JAMES J. HOWARD LAB 74 Magruder Road Highlands, NJ 07732 http://sh.nefsc.noaa.gov/ Project Title: Climate regime effects on fish life cycles and population dynamics Project Location: Ecosystems Processes Division, Coastal Ecology Branch, Life History and Recruitment Group Project Leader: Dr. Chris Chambers, (732) 872-3075, chris.chambers@noaa.gov The Coastal Ecology Branch is conducting research designed to better understand and anticipate the effects of climate change on fish populations. Fishes are expected to exhibit increases in virtually all aspects of their ‘rates of living’ – e.g., metabolic, ontogenetic, and ecological rates – as water temperatures increase. But beyond this general expectation of a direct effect of temperature on rates of living, refined details of these relationships should allow researchers to tailor predictions to the specifics of the species, their life-cycle features, and marine environments of particular concern. In this project we are using a combination of field, laboratory, and experimental data to address a series of questions on the direct and indirect effects of climatic variables on the life history, ecology, and population dynamics of resource fish species of the northeastern USA. The student will participate in field monitoring, laboratory experiments and/or analyses of archived data in addressing a component of this larger research effort. Among the student’s duties and responsibilities are: 1) Collect and summarize data on effects of increases in water temperature, and in the variance in water temperature on the growth, development, and survival of fishes; 2) Analyze data, prepare presentation material, and present summary of project conducted while at the Howard Laboratory; 3) Participate in 2-day research cruises on Hudson River Estuary as part of ongoing assessments of fish populations near the margin of their geographic ranges; and 4) Support role in ongoing laboratory experiments and analyses. The student will work among other undergraduate and graduate students, research associates, and career NOAA research scientists. Project Title: Key ecological processes that determine survival to recruitment in fish populations Project Location: Ecosystems Processes Division, Coastal Ecology Branch, Life History and Recruitment Group Project Leader: Dr. Chris Chambers, (732) 872-3075, chris.chambers@noaa.gov The Coastal Ecology Branch is conducting research designed to better understand and anticipate the factors that determine which and how many young fish survive to recruitment to the adult population. We are addressing issues of habitat quality and mortality risk to young fish. During the summer of 2009 we will be quantifying predation risk in young fish by using a combination of field and laboratory methods. Among the student’s duties and responsibilities are: 1) Plan, implement, and conduct supervised experimental assessment of predation risk on juvenile fishes of the Hudson River Estuary. This includes assembling predation arenas, collecting and maintaining prey and predators, monitoring predation outcomes, and associating outcomes with prey and predator attributes, e.g., body size, life stage; 2) Analyze data, prepare presentation material, and present summary of project conducted while at the Howard Laboratory; 3) Participate in 2-day research cruises on Hudson River Estuary as part of ongoing assessments of relative abundances of prey and predator fish species, and in the on-board and laboratory processing of the collected fish for lengths, weights, stomach contents, and extraction of otoliths; and 4) Support role in ongoing laboratory experiments and analyses. The student will work among other undergraduate and graduate students, research associates, and career NOAA research scientists. Project Title: Ecology of Coastal Ocean Seascapes: A Multiscale study of habitat suitability for coastal ocean fishes Project Location: Ecosystems Processes Division, Behavioral Biology Branch Project Leader: Dr. John Manderson, (732) 872-3057, john.manderson@noaa.gov Dr. Beth Phelan, (732) 872-3079, beth.phelan@noaa.gov The Behavioral Ecology Branch is applying a multiscale approach to habitat ecology and fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic Bight Coastal Ocean where physical oceanographic processes are continuously monitored in a well developed, operational Integrated Ocean Observation System (MARCOOS; http://www.marcoos.us/). Our approach blends both traditional field surveys and monitoring with advanced optical and acoustic techniques. We are also planning manipulative field experiments, and complementary laboratory studies to examine the effects of pelagic and benthic habitat characteristics on reproduction growth, mortality and dispersal processes. Summer of 2009 projects include: Seasonal pelagic and benthic habitat surveys of seascapes off Long Island and New Jersey. High frequency monitoring of bivalve mollusk and fish settlement while collecting physical oceanographic data at sites within the Long Island and New Jersey seascapes. Laboratory studies of reproductive behavior including acoustic signaling of black sea bass. Laboratory studies investigating habitat effects on predator-prey interactions involving early juvenile black sea bass and sea scallops as prey. 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: Shellfish Genetics and Breeding Project Location: Aquaculture and Enhancement Division 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 ultimately could 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 and survival. 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: Biogeochemcial Properties of Sediment from Long Island Sound Project Location: Aquaculture and Enhancement Division, Biotechnology Branch Project Leader: Shannon Meseck, 203 882-6531, Shannon.Meseck@noaa.gov This project is part of a larger project to evaluate the impacts of shellfish farming on marine habitat.   