EUR-OCEANS RSS stream

Two EUR-OCEANS 2010 calls currently open: Foresight workshops - support to advanced courses

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 08/03/2010 00:00 GMT

Two calls are currently open. Please refer to the new eur-oceans website (links below)

New EUR-OCEANS website

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 04/03/2010 00:00 GMT

A new (EO Consortium) website is up at http://vds1719.sivit.org/eoc/.

The present (EO NoE) website will remain available for a while at http://euroceans.univ-brest.fr (then transformed in a static archive).

The www.eur-oceans.eu domain will be redirected from the latter to the former website in the coming weeks.

A last "wedigest" of news published on the NoE website will be distributed shortly after the posting of the present news, after which ALL FUTURE NEWS SHOULD BE POSTED ON THE NEW WEBSITE (if the news type you wish to post is not yet available to authenticated users on the new website, please send materials to be published to po@eur-oceans.eu).

E-news letters summarizing news posted on the new website will resume shortly. Former NoE members will all receive the initial newsletter. Any other user will be able to subscribe to the e-newsletter. Subscribers will be able to unsubscribe at any point (through a link at the end of the e-newsletter).

Job: Post Doc Position PISCES-APECOSM

GRIGOROV Ivo — 17/02/2010 00:00 GMT

Developing a mechanistic model of phytoplankton and zooplankton growth based on a global ocean biogeochemical model (PISCES).

General goals:
Currently, the biogeochemical model PISCES follows the classical but too simplistic Monod formalism. In other words, phytoplankton (and zooplankton) growth directly depends on the availability of necessary nutrients with basic colimitation rules. A major consequence of this “ad-hoc” approach is the constant stoichiometry of the living organisms which is highly unrealistic and the lack of mechanistic roots of the different processes. The objective of this task is to abandon this approach to adopt a more mechanistic formalism. Several mechanistic descriptions of phytoplankton physiology have been published so far (e.g., Geider et al., 1998; Flynn et al., 2001; Pahlow et al., 2009). Rather than using these specific descriptions, we will develop a rather new model based on the dynamic energy budget theory proposed by Kooijman (2000). This choice is dictated by the following reasons:

i. This theory is general and can be applied to all living organisms. As such, both phytoplankton and zooplankton can be modelled using the same theoretical background. However, for phytoplankton, an extension or an adaptation of the available theoretical formalism will be
necessary.

ii. This position is funded by a French national project called MACROES. One of the objectives of MACROES is to couple the biogeochemical model PISCES with the pelagic ecosystems model APECOSM (Maury et al., 2007a,b). As APECOSM is based on the DEB formalism, the achievement of the work proposed here will allow to model the whole marine ecosystem (PISCES coupled with APECOSM) using the same theoretical formalism resulting in a maximum consistency between the two different models.

Activities:
1) The first task of the post-doc will be the development of a DEB-based model of phytoplankton. In a first step, a generic DEB model of phytoplankton will be constructed including the main physiological aspects. Six limiting factors will be considered (Light, Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Iron and Silicon) and explicitly represented in cells reserves and structures. This model will be tested against laboratory experiments, in a manner similar to what has been done with previously published mechanistic models. In a second step, this model will be embedded within PISCES, without changing the ecosystem structure of the model (two phytoplankton species). The model will then be run at 1-D stations where data are available (for instance, NABE, BATS, HOT, ...) and then, at the global scale.

2) The second planned activity is to extend the model to zooplankton. The engineer will be based in Brest (France) under the supervision of Olivier AUMONT. Strong collaborations will be established with J.-C. Poggiale in Marseille and Bas Kooijman from the Netherlands.

Eligibility:
Strong knowledge in biological oceanography and ecosystem modelling is required. Knowledge in physical oceanography will be considered as a plus. Furthermore, the model is developed in fortran 90. As a consequence, strong knowledge in this programming language is requested.

Salary:
23 000 € per year before taxes.

Tenure Track Faculty Position in Physical oceanography - ISMER 10-01

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 10/02/2010 00:00 GMT

Tenure Track Faculty Position in Physical oceanography - ISMER 10-01
The Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski (ISMER), is looking for a candidate to fill a regular faculty
position in physical oceanography specialized in experimental physical oceanography. This position is aimed
at a physical oceanographer with expertise in the study of dynamical processes in temperate or polar
estuarine and coastal marine systems as well as in laboratory and field studies. ISMER is looking for a
dynamic individual who will contribute to the research and teaching objectives of the Institute. ISMER is an
autonomous Institute of Université du Québec à Rimouski, and includes faculty and support staff in all
major disciplines of oceanography. In addition to well-equipped laboratories, the institute is operating a sea
water research station and a 50-m research vessel, both equipped with the latest technologies. The main
research orientation of the Institute is the coastal zone. The working language is French.

POSITION SUMMARY
The successful candidate will be encouraged to complement the current expertise, develop his/her own
research program, and collaborate with physicists, geologists and biologists from the Institute and the
University. As principal investigator, he/she will seek funding for research programs and equipment. The
candidate will contribute to teaching objectives of ISMER in oceanography at the master and doctorate
levels.

EXIGENCES
The candidate must have a PhD in physical oceanography, or related field and specialized in experimental
physical oceanography. A minimum of one year post-doctoral experience and a substantial list of
publications at an international level in a field related to the position are requested. He or she must be able
to contribute to the M.Sc. and PhD programs through teaching and graduate student supervision.
Candidates must provide either by e-mail (Presid-assemblee_ismer@uqar.qc.ca) or mail, a curriculum
vitae, a description of their research activities and teaching capabilities and the contact information of three
referees.

TREATMENT
In compliance with the existing collective agreement.
Individuals interested in applying for this position are asked to send their documents and curriculum vitæ to
the following address:
Présidente de l’Assemblée institutionnelle
Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER)
310, allée des Ursulines, C.P. 3300
Rimouski (Québec) G5L 3A1
Canada
Review of applications will begin on March 8, and continue until the position is filled
All qualified candidates will be considered, however priority will be given to Canadian citizens and
permanent residents
We are committed to equal opportunity employment for women, members of visible and ethnic minorities,
and Aboriginal peoples.
Only candidates that will be invited for an interview will be contacted.

Graduate and Post-doctoral Fellowships at Dalhousie University

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 04/02/2010 00:00 GMT

Graduate and post-doctoral fellowships in ocean observation, modeling and data assimilation are available at Dalhousie University through a newly funded NSERC Strategic Network Grant (SNG). The SNG builds on the Ocean Tracking Network, a global, $168-million conservation project, which is conducting the world's most comprehensive and revolutionary examination of the movement of marine life and its relationship to changing ocean conditions (http://oceantrackingnetwork.org).

We are currently seeking six graduate and three post-doctoral fellows with strong quantitative abilities who will participate in the implementation of an integrated observation and modeling system. The system will include cutting-edge ocean measurements (through sensors on ocean gliders, moorings and animals), physical and biological models, and advanced data assimilation, and is funded through the SNG. The initial geographic focus is the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and adjacent shelf seas.

One graduate fellowship is available for analysis of mooring data (contact: Blair Greenan <Blair.Greenan@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> or Peter Smith <Peter.Smith@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>).
One graduate fellowship is available for analysis of physical and bio-optical data from gliders (contact John Cullen <John.Cullen@dal.ca>).
One graduate fellowship is available for analysis of sensor data (lab and field) from fish (contact Christopher Taggart <Chris.Taggart@dal.ca>).
One graduate and one post-doctoral fellowship are available for the development of nested physical models (contact Jinyu Sheng <Sheng@dal.ca>).
One graduate and one post-doctoral fellowship are available for coupled physical-biological modeling (contact Katja Fennel <Katja.Fennel@dal.ca>).
One graduate and one post-doctoral fellowship are available for implementation of advanced data assimilation techniques (contact Keith Thompson <Keith.Thompson@dal.ca>).

An expression of interest should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable for now) and a brief statement of research interests and goals. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled. Post-doctoral fellowships are for one year initially with possible extension to up to 3 years based on satisfactory performance. Fellowships are located at Dalhousie University’s Oceanography Department (http://oceanography.dal.ca) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Training Workshop Best practices in ocean acidification research

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 04/02/2010 00:00 GMT

A training workshop in ocean acidification research will be jointly organized by EPOCA, BIOACID, CalMarO and OCB. The workshop, which will be held at IFM-GEOMAR in Kiel during March 8-12, 2010, will build upon recommendations from the Guide of Best Practices in Ocean Acidification Research and Data Reporting. It will combine lectures and hands-on practical training on a range of key issues in OA research, including • measurements and calculations of the seawater carbonate system • approaches and tools to manipulate carbonate chemistry • choice of CO2 levels in perturbation experiments • designing experiments and sampling to maximize statistical power • biogeochemical assessments • calcification rate measurements • metabolic rates and gas exchange in heterotrophic organisms • molecular approaches and membrane transport studies • data reporting, management and policies If you are interested to attend this workshop, please send a short application (half a page) explaining your background and why you would like to participate to Monika Peschke (mpeschke@ifm-geomar.de) until February 15, 2010. For a detailed programme see http://bioacid.ifm-geomar.de/ . Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. Coordinators: Ulf Riebesell, Richard Bellerby, Jean-Pierre Gattuso

Computer Scientist in Data Integration and Visualisation

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 04/02/2010 00:00 GMT

PML is looking to appoint a Computing Scientist to work on a new European project (NETMAR) involved in web-based data integration and visualisation. You will develop an interactive web portal and service editor (chaining together the WxS services based around a set of rules developed in the project), and the underlying workflow and backend supporting engines. You will also assist with the implementation of a web portal using the available services and the development of PML’s existing data processing and provision services.

You should possess excellent interactive web development skills, particularly JavaScript (AJAX) and PHP/Python in an Apache/Linux environment. Experience with web-based mapping using Open Geospatial Consortium standards or workflow engines (e.g. BPEL) is desirable. This is a full time permanent position.

