JAMES J. HOWARD LAB
74 Magruder Road
Highlands, NJ 07732
http://sh.nefsc.noaa.gov/
| Project Title: |
Integrated Ecosystem Approach to Climate and Habitat Change |
| Project Location: |
Ecosystems Processes Division, Behavioral Biology Branch |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Beth Phelan, (732)872-3079, beth.phelan@noaa.gov |
The Behavioral Ecology Branch will apply a combination of laboratory and field techniques to study the effects of coastal ocean dynamics on the distribution patterns and processes of coastal marine species. Research will involve day-trip field sampling on our small research vessel off the New Jersey coast and in local estuarine systems focusing on the distribution and seasonal habitat use of economically important species and their prey. We will be looking for behavioral and hydrographic mechanisms that affect distribution and year-class strength. Possible laboratory work will complement field work. Projects will involve the student in data entry, management and summarization.
| Project Title: |
Effects of Global Climate Change on Fisheries Productivity |
| Project Location: |
Ecosystems Processes Division, Marine Chemistry Branch |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Andrew Draxler, (732)872-3054, Andrew.Draxler@noaa.gov |
The Ecosystem Processes Division is initiating a new, long-tern sturdy aimed as measuring, understanding, and predicting effect of Global Climate Change on fisheries production. Cruises on the Research Vessel Nauvoo will involve collecting juvenile demersal fish, returning them to the laboratory in live tanks, and conducting controlled experiments on growth under varying conditions of temperature and dissolved oxygen.
| Project Title: |
Distribution of Imposex as an Indicator of Pollution |
| Project Location: |
Ecosystems Processes Division, Marine Chemistry Branch |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Andrew Draxler, (732)872-3054, Andrew.Draxler@noaa.gov |
We are interested in investigating the non-lethal effects of contaminates on fisheries production. Organometals are well known to have direct on marine organisms including alteration of their value as food. Among the most sensitive of responses is the occurrence of imposex in certain species of marine snail. This biomarker is more sensitive than current routine chemical analyses and is well characterized as part of the standard European “biomarkers”. This project would examine snails in the New York metropolitan area for indications of this contaminant.
| Project Title: |
Spatial, Seasonal, and Inter-annual Changes in the Community Structure of Benthic Fishes of the Hudson River Estuary |
| Project Location: |
Ecosystems Processes Division, Coastal Ecology Branch, Life History & Recruitment Group |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Chris Chambers, (732)872-3075, chris.chambers@noaa.gov |
The fishes of the lower Hudson River and estuary form a complex community comprised of resident species, seasonal inhabitants, and transients. The dominant species changes dramatically with season and with location in the river along the salinity gradient. There is also evidence of longer term inter-annual changes in community composition. These seasonal and longer term changes are of interest because some components of the fauna are at or near their species’ geographic boundary in this ecosystem. A warming climate may accelerate the changes in the structure of this community and the overall use of this ecosystem as nursery habitat for estuarine spawning species. We are collecting information on the abundances, sizes, and locations of capture of the fishes associated with the benthic habitat of the Hudson River estuary. These data are drawn from our bi-weekly research cruises during the summer months (June – October) aboard our NOAA research vessel. As a participant in this research, the student intern will acquire and develop skills in methods of collecting, identifying, measuring, and ageing fish; extracting and preparing fish otoliths for age and growth determination; water chemistry monitoring; and data interpretation and presentation. 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: |
Ecosystems Processes Division, Coastal Ecology Branch, Life History & Recruitment Group |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Chris Chambers, (732)872-3075, chris.chambers@noaa.gov |
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 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 bioindicators. We use an experimental laboratory approach and assess full life cycle responses of our indicator species – Atlantic tomcod, Microgradus tomcod, and mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus –which are important members of the Hudson River/New York Harbor/Raritan Bay 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.