Shellfish have been harvested from Long Island Sound for hundreds of years, but environmental concerns over the impacts of dredging require a detailed examination of how the biodiversity and sediment chemistry may change due to dredging.  The student would be involved in comparing the geological and chemical characteristics of sediments that have not been dredged to those that have been dredged.    These data will then be related to measures of biodiversity of macrofaunal and benthic organisms.  Specific duties for this project include: Using a sediment corer from a boat to obtain sediment samples from Long    Island Sound; Determine if there is bioturbation in the sediments for sample sites; Do sediment grain size analysis on samples using sieves; Determine porosity of sediment samples; Determine carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur in sediment samples; Determine if there is a relationship between biodiversity in the sediments and biogeochemistry. This project will involve field work. Project Title: Ocean Acidification Influences on Phytoplankton Species Project Location: Aquaculture and Enhancement Division, Biotechnology Branch Project Leader: Shannon Meseck, 203 882-6531, Shannon.Meseck@noaa.gov Ocean acidification due to anthropogenic inputs is already occurring.  Surface waters have seen a drop in pH by 0.1 unit and are expected to drop by an additional 0.14-0.35 units.  The impacts that this will have on phytoplankton communities is currently unknown.  Phytoplankton are primary produces so understand how they are affects by ocean acidification is a vital first step in determining some of the long term effects of ocean acidification.  This project will examine how one or more specific species of phytoplankton respond to different pH levels.  Specific duties include: Making seawater based media for an experiment looking at how pH affects the growth, division rate, and nutrient uptake of the marine phytoplankton; Use a flow cytometer to determine the division rate of the phytoplankton; Use an autonutrient analyzer to determine nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and phosphate in the media; Take samples to determine fatty acid and lipid composition of the phytoplankton grown at different pH; Determine if the species could survive a project ocean acidification of 0.35 units. 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 Currently shellfish aquaculture in the United States is dominated by production of oysters and hard clams. The Milford Laboratory is conducting research on bay scallops as another candidate species. Our challenge is developing sustainable and economic methods of production. An intern will participate in all phases of scallop culture. Research will be conducted utilizing a recirculating seawater nursery system. Incumbent will work in a research hatchery rearing larval and juvenile scallops under the direction of a research fishery biologist. Duties include assisting in experiments determining optimum feeding regimes required to maximize growth of bivalves. You will learn about innovative automated control systems. An intern will perform daily tasks such as recording temperatures, pH, dissolved oxygen and other water quality data. You will maintain shellfish stocks 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: Habitat Assessment of Shellfish Cultivation Project Locations: Aquaculture and Enhancement Division, Culture Systems and Habitat Evaluation Branch Project Leaders: Ronald Goldberg, 203 882-6546, Ronald.Goldberg@noaa.gov The Culture Systems and Habitat Branch is assessing the effects of shellfish cultivation and harvest on benthic biodiversity. In cooperation with commercial shellfish growers, we are experimentally comparing plots before and after disturbance along with control plots. An intern will assist in field surveys that sample benthic organisms and macrofauna. Beam trawls, deployed from the Laboratory’s 49’ research vessel, will be used to sample young fish. Species will be identified, enumerated, and statistically compared. Physical characteristics of the seafloor will be analyzed and mapped using acoustic gear and seabed classification software and GIS. Biochemical laboratory analyses will be employed to determine growth potential of fish and infer habitat quality. Diet and prey species will be studied. Environmental conditions will be measured with electronic instruments.  Data management, analysis, and development of GIS maps will be part of the assignment. Incumbent should be prepared for regular work in the field, aboard our research vessel. NARRAGANSETT LAB 27 Tarzwell Drive Narragansett, RI 02882 http://na.nefsc.noaa.gov/ Project Title: Cooperative Shark Tagging Program Assistant Project Location: Population Biology Branch, Apex Predators Program, Narragansett RI Project Leader: Dr. Nancy E. Kohler, 401 782-3332, Nancy.Kohler@noaa.gov The Apex Predators Program of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) runs a large Cooperative Shark Tagging Program (CSTP) at the NMFS Narragansett RI 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. WOODS HOLE LAB 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/woodshole/ Project Titles: 1) Fecundity of Winter Flounder Using Digital Image Analysis Techniques; 2) Collection of Fish Bioenergetics Data Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Techniques Project Location: Population Biology Branch Project Leaders: Jay Burnett, 508 495-2286; Jay.Burnett@noaa.gov The Fishery Biology Program has historically provided summer interns with a diverse suite of job experiences related to age determination, growth, and reproductive biology of fish and shellfish. Activities typically include the collection and processing of age samples (impressing scales, sectioning otoliths and shell valves, and baking otoliths and vertebrae), processing of freezer samples (mackerel, herring, Young-of-Year, and shrimp), and