the principal location
for the infusion of contaminants into the marine environment.
Understanding the extent and nature of contamination along industrialized
watersheds, as well as the complexity of potential toxic responses
by impacted organisms, remains a significant challenge to researchers
and resource managers. We are conducting studies on this research
front that 1) examine the interactive and additive effects of
a combination of ecologically relevant contaminants on an indicator
fish species, 2) broaden the set of response variables collected
previously by us to include characteristics of juveniles and
of reproductive performance by adults, and 3) evaluate the relative
merit of each response variable in our broadened set in the
context of their utility as a bioindicator. We use an experimental
laboratory approach and assess full life cycle responses of
our indicator fish, Microgradus tomcod, which is an important
member of the Raritan Bay/New York Harbor fish community. We
will interpret these data in the context of quality of inshore
habitats and the utility of various bioindicators of degraded
habitat quality. As a participant in this research, the student
intern will acquire and develop skills in methods of rearing,
measuring, and dissecting fish; image acquisition and analysis;
and data interpretation and presentation. During the course
of the internship, the student will have the opportunity to
contribute to boat and shore-based field collections of fish
and to laboratory-based fisheries methodologies. The student
will interact with other undergraduate and graduate students,
research associates, and career NOAA research scientists.
Project Title: Ecology of coastal ocean
seascapes, and Acoustic tagging of coastal marine fish species
Project Location: Howard Lab, Ecosystems Processing Division,
Behavioral Ecology Branch
Project Leader: Dr. John Manderson, (732)872-3057, john.manderson@noaa.gov
The Behavioral Ecology Branch will
apply a combination of laboratory and field techniques to study
distribution patterns and processes of coastal marine species.
The effects of coastal ocean dynamics on the dispersal of important
larval fish species will involve going on several monthly day-trips
for field sampling on our small research vessel off the New
Jersey coast. Plankton sorting comprises the bulk of the laboratory
work for this project. Field work in the local estuarine system
will focus on the distribution and seasonal habitat use of economically
important species and their prey using a combination of traditional
fishery methods and acoustic tagging. We will be looking for
behavioral and hydrographic mechanisms that affect distribution
and year-class strength. Possible laboratory work will complement
field work. Both projects will involve the student in data entry
and summarization.
MAINE FIELD STATION
17 Godfrey Drive - Suite 1
Orono, ME 04473
Project Title: Atlantic Salmon
Student Positions #1 and #2 - Maine Field Station Field Program
Support and ESA Assessment Activities
April 2007 - August 2007 (Note: 10 hours per week during school
year, 40 hours per
week in summer)
Project Location: Orono Field Station, Resource Evaluation and
Assessment Division, Population Dynamics Branch, Atlantic Salmon
Research and Conservation Task
Project Leader: John F. Kocik, (207)866-7341, John.Kocik@NOAA.gov
Maine
Field Station Webpage
NOAA Fisheries (Atlantic Salmon Conservation
and Research Task) seeks the assistance of two highly qualified
summer students to assist NOAA biologists with the following
tasks related to Atlantic salmon research and management: field
sampling; image analysis and information management. Field sampling
duties include rotary screw trap operation by the Northeast
Fisheries Science Center (NEFC), other Atlantic salmon population
and habitat surveys conducted by cooperating agencies, and potentially
time- at-sea participating in NEFC research cruises. Field sampling
duties would comprise approximately 50% of the successful candidates'
time. Tissue and scale sample management and inventorying duties
will comprise approximately 25% of the positions. Finally, the
successful candidates will work closely with NEFC staff to compile,
summarize, and present scientific and commercial data in support
of NEFC Atlantic salmon management and Endangered Species Act
(ESA) responsibilities. This component would comprise 25% of
the successful candidates' time. These positions will also have
additional duties as required by staff that includes participation
in field work, laboratory work, hatchery sampling and fish marking
as directed by staff. At the end of the internship period, students
will prepare and present an oral presentation of her/his summer
work/research experience. This position offers unique opportunities
for the successful candidates to gain fisheries research and
assessment.
WOODS HOLE LAB
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
Woods Hole
Lab Webpage
Project Title: Library Internship
Project Location: Woods Hole Lab Library
Project Leader: Jacqueline Riley, (508) 495-2260, jacqueline.riley@noaa.gov
The Woods Hole Lab Library offers a summer internship opportunity for an MLS student interested in marine and fisheries science at one of the oldest marine fisheries laboratories in the world. Under the direction of the Librarian, the intern will explore a range of activities, including assistance in the design of an Oracle database project for online documents pertinent to the history of the National Marine Fisheries Service in Woods Hole. The intern will also tour and observe at other local science libraries. Excellent skills in Oracle, web and database design are strongly preferred. The intern will give a short oral and visual presentation of her/his summer work or project.