 MAINE FIELD STATION
17 Godfrey Drive, Suite 1
Orono, ME 04473
http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/orono/
| Project Title: |
Atlantic Salmon Field Studies and Population Dynamics |
| Project Location: |
Resource Evaluation and Assessment Division, Population Dynamics Branch, Atlantic Salmon Research and Conservation Task |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. John F. Kocik, (207)866-7341, John.Kocik@noaa.gov |
The Maine Field Station offers an exciting internship opportunity to work with endangered Atlantic salmon in both field and laboratory settings. The intern will spend approximately 50% of his/her time in the field sampling Atlantic salmon and other diadromous species using various trapping and capture methods (rotary screw traps, electrofishing, rod and reel). This hands-on work will involve assisting with the implementation of several mark-recapture studies, and using advanced sampling technologies (ultrasonic telemetry and/or SONAR) to track salmon movements. Field activities will also include population and habitat surveys conducted by cooperating agencies; the successful applicant may also have the opportunity to participate in a research cruise. The laboratory component, which will comprise approximately 25% of the internship, will involve inventorying and preparing the scale and tissue samples collected during field activities for future analysis. Lab activities may also include some scale analysis and ageing. Finally, 25% of the intern’s time will be spent entering, managing, and analyzing the field data; preparing literature briefs; and working closely with NOAA scientists on current research projects, including tag recapture analysis. At the end of the internship period, students will prepare and present an oral presentation of her/his summer work/research experience.
| Project Title: |
Atlantic Salmon Population Investigations and Conservation Management |
| Project Location: |
Resource Evaluation and Assessment Division, Population Dynamics Branch, Atlantic Salmon Research and Conservation Task |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. John F. Kocik, (207)866-7341, John.Kocik@noaa.gov |
The Maine Field Station offers an exciting internship opportunity to work with endangered Atlantic salmon in both field and management settings. The intern will spend approximately 50% of his/her time in the field sampling Atlantic salmon and other diadromous species using various trapping and capture methods (rotary screw traps, electrofishing, rod and reel). This hands-on work will involve assisting with the implementation of several mark-recapture studies, and using advanced sampling technologies (ultrasonic telemetry and/or SONAR) to track salmon movements. Field activities will also include population and habitat surveys conducted by cooperating agencies; the successful applicant may also have the opportunity to participate in a research cruise. In addition, roughly 50% of the successful applicant’s time will be spent assisting NOAA Fisheries Service management staff with a variety of tasks including preparation of literature briefs, data entry, data management and other activities as needed. At the end of the internship period, students will prepare and present an oral presentation of her/his summer work/research experience.
 MILFORD LAB
212 Rogers Avenue
Milford, CT 06460-6490
http://mi.nefsc.noaa.gov/
| Project Title: |
Habitat Evaluation and Enhancement |
| Project Location: |
Aquaculture and Enhancement Division, Culture Systems and Habitat Evaluation Branch |
| Project Leader: |
Ronald Goldberg, (203)882-6546, Ronald.Goldberg@noaa.org |
One goal of Milford Laboratory’s aquaculture efforts is to provide fish that can be introduced into the wild to experimentally evaluate the potential for stock enhancement. Black sea bass and tautog, are good candidate species because of their strong orientation to structure and their limited migrations. We are investigating both an offshore reef used by black sea bass, as well as a nursery and adult habitat for tautog in New Haven Harbor. Data collected are used 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 gear deployed from small boats will be used to sample young fish. Sediment, and vegetation will be collected to characterize habitat and biochemical laboratory analyses will be employed to determine growth potential of fish and infer habitat quality. Predators and food habits of young black sea bass and tautog will be identified and quantified. Some fish may be marked with visible or wire-coded tags and released. Recaptured fish will be analyzed to determine time and location of release and growth rate. Environmental conditions will be measured with electronic instruments. Data management, analysis, and development of GIS maps will be part of the assignment
| Project Title: |
Shellfish Aquaculture |
| Project Location: |
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. He/she 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.
| Project Title: |
Shellfish Genetics and Breeding |
| Project Locations: |
Aquaculture and Enhancement Division, Biotechnology Branch |
| Project Leaders: |
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 Locations: |
Aquaculture and Enhancement Division, Culture Systems and Habitat Evaluation Branch |
| Project Leaders: |
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.