computerized data entry, auditing, and summarization. Opportunities for students age 18 or older to participate in NEFSC research vessel cruises are usually available. In the summer of 2009, two specific Fishery Biology Program projects could utilize a summer intern. The first involves counting fish eggs as part of a winter flounder fecundity study; this project will use state-of-the-art digital image analysis techniques to automate egg counts. The second project involves laboratory-based collection of data for an ongoing study of fish bioenergetics; this project will utilize bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to measure fish condition and reproductive potential. Both projects will probably not be undertaken without the extra help of a summer student. Summer interns in the Fishery Biology Program typically acquire invaluable hands-on experience in many basic fishery biology techniques and at-sea fisheries survey sampling which serve them well in educational and career paths. Project Title: An Observer's Guide for Identifying Mammals, Turtles, and Birds Project Location: Fisheries Sampling Branch, Northeast Fisheries Observer Program FSB is located at the Falmouth Technology Park in East Falmouth, MA off Thomas Landers Road (25 Bernard Saint Jean Drive, East Falmouth) Project Leaders: Sara Wetmore, Fishery Biologist; 508-495-2227; Sara.Wetmore@noaa.gov Observers work as biologists aboard commercial fishing vessels. One of their top priorities is to identify incidental bycatch of protected species during the course of the fishing activity. Occasionally marine mammals, sea birds, and marine turtles are accidentally caught or trapped in fishing gear, that may result in serious injury or mortality. It is important for the observer to correctly identify and biologically sample the specimen. Most field guides are tailored towards whale watching or bird watching, and contain photographs depicting the animals alive in their natural environment. Unfortunately, for observers, they do not always get to see animals in this pristine condition and must rely on other identifiable characteristics not generally covered in off-the-shelf guides. The Northeast Fisheries Observer Program would like to create their own guide of collected photos to help train observers in identification of sampling of protected species bycatch and how to identify and describe types of injuries and stages of decomposition. This work would include going through photographs of serious injured or dead animals, scanning them, and importing them into a basic graphic software for printing. It may involve labeling and organizing of photographs, reading scientific reports on injury determinations, and working on the computer. If the timing of the internship allows, the intern may also attend portions of an observer training course. Project Title: William Schroeder Mark Recapture Data Recovery Project Location: Population Dynamics Branch Project Leaders: Josh Moser, 508 495-2246, Joshua.Moser@noaa.gov Dr. Larry Alade, 508 495-2085, larry.alade@noaa.gov The Northeast Fisheries Science Center has recovered thirteen ledgers containing mark-recapture data from research projects conducted during the 1920s in the waters surrounding Cape Cod, MA. These ledgers are hardbound paper and must be transcribed to a digital format to protect the data and store it in an accessible format.  Intern responsibilities will include: transcription of written data into excel spreadsheets which will be loaded to an Oracle database development of data audits to identify errors and validate the data entered perform basic analyses to examine data trends Experience with Excel, Oracle and ArcMap are preferred, but not essential if an individual is willing and able to learn basic skills quickly.  Given the quantity of data to be entered, this project is not expected to be completed in a single year and may require additional internship opportunities in the future. Project Title: Operational Oceanography 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 requires extra hours by people with the organizational skills.  The individual(s) does 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-tracked drifter paths (see http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/drifter) and communicating with 50+ mariners and beach combers who report drifters each summer and arrange to have the instruments stored and recovered conducting field work associated with testing new current meter instrumentation (see http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/epd/ocean/MainPage/tilt/shtcm.html) conducting routine task associated with the Environmental Monitors on Lobster Trap project (see http://emolt.org) Project Title: Atlantic salmon scale image analysis applications Project Location: 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 and Conservation Task (ASRCT) monitors emigration of endangered Atlantic salmon smolts in Maine rivers and studies the scales from all life stages to examine growth patterns that may increase extant knowledge of specific river populations and their corresponding adult returns.  The ASRCT summer intern participates in the potential restoration of endangered Atlantic salmon by analyzing scales collected from Maine river smolts, returning adults, and federal hatchery restoration salmon.  While the focus of the intern’s activities will be image analysis applications in the laboratory, there will also be opportunities for field work by either traveling to our Maine Field Station in Orono to participate in river or hatchery sampling and/or by participating at sea in a research survey cruise.  Laboratory activities include scale preparation, aging different salmon life stages using scales, and imaging and measuring scales using state-of-the-art image processing techniques.  Interns will also help to manage the data that they collect by entering, auditing, and processing current and archive scale data.  