Application deadline: 1200hrs on 12 February 2010. Proposed interview date: 18 March 2010 for a start as soon as possible. For additional information and an application form, please contact:
Mrs E Matthews, Human Resources Group, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 633100
Email: vacancies@pml.ac.uk quoting reference number: PML33710

Project Manager – Marine Remote Sensing

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 04/02/2010 00:00 GMT

PML is seeking a Science Project Manager to join the remote sensing group to manage the European Commission funded Europe-Africa Marine EO Network (EAMNet) project, in collaboration with the project coordinator. The post will also be involved in the technical, scientific coordination and capacity building activities of EAMNet and possibly other national and international projects.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and highly motivated person with excellent interpersonal skills, possessing appropriate managerial and technical skills. You should have a PhD or similar postgraduate experience, ideally in a numerate scientific discipline, and experience in project management, ideally within the EC Framework programme. The appointment is a full time permanent position. PML is a dynamic, highly innovative, independent and impartial provider of scientific research and advice on the marine environment.

For additional information and an application form, please contact:
Mrs E Matthews, Human Resources Group, PML, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 633100 Fax: +44 (0)1752 633101
Email: vacancies@pml.ac.uk quoting reference number: PML33509

The application deadline is 1200hrs on 24th February 2010 and the proposed interview date is 10th March 2010 for a start as soon as possible.

Post-doctoral position in developing marine IBAs in South Africa

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 04/02/2010 00:00 GMT

The Percy FitzPatrick Institute (PFI), in collaboration with BirdLife South Africa, has a
12-month post-doctoral position available starting 2010, working on seabird foraging
ranges and establishing marine Important Bird Areas in South Africa.

Research will be conducted under supervision of Prof Peter Ryan (PFI) and Dr Ross
Wanless (BirdLife South Africa). The successful applicant will be required to establish
collaborations with data owners, and collate numerous datasets on seabird foraging
ranges, tracking and other distributional data. High-seas and pelagic Marine Protected
Areas is a research field of particular interest and is undergoing conceptual development:
this position holds great potential for the suitable candidate to help develop criteria for
defining and managing MPAs, using BirdLife International’s marine IBA criteria as a test
case.

Requirements :
Obtained a PhD in the past 5 years
Strong interest and research history in seabirds
Familiarity with seabird tracking and distributional data
Expertise in GIS spatial analyses
Be based primarily at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute in Cape Town

Highly desirable:
Familiarity with seabird research in South Africa
Ability to establish collaborations
Ability to work independently but communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders;

Please send a 500-word letter of motivation, concise curriculum vitae including list of
publications, and the names of three contactable references to Hilary Buchanan (email
hilary.buchanan@uct.ac.za).
Closing date for applications: 21 February 2010. Only short-listed candidates will be
contacted. Candidates who have not been contacted by 28 February should assume their
applications were not successful.

Foresight WS and Flagships selected after EUR-OCEANS June 2009 call for projects

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 03/02/2010 00:00 GMT

Three Foresight Workshops (FWS) and two Flagships were selected after the June 2009 call for projects.

These project which will be thoroughly described on the new EUR-OCEANS Consortium website (to be made public shortly), are as follows:

‘Polar’ FWS: Rapid change in polar ecosystems, Autumn 2010, Bremerhaven, Germany. Co-organized by E. Murphy, Nadine Johnston, Rachel Cavanagh (BAS), and U. Bathmann (AWI)
‘CLIOTOP’ FWS: Climate Impacts on Oceanic Top Predators (CLIOTOP) into the future - Building scenarios for oceanic ecosystems in the XXI Century, 8-11 February 2010, Unesco, Paris, France. co-organisers Olivier Maury (IRD) and Patrick Lehodey (CLS)
‘Reorganization’ FWS: Comparative analysis of European marine ecosystem reorganizations – a large-scale approach to develop the basis for an ecosystem-based management of marine resources, July 2010, Hamburg, Germany, participation by invitation only.Christian Möllmann, University of Hamburg, Germany, Nils-Christian Stenseth – CEES, University of Oslo, Norway, Martin Edwards – Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS), Alessandra Conversi – National Research Council, Marine Sciences Institute ‐ La Spezia , Italy
‘Scenario’ Flagship: Developing seasonal and spatial foodweb models through novel statistical modelling – tools for constructing scenarios under future global change (EcoScenarios). Co-organized by Nils C. Stenseth, Marcos Llope (CEES/U. Oslo), T. Blenckner (BNI/U. Stockholm), C. Möllmann (UniHH). 1 April 2010 – 31 March 2012.
‘Submesoscale’ Flagship: TANGGO project: Toward AN eddying Global Green Ocean - From TWISTED to TANGGO, led by M. Levy (LOCEAN, UPMC) and L. Bopp (LSCE). EO-funded TANGGO Work Package Impact of submesoscale on particulate export, co-led by M. Lévy (UPMC) and A. Martin (NOCS). 2010-2012.

Understanding and quantifying mortality in pelagic, early-life stages of marine organisms

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 03/02/2010 00:00 GMT

Co-chairs: Alejandro Gallego (UK), Elizabeth North (USA), Edward Houde (USA)

This workshop focuses on understanding and quantifying mortality in the early life of pelagic organisms, a subject that is fundamental for advancing marine ecosystem modeling from fish IBMs to end-to-end model.

It is sponsored by Marine Scotland and the University of Maryland Center for Environemental Science and held under the auspices of ICES Working Group on Modelling Physical-Biological Interactions and Working Group on Recruitment Processes. It has been endorsed by GLOBEC and EUR-OCEANS.

The research priorities of the workshop were identified by WKAMF (a EUR-OCEANS NoE funded WS) participants. Abstract submission deadline: 10 February 2010. Please refer to WS website for details: http://northweb.hpl.umces.edu/WKMOR/WKMOR-home.htm.

Post-doctoral position in modelling the impact of mesoscale and submesoscale physical phenomenon on abyssal sedimenting flux variability

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 03/02/2010 00:00 GMT

Note: This position is linked to / funded by the EUR-OCEANS 'submesocale' Flagship awarded to UPMC and NOC after the June 2009 call.

Almost half of the global net primary production each year is attributed to oceanic phytoplankton. Organic material created through primary production can be sequestered deep in the ocean when it sinks, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is the marine ‘biological pump’, a crucial component of the global carbon cycle.

Much work has been done in assessing the controls on this key process. In particular, in recent years it has become apparent that physical processes at the mesoscale (defined here as 10-100km) and submesoscale (1-10km), such as eddies, fronts and filaments, play a major role in driving primary production. This breakthrough was greatly aided by modelling studies which could examine processes at the necessary scales before observations could tackle them directly.

Although considerable attention is now being given to mesoscale and submesoscale variability in surface production little has been focussed on how such variability in the sinking flux of material is mediated from surface to sea floor. In particular, deep observations are still sparse and even more challenging to collect than in the surface. Accordingly the source of much of the variability seen in the few tantalising direct observations of the sinking flux is unknown, leaving large uncertainties in our global estimates of the size of the biological pump. One possibility is that a significant fraction of the variability may correspond to that seen in primary production at the mesoscale and submesoscale.

This project will investigate the conditions under which mesoscale and submesoscale variability in surface primary production can induce similar variability in the flux arriving at the benthos. It will embed a biological model into a high resolution physical simulation capable of reproducing mesoscale and submesoscale physical activity. By assessing the sensitivity of the sinking flux at depth to parameters controlling the rate of sinking and remineralisation, the influence of mesoscale and submesoscale surface physical phenomenon on the deep sequestration of organic material will be assessed.

The post is for 1 year, funded by the EUR-OCEANS Consortium, and the successful candidate will split their time between LOCEAN, Paris and the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. Applications are encouraged from anyone with a suitably numerate PhD or equivalent in marine science. Modelling experience would be a significant advantage, particularly of high-resolution physical-biological simulations. The deadline for applications is 1st March 2010. Both informal enquiries and formal applications should be directed to either Dr Marina Levy of LOCEAN (marina.levy@upmc.fr) or Dr Adrian Martin of NOCS (apm1@noc.soton.ac.uk).

EUR-OCEANS/Europole Mer conference - The next big climate challenge: Influence of meso- and submesoscale ocean dynamics on the global carbon cycle and marine ecosytems

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 28/10/2009 00:00 GMT

This "submesoscale" conference follows the December 2008 EUR-OCEANS call for EUR-OCEANS conference projects.

It will bring together biological, ecological, chemical, and physical oceanographers to discuss the influence of meso- and submesoscale ocean dynamics on the global carbon cycle and marine ecosytem.

Details on format, themes, invited speakers, etc., are listed in the attached flyer.

Date: 31 May-03 June 2010

Application deadline: 1 February 2010

Website: http://www.europolemer.eu/en/submesoscale-conference.php

Other eur-oceans activities: http://www.eur-oceans.eu/project/EUR-OCEANS_Consortium_Activities.php

Conference Board

Pascal Rivière (LEMAR, Brest, France)

Marina Levy (LOCEAN, Paris, France)

Adrian Martin (NOCS, Southampton, UK)

Raffaele Ferrari (MIT, Cambridge, USA)

Steering Commitee

Pascal Rivière (LEMAR, Brest, France) Marina Lévy (LOCEAN, Paris, France) Adrian Martin (NOCS, Southampton, UK) Raffaele Ferrari (MIT, Cambridge, USA)

Peter Franks (SIO, La Jolla, USA)

Patrice Klein (LPO, Brest, France) Paul Tréguer (EUR-OCEANS Cons., France) Bertrand Chapron (LOS, Brest, France) Xavier Carton (LPO, Brest, France)

Research Highlights - Decline in Arctic Sea Ice thickness from 1958–2008

GRIGOROV Ivo — 12/10/2009 00:00 GMT

At the end of the Arctic summer, more ice cover remained this year than during the previous record-setting low years of 2007 and 2008. However, sea ice has not recovered to previous levels. September sea ice extent was the third lowest since the start of satellite records in 1979, and the past five years have seen the five lowest ice extents in the satellite record.

