Month: October 2012

Dear Colleagues,

Just a note to let you know the following paper was published in the latest
edition of the Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington.

Jameson SC, Cairns SD (2012) Neotypes for Porites porites (Pallas, 1766) and
Porites divaricata Lesueur, 1821 and remarks on other western Atlantic
species of Porites (Anthozoa: Scleractinia).  Proceedings of the Biological
Society of Washington 125(2):189-207

Abstract.?To stabilize the taxonomy of the genus Porites in the western
Atlantic and provide a foundation from which to launch future taxonomic
research, neotypes for the coral species Porites porites and P. divaricata
are chosen and Porites verrillii is proposed as a junior synonym of P.
astreoides.
Colony photographs and stereo scanning electron micrographs are provided of
corallites of: 1) neotypes of P. porites (i.e., the P. clavaria holotype)
and P.
divaricata, 2) the holotypes of P. furcata, P. branneri, P. colonensis, and
P. verrillii, and 3) a common P. astreoides. A brief taxonomic history of
the
genus is also provided.

Best regards,

Dr. Stephen C. Jameson
Research Associate
Smithsonian Institution
Museum of Natural History
Department of Invertebrate Zoology

*Job Title: Coral Reef Ecology Internship Spring 2013
Organization: CIEE Research Station Bonaire
Location: Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
Duration: 17 weeks (**12 January – ** 11 May 2013)
Deadline for applications: 31 October 2012*

Description: The CIEE Tropical Marine Ecology and Conservation program is a
study abroad program for undergraduate students that is located in Bonaire
(Southern Caribbean) and lasts a total of 15 weeks.  The Coral Reef Ecology
Intern will assist in program delivery, academics, research, group
dynamics, logistics, dive safety, student transportation, and site security
at the CIEE Research Station.  The position is a combination of teaching
assistant, research assistant and resident hall assistant.  Duties include
assisting with: preparations for classes and labs as instructed by faculty;
teaching; SCUBA diving in support of CIEE courses and long-term research
projects; mentoring students; general errands at the research station; and
record keeping for the dive safety program. The internship is a 17 week
commitment with little down time and the normal work schedule includes
weekend and evening duties.  CIEE interns are on call 24 hours per day, 7
days per week for the duration of the internship.

Minimum Qualifications: BA/BS in Biology with an emphasis in Marine
Biology/Ecology or Biological Oceanography (MS preferred); scientific
diving experience (minimum of 50 dives logged).

Requirements: Current certifications in First Aid, CPR, DAN Oxygen Rescue,
Advanced Open Water are required; DAN insurance, a comprehensive dive
physical; valid driver’s license

Abilities/Skills: Knowledge of Caribbean coral reef species; a commitment
to education and research in coral reef ecology and conservation; a
willingness to work flexible hours and live on site and manage
undergraduate students in residence at the station; the ability to work as
a team member with CIEE staff to motivate students and provide an excellent
academic and personal growth experience for students

Compensation: A small stipend, round trip airfare (up to $850), and lodging
will be provided to the successful applicant.

To apply:  Send a cover letter and CV listing contact information for 3
references to *[email protected]* <[email protected]>.  One letter of
recommendation must be emailed from a major
faculty member from your degree granting institution to Dr. Peachey (
[email protected]).
For more information about the semester program please visit
http://www.cieebonaire.org.

*Deadline for applications: 31 October 2012*

CIEE Research Station Bonaire
Kaya Gobernador N Debrot 26
Kralendijk, Bonaire Netherlands Antilles
+599 717 4140

www.cieebonaire.org
[email protected]

As you may have known, the Conch Season was closed earlier this year, almost
2 months short of its actual closing date which is June 30th due to the
distressing of the conch in the country.
The Queen Conch is easily
recognizable by its large pinkish shell, reaching a length of 30 cm and weighing
some 2 kg. Its favorite habitats are beds of Turtle grass and of Manatee grass
and sand flats at water depths from 1 to 100ft. The Queen Conch mainly feeds on
algae, as adults, and plankton as larvae. It may reach some 7 years of age and
its main predators include crabs, turtles, sharks, rays and humans.

October 1st is the
official opening of the conch season and fishermen have gone out on their early
morning journey to fetch these beautiful and tasty conch. So head on over to
your favorite restaurant and order that delicious Conch Ceviche or Conch
Fritters!!
Caye Caulker Chronicles