From tilen.genov at gmail.com Mon May 1 06:49:18 2006 From: tilen.genov at gmail.com (Tilen Genov) Date: Mon, 1 May 2006 15:49:18 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Dolphin volunteer opportunities in Slovenia Message-ID: Dolphin volunteer opportunities in Slovenia (apologies for cross-posting) Morigenos ? marine mammal research and conservation society is offering two volunteer places in summer 2006, to assist in the research programme of the Slovenian Dolphin Project. Morigenos is a non-profit non-governmental organization from Slovenia, dedicated to cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), other marine mammals and the preservation of the marine environment. More information on Morigenos can be found at www.morigenos.org. Slovenian Dolphin Project is a long-term study on the biology, ecology and conservation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Slovenian Sea and surrounding waters, carried out since 2002 by Morigenos. The main objectives of the project are: - to acquire basic information on the biology and ecology of bottlenose dolphins in Slovenian Sea and the surrounding waters; - to identify main negative factors affecting bottlenose dolphins in the area;** - to inform and educate the public and to raise public awareness;** - to recommend appropriate measures for dolphin conservation to management bodies;** - to preserve natural treasures of our sea;** - to promote a precautious exploitation of the sea;** - to promote sustainable development; - to effectively protect cetaceans and their environment. Volunteers are welcome to join the research team for a period of 18 days, during Morigenos' Summer Dolphin Research Camps. Volunteers can participate in two stages: 17th July ? 3rd August 2006 and 18th August ? 4th September 2006. Only one volunteer will participate in a given stage. The duties of the participants require involvement in all the research and other activities, including: - Boat surveys (guiding the boat, searching for dolphins, recording data, assisting with photo-id, etc.); - Land-based surveys (searching for dolphins, recording data, etc.); - Preliminary data analysis; - Equipment maintainance; - Household duties shared with all project participants (cooking, washing up, maintainance of the research center); - Public awareness activities. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to make a positive contribution to our research and to gain knowledge and experience in marine mammal research and conservation. Food and accommodation Volunteers will be accommodated in Morigenos' research center (sleeping, cooking and working facility). There is no fee for the position, however volunteers must contribute to the food expenses (5 EUR per day) and they must arrange their own travel to and from Morigenos base. Applications Successful applicants should fullfill the following conditions: - At least a BSc in environmental science (biology, veterine, geography, etc.); - Previous experience in cetacean research in the wild; - Some experience in data analysis; - Boat leader's license; - Some experience in handling a small (6 m) boat; - Fluent English; - Being able to swim; - Being able to tolerate the summer heat (several hours on the boat) and be in moderate physical condition; - Being adaptable and having a team spirit; - Having a positive attitude towards environment and living beings; - Being able to work in an international group of people. Please send your short CV to morigenos at morigenos.org, together with your main interests, field experience, preferred dates and possible questions. ********************************************* Tilen Genov Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia morigenos at morigenos.org www.morigenos.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jan.herrmann at cetacea.de Mon May 1 16:21:52 2006 From: jan.herrmann at cetacea.de (Jan Herrmann) Date: Tue, 2 May 2006 01:21:52 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications week 16 Message-ID: Dear all, here are some new publications of week 15 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Lev, E. (2006): Healing with animals in the Levant from the 10th to the 18th century. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2(11): . Natoli, A. et al. (2006): Phylogeography and alpha taxonomy of the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.). Journal of Evolutionary Biology 19(3): 943-954. Marcoux, M., H. Whitehead, and L. Rendell (2006): Coda vocalizations recorded in breeding areas are almost entirely produced by mature female sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Canadian Journal of Zoology 84(4): 609-614 . Borsa, P. (2006): Marine mammal strandings in the New Caledonia region, Southwest Pacific. Comptes rendus Biologies 329(4): 277-288. Popov, V.V. et al. (2006): Nonconstant quality of auditory filters in the porpoises, Phocoena phocoena and Neophocaena phocaenoides (Cetacea, Phocoenidae). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 119(5): 3173-3180. Finneran, J.J. and D.S. Houser (2006): Comparison of in-air evoked potential and underwater behavioral hearing thresholds in four bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 119(5): 3181-3192. PINNIPEDIA Boren, L.J. et al. (2006): Entanglement of New Zealand fur seals in man-made debris at Kaikoura, New Zealand. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(4): 442-446. Palo, J.U. and R. V?in?l? (2006): The enigma of the landlocked Baikal and Caspian seals addressed through phylogeny of phocine mitochondrial sequences. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 88(1): 61-72. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de From jan.herrmann at cetacea.de Tue May 2 00:32:44 2006 From: jan.herrmann at cetacea.de (Jan Herrmann) Date: Tue, 2 May 2006 09:32:44 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Contents: Marine Mammal Science Vol 22(2) Message-ID: Dear all, Marine Mammal Science Vol 22(2) has the following table of contents. By clicking the following link you are guided to Blackwell Synergy, where you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/toc/mms/22/2 Users of the Papyrus Bibliography System (for Mac and DOS/Windows) can download the references with abstracts and contact information from http://www.cetacea.de/mms. The Papyrus Bibliography System is now FREE: http://www.researchsoftwaredesign.com Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann ------ Marine Mammal Science Vol. 22(2) ------ Estes, J.A. 2006. From the editor. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 237-239. Teilmann, J. et al. 2006. Reactions of captive harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) to pinger-like sounds. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 240-260. Kaneko, H. and I.R. Lawler. 2006. Can near infrared spectroscopy be used to improve assessment of marine mammal diets via fecal analysis? Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 261-275. Parsons, K.M. et al. 2006. Population genetic structure of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the northern Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 276-298. Woodward, B.L. et al. 2006. Experimental modeling of large whale entanglement injuries. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 299-310. Beentjes, M.P. 2006. Behavioral thermoregulation of the New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri). Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 311-325. Aurioles, D., P.L. Koch, and B.J. Le Boeuf. 2006. Differences in foraging location of Mexican and California elephant seals: Evidence from stable isotopes in pups. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 326-338. Jemison, L.A. et al. 2006. Long-term trends in harbor seal numbers at Tugidak Island and Nanvak Bay, Alaska. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 339-360. Ireland, D. et al. 2006. Development and application of a mass-estimation method for Weddell seals. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 361-378. Carlens, H. et al. 2006. Spring haul-out behavior of ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 379-393. Krafft, B.A. et al. 2006. Abundance of ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in the fjords of Spitsbergen, Svalbard, during the peak molting period. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 394-412. Marino, L. et al. 2006. Does diving limit brain size in cetaceans? Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 413-425. Keller, C.A. et al. 2006. North Atlantic right whale distribution in relation to sea-surface temperature in the southeastern United States calving grounds. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 426-445. Barlow, J. 2006. Cetacean abundance in Hawaiian waters estimated from a summer/fall survey in 2002. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 446-464. NOTES Goldstein, T. et al. 2006. Molecular identification of a novel gamma herpesvirus in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 465-471. Laist, D.W. and C. Shaw. 2006. Preliminary evidence that boat speed restrictions reduce deaths of Florida manatees. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 472-479. Smith, R.J., T.M. Cox, and A.J. Westgate. 2006. Movements of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina mellonae) in Lacs des Loups Marins, Quebec. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 480-485. Towell, R.G., R.R. Ream, and A.E. York. 2006. Decline in northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) pup production on the Pribilof Islands. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 486-491. LETTERS McCowan, B. 2006. LETTERS: Are bubblestream whistles unrepresentative of bottlenose dolphin whistle repertoires? Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 492-495. Fripp, D. 2006. LETTERS: Bubblestream whistles are not representative of bottlenose dolphin whistle repertoires: Reply to McCowan. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 496-501. MISCELLANOUS Anon. 2006. ERRATUM: In "Declines in harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) numbers in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, 1992-2002," by Elizabeth A. Mathews and Grey W. Pendleton, published in Marine Mammal Science 22:167-189, the cumulative change for JHI glacial ford 1992-1999 (Table 2, Row 1) was misstated. The correct value is -39%, not 39%. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 502. Anon. 2006. Guide for authors. Marine Mammal Science 22(2): 503-506. -- Jan Herrmann Vorlesungsreihe Wal und Mensch +----> http://www.cetacea.de From michael.lueck at aut.ac.nz Mon May 1 15:52:01 2006 From: michael.lueck at aut.ac.nz (Michael Luck) Date: Tue, 02 May 2006 10:52:01 +1200 Subject: [MARMAM] Call for Papers for Polar Tourism Special Issue Message-ID: Greetings MARMAMers please reply diretcly to the guest editors, Pat Maher and Emma Stewart! Cheers micha Call for Papers Tourism in Marine Environments Special Issue: "Polar Tourism: Realities and Possibilities" Special Issue Editors: Patrick Maher (University of Northern British Columbia, Canada) and Emma Stewart (University of Calgary, Canada) Email: maherp at unbc.ca; ejstewar at ucalgary.ca Tourism in Marine Environments (TIME) is a refereed, interdisciplinary journal that provides a forum for tourism topics specifically related to tourism management issues in marine settings. This Special Issue will provide research that focuses upon tourism in the Polar Regions. Such a Special Issue is especially poignant given that 2007/2008 is the International Polar Year, and what better time to examine the current realities and possibilities of tourism in the Arctic and Antarctic. Since the early 1990's, and especially following the millennium, there have been many significant changes in polar tourism (i.e. diversification amongst products available, increasing tourist numbers, increasing local involvement and recognition of the importance of local involvement, changes in policy and governance). These changes are in addition to ongoing issues such as cumulative environmental and social impacts, provision of education and awareness for tourists (creating ambassadors), increasing vessel sizes and numbers within the cruise sector, and changing climate patterns that affect actual travel as well as the industry. Submissions based on empirical research will be favoured over descriptive or review papers, but submissions on any polar tourism related topics are welcome. Submission, Format and Timeline * Interested authors should submit abstracts (200-300 words) by June 15, 2006. Abstracts should be submitted by email to Pat Maher, in the first instance, but also copied to Emma Stewart. These submissions should be sent as attachments in MS Word Format. * Authors will be notified by July 1, 2006 whether their proposed article is suitable for the Special Issue. * Full articles (approximately 5,000 - 7,000 words) have to be submitted by August 31, 2006, and should follow the format guidelines provided on the TIME website: http://www.cognizantcommunication.com/filecabinet/Tme/tme.html * All writers are required to follow the 2001 Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: Fifth Edition. * Full articles should be submitted by email to Pat Maher, in the first instance, but also copied to Emma Stewart. These submissions should be sent as attachments in MS Word Format with any graphics (figures, photographs) in .tif format. * Articles will undergo blind review by at least two reviewers. * Articles will be returned to the corresponding author by October 31, 2006, and if changes should be required, the deadline for revised articles will be December 31, 2006. * The anticipated date for publication of the Special Issue is June 2007 - Volume 4 (1). *************************************************************************** Michael L?ck, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer School of Hospitality and Tourism Faculty of Applied Humanities AUT University Private Bag 92006 Auckland, New Zealand e-mail: michael.lueck at aut.ac.nz Phone: +64 9-921-9999 ext. 5833 Fax: +64 9-921 9975 *************************************************************************** Member of the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute NZTRI http://www.tri.org.nz *************************************************************************** Editor-in-Chief: Tourism in Marine Environments http://www.cognizantcommunication.com/filecabinet/Tme/tme.html *************************************************************************** Associate Editor: Journal of Ecotourism http://www.channelviewpublications.com/multi/journals/journals_je.asp?TAG=&CID= *************************************************************************** From omar at ims.udsm.ac.tz Tue May 2 02:02:47 2006 From: omar at ims.udsm.ac.tz (Omar A. Amir,) Date: Tue, 2 May 2006 12:02:47 +0300 (EAT) Subject: [MARMAM] Mass stranding leaves dolphins dying in Zanzibar (29 April 2006) Message-ID: <63376.196.43.94.4.1146560567.squirrel@www.ims.udsm.ac.tz> Dear all, Dozens of dolphins beached off the coast of Florida are being treated for dehydration and stress, officials said on Friday, but several of the animals have already died. Hundreds of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) strayed into shallow waters off the northwest coast of Zanzibar island on Thursday afternoon. About 600 of the animals then became stranded in water just few centimetres deep and died later. It was not immediately clear what caused these dolphins to strand. When I got the news next morning, I went to the site and collect some samples from the dead dolphins. I dissected about 65 dolphins and all had empty stomachs and some gastrointestinal worms. Normally this species inhabit deep waters around Zanzibar. I checked the body of the animals and they were looking healthy. I would very much appreciate if you share some views on the possible cause of this mass stranding. Regards, Omar -- Omar A. Amir, M.Sc. Marine Mammal Research and Education Group, Institute of Marine Sciences, P. O. Box 668, Zanzibar - Tanzania From serdar at ims.metu.edu.tr Wed