NSIDC Director and Senior Scientist Mark Serreze said, “It’s nice to see a little recovery over the past couple years, but there’s no reason to think that we’re headed back to conditions seen back in the 1970s. We still expect to see ice-free summers sometime in the next few decades.”

Arctic sea ice is now declining at a rate of 11.2 percent per decade, relative to the 1979 to 2000 average (Figure 3).

Sea surface temperatures in the Arctic this season remained higher than normal, but slightly lower than the past two years, according to data from Mike Steele at the University of Washington in Seattle. The cooler conditions, which resulted largely from cloudy skies during late summer, slowed ice loss compared to the past two years (Figure 4). In addition, atmospheric patterns in August and September helped to spread out the ice pack, keeping extent higher.

NSIDC Scientist Walt Meier said, “We've preserved a fair amount of first-year ice and second-year ice after this summer compared to the past couple of years. If this ice remains in the Arctic through the winter, it will thicken, which gives some hope of stabilizing the ice cover over the next few years. However, the ice is still much younger and thinner than it was in the 1980s, leaving it vulnerable to melt during the summer.”

Arctic sea ice follows an annual cycle of melting and refreezing, melting through the warm summer months and refreezing in the winter. Sea ice reflects sunlight, keeping the Arctic region cool and moderating global climate. While Arctic sea ice extent varies from year to year because of changeable atmospheric conditions, ice extent has shown a dramatic overall decline over the past thirty years. During this time, ice extent has declined at a rate of 11.2 percent per decade during September (relative to the 1979 to 2000 average) (Figure 6), and about 3 percent per decade in the winter months.

NSIDC Lead Scientist Ted Scambos said, “A lot of people are going to look at that graph of ice extent and think that we've turned the corner on climate change. But the underlying conditions are still very worrisome.”

Extract from National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) press release. NSIDC is part of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Media Relations Contact: Katherine Leitzell, NSIDC: leitzell@nsidc.org or +1 303.492.1497

Full press release here

Reference:
Kwok, R., and D. A. Rothrock. 2009. Decline in Arctic sea ice thickness from submarine and ICESat records: 1958–2008, Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L15501, doi:10.1029/2009GL039035.

Advanced course: Economic versus ecological networks - integrating economy and ecology in scenario building for marine ecosystems.

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 29/09/2009 00:00 GMT

Reminder: Registration is open (until 20 October) for this advanced EUR-OCEANS course in economic and ecological modeling drawing on the theory of networks economics.

Place and date: CHR, Sète, France, 24-26 November 2009.

Please refer to the course webpage or the calendar event for details.

EUR-OCEANS Council meeting - 21 January 2010, Paris

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 29/09/2009 00:00 GMT

As already announced directly by email to institutional contact persons of member institutions, the next EUR-OCEANS Consortium Council meeting will be held in Paris (5th district) on Thursday 21 January 2010.

Practical information will follow shortly to let you make early booking arrangements (advisable in Paris).

Beyond the activity and financial 2009 reports and 2010 plans, important matters will be discussed and put to vote (some requiring unanimity). A provisional agenda will be sent out soon.

Update on June 2009 FSW and Flagship calls

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 29/09/2009 00:00 GMT

Two foresight worskshops have been selected out of four proposals received in response to the June 2009 'open-topic' FSW call. Final selection was made by the executive committee, following the ranking and recommendations of a scientific panel comprising scientists from eur-oceans core member institutions. Please refer to the activity page for details on these WS.

The review of proposals received for flagships and the 'polar systems' foresight workshop are under review (publication of results expected by mid-October).

WS/Course: International PhD workshop "Marine Biodiversity under change", 24 January to 3 February 2010, Tromsø, Norway

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 11/09/2009 00:00 GMT

Workshop: "Marine Biodiversity under change”, 24 January to 3 February 2010, Tromsø, Norway

Parallel to the Arctic Frontiers Conference 2010 and in direct connection with the oral presentations, the Young Scientist Forum and the ARCTOS PhD School will organize an international workshop for PhD students interested in the pan-Arctic region.

This is an approved PhD level course (BIO-8512 – 2 ECTS) at the University of Tromsø, and consists of the conference itself, plus an intensive 5 days seminar after the conference.

During the seminar (which will take place in Tromsø and at the Skibotn Field station), the students work in discussion groups on given subjects related to the topics under Part III “Marine Biodiversity under change”. Senior scientists from the ARCTOS PhD School, as well as selected invited speakers from the conference will be present to ensure a good dialogue and progress in the discussions. Evaluation/exam: Powerpoint presentations of the student work at the end of the workshop.

Workshop participants must give a presentation (oral /poster) under Part III at the Arctic Frontiers Conference and follow both the political and the science part of Arctic Frontiers 2010 in addition to participating in the 5 day seminar.

Financial support
ARCTOS can offer travel grants for up to 15 PhD-students and post doctoral fellows. The grant will cover 1) air fare, cheapest possible ticket (air fare limited to NOK 5000 for US / Canada, NOK 3000 Europe, NOK 4000 Russia) and 2) accommodation (basic housing in Tromsø), including breakfast.

Conference fee for workshop participants is 1500 NOK, including lunch during the conference.

Application deadline

Deadline for application for the PhD workshop AND travel grant is 10 October 2009.

Application for the workshop and travel grant should be addressed to Matias Langgaard Madsen (matias.madsen@uit.no). Please include travel budget, research interests, title and abstract of poster/oral presentation. Applicants should also indicate whether they will formally register for the course BIO-8512. Priority will be given to students that formally register to take this course.

ArcticNet, ARCTOS and PanAME associated students are especially welcome to apply.

NB! All students must also register through the “online registration” on the AFT-2010 homepage (will be available soon) and sign up for a poster/oral presentation under Part III at the Arctic Frontiers Conference (abstract deadline 19 October 2009).

Links

Arctic Frontiers 2010

ARCTOS

Young Scientist Forum

BIO-8512

Responsible for the student workshop: Matias Langgaard Madsen (matias.madsen@uit.no)

Job Post - PostDoc Population Genetics of Fish

GRIGOROV Ivo — 30/08/2009 00:00 GMT

The Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) (www.igb-berlin.de) within the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. is the

leading research centre for aquatic ecology and inland fisheries in Germany. It is closely linked to all three Berlin universities and offers cutting-edge research facilities (experimental ponds, lakes, tanks, genetics laboratories). Within the Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes of IGB a motivated PostDoc in fish population genetics is sought to complement an emerging young research group (Junior Professor, 2 PostDocs, 4 PhD students) conducting inter- and transdisciplinary research on recreational fisheries. The intended start date is 1 October 2009, and the position is available for up to four years. The position is available pending approval of a grant to study the social-ecology of fish stocking submitted to the German Ministry for Education and Research (http://www.sozial-oekologische-forschung.org/de/1410.php). Topic: Understanding the evolutionary implications of fish stocking practices in inland water managed by angling clubs in Germany. The successful candidate is expected to develop an independent research program focused on understanding the extent of hybridisation between stocked and wild fish and its implications for individual and population fitness. The research can be laboratory- and field-based, but field studies in freshwaters managed by German angling clubs are required. The candidate is expected to co-supervise selected members of the research group and generate results of both academic and practical interest. Salary is paid according to the TVoeD (German Civil Service). In keeping with the IGB policy regarding gender equity, female applicants are particularly encouraged. Disabled people with identical qualifications will be favoured. Requirements: -PhD in population genetics, molecular biology or evolutionary biology, preferably with a focus on fish. -Proven academic record in terms of research output in journals -Ability to work both independently as well as in a team -Interest in working in an interdisciplinary team alongside both natural and social scientists -Above-average communication skills, including writing skills -Very good working knowledge of English -Familiarity with recreational angling and German language is a benefit Application materials: Please send your application package in one combined PDF electronically no later than September, 18, 2009 to arlinghaus@igb-berlin.de (Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus). The application package should include: -cover letter -letter of personal research goals -letter of research perspective related to the topic of the application -CV -copies of relevant certificates (eg Abitur for German applicants) -list of publications and presentations -examples of most important papers -names and email-addresses of three reviewers For further information please contact: Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes Müggelseedamm 310 12587 Berlin, Germany arlinghaus@igb-berlin.de www.igb-berlin.de/~arlinghaus www.adaptfish.igb-berlin.de

3 year post-doc fellowship - Quantitative fisheries science - Imperial College, London

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 26/08/2009 00:00 GMT

Cf. Attached advertisement.

Application deadline: 10 September 2009

EUR-OCEANS calls for 'flagships' and 'polar systems foresight WS' proposals open until 10 Sept 2009

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 26/08/2009 00:00 GMT

Cf. the call news and webpage. Note: the deadline for the 'polar systems' foresight WS call has been extended from 20 July to 10 September.

International symposium on Remote Sensing and Fisheries

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 21/07/2009 00:00 GMT

The SAFARI initiative (Societal Applications in Fisheries and Aquaculture using Remote Sensing) is organising an international symposium on Remote Sensing and Fisheries to be held in Kochi, India from 15-17 February 2010.

The symposium will address a number of themes including Operational Use of Remote Sensing for Fish Harvesting; Ecosystem Indicators to assess Fish Health, Growth and Recruitment; and Implications of Climate Change on Fisheries, amongst others.

For further information please see the symposium website at: http://www.geosafari.org/kochi

Several PhD positions in Earth system modelling and analysis - IMPRS-ESM,Hamburg, Germany

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 21/07/2009 00:00 GMT

Cf. attachement and text below. Online registration deadline 8 September 2009.

The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling
(IMPRS-ESM) in Hamburg, Germany, offers several PhD positions to
outstanding students with interest in advanced training and
interdisciplinary studies in Earth system research. Detailed
information is available on our web site: http://www.earthsystemschool.de.

Positions are available starting March 2010.

Please forward the attached advertisement to students and colleagues
interested in Earth system modelling and analysis.

Thank you for your support!
Best regards

Antje Weitz, PhD
Coordinator of the IMPRS-ESM

Extended deadline for poster submission for OceanObs09 Conference

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 21/07/2009 00:00 GMT

New deadline 15 August 2009.