Potentially, with the guidance of the supervisor, the intern may design and carry out an independent project related to the data collected and analysis activities performed during the internship.  The intern will report on his/her summer research experience by preparing and presenting an oral presentation toward the end of the internship.  The student filling this internship position will have the opportunity to gain valuable field and laboratory techniques as well as to interact with other graduate and undergraduate students, research associates, and career scientists not only at NOAA Fisheries but also in the Woods Hole scientific community which includes The U.S. Geological Society, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.  Project Title: Aquarist Project Location: Woods Hole Science Aquarium Project Leader: Rachel Metz, 508 495-2098, Rachel.Metz@noaa.gov Aquarium Website:  http://aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the nation's oldest public 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. Project Title: Aquarium Intern Program Assistant Project Location: Woods Hole Science Aquarium Project Leader: George Liles, 508 495-2037, George.Liles@noaa.gov Aquarium 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 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 organizational 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 8, although a later starting is possible. Project Title: Library Internship Project Location: Woods Hole Lab Library Project Leader: Jacqueline Riley, 508 495-2260, Jacqueline.riley@noaa.gov Woods Hole Laboratory Library is a small one-librarian facility at one of the oldest fisheries laboratories in the world. The graduate student librarian internship will entail a wide-range of library activities including assistance in the design of a web Oracle lab history database with full-text archive. The intern will also spend some time at other local academic and government marine science/oceanography libraries. Database design experience, and knowledge of SQL or Perl is strongly preferred. Estimated starting date is mid-June 2009. Project Title: Scup Stock Identification Research 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.  The scup is a commercially important marine fish species with a range extending from Nova Scotia to Florida.  Preliminary studies have indicated that morphologically distinct populations may exist across its range. This study aims to evaluate scup morphology throughout its range and determine if differences in fish shape, if any, might represent multiple stocks or species. The intern will be responsible for counting meristics (i.e. fin ray counts, lateral line scales) for numerous scup specimens (300+) and taking digital images of each specimen. The intern will then load the fish images into TPSdig computer software and digitally mark each specimen at pre-determined landmarks on the fish body. These landmarks will be used for fish shape analysis.  Basic computer experience (excel, word etc.), some digital photography experience, and any course work related to fish biology is preferred.  Depending on start date, the summer intern will also have the opportunity to participate on either the Sea Scallop Dredge Survey or the Northern Shrimp Bottom Trawl Survey.  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.  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: Seasonal distribution of fin whale song in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Project Location: Passive Acoustic Research Group, Protected Species Branch Project Leader: Sofie Van Parijs, 508 495-2119, sofie.vanparijs@noaa.gov Fin whales regularly use the Stellwagen Sanctuary as a primary feeding area in the summer time. However little is still known about their presence outside of the summer periods. Passive acoustic tools are a valuable way for looking for marine mammal presence using species specific vocalizations. For this project fin whale song will be used as an indicator of presence of the animals using a long term data set recorded in 2006 and 2008. This project involves learning to use acoustic programs and recognizing fin whale song. Project Title: Individual tracking of whales through the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Project Location: Passive Acoustic Research Group, Protected Species Branch Project Leader: Sofie Van Parijs, 508 495-2119, sofie.vanparijs@noaa.gov Six species of baleen whales regularly use the Stellwagen Sanctuary throughout the year. Passive acoustic tools are a valuable way for looking for marine mammal presence using species specific vocalizations. In this project the sounds that a given species makes is used to track its position in the water. This gives us a better understanding of how each species moves in an acoustic group, their acoustic behavior and how the interact within and between species. This project involves learning to use various acoustic programs, recognizing different species calls and localizing their position in the water. Project Title: Oral history project focusing on immigrant women fish processors in New Bedford MA Project Location: Social Science Branch Project Leader: Patricia Pinto da Silva, 508 495-2379; psilva@mercury.wh.whoi.edu Looking for a undergraduate or graduate student interested in immigration/social impact or fisheries issues and qualitative data analysis to contribute to a NOAA funded effort to better understand how immigrant populations are affected by regulatory changes in the fishing industry. Student will upload approximately 10-15 hour long interviews to Atlas ti and content code them (including key quotes, key content paragraphs, themes etc…). Assistance in the process will be provided by Social Science Branch Staff (Patricia Pinto da Silva). If interested, the student may ask be asked to contribute to a related literature review/writing. Return to Main Page