May 3 02:01:39 2006 From: serdar at ims.metu.edu.tr (Serdar Sakinan) Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 12:01:39 +0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Volunteers are needed for Northern Cyprus Monk Seal Survey Message-ID: <200605030911.k439B9IA031288@erdemli.ims.metu.edu.tr> Volunteers are needed for Northern Cyprus Monk Seal Survey The marine conservation of the Middle East Technical University - Institute of Marine Science is looking for volunteers to help with the Northern Cyprus monk seal survey project. Volunteer positions are available for the field work in July 2006. The team is going to cruise from Turkey to Cyprus with the 16m research vessel (RV LAMAS) and survey more than 100 nautical miles coast line on the Northern Cyprus coasts. The answers of following questions are aimed to be revealed. 1. Is there a reproductive resident seal colony on the Cyprus coast? 2. If so, where are the most important seal habitats and what is the level of disturbance? 3. Are there seal movements between Cyprus and Anatolian coast? Although there are sightings from the coast of Northern Cyprus, there is no scientific study on the seal inhabiting there. The theoretical analysis indicates that existence a small colony with 8 individuals on the Cyprus coast, and further protection will increase the low survival probability of Mediterranean monk seal in the Eastern Mediterranean. Therefore, either to fill the scientific gap on the species or to get effective results from the conservation efforts, it is critically important to determine the seal population inhabiting the Northern Cyprus coasts and their relations with the colony on the Turkish coast. Types of activities are: * Backing the team during underwater cave survey (free diving) * Identifying and photographing the suitable caves. * Trailing the seals tracks. * Installation of the infra-red monitors. * Observation from the research vessel during the cruise and shooting (Nikon D70 80-400mm and Sony Video Camera). * Recording the human disturbance. * Visiting fishing ports and diving associations to collect and compile sightings from fishermen and local divers.. * Informing locals and tourists on MMS and its conservation. Qualifications: Biologists or Biology students are preferred. Skin diving, computer skills are required. Volunteers must be able to work everyday with long hours. Lang.: English and Turkish Applicants should enclose a short CV underlining qualifications and skills useful to the project. (Please indicate gender) The volunteers shall meet the team at Girne (Kyrenia) harbor at a date that will be specified later. Volunteers are expected to contribute food and cleaning expenses during their stay. No additional fee is asked. The accommodation will be onboard. Contact: E mail: contact at ecocilicia.org For further details about cruise and the project team, please visit the http://www.ecocilicia.org/ Serdar SAKINAN serdar at ims.metu.edu.tr METU - Institute of Marine Science -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From curland at earthlink.net Tue May 2 10:07:35 2006 From: curland at earthlink.net (Jim Curland) Date: Tue, 02 May 2006 10:07:35 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Job Announcement-Defenders of Wildlife Marine Program Assistant (P/T-Temporary) Message-ID: <445791D7.4050800@earthlink.net> Defenders of Wildlife Marine Program Assistant (P/T - temporary) Summer 2006 Defenders of Wildlife, a leading conservation organization with over 480,000 members and supporters, is hiring a paid temporary part-time assistant to work with the California Marine Program Associate in coordinating and participating with the activities surrounding the 2006 Sea Otter Awareness Week, September 24-October 1. Our Sea Otter Awareness Week focuses on the sea otter and its role as a keystone species and indicator species for the nearshore marine environment in which it resides. Description: The assistant will work with the Marine Program Associate to set-up local and national events surrounding Sea Otter Awareness Week, as well as a variety of miscellaneous administrative tasks related to organizing the week. The assistant will be working with local and national marine institutions (aquariums, zoos, research facilities, etc.) to assist in setting up both local and national celebrations/events focusing on public awareness of sea otters. Some travel within California will be necessary (Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and other areas). In addition, the assistant will work with the Marine Program Associate to get California coastal mayors to adopt, by proclamation, Sea Otter Awareness Week as an official week of recognition. Finally, the assistant will work with the Marine Program Associate to conduct outreach to the Latino communities throughout California. We will provide a salary of $10/hour for three months (July-September). Interested candidates must be able to make a 3-month commitment. All out of pocket expenses (i.e, phone, travel, etc.) will be covered. Required Qualifications: ? The assistant will be expected to work 20-25 hours per week out of his/her home, with supervision from Defenders of Wildlife's marine program office in Moss Landing, CA. The assistant must be based in the Monterey Bay area or be able to find temporary housing in the Monterey Bay Area. ? Strong writing, communication and organizational