Cf. eur-oceans news 851 and text below.

OceanObs’09 conference: broadening the ocean observing system and ensuring its sustainability
September 21st to 25th, 2009, Venice Italy.

Final call: abstract submission for Additional Contributions (posters) closes August 15th.

Plenary Papers, drawing from Community White Papers, will be presented by invited speakers. The Plenary Session on “Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems” will address the major outstanding science questions related to observing and understanding the carbon system in the ocean as well as the ecosystem, including aspects of carbon sequestration and acidification, of the changes in habitats and the impact of observed changes on corals. Other plenary talks will address ocean colour, ocean ecosystems, ecosystems approaches to resource management, sensor developments, and ocean data systems. Community fora on the future of sustained Biodiversity, Biogeochemical and Ecosystem observations will also be held. This is your opportunity to contribute to the key directions for sustained biogeochemical and ecosystem ocean observations in the next 10 years. For more information see http://www.oceanobs09.net/

International Conference on Ecological Modelling, ISEM2009-call for contributions

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 20/07/2009 00:00 GMT

ISEM 2009 conference on Ecological Modelling, Quebec city, Canada, October 6-9 2009

The deadline for abstract submission has been extended to the end of July.

The theme of the 2009 conference is Enhanced Sustainability in Management, but all contributions involving ecological models are welcome. OGS is trying to organize a special session on modelling in marine systems, and encourages you to submit an abstract on this topic.

Futher information: cf. http://www.isemna.org/Pages/ISEM%202009%20Home.htm

Economic versus ecological networks - integrating economy and ecology in scenario building for marine ecosystems. An advanced course in economic and ecological modeling drawing on the theory of networks economics

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 12/07/2009 00:00 GMT

This is one of three advanced courses funded / co-organised by EUR-OCEANS in 2009.

The main goal of this course is to present how the formalism of Network Economics can be applied concretely to address questions raised in ecology and economics of renewable resource.

Please refer to the course webpage and the attached flyer for details.

Application deadline: 20 October 2009 (application reception order will be a secondary selection criteria)
Registration: see attached flyer and application form.
Financial support: Registration fees waived for all participants. Please refer to webpage for other cases.

Postdoctoral Position in Ocean Biogeochemical Modelling (MEECE project)

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 09/07/2009 00:00 GMT

The offered post-doctoral position is part of the MEECE project led by Dr Icarus Allen at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, United Kingdom, which extends from 2008 till 2012. The appointement is with LEGOS/CNRS (Toulouse, France) and LPO/IRD (Brest, France). Within the “Ecosystem response to climate scale drivers” Work Package, the candidate will have to perform regional coupled physical and biogeochemical simulations in the Benguela upwelling region.

Please refer to the attached job advertisement for details

Postdoctoral Position in Ocean Modelling – Climate Change Downscaling

HEARD Jessica — 06/07/2009 00:00 GMT

We invite applications from talented and motivated candidates interested in pursuing their research in coastal oceanography and meteorology, with focus in downscaling global climate change scenarios in relation with regional environmental and ecosystems evolutions. The successful applicants will participate in a new project funded by the European Community. The European FP7 MEECE (Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment) project will address global change, the result of natural and anthropogenically induced climate change impacts upon the structure and function of marine ecosystems via a number of abiotic and biotic drivers. A recent PhD in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, physical oceanography or a related field is required. The applicant should have a strong background in geophysical fluid dynamics and numerical modelling. Appointment will be for a 12-month duration and may start October 1st, 2009 or later. Annual income will be 24,000 Euros.

PhD Studentship in Marine Biogeochemistry Plymouth Marine Laboratory & University of Warwick

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 02/07/2009 00:00 GMT

Application deadline: 10 July 2009.
Please refer to attached original announcement for details.

Remote Sensing Scientist - Earth Observation Plymouth, UK

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 02/07/2009 00:00 GMT

Permanent appointment • Salary range £27,109 p.a. - £32,073 p.a.
Application deadline: 23 July 2009
Please refer to the attached advertisement.

North Atlantic needs an ‘end-to-end’ research strategy

GRIGOROV Ivo — 30/06/2009 00:00 GMT

‘Studying the North Atlantic basin and associated shelf seas as an integrated ‘basin-scale’ system is the key challenge for the early twenty-first century’.

An international group of scientists, led by Dr Clive Fox, have recently evaluated the trans-regional mechanisms linking parts of the pelagic ecosystem in the north-eastern Atlantic and how those connections may change over our lifetimes. (The workshops which underpinned the study were funded through the EC-FP6-NoE-EUR-OCEANS, www.eur-oceans.eu).

The study, published in Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review (Vol 47), summarises research in the NE Atlantic and demonstrates that although ocean physics underpins all trophic levels in the basin, climate and anthropogenic forcings are major players for the near future. Through regional warming and invasive species in warmer water, biogeography and ecosystem structure and function is changing from the current status.

The report highlights the fact that local marine ecosystems are strongly affected by regional scale forcing, and due to the uncertainties of the regional response to global climate change, the authors call for a JGOFS-like ‘integrated approach in the linked system of the North Atlantic related to ecosystem structure’. Such an approach will require closer coordination of effort and priorities among North Atlantic states, in an ‘end-to-end’ manner – from individual researchers to national and regional funding bodies. The article is published just ahead of an anticipated EC-Framework Program 7 and National Science Foundation calls for improved and advanced ocean management strategies for the North Atlantic, in a coordinated manner between basin-bordering states.

The annual review volume also includes annual reviews of controls on zooplankton dial vertical migration, cephalopods biogeography and ecology in the NE Atlantic and an ecological review of Anchovies and Sardines populations in the Adriatic.

Ivo Grigorov

REFERENCE:
Fox, C., R. Harris, S. Sundby, E. Achterberg, J.I. Allen, J. Allen, A. Baker, C.P.D. Brussaard, P. Buckley, E. Cook, S.R. Dye, M. Edwards, L. Fernand, P. Kershaw, J. Metcalfe, S. Østerhus, T. Potter, E. Sakshaug, D. Speirs, E. Stenevik, M. St. John, F. Thingstad & B. Wilson. 2009. Transregional linkages in the North-Eastern Atlantic - An ‘end-to-end ’ analysis of pelagic ecosystems. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review 47: 1-75. http://www.crcpress.com/product/isbn/9781420094213

Receive a FREE COPY of the volume
CRC Press offers a free volume worth 179.95 USD, to EUR-OCEANS Consortium Research Highlights section, to be awarded to a young scientist who contributes a review of a topical, high impact article of relevance to the consortium’s scientific. For full details contact Ivo Grigorov (ivo_grigorov@hotmail.com).

Acid test for pelagic species development

GRIGOROV Ivo — 29/06/2009 00:00 GMT

What will happen to calcifying organisms as anthropogenic CO2 is absorbed by the oceans? Will they survive? And how will organisms with internal calcified structures, such as fish and cephalopods, cope with these environmental changes?

Many studies on marine calcifiers, such as corals, mussels and echinoderms (Fabry et al. 2008), have shown depressed calcification rates at increased CO2 levels and experiments with marine fish larvae have shown toxic effects of CO2 on certain stages during the development with higher mortality in CO2 treatments (Kikkawa et al. 2003, 2004).

Recent studies have shown exceptions to expectations (see EUROCEANS Research Highlight on ‘coccolithophore cells grow larger under high CO2 conditions’ and counter-argument by Riebesell et al., 2008). In the latest issue of Science (26 June 2009), Checkley and colleagues demonstrate a similar example from a higher trophic level. Young fish will not only be able to maintain, but even enhance calcification under ocean acidification scenarios. Checkley et al. show increased otolith growth in sea bass larvae under elevated CO2 conditions. Whether enlarged otoliths in fish larvae affect their performance and survival remains to be determined. However, these results suggest that fish, even in their most vulnerable egg and larval stage, might not be greatly affected by ocean acidification, due to their good acid-base regulating abilities.

Similar to Checkley et al.’s findings, a study on juvenile cuttlefish by Gutowska et al. (2008) found that animals reared at the highest CO2 levels (6000ppm) incorporated significantly more CaCO3 into their cuttlebone compared to the control animals, with no obvious behavior changes. While this might not be a benefit in the long term, the animals do seem to be functionally normal.

Own investigations on larval squid statoliths, calcified structures analog to fish otoliths, have shown counter results to those of Checkley et al. Preliminary results indicate that elevated CO2 levels (1400ppm) lead to malformations in larval statoliths, while highest CO2 levels (4000ppm) inhibit the formation of statoliths completely.

Role of Otoliths

Because these structures are laid down pre-hatch when the acid-base regulatory ability in the larvae are not yet completely functional, this stage is most vulnerable to its environment and the larvae will not be able to compensate calcification as they mature. Structural abnormalities, asymmetries and most of all absence of statoliths result in extreme behavioral responses. Statoliths (like otoliths in fish) are used for orientation by giving clues to gravity and angular acceleration via attaching hair cells. Abnormally formed or missing statoliths will not be able to provide the necessary stimuli to these hair cells and therefore impair the animals’ ability to perform basal tasks such as swimming and food capture, thus proving lethal to the animals.

These are just first steps to understanding the effects of high CO2 levels on internal calcification in marine organisms and much more research in this direction is needed. The mechanisms of how calcification is altered in the endolymph need to be investigated to understand how otolith formation is affected by a rise in CO2. To achieve this, the saturation state of aragonite in the endolymph, along with the acid-base status needs to be determined. Furthermore, the protein matrix surrounding the otolith should be examined, as it is thought to control the shape of the otolith.

Last but not least, the long-term effects of otolith calcification on growth, behaviour and survival needs to be examined in detail.

Review for EUROCEAN Research Highlights by Andrea FROMMEL, IFM-GEOMAR AF is EPOCA (European Project on Ocean Acidification)-funded postgraduate student examining the effects of changes in ocean pH on the development, growth and physiology of marine fish eggs, larval fish and cephalopods.