 NARRAGANSETT LAB
27 Tarzwell Drive
Narragansett, RI 02882
http://na.nefsc.noaa.gov/
| Project Title: |
Calibrating Measures of Juvenile Fish Condition |
| Project Locations: |
Environmental Processes Division, Oceanography Branch (Calderone), and
Resource Evaluation and Assessment Division, Population Dynamics Branch (MacLean) |
| Project Leaders: |
Elaine Calderone, (401)782-3326, Elaine.Caldarone@noaa.gov
Sharon MacLean, (401)782-3258, Sharon.MacLean@noaa.gov
|
Individual condition is an important component of fish survival. For marine fishes, much work has focused on the role of larval condition in shaping patterns in recruitment (1), but there is a growing interest in the role of juvenile condition (2). The purpose of this project is to evaluate and calibrate multiple methods of estimating juvenile fish condition with the goal of developing techniques that can be used in the field during ongoing surveys. Atlantic salmon smolts will be held in the laboratory under different temperature and feeding regimes. At the end of the experimental period, condition will be estimated morphologically (3), electrically (4), and biochemically (1). The various estimates will then be compared and functions relating these various measures will be estimated. The skills that will be developed during this internship are fish husbandry, biochemical techniques, experimental design, and data analysis.
References:
- Buckley, Calderone, Ong. Hydrobiologia 401, 265 (1999).
- A. Buchheister, M. T. Wilson, R. J. Foy, D. A. Beauchamp. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 135, 897 (2006).
- T. Fulton. Fisheries Board of Scotland Annual Report 22, 141 (1904).
- M. K. Cox, K. J. Hartman. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 62, 269
(2005).
| Project Title: |
Cooperative Tagging Program Assistant |
| Project Location: |
Fisheries & Ecosystems Monitoring & Analysis Division, Population Biology Branch, Apex Predators Program |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Nancy E. Kohler, (401)782-3332, Nancy.Kohler@noaa.gov |
The Apex Predators Program (APP) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) runs a
large Cooperative Shark Tagging Program (CSTP) at the NMFS Narragansett Laboratory. Summer assistance is needed for the administration of the CSTP and recovery of historic tagging and longline data. Duties of this position include: processing shark tag and biological information requests; interfacing with the public on tagging and shark issues; entering shark tagging, longline, and biological data as part of the new multi-species integrated mark-recapture database; and possible fieldwork at shark tournaments. When you apply, it is very important to reference the Narragansett Lab as your choice for employment.
| Project Title: |
Climate Change and Biological Response in Fisheries Species |
| Project Location: |
Office of Marine Ecosystem Studies |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Kevin Friedland, (401)782-3236, kevin.friedland@noaa.gov |
The Office of Marine Ecosystem Studies (OMES) conducts research using climate indicators from environmental measurements and measurements of biological response in the form of scales growth signatures. A summer student intern working in OMES would have the opportunity to learn about remote sensing and long-term climate data such as sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentrations. The student could also be involved in “hands-on” research helping to extract data from biological samples using image processing techniques. The student will be provided with the opportunity to participate in a research vessel cruise aboard a NOAA vessel. In addition to the NOAA Fisheries Lab, the Narragansett marine community also includes the Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, offering a range of summer research activities and seminars of topical interest for the aspiring marine scientist.
 WOODS HOLE LAB
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/woodshole/
| Project Title: |
Ocean Observing Systems Operation |
| Project Location: |
Project Location: Ecosystems Processes Division, Oceanography Branch |
| Project Leader: |
James Manning, (508)495-2211, James.Manning@noaa.gov |
As we evolve towards "operational oceanography", we need to generate a set of protocols for routine tasks. The objective is to build a system that is automated as possible that will require minimum human intervention in the future. Developing this system however will take some time and require extra hours of time spent by people with the organizational skills. The individuals do not need to be especially trained in office management or physical sciences but must be willing to learn and help design a set of well-documented procedures. Some example tasks are as follows:
- processing satellite sea-surface temperature imagery and overlay drifter tracks with each clear image
- generating a) laminated mooring location cards and b) detailed electronic charts for each eMOLT site
- miscellaneous website maintenance
- Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data processing
- mailing letters, calling, emailing 80+ Environmental Monitors on Lobster Trap participants (lobsterman) concerning their individual mooring logs, data, etc. and hand entering their catch information into spreadsheets
- mailing letters, calling, emailing 50+ individuals who report drifters each summer and arrange to have the instruments stored and recovered
| Project Title: |
Fine Scale Vertical Plankton Distributions on Georges Bank |
| Project Location: |
Ecosystems Processes Division, Oceanography Branch |
| Project Leader: |
Elisabeth Broughton, (508)495-2300, elisabeth.broughton@noaa.gov |
The Fishery Oceanography branch is using images from a Video Plankton Recorder (VPR) to study the fine scale vertical distribution of plankton relative to water column structure on the southern flank of Georges Bank. This data is currently being incorporated in coupled physical-biological larval fish growth models and used to help in the timely delimitation of potential right whale feeding grounds. Research will involve computer extraction of images from video followed by identification and quantification of plankton images. A candidate with computer programming skills (especially MATLAB) could also be involved with helping to develop auto-identification data and graphic data display programs.