Project Title: Atlantic Salmon Summer
Internship - Scale Image Analysis
Project Location: Woods Hole Lab, Resource Evaluation and Assessment
Division, Population Dynamics Branch, Atlantic Salmon Research
and Conservation Task
Project Leader: Ruth Haas Castro, (508)495-2302, Ruth.Haas-Castro@noaa.gov
The Atlantic salmon research projects
need the assistance of a highly qualified summer student to
accomplish critical tasks related to image processing and database
management. Image processing laboratory work would include scale/otolith
preparation, sample cleaning, and analysis with our lab's image
analysis system. These data will also require operator auditing
and some additional formatting and processing. This work would
comprise approximately 60% of the successful candidate's time.
Database management work would consist of entering, auditing,
and editing current and archive scale data. This element would
comprise approximately 30% of the successful candidate's time.
This position will also have additional duties, as required
by staff that may include participation in field work, laboratory
work, hatchery sampling and fish marking. These duties would
comprise a total of approximately 10% of the intern's time.
At the end of the internship period, students will prepare and
present an oral presentation of her/his summer work/research
experience. This position offers unique opportunities for the
successful candidate to gain experience in state of the art
computer image analysis and the opportunity to learn database
structure and management.
Project Title: Fecundity study for
two groundfish species using traditional and image analysis-based
methods for enumerating egg counts
Project Location: Woods Hole Lab, Resource Evaluation and Assessment
Division, Population Biology Branch, Fishery Biology Program
Project Leader: Jay Burnett, (508)495-2286, Jay.Burnett@noaa.gov
The Fishery Biology Program offers a 'hands-on'
experience for a summer student intern to participate with staff
biologists in a fecundity study for winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes
americanus in the Gulf of Maine. Duties include counting eggs
from previously sub-sampled ovaries, expanding egg counts, and
deriving relationships for fecundity at length, weight, and
age. Additionally, sub-samples will be used to develop a digital
image analysis method for generating egg counts in preparation
for a second study for Atlantic cod Gadus morhua in the Gulf
of Maine. The intern will be located in a state-of-the-art fish
ageing laboratory and will also assist with age sample processing
and ageing activities. We will also make every effort to provide
an opportunity for the intern to participate in a research vessel
cruise aboard a NOAA vessel. In addition to the NOAA Fisheries
Lab, the Woods Hole community also includes the U.S Geological
Survey, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institute, and, with the annual influx of students
and visiting scientists, represents a summertime mecca for aspiring
marine scientists.
Project Title: Aquarist
Project Location: Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Project Leader: Rachel Metz, (508)495-2098, rachel.metz@noaa.gov
(For more information on the WHSA, visit our website: http://aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov/)
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the nation's
oldest public research display aquarium, located in the small
but busy marine science village of Woods Hole. The collection
includes about 140 species of fish and invertebrates common
to the continental shelf from Maine to North Carolina, two harbor
seals, and sometimes sea turtles held for rehabilitation and
eventual release.
The facility is small and an intern gets
a great deal of hands-on experience useful in any aquarium or
laboratory setting where live specimens are used. The person
will work directly for the senior aquarist, but also have opportunities
to work with the medical unit and education staff. Duties will
include food preparation and animal care, and assisting with
maintaining the exhibit and public areas, as well as some interpretive
tasks working with visitors. The intern is expected to be a
keen observer, to evaluate and report aquatic animal behavior
and condition daily, and to assist in treating aquatic animals,
conducting field work, and collecting specimens for exhibits.
The intern also meets with visitors, serving as an interpreter
/ educator while carrying out typical job responsibilities.
This position also may involve work with harbor seal environmental
enrichment program and harbor seal daily programs. This position
may require some heavy lifting (~ 40 lbs.). Biology or animal
care background is preferred but not required.
Project Title: *Aquarium Program
Assistant Internship
Project Location: Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Project Leader: George Liles, (508)495-2378, george.liles@noaa.gov
(For more information on the WHSA,
visit our website: http://aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov/)
The WHSA operates a summer intern program
for high school students. The high school students spend two
to six weeks learning about marine animals, aquarium operations,
marine science, and marine resource management issues.
The Aquarium Programs Assistant serves as
a senior intern, helping to train the high school interns in
the care and maintenance of marine animals and helping the interns
with special projects. The Programs Assistant also helps the
intern program director with administrative and organization
tasks such as setting up seminars and field trips.
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the nation's
oldest public research display aquarium, located in the small
but busy marine science village of Woods Hole. The aquarium
collection includes about 140 species of fish and invertebrates
common to the continental shelf from Maine to North Carolina,
non-releasable harbor seals, and sometimes sea turtles held
for rehabilitation and eventual release.
Some experience with marine animal
care and aquarium operations is required. Previous experience
in the WHSA High School Intern Program or an equivalent program
is desirable. Leadership experience is also desirable. This
is a six to eight week position. Preferred starting date is
June 4, although a later starting is possible.
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