REFERENCES

Checkley DM, Dickson AG, Motomitsu T, Radich JA, Eisenkolb N, Asch R. (2009) Elevated CO2 enhances otolith growth in young fish. Science (26 June 2009)

Fabry VJ, Seibel BA, Feely RA, Orr J (2008) Impacts of ocean acidification on marine fauna and ecosystem processes. ICES J Mar Sci 65: 414-432

Gutowska MA, Poertner HO, Melzner F (2008) Growth and calcification in the cephalopod Sepia officinals under elevated seawater pCO2. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 373:303-309

Kikkawa T, Ishimatsu A, Kita J (2003) Acute CO2 tolerance during the early developmental stages of four marine teleosts. Environ Toxicol 18: 375-382

Kikkawa T, Kita J, Ishimatsu A (2003) Comparison of the lethal effect of CO2 and acidification on red sea bream (Pagrus major) during the early developmental stages. Parine Pollution Bulletin 48: 108-110

Riebesell et al., 2008. Comment on "Phytoplankton Calcification in a High-CO₂ World", Science 322, 1466

Advanced summer course (NMA / EUR-OCEANS / DTU-Aqua) - Climate impacts on the Baltic Sea – from science to policy

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 26/06/2009 00:00 GMT

This summer school is endorsed/co-funded by EUR-OCEANS, and co-organised by EUR-OCEANS members.

It will be held in , Nexø, Denmark, from 27 July to 5 August 2009.

Please refer to www.aqua.dtu.dk/baltic2009 for additional information.

HMAP (History of Marine Animal Populations ) INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 26/06/2009 00:00 GMT

An HMAP (History of Marine Animal Populations ) INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

titled

When humanities meet ecology

Historic changes in Mediterranean and Black Sea marine biodiversity and ecosystems since the Roman period until nowadays. Languages, methodologies and perspectives

will be held 31st August – 4th September 2009 in Trieste, Italy.

This summer school, relevant to the construction of scenarios on trends in species distribution / biodiversity, is endorsed/co-funded by EUR-OCEANS and co-organised by EUR-OCEANS members.

*** EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 July 2009 ***

Further information:

Website: www.hmap-medbs-summerschool2009.org
Flyer: HMAP summer school 2009 flyer (A3)
Description : HMAP summer school 2009 brief description (.pdf)
Application page : http://www.hmap-medbs-summerschool2009.org/application.html

GLOBEC Book - Climate Change and Small Pelagic Fish

GRIGOROV Ivo — 22/06/2009 00:00 GMT

''This book details the effects of climate variability on small pelagic fish and their ecosystems and fisheries. Particularly abundant in coastal upwelling regions off the west coasts of the Americas and Africa, off Japan, and in the NE Atlantic, the stocks of these fish fluctuate greatly over the timescale of decades, with large ecological and economic effects. This book describes the nature and cause of these fluctuations, and their consequences. It outlines results from paleo-oceanographic studies, showing that similar fluctuations have also occurred over the past two millennia. The potential effects of future climate change, both natural and anthropogenic, on stocks and fisheries, are considered. The book concludes by recommending the continued international study and assessment of small pelagic fish in order to best inform management and policy under a changing climate. It is written for research scientists, academics, and policy makers in fisheries, oceanography, and climate change.'' ''The book is the product of collaboration of academic and fisheries' scientists from each of the regions with major stocks of small pelagic fish, and is written for research scientists, academics, and policy makers in fisheries, oceanography and climate change.'' (Publisher's description)

Foreword; Preface;
1. History of international co-operation in research Jürgen Alheit and Andrew Bakun;
2. A short scientific history of the fisheries Alec D. Maccall;
3. Habitats Dave Checkley, Patricia Ayon, Tim R. Baumgartner, Miguel Bernal, J. C. Coetzee, Robert Emmett, Renato Guevara, Larry Hutching, Leire Ibaibarriaga, Hideaki Nakata, Yoshioki Oozeki, Benjamin Planque, Jake Schweigert, Yorgos Stratoudakis and Carl D. Van der Lingen;
4. Variability from scales in marine sediments and other historical records David B. Field, Tim R. Baumgartner, Vicente Ferreira, Dimitri Gutierrez, Hector Lozano-Montes, Renato Salvatteci and Andy Soutar;
5. Decadal-scale variability in populations Jurgen Alheit, Claude Roy and Souad Kifani;
6. Biophysical models Christophe Lett, Kenneth A. Rose and Bernard A. Megrey;
7. Trophic dynamics Carl D. Van der Lingen, Arnaud Bertrand, Antonio Bode, Rick Brodeur, Luis Cubillos, Pepe Espinoza, Kevin Friedland, Susana Garrido, Xabier Irigoien, Todd Miller, Christian Mollman, Ruben Rodriguez Sanchez, Hiroshige Tanaka and Axel Temming;
8. Impacts of fishing and climate change explored using trophic models Lynne Shannon, Marta Coll, Sergio Neira, Philippe Cury and Jean-Paul Roux;
9. Current trends in the assessment and management of stocks Manuel Barange, Miguel Bernal, Maria Cristina Cergole, Luis A. Cubillos, Carryn L. Cunningham, Georgi M. Daskalov, Jose A. A. de Oliveira, Mark Dickey-Collas, Dave J. Gaughan, Kevin Hill, Larry D. Jacobson, Fritz W. Koster, Jacques Masse, Hiroshi Nishida, Miguel Niquen, Yoshioki Ooozeki, Isabella Palomera, Suzana A. Saccardo, Alberto Santojanni, Rodolfo Serra, Stylios Somarakis, Yorgos Stratoudakis, Andres Uriarte, Carl D. Van der Lingen and Akihiko Yatsu;
10. Global production and economics Samuel F. Herrick, Jr., Jerrold G. Norton, Rognvaldur Hannesson, U. Rashid Sumaila, Mahfuzuddin Ahmed and Julio Pena-Torres;
11. Human dimensions of the fisheries under global change Rosemary E. Ommer, Astrid C. Jarre, R. Ian Perry, Manuel Barange, Kevern Cochrane and Coleen Moloney;
12.Mechanisms of low-frequency fluctuations in anchovy and sardine populations Alec D. MacCall;
13. Research challenges in the twenty-first century Andrew Bakun;
14. Conjectures on future climate effects on marine ecosystems dominated by small pelagic fish Pierre Freon, Francisco Werner and Francisco Chavez;
15. Synthesis and perspective Dave Checkley, Andrew Bakun, Manuel A. Barange, Leonardo R. Castro, Pierre Freon, Renato Guevara-Carrasco, Samuel F. Herrick, Jr., Alec D. MacCall, Rosemary Ommer, Yoshioki Oozeki, Claude Roy, Lynne Shannon and Carl D. van der Lingen; Index.

Receive a FREE COPY of the volume Cambridge University Press offers a free volume of the book worth 85 GBP, to EUR-OCEANS Consortium Research Highlights section, to be awarded to a young scientist who contributes a review of a topical, high impact article of relevance to the consortium’s scientific. For full details contact Ivo Grigorov (ivo_grigorov@hotmail.com).

EVO-DEVO meets Marine Ecology - New Frontiers in Ocean Science through Integrative Biology

LHUILLERY Marie — 17/06/2009 00:00 GMT

EVO-DEVO meets Marine Ecology - New Frontiers in Ocean Science through Integrative Biology

More information on the EMBO Workshop on http://cwp.embo.org/w09-31

Contact:

Magherita Groeben and Gabriella Grossi

Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn

Napoli - Italy

embo2009@szn.it

EUR-OCEANS Consortium June 2009 call for flagships and foresight workshops

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 15/06/2009 00:00 GMT

The attached flyer announces a EUR-OCEANS Consortium call for ‘Foresight workshops’ and ‘Flagships’.

This flyer can also be found, along with the complete text of the call, on the EUR-OCEANS website at:

http://www.eur-oceans.eu/project/EUR-OCEANS_Consortium_Calls_2009.php

Application deadlines:

- 20 July 2009 for foresight workshops (FSW) - !!! DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 10 September 2009 for polar systems FSW !!!

- 10 September 2009 for flagships

Please feel free to circulate this announcement and to contact the EUR-OCEANS project office for any enquiry about this call or other activities.

EUR-OCEANS Consortium scientific perspective document

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 10/06/2009 00:00 GMT

This document (attached) describes the 2009-2010 scientific perspective of the Consortium and lists planned calls and activities

Mass carbon dumps by gelatinous organisms

GRIGOROV Ivo — 18/05/2009 00:00 GMT

Gelatinous pelagic organisms deliver 20 times more carbon to depth in just two months, than an entire year of background sedimentation as recorded by sediment traps, according to a recent publication by Lebrato and Jones (2009) in Limnology and Oceanography.

The pelagic tunicate, Pyrosoma atlanticum, has been observed off the Ivory Coast in depths up to 1200 meters, accumulating on the seabed along pipelines. The mass dumps delivered 1 to more than 20 gC m-2 in less than 2 months, compared to 1.09 gC m-2 yr-1 at 696m as recorded by sediment traps (Wefer and Fischer, 1993).

Pyrosoma atlanticum has one of the highest pelagic clearance rates measured (values up to 35 l h-1, Perissinoto et al., 2007 read more), as well as the highest carbon content among studied gelatinous organisms, of 35% organic carbon of dry body weight (see also Davenport and Balasz 1991).

The role of pelagic, gelatinous filter-feeders in vertical carbon fluxes has long been suspected, but they have been largely overlooked in global carbon budgets and models due to sparse biogeographical data on biomass and lack of sufficient experimental data needed to parameterize their role in the vertical carbon flux.

REFERENCE:
Lebrato, M. and Jones, D.O.B., 2009. Mass deposition event of Pyrosoma atlanticum carcasses off Ivory Coast (West Africa). Limnology and Oceanography, 54, 1197-1209.

Billett, D.S.M., Bett, B.J., Jacobs, C.L., Rouse, I.P. and Wigham, B.D., 2006. Mass deposition of jellyfish in the deep Arabian Sea. Limnology and Oceanography, 51, (5), 2077-2083.