skills. ? High level of proficiency with various computer programs, including word processing and Internet browser software. ? Successful candidate will provide his/her own workspace, transportation, phone, computer and printer. Office supplies will be provided by Defenders of Wildlife. ? Ability to work independently. ? Strong interest in and commitment to wildlife and marine conservation. Desired Qualifications: ? Ability to speak and understand Spanish. ? Previous experience with event coordination. How To Apply: Applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to: Defenders of Wildlife Attn: Jim Curland Sea Otter Awareness Week Marine Program Assistant Search P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA 95039 FAX: (831) 726-9010 jcurland at defenders.org Please save resources and email your application. DEADLINE: May 31, 2006 -- Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010 (phone) 831-726-9020 (fax) Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Defenders' Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Defenders' Sea Otter Teaching Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Defenders' Marine Program Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Defenders' California Marine Program Page) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 15117 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Alan.Huff at MyFWC.com Wed May 3 07:15:37 2006 From: Alan.Huff at MyFWC.com (Huff, Alan) Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 10:15:37 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Job Opportunity - Leadership Position for State of Florida Marine Mammal Research Program - Extended to May 12. Message-ID: Agency Name:? FWC - Fish and Wildlife Cons Comm Description: OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: Program Administrator FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION - FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Closing Date: May 12, 2006 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, FL County: Pinellas County POSITION #:???????071320 HIRING RATE:???? $55,046 -? $60,000?annually, depending on qualifications DIVISION:?????????Fish and Wildlife Research Institute SECTION:??????????Wildlife Research SUBSECTION:???? Marine Mammal Research ?TO APPLY State of Florida Application forms are being accepted through the closing date at the People First web site: https://jobs.myflorida.com/index.html JOB DESCRIPTION Direct and supervise the?scientific activities of the state-wide marine mammal research program and supervise assigned staff.? Participate in the development of long-term goals and strategies for the program in conjunction with state and federal managers. Recommend cooperative research programs with other governmental agencies and private labs. Oversee program research and design and ensure timely and quality publications.? Develop and monitor the program budget ensuring expenditures do not exceed the spending authority.? Assist in the preparation of legislative budget requests and budget amendments.? Represent Florida and the FWC at conferences and serve on related committees at the state, federal and regional level, as assigned.? REQUIRED, ENTRY LEVEL, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: the terminology, principles, procedures?and techniques used in scientific research, analysis or testing,?program management, budgeting, supervision, and in wildlife?research and management.? Skill in: ?written and verbal communications and in the use of personal computers and associated software.? Ability to: manage research programs effectively, establish and maintain effective professional relationships, assess budgetary needs, resolve problems and travel.? ? MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in one of the physical or natural sciences plus 5 years of professional experience in one of the physical or natural sciences, two years which must have been supervisory;?OR a master's degree as described above plus fours years of professional experience, two years of which must have?been supervisory; or a doctorate from an accredited college or university as described above plus two years professional supervisory experience as described above.? Experience with state and federal agencies (preferably in environmental matters) and?demonstrable leadership experience required. ? Certain veterans and spouses of veterans receive preference in employment by the state as provided by Chapter 295, F.S. and are encourage to apply. FWC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA employer. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application/selection process, please contact the hiring authority in advance. Alan Huff, Program Administrator FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 896-8626 SC 523-20126 www.floridamarine.org From info at m-e-e-r.de Wed May 3 02:42:43 2006 From: info at m-e-e-r.de (info at m-e-e-r.de) Date: Wed, 03 May 2006 11:42:43 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] M.E.E.R. field course, autumn 2006 Message-ID: <44587B13.1010809@m-e-e-r.de> ------ Dear Marmamers! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: "Assisting in field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera" from 15-29 October 2006 The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 21 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: the theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification and others. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt", which is granted since 1987 by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project "realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way". For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit http://www.m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208&L=2 One course is offered during the 2006 autumn field season: 15-29 October 2006. The price is 875.- ? including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) Early bookings are accepted until 31 June 2006 at a price of 814.- ? For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to newsletter at m-e-e-r.de _____________________________________ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the "Deutsche Umwelthilfe" (Radolfzell/Germany) "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine" (Munich/Germany), " and the "Club de Mar" (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _____________________________________________ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. & Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. & Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. (2006): The Year of the Whale - Extraorbinary occurrence of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) off La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the 20th Annual Conference of the ECS in Gdynia, April 2006. -- _________________________ Fabian Ritter MEER e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin TEL/FAX: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-mail: info at m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _________________________ "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and had no major answers they wished to know the question to." (after Douglas Adams) From gabbytica at gmail.com Thu May 4 09:01:18 2006 From: gabbytica at gmail.com (Gabriela Hernandez) Date: Thu, 4 May 2006 18:01:18 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Brucella positive control serum needed Message-ID: <38358aa30605040901h7e0d255ci34aa3f43ce18845d@mail.gmail.com> Hi, My name is Gabriela Hernandez, I am student of Veterinary Medicine in Costa Rica at Universidad Nacional (UNA) I am making my thesis related to Brucella spp. in doplhins, we are developing and ELISA for these deseasse as part of the Program of Investigation of tropical deseasses (PIET), I need a positive control serum from doplhin that have show to be positive for brucella spp, to compare with the results that we have been working here. I really appreciate if someone can help me with these serum. Let me know any question or information about it, at gabbytica at gmail.com. Thanks. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From GBUCK at crs.loc.gov Fri May 5 05:00:20 2006 From: GBUCK at crs.loc.gov (Gene Buck) Date: Fri, 05 May 2006 08:00:20 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Position: CRS, Analyst in Marine and Coastal Resources Management Message-ID: Colleagues: In anticipation of my retirement in 5 or so years, CRS has posted a position opening in "marine and coastal resources management." The individual hired under this posting will work on policy analysis for the U.S. Congress, including marine mammal policy, with me until I retire. The position can be found on CRS's employment page, under Environmental and Natural Resources Policy, at: http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo/ This page also has links to background about CRS, etc. Closing date on this posting in May 31, 2006. Please pass this along to whomever might be interested. I'd be glad to answer any questions about CRS or this position ... just drop me an e-mail. Gene Buck, Specialist in Natural Resources Policy Congressional Research Service gbuck at crs.loc.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From salherra at ono.com Fri May 5 04:12:24 2006 From: salherra at ono.com (=?ISO-8859-15?Q?Salvador=20Herrando=2DP=E9rez?=) Date: Fri, 5 May 2006 12:12:24 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Leatherwoods' PhD Thesis (access?) In-Reply-To: <443394B60000DC5E@resmta04.ono.com> Message-ID: <444FE46800007372@resmta03.ono.com> Dear colleagues, I am a member of the Omacha Foundation in Colombia, we are preparing a couple of papers on Sotalia fluviatilis data from the Colombian Amazon for the Rio de Janeiro Workshop in June 2006. I would appreciate if any or you could (if available) provide me with, or direct me to some kind of access to, a pdf copy of Steve Leatherwood's PhD thesis (see reference below). Kindest regards, Salva Leatherwood, S. 1996. Distributional ecologyand conservation status of river dolphin(Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis)in portions of the Peruvian Amazon.PhD. Thesis. Texas A&M University, 233pp. Salvador Herrando-P?rez, Bi?logo acu?tico, BSc. MPhil. FUNDACI?N OMACHA, Associated Researcher (www.omacha.org) DIRECCIONES POSTALES / POSTAL ADDRESSES: C/ Padre Jofre 19, piso 3, pta 7, 12006 Castell?n de la Plana, ESPA?A Fundaci?n Omacha, Diagonal 86? # 30-38. Barrio El Polo, Bogot?, COLOMBIA PARA CONTACTAR / CONTACT INFORMATION salherra at ono.com / salvador at omacha.org / salherra68 at yahoo.es (mensajes/messages> 5 Mb) Tel?fonos, Espa?a: +34 964036814 / +34 657787340 Tel?fono, Colombia: +571 2362686 Ahora estoy en Espa?a... / I