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 veterinarian and curator. 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. The intern will also be trained to serve as a naturalist on shoreside collecting trips with the public. 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.
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 Program 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 Program Assistant may also be trained to serve as a naturalist on shoreside collecting walks for the public.
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 an eight to ten week position. Preferred starting date is June 9, although a later starting is possible.
| Project Title: |
Library Internship |
| Project Location: |
Operations, Management, and Information, Woods Hole Lab Library |
| Project Leader: |
Jacqueline Riley, (508)495-2260, Jacqueline.riley@noaa.gov |
The Woods Hole Laboratory Library offers a science librarian summer internship for an MLS graduate student at one of the oldest fisheries laboratories in the world. The intern will explore a wide-range of library activities including assistance in the design of a web-enabled lab history database with full-text archive. There will be an opportunity to explore other local marine science libraries. Excellent web and database design skills are strongly preferred.
| Project Title: |
Information Technology Support |
| Project Location: |
Data Management Support |
| Project Leader: |
Barbara North, (508)495-2376, Bobbi.North@noaa.gov |
Within the Unix, Linux or Windows environment, learn to write software applications in languages such as C# .NET, Visual Basic (VB) .NET, PERL, etc. while assisting the software development staff. The department is currently designing and developing applications to support data capture at sea. DMS is also upgrading existing applications to run more efficiently under newer operating systems
Project 1:
Write C# .NET or VB .NET module to download support tables from Oracle to an existing PDA application, and write C# .NET or VB .NET module to upload data files from the same PDA application to Oracle via an existing web page. The language used will be dependent on the student’s experience and training. The tasks for downloading support tables will be to dump the support tables to ASCII comma-delimited files (.csv), zip and download the files to the PDA, unzip and load the files into the Microsoft SQL database; and for uploading data, to dump the data tables to ASCII comma-delimited files, zip and upload the files, unzip and load the files into Oracle tables.
The PDA application is used by observers aboard commercial fishing vessels to collect preliminary trip information and catch totals for monitored species. The application is written in C# .NET and uses Microsoft SQL as the database engine and Mobile 5 for the operating system. The observers need the capability to update their support tables more frequently, and upload their data files directly from the PDA via the Internet.
Project 2:
Convert the Food Habits Audit program from Borland C++ to either C# .NET or VB .NET. The language used will be dependent on the student’s experience and training. The program is used to audit the food habits data from a research survey cruise. The program has to be upgraded to run under a Windows XP operating system. The program is modular. The auditor first selects the cruise and strata to be audited, then selects the data fields to be audited.
| Project Title: |
At-sea collection, chondrophore sectioning, and production ageing of Atlantic surf clams (Spisula solidissima) associated with the 2008 Northeast Fisheries Science Center Clam Dredge Survey |
| Project Location: |
Fisheries & Ecosystems Monitoring & Analysis Division, Population Biology Branch, Fishery Biology Program |
| Project Leader: |
Jay Burnett, (508)495-2286, Jay.Burnett@noaa.gov |
The Fishery Biology Program has traditionally provided opportunities for summer student interns, particularly during years in which a clam survey has been conducted, e.g. 2008. An attractive aspect of this opportunity is that the student is able to participate in the entire soup-to-nuts sequence of collecting, processing, and ageing surf clam samples during the course of the summer. Upon arrival, the student assists in the preparations for sample processing and ageing. The student then participates in one or more 12-day legs of the clam survey aboard the NOAA FR/V Delaware II and conducts sample collection. Back ashore, samples are then sectioned by the student, and aged in conjunction with an experienced age reader. The student will then perform computerized entry of resulting age data. Finally, an NEFSC assessment scientist provides an overview for students of how age data are used in the surf clam stock assessment, tying together the many activities performed by the student into a meaningful start-to-finish product.