Perissinotto R, Mayzaud P*, Nichols PD, Labat JP 2007. Grazing of Pyrosoma atlanticum (Tunicata, Thaliacea) in the South Indian Ocean. Mar Ecol Prog Ser , 330: 1–11 (pdf)
*EUR-OCEANS PIs

Professorship (with special responsibilities) in fisheries genetics

LHUILLERY Marie — 30/03/2009 00:00 GMT

Applications are invited for a position as professor with special responsibilities in fisheries genetics.

The professorship is affiliated with the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), formerly the Danish Institute for Fisheries Research, Section for Population Genetics in Silkeborg. The position is intended for a candidate with an outstanding track record in internationally acknowledged research and a strong profile within the fields of population genetics/genomics and application and implementation of genetically based methods in fisheries science and management. In this context, the professorship will serve to strengthen the coupling between population genetics/genomics, fish ecology and fisheries management.

DTU Aqua is involved in research, education, training and advice related to the aquatic environment and its resources. Within the area of aquatic sciences and fisheries research, DTU Aqua has an international research staff comprising ca. 80 employees. The population genetics section comprises 6 scientists.

The position is available for a 5-year period and may be extended for up to 3 years more.

A professor with special responsibilities comprises fixed-term responsibility for the usual duties of a full professor as well as handling assignments related to specific functions.

Tasks

The primary research focus of the professor is population genetic structure of commercially and recreationally exploited marine, freshwater and anadromous species, coupled with application and implementation of genetic stock identification methods, such as individual assignment and mixed stock analysis, for fisheries management and traceability of fish and fish products. Research is also expected to involve identification of local adaptations by means of genomics methods, and evaluation of evolution at the genomic level induced by global change and fisheries/exploitation regime. Research in methods for genetic population monitoring will include retrospective DNA analysis based on archival samples. The successful candidate is expected to ambitiously contribute in shaping and directing the research area as appropriate for a leading technical university. The successful candidate is expected to develop the research team in fisheries genetics and is expected to engage considerably in large international collaborative projects, and to coordinate and implement an expanded use of genetic/genomics methods in several aspects of fisheries science.

Other duties of the professor include (1) providing advice on sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources on national and international levels, with particular emphasis on genetic resources and biodiversity in exploited marine and freshwater systems under global change, (2) participation in teaching on bachelor, master, postgraduate and Ph.D. level.

Qualifications

Candidates should have well-documented international recognition within their research field. Employment implies original research at the highest international level within all the above research themes (population genetics, population genomics, identifying local adaptation, fisheries science under global change). In order to secure the desired strengthening of the coupling between population genetics and fisheries science and -advice, the applicant is expected to be able to demonstrate considerable interdisciplinary activities.

In the assessment of candidates, particular consideration will additionally be given to:

scientific production and research potential

the ability to lead a research team of international calibre

track record of attracting external research funding

the ability to promote and utilize research results for advice on fisheries management

documented teaching qualifications at all levels

the ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation

visions within the research area

The research qualifications of the applicant will be evaluated by an assessment committee following the guidelines outlined by the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Your appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations, and your salary will be graded according to the new salary scale regime. You will receive a pensionable allowance according to the rules in the government circular on the career structure at universities under the Ministry of Research, which came into force 22 September 2000. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.

Further information can be obtained from the Institute Director a.i. Fritz Köster, tel.: +45 33963300; email: fwk@aqua.dtu.dk.

Application

The application and enclosures in 4 copies must be received no later than 29 May 2009 at 12.00 noon. Electronic applications cannot be accepted.

The application must be written in English and must include a list of publications indicating the works viewed as scientific highlights. A limited selection of publications and other material the applicant may wish to include in the evaluations, e.g. teaching material, should be submitted (4 copies). Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit a summary of their latest research results (2-3 pages). The application should include a plan for future research.

The applications should be addressed to:

The Rector

Technical University of Denmark

Building 101

DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby

Denmark

All qualified candidates irrespective of age, sex, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Aqua has as its objective to contribute to research, education and counselling in the context of a sustainable, effective, and quality oriented exploitation of the living aquatic resources. The work area thus covers all parts of the chain from ‘water’ to the dining table; i.e. from research and administration relevant to resources and ecosystems – to the innovative development of fish and shellfish products. DTU Aqua sustains a wide range of research disciplines and delivers research based education and counselling to authorities and industry. DTU Aqua is currently developing a new masters programme in aquatic science and technology. DTU Aqua has approx. 320 staff members – distributed at locations in Charlottenlund, Lyngby, Hirtshals and Silkeborg.

For further information please see www.aqua.dtu.dk

Professorship in coastal benthic ecology and biogeochemistry

LHUILLERY Marie — 30/03/2009 00:00 GMT

Applications are invited for a position as full professor in coastal benthic ecology and biogeochemistry

The professorship is affiliated with the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), formerly the Danish Institute for Fisheries Research, Section for Coastal Ecology in Copenhagen. The position is intended for a candidate with a strong experimental profile and an outstanding track record in internationally acknowledged research.

DTU Aqua emphasizes interdisciplinary research that improves our understanding of coastal ecosystem dynamics. In this context, the full professorship will serve to strengthen the coupling between biogeochemistry, benthic ecology and fish ecology.

DTU Aqua is involved in research, education, training and advice related to the aquatic environment and its resources. Within the area of marine sciences and fisheries research, DTU Aqua has an international research staff comprising of ca. 65 employees. The coastal ecology section comprises 8 scientists.

Tasks

The primary research focus of the professor is: Benthic ecology and biogeochemistry under global change. The successful candidate is expected to ambitiously contribute in shaping and directing the research area as appropriate for a leading technical university. Other duties of the professor include (1) taking a prominent position in developing a DTU masters programme within aquatic science and technology, (2) participation in teaching on bachelor, master, postgraduate and Ph.D. level, and (3) further development of the international research cooperation within coastal ecology and coastal systems management.

Qualifications

Candidates should already have obtained well-documented international recognition within their research field. Employment implies original research at the highest international level. In order to secure the desired strengthening of the coupling between biogeochemistry, benthic ecology and fish ecology, the applicant is expected to have and document considerable interdisciplinary knowledge. Knowledge and experience of habitat restoration and integrated coastal zone management will be an advantage.

In the assessment of the candidates, particular consideration will additionally be given to:

scientific production, research potential and the ability to establish and lead a research team of international calibre

track record of attracting external research funding

documented teaching qualifications at all levels

the ability to promote and utilize research results

the ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation

visions within the research area

The salary and appointment terms are negotiated individually in accordance with the current collective agreement for Danish University Faculty Members.

Further information can be obtained from the Institute Director a.i. Fritz Köster, tel.: +45 33963300; email: fwk@aqua.dtu.dk

Application

The application and enclosures in 4 copies must be received no later than 29 May 2009 at 12.00 noon. Electronic applications cannot be accepted.

The applications should be addressed to:

The Rector

Technical University of Denmark

Building 101

DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby

Denmark

All qualified candidates irrespective of age, sex, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

For further information please see www.aqua.dtu.dk

"Upper North Atlantic mixed layer already 0.5 C colder and fresher than in any winter since the inception of Argo" (Research Highlights)

GRIGOROV Ivo — 27/03/2009 00:00 GMT

A surprise return of deep convection to the subpolar North Atlantic: or never underestimate natural climate variability. Open-ocean convection in the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean affects the meridional overturning circulation and oceanic heat flux, as well as atmospheric carbon sequestration. Recent climate warming however is thought to shallow or even switch off the convection, until winter of 2007-2008 that is, report Vage et al. in the January issue of Nature Geoscience. Martin Visbeck (IFM-GEOMAR) and Igor Yashayaev (Bedford Institute of Oceanography) offer a point of view on the recent article.

“Early in summer 2008, as my group was preparing to reset our moored observatories in the Irminger and Labrador Seas we received an emergency message from one of our moorings that it was adrift. This prompted us to get in touch with the Subpolar Atlantic Research community and ask for assistance. Fortunately the Canadian Research Icebreaker was in the area and within a week was able to recover the valuable data of boundary current velocities and temperatures in the North Atlantic Deep Water layers. Almost in passing Igor Yashayaev from BIO mentioned that he has just analyzed the recent ARGO (profiling float) data and saw to our surprise a return of deep convection to about 2000m. A more in depth analyses of all the ARGO data is summarized in a figure showing the temperature and salinity evolution in the two most active convection regions of the Subpolar North Atlantic (figure right).”

Not even a year after Martin Visbeck’s observations, Vage et al. publish a paper in Nature Geoscience entitled: “Surprising return of deep convection to the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean in winter 2007-2008”.

“The article provides a pretty extensive analysis of mixed layer conditions, surface heat fluxes, sea-ice and storm conditions for the region.” says Martin Visbeck.

Should we have been surprised? ”The absence of deep convective mixing over the last 8 years seemed to conspicuously agree with the simple notion that under a global warming scenario we would expect less heat loss in the winter. This will reduce the likelihood of deep convection. In addition more melting of land and sea-ice will increase the fresh water content of the surface layers making it more difficult for deep convection to occur, even if the heat flux was unchanged.”

“While possibly true on multi-decadal or longer time scales, inter-annual to decadal climate variability will remain with us even as the planet warms. Very cold winters (albeit less frequent), will keep surprising us as they have in the past.” And they already do. The current winter is one of the coldest in Canada.

Igor Yashayaev confirms: “the 2008-2009 winter is going to be something! The upper mixed layer is already 0.5C colder and fresher than in any winter since the inception of Argo”. Yashayaev however challenges the authors of the article:

“I personally disagree that the last year convection caught us by surprise – as long as the ocean was getting salt and heat it was becoming ready to start loosing its excessive heat even in a moderate winter. It is like a boiling tea pot ready to release heat even if the air around is warm… Sooner or later the ocean would start mixing again, so combining this with 10-year record high heat loss, the 2008 kicked in!”

Was the 2008 event stronger than that of 2003? Yashayev says: “Yes! It was stronger and deeper in 2008, but it wasn't twice as deep; a stronger forcing led to a stronger convection, and, unfortunately, that is all we had.”

“The second surprise to the Vage et al. was the lack of any precursor event”, adds Martin Visbeck. “ There seemed no sign of a slow loss in ocean stratification, no increased upwelling in the middle of the gyre and no slow build up of stormier winters. I am not sure why we should expect that, given that all we know from middle latitude climate is, that it has almost a white spectrum. It is true that a preconditioned ocean will convect deeper compared to one with lots of fresh water on the surface. But if only the winter cooling is strong enough deep convection will kick in.”

“What I find very remarkable about the paper is our ability to do almost real time oceanography and close the real time attribution of interesting events. It is a great paper to read and a lesson for all of us who think that the trajectory to a warmer planet will be a smooth straight line without bumps along the road.”

Review for the EUR-OCEANS Consortium by Martin Visbeck, IFM-GEOMAR

REFERENCE: Våge, K., Robert S. Pickart, Virginie Thierry, Gilles Reverdin, Craig M. Lee, Brian Petrie, Tom A. Agnew, AmyWong and Mads H. Ribergaard 2009. Surprising return of deep convection to the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean in winter 2007–2008, Nature Geoscience, vol 2 JANUARY 2009 http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/v2/n1/abs/ngeo382.html

RELEVANT REFERENCES: Igor Yashayaev and John W. Loder, 2009. Enhanced production of Labrador Sea Water in 2008, GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 36, L01606, doi:10.1029/2008GL036162

RELEVANT LINKS: EUR-OCEANS Film ‘Gulf stream : The fall of a myth?’ ENG, FR

Changes in marine and terrestrial productivity under climate change – impact and feedback.

LHUILLERY Marie — 25/03/2009 00:00 GMT

http://www.dtu.dk/subsites/klima/English/TechnologicalSolutions/WorkshopsAndConferences/ClimateChangesAndEcosystemsProductivity.aspx

Scientists, authorities, private companies and NGO’s with an interest in marine and terrestrial productivity are invited to participate in the DTU Workshop:

Changes in marine and terrestrial productivity under climate change – impact and feedback. Denmark. 12-13 May 2009

The workshop raise the questions: How will the expected climate changes affect marine and terrestrial productivity, and which feedback mechanisms exist from ecosystem changes to climate? Invited speakers and participants will discuss possible management and mitigation options, with focus on productivity, stability and resilience of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

This workshop is part of the DTU Climate Change Technologies Programme. DTU has arranged a series of workshops and conferences on climate change technology focusing on assessment of and adaptation to climate changes as well as on mitigation of green house gasses (GHG). Each workshop targets a specific technology problem area, and recommendations from these workshops will be presented at a high-level conference in September 2009, where industrial, governmental and scientific perspectives on climate change issues will be addressed.

Deadline for registration: 18. April 2009

Yours sincerely

Kim Pilegaard, Head of Division DTU Risø and Fritz Köster, Director DTU Aqua

Second call of an international symposium on fish gonadal histology

LHUILLERY Marie — 16/03/2009 00:00 GMT

4^th Workshop on Gonadal Histology of Fishes
16-19 June 2009, El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, Spain

Abstracts (300 words or less) are solicited for oral and poster presentations related to the reproduction of marine teleosts, freshwater teleosts and elasmobranchs.

Registration is free if abstracts are received by April 15, 2009

There will be four Symposia sessions, a session for contributed presentations and a poster session.

Opening Keynote: The utility of gonadal histology in studies of fish reproduction and the subsequent management of fisheries and ecosystems, by Dr. Olav S. Kjesbu (Norway)

Symposia themes and keynote speakers:

i. Female and male reproductive strategies: Differences in gametogenesis across species.

    Keynote Speaker and co-chair: Fran Saborido-Rey (Spain)
    Co-Chair: Hilario Murua (Spain)

ii. Characterization and differentiation among reproductive phases with an emphasis on fecundity types, skipped spawning and abnormalities.
    Keynote Speaker and co-chair: Rick Rideout (Canada)
    Co-Chair: Jonna Tomkiewicz (Denmark)

iii. Determination of temporal patterns of reproductive activity.

Keynote Speaker and co-chair: Susan Lowerre-Barbieri (USA)
Co-Chair: Kostas Ganias (Greece)

iv. Reproductive terminology.
Keynote Speaker and co-chair: Nancy Brown-Peterson (USA)
Co-Chair: David Wyanski (USA)

All persons giving oral or poster presentations are required to submit either an extended abstract for publication in the on-line Proceedings or a full manuscript for publication in a special section of Transactions of the American Fisheries Society by July 15, 2009. Please visit the Workshop home page for additional details on the program, abstract information and submittal, registration, travel, accommodations, and publication of Workshop proceedings:

http://www.fresh-cost.org/Workshop-Histology

This workshop is sponsored by the COST Action FA0601 “Fish Reproduction and Fisheries” (FRESH) and the American Fisheries Society (AFS Marine Fisheries Section).

EUR-OCEANS consortium - Executive Director position

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 03/02/2009 00:00 GMT

The EUR-OCEANS consortium is seeking to appoint its Executive Director (2-year contract; based in Sète, France)
Please refer to the attachment for details.
Application deadline: 1 March 2009.
Target starting date: 1 April 2009.

Research position in Marine Ecosystem Modelling/Research position in Experimental Zooplankton Ecology

LHUILLERY Marie — 31/12/2008 00:00 GMT

Research position in Marine Ecosystem Modelling

DTU Aqua provides research, advice, education and innovation, in the field of sustainable exploitation of marine and freshwater ecosystems. The Institute undertakes advisory tasks for the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, other public authorities and international commissions as well as the fishing and aquaculture industry.

The position is in association with the Section for Population and Ecosystem Dynamics at DTU Aqua, and the successful candidate is expected to contribute to research initiatives of the section, public sector consultancy of the institute and teaching activities at DTU. The research and teaching activities of the section centre on how the direct and indirect effects of fishing and environmental change influence the production, structure and stability of marine ecosystems. Contributing especially to the latter, the candidate is expected to have demonstrated research abilities and/or have ongoing research interests in:

•the physics of marine environments, both at large and small scales
•marine ecology
•modeling individual based bio-physical interactions of biota

In addition, quantitative skills (e.g. mathematical, numerical) are seen as important attributes of a successful candidate.

Candidates should have a PhD or similar degree in marine science and engineering or a related field and further academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained by holding a position as Post Doc.

In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to

•scientific production and research potential
•the ability to contribute to development of the department's internal and external collaboration
•an all-round experience basis, preferably including international experience
•teaching experience

Applications, which should be submitted in English, must include Curriculum Vitae and a complete list of publications indicating the works viewed as scientific highlights and a statement of research vision.

The salary and appointment terms are negotiated in accordance with the current collective agreement for Danish University faculty members.

Further information may be obtained from the Section Manager Henrik Mosegaard, tel. +45 3396-3461 or Associate Professor Andre Visser, awv@aqua.dtu.dk, tel. +45 3396 3425.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The application and enclosures in triplicate must be received no later than 26 January 2009 at 12.00 noon by

Director General a.i. Friedrich W. Köster
Technical University of Denmark
Institute of Aquatic Resources
Charlottenlund Castle
DK-2920 Charlottenlund
Denmark

Research position in Experimental Zooplankton Ecology

DTU Aqua provides research, advice, education and innovation in the field of sustainable exploitation of marine and freshwater ecosystems. The Institute undertakes advisory tasks for the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, other public authorities and international commissions as well as the fishing and aquaculture industry.

The position is in association with the Section for Oceanography at DTU Aqua, and the successful candidate is expected to contribute to research initiatives of the section, public sector consultancy of the institute and teaching activities at DTU. The research and teaching activities of the Section for Oceanography centre on a mechanistic understanding of the dynamics of marine ecosystems. The successful candidate will conduct research on zooplankton ecology and is expected to develop and implement field and laboratory based research programs.

The candidate is expected to have demonstrated research abilities and/or have ongoing research interests in:

•Zooplankton ecology and food-web interactions.
•Baltic and North Sea ecosystems with emphasis on mid trophic level dynamics.
•Effect of environmental stress on aquatic organisms.

In addition, extensive experience in field sampling work and both laboratory and ship-board experiments is necessary to successfully plan, organize and conduct a new field programs, which will be one of the main tasks of the candidate.

In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to:

•scientific production and research potential,
•research experience, especially in organising and conducting observational and experimental work on zooplankton at sea and in the laboratory,
•the ability to contribute to development of internal and external cooperation,
•the potential to attract external funding,
•an all-round experience basis, including international experience.

Candidates should have a PhD in marine sciences, i.e. biological, physical or chemical oceanography or fisheries research.

Working locality will be at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Section of Oceanography, Charlottenlund, Denmark.

Applications should be submitted in English and should include curriculum vitae with a full list of publications indicating the works viewed as scientific highlights, and a statement of research vision.

For further information about the position please contact Associate Professor Andre Visser, awv@aqua.dtu.dk, tel. +45 3396 3425 or Professor Thomas Kiørboe, tk@aqua.dtu.dk, tel. +45 3396 3401.

The salary and appointment terms are negotiated in accordance with the current collective agreement for Danish University faculty members.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The application with enclosures in triplicate must be received no later than 26 January 2009 at 12:00 noon. The applications should be addressed to:

National Institute of Aquatic Resources
Charlottenlund Slot
Jægersborg Allé 1
2920 Charlottenlund
Denmark

Newsletter N°12 (22/12/2008)

Llabrés Moira — 22/12/2008 00:00 GMT

EUR-OCEANS newsletter issue 12 is now available

3 International Chair positions are currently open for applications with Europole Mer in Brest (France) in the fields of:

LHUILLERY Marie — 17/12/2008 00:00 GMT

3 International Chair positions are currently open for applications with Europole Mer in Brest (France) in the fields of:

- Deep sea environment (applications close 16th of Jan 2009)
- Underwater Robotics and Glider Development (applications close 1st of Feb 2009)
- Active acoustic sensing for subsea observatories (applications close 1st of Feb 2009)

More detail on these positions is available at www.europolemer.eu by emailing contact@europolemer.eu.
Position descriptions are attached.