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: |
Shellfish Survey and Biology Investigations |
| Project Location: |
Fisheries & Ecosystems Monitoring & Analysis Division, Ecosystem Survey Branch |
| Project Leader: |
Dr. Russell Brown, (508)495-2380, Russell.Brown@noaa.gov |
The Ecosystem Surveys Branch is a dynamic group of biologists and technicians that conducts the majority of offshore resource surveys for marine finfish and invertebrates from Cape Hatteras, NC through the Scotian Shelf in Canadian waters. During summer 2008, the Center will conduct two extensive shellfish surveys for Surf clams, Ocean Quahogs and Atlantic Sea Scallops. Students will have the opportunity to sail on several offshore survey legs aboard NOAA research vessels, where they will participate in data collection utilizing integrated electronic data acquisition systems. These surveys provide critical information to support the stock assessment and resulting management of the $50 million clam fishery and $400 million sea scallop fisheries in the northeastern United States. Students will develop individual projects that involve the investigation of survey gear sampling efficiency or shellfish biological characteristics to improve the assessment of these valuable resources. Interns have an opportunity to work collaboratively with experienced biologists and technicians, as well as other students to gain a variety of field sampling and laboratory experience. Students must be 18 years of age, medically qualified to sail on NOAA research vessels and able to lift 40 lbs in order to carry out survey related responsibilities. A passion for clam chowder and scallop ceviche, and resistance to sea sickness are positive attributes of survey interns! Woods Hole is a dynamic scientific community in the summer, full of opportunities to interact with scientists, graduate and undergraduate students . . . and even time to play some softball.
Project Title: Economic Effects of Ownership Transfer
Project Leader: Resource Evaluation and Assessment Division, Social Sciences Branch
Project Leader: Dr. Phil Logan, (508-495-2354, phil.logan@noaa.gov
Transfer of ownership of commercial fishing vessels is a frequent occurrence in Northeast region fisheries. However, the potential economic effects of ownership transfer have not been thoroughly investigated. Thunberg (2000) examined ownership transfer in the Northeast multispecies fishery and found differences in total production between new and previous owners. The Thunberg (2000) study was limited to only a single year and to only the groundfish fishery. This study would expand on earlier work by documenting ownership transfer over multiple years for the Northeast groundfish fishery, and time permitting, other Northeast region fisheries. The research would track the annual number of transfers taking place and compare activity between pre-and post ownership change. Research issues to evaluate include the relationship between management change and the frequency of ownership transfers, whether the fisheries in which new owners participate are the same as previous owners, and whether fishing effort by new owners is different from previous owners. The project would involve use of permit application data to identify transfers and links to dealer data to identify activity levels. The expected product of the research would be a manuscript to be published as a Center reference document or Tech memo.
Experience/Skills
Required: Facility with Microsoft Office’s Excel Spreadsheets
Optional: Economics training, Familiarity with Fisheries, Familiarity with Excel Statistical Capabilities.
Reference:
Thunberg, E. “Latent fishing effort and vessel ownership transfer in the Northeast groundfish fishery.” Proceedings of the Tenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade. Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Oregon State University, 2000.
Project Title: Effects of Skipper Skill on Fishing
Project Leader: Resource Evaluation and Assessment Division, Social Sciences Branch
Project Leader: Dr. Phil Logan, (508-495-2354, phil.logan@noaa.gov
Skipper skill has been hypothesized to affect production and profitability of fishing businesses. Unfortunately, skill effects are rarely studied due to a lack of data collection linking experience in fishing with observed performance. In the Northeast region part of the observer log includes years of fishing. Additionally, a survey of lobster businesses was recently completed that also included years of experience in lobster fishing. These two data sets provide an opportunity to explore questions about how experience influences business practices and productivity. This research project would examine one of these two alternative data sets to draw inferences about skipper experience, business practices, and levels of production. The expected product of this research would be a manuscript to be published as a Center reference document or Tech memo.
Experience/Skills
Required: Facility with Microsoft Office’s Excel Spreadsheets
Optional: Economics training, Familiarity with Fisheries, Familiarity with Excel Statistical Capabilities.
|