Extended deadline - Postdoctoral Position in Ocean Biogeochemical Modelling LEGOS/CNRS – Toulouse and LPO/IRD – Brest, France

BAISNEE Pierre-François — 16/12/2008 00:00 GMT

Position open within the European FP7 MEECE (Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment) project.
Please refer to the attached file for details.
The (extended) application deadline is 15 January 2009.

D64 : Data and Information Management Plan and EUR-OCEANS data exchange policy.

DIEPENBROEK Michael — 16/12/2008 00:00 GMT

D74 : Simulations for the past 55 and future 55 years with the PlankTOM-10 model.

LE QUERE Corinne — 11/12/2008 00:00 GMT

D62 : Synthetic publication on the EUR-OCEANS Eulerian observatories.

LAMPITT Richard — 11/12/2008 00:00 GMT

New webpage for the EUR-OCEANS Consortium

LHUILLERY Marie — 11/12/2008 00:00 GMT

A new webpage has been created concerning the EUR-OCEANS Consortium. Information such as the agreement signed in Brest in July 2008 or the records of the last EUR-OCEANs Consortium meeting held in Rome in November 2008 are now available on this webpage. You can directly access the webpage via the website's home webpage.

EUR-OCEANS Final Conference: Plenary sessions' oral talks - problem solved

LHUILLERY Marie — 09/12/2008 00:00 GMT

There was a little problem with the download of the oral talks given the plenary sessions of the Final conference. This problem has been solved and you can download this talks.

We appologize for this.

D146 : Final data management report.

DIEPENBROEK Michael — 08/12/2008 00:00 GMT

D134 : Final report: Sharing Facilities in EUR-OCEANS. What has been learned and how to proceed within the EUR-OCEANS Institute

KOERTZINGER Arne — 08/12/2008 00:00 GMT

2 PhD positions - Carbon cycling, Tana River basin

Meysman Filip — 05/12/2008 00:00 GMT

2 PhD scholarships are available within the project “Carbon cycling from a catchment perspective: an integrated approach to terrestrial-aquatic linkages in the Tana River basin (Kenya)”. This project (2009-2012) is funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders, and involves a collaboration between the Department of Earth & Environmenal Sciences at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Steven Bouillon, Roel Merckx) and the Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Filip Meysman, Frank Dehairs). Both positions involve a 4 year PhD research program and are available from January 2009 onwards.

PhD 1: Stable isotope biogeochemistry of the Tana River Basin (Kenya)
The goal of this PhD project is to study the role of catchment land-use, vegetation patterns and soil characteristics on the origin and processing of organic matter in the Tana river system. The PhD will be based at KUL, and the research will involve various biogeochemical measurements during field campaigns together with in situ and laboratory 13C and 15N tracer experiments. The focus will be on the characterization of different carbon pools in the Tana river basin (incl. 13C and 14C on POC, DOC, DIC, and compound-specific stable isotope work on PLFA and n-alkanes), as well as quantification of the CO2 source/sink strength and aquatic metabolism throughout this tropical river basin. The laboratory experiments will focus on the exchange and partitioning of organic matter between dissolved and particulate phases.

Profile and qualifications: We seek a creative person with a broad interest in biogeochemistry and the functioning of ecosystems, who is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Candidates must hold a Master degree in biology, geochemistry, geology, geography, or a related field in the environmental sciences. Previous experience with organic matter characterization and/or stable isotope techniques are strong advantages. Several fieldwork campaigns in Kenya will be required. Salary and employment terms are set in accordance with the university regulations at the time of appointment. Further information can be requested from Steven Bouillon ( steven.bouillon@ees.kuleuven.be).

PhD 2: An integrated modeling approach to carbon cycling in the Tana River Basin (Kenya)

The focus of this PhD project is to arrive at a quantitative understanding of the organic matter dynamics within the Tana River basin. The PhD will be based at VUB and the work will be a combination of experiments and modelling. In the modeling part, the applicant will use existing models as a template, in order to develop a reactive transport model for the downstream part of the Tana river (~700 km segment). This model needs to better constrain the source, transport and fate of suspended matter, particulate organic carbon, and dissolved organic matter along the flowpath of the Tana river system. Simulations will be carried out in an R-based biogeochemical modeling environment. The experimental part involves the joint 13C- and 15N-labelling studies that target the microbial processing and preservation of organic matter along the river continuum. The applicant will also assist with the biogeochemical measurements in the field campaigns.

Profile and qualifications: We seek a creative person with a broad interest in biogeochemistry and the functioning of ecosystems, who is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. Candidates must hold a Master degree in biogeochemistry, oceanography, geology, geography, chemical engineering, or a related field in the environmental sciences. Quantitative skills and experience with mathematical modelling are a plus. Salary and employment terms are set in accordance with the university regulations at the time of appointment. Further information can be requested from Prof. Filip Meysman (filip.meysman@vub.ac.be ).

To apply for either of these positions, please send a motivation letter, CV and and names of three references to Steven Bouillon (PhD1) or Filip Meysman (PhD2), before 31 th of December 2008

EUR-OCEANS Final Conference: Oral talks available online (plenary sessions)

LHUILLERY Marie — 04/12/2008 00:00 GMT

The oral talks given during the plenary sessions of the EUR-OCEANS Final conference held in rome, last november are now available on this webpage.

D112 : Main parts of the website translated into the languages of the aquariums' countries.

GHIRON Sylvain — 01/12/2008 00:00 GMT

AMEMR Workshop: "Bridging the gap between lower and higher trophic levels"

GERNEZ Caroline — 01/12/2008 00:00 GMT

AMEMR Workshop

"Bridging the gap between lower and higher trophic levels"

The purpose of the workshop is to: 'Examine current approaches towards coupling plankton (cellular) ecosystem models with those of higher trophic levels (e.g. zooplankton and fish)'.

This is probably the biggest challenge in marine ecosystem modelling. There is considerable evidence that environmental variability plays a significant part in controlling both the distribution and abundance of marine populations and fisheries can alter ecosystem function and state. Key questions include, does the removal of top predators result in fundamental changes in the plankton (top down control)? Alternatively are marine ecosystems characterised by environmental (or bottom up control) such that removal of top predators does not influence community structure and function? Or does the heavy exploitation of key species such as anchovies and sardines in up-welling systems cause changes in ecosystem function (wasp waste control)? All of these controls are observed in different marine ecosystems, and consequently currently no general theory can be derived for their function. Models have a significant role to play in developing such a general theory. Additionally there is a pressing need for models of this type for sustainable ecosystem management.

Coupling numerical models is a central issue in the climate research community and in other research fields such as electromagnetism, computational fluid dynamics. Ideally, the coupler, i.e. the software interface between the different models, should allow the realization of coupled simulations on different types of platforms at a minimal cost, the testing of different coupling algorithms (e.g. time strategy or interpolation methods), and an objective inter-comparison of coupled models by changing some or all component models. Success in ecosystem analyses depends on the ability to integrate and adapt numerous model components in a timely fashion. Linking ocean physics and biological models is always problematic; for example, the time and space scales of physical and biological processes are different, and efficient solution of the models will reflect this with different space time grids for various components. Besides the scientific work involved in model design, testing, and analysis, this work will require careful design of component models, in particular agreement on a modular applications interface to serve as the "glue" that holds the component models together, as well as technologies to support communications among researchers.

The workshop aims to build upon the lessons learnt from previous experiences and make recommendations for future activities. .

The UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) as a part of the international opportunities fund has provided funding for a series of modelling workshops, covering travel and subsistence costs for up to 25 national and international scientists per workshop.

In a generic sense the purpose of these workshops will be to:-

Review the status of current models and modelling systems with respect to current knowledge.

Assess the availability datasets from for model testing and development.

Consider emerging scientific issues and relevant policy drivers.

Identify gaps in current model capability.

Produce recommendations for future modelling (and observational) activities designed to address the identified gaps in understanding and capacity. These will be fed to the relevant UK and International program offices with a view to influencing the scope of funding programs.

Identify synergies between research groups that may form the basis of subsequent funding bids.

Registration forms can be obtained online and should be returned to Chris Wing.

The closing date for registration is 31 December 2008.

AMEMR Workshop Bridging the gap between lower and higher trophic levels

ALLEN Icarus — 01/12/2008 00:00 GMT

Jurys Inn, Plymouth
10-12th February 2009

The purpose of the workshop is to: 'Examine current approaches towards coupling plankton (cellular) ecosystem models with those of higher trophic levels (e.g. zooplankton and fish)'.

The workshop aims to build upon the lessons learnt from previous experiences and make recommendations for future activities. .

In a generic sense the purpose of these workshops will be to:-

Review the status of current models and modelling systems with respect to current knowledge.
Assess the availability datasets from for model testing and development.
Consider emerging scientific issues and relevant policy drivers.
Identify gaps in current model capability.
Produce recommendations for future modelling (and observational) activities designed to address the identified gaps in understanding and capacity. These will be fed to the relevant UK and International program offices with a view to influencing the scope of funding programs.
Identify synergies between research groups that may form the basis of subsequent funding bids.

Registration forms can be obtained online and should be returned to Chris Wing.

The closing date for registration is 31 December 2008.

D154 : Development of a booklet with all the EUROCEANS Fact Sheets and distribution to the network

BARANGE Manuel — 27/11/2008 00:00 GMT

D153 : Development of a Fact Sheet linking EUR-OCEANS with other FP7 projects, thus paving the way for a continuation of the KTU work.

BARANGE Manuel — 27/11/2008 00:00 GMT

D152 : Development of at least another 3 Fact Sheets.

BARANGE Manuel — 27/11/2008 00:00 GMT

D153 : Development of a Fact Sheet linking EUR-OCEANS with other FP7 projects, thus paving the way for a continuation of the KTU work.

BARANGE Manuel — 26/11/2008 00:00 GMT

D133c : 1 press conference every 6 months