am currently in Spain... From ffkmw at uaf.edu Fri May 5 12:00:01 2006 From: ffkmw at uaf.edu (Kate Wynne) Date: Fri, 5 May 2006 11:00:01 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Pinniped post-doc position, Kodiak Alaska Message-ID: <008201c67076$1f28d7a0$6901a8c0@Wynne> Position Announcement Post-doctoral Fellow: Pinniped Foraging Ecology Gulf Apex Predator-prey Study Application Review Begins: Monday,14 May 2006 For further information, please contact: Kate Wynne E-mail: ffkmw at uaf.edu -------------------------------------- The Gulf Apex Predator-prey Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic person for a post-doctoral fellowship focused on the foraging ecology of pinnipeds in the western Gulf of Alaska. The position is based in Kodiak, Alaska at the University of Alaska's Fishery Industrial Technology Center. This individual will join a multi-disciplinary team studying apex predator-prey interactions in Kodiak Island waters. The successful candidate will assist in the a) analysis and synthesis of existing pinniped diet data in the context of related prey and foraging data, b) development of trophodynamic models, and c) preparation and publication of research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, reports, and proposals. This person will also be responsible for designing and implementing a short-term study of Steller sea lion pup weaning ontogeny and may be asked to assist in the collection of cetacean photos and samples on inter-related research projects. The candidate must be willing to work in the field and at sea in potentially inclement conditions, perform occasional heavy lifting, and travel by boat or plane in remote settings. Applicants are required to have marine mammal research experience with a focus on pinniped population dynamics, foraging ecology, and/or energetics. Candidate should also have a strong interest- and preferably experience- in modeling predator-prey systems and trophodynamics in marine ecosystems. The successful applicant will be expected to work independently but in collaboration with a team of interdisciplinary researchers. The ideal applicant will be organized, self motivated, independent, and have strong writing and communication skills. A proven ability to produce tangible and/or publishable results from significant or difficult tasks is desirable. This position is for 12 months commencing early summer 2006 with potential for extension, contingent on additional funding. The position is open until filled. To apply, please send electronically your curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, how you think you would fit into the organization, your professional experience, and the names of three references with contact information to: Kate Wynne Associate Professor University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences 118 Trident Way Kodiak, AK 99615 (907) 486-1517 ffkmw at uaf.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From bruno_daz2000 at yahoo.es Sun May 7 05:53:30 2006 From: bruno_daz2000 at yahoo.es (Bruno Diaz) Date: Sun, 7 May 2006 05:53:30 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] New paper about Bottlenose Dolphins and fish farms Message-ID: <20060507125330.44519.qmail@web86803.mail.ukl.yahoo.com> Dear All, The following paper is now available. PDF reprints are available upon request (contact email: B_D_R_I at yahoo.com) THE IMPACT OF A FISH FARM ON A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. Bruno D?az L?pez, Luca Marini & Federico Polo. Thalassas, An international Journal of marine sciences. Vol 21 (2), 2005. ABSTRACT The increasing presence of aquaculture in coastal waters calls for a better understanding of its environmental effects. Despite a number of studies focusing on the impact of aquaculture on marine mammals, the interaction between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with fish farms has been the subject of few investigations. In this paper we report the results of our research on the interaction between bottlenose dolphins with a fish farm on the Sardinian coast (Italy) from 1991 to 2004. We divided the study area latitudinally into two sections: southern (Gulf of Olbia) and northern (Gulf of Congianus). In the southern section in November 1995 the plant of a small fish farm was completely increased and transformed. Data were pooled into two periods (1991 to 1994 and 1999 to 2004). All years but 2003 were sampled. During the first and second research periods the same land-based searches were conducted under fair to excellent weather conditions. A total of 255 sightings were carried out in over 1320 hours of research of dolphins: in the first period 52 sightings were recorded in 517 hours of research, in the second period 203 sightings were realized in 803 hours of research. The presence of bottlenose dolphins changed dramatically between the two research periods. Observations of dolphins indicate that they are mainly present in the southern area during the second period. The preference for the southern section seemed to be consistent after the transformation of the fish farm, since 1995. Keywords: bottlenose dolphins, aquaculture, fish farm, marine mammals, Sardinian coast Best regards, Bruno D?az L?pez Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I B_D_R_I at yahoo.com V.Diaz 4 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy tel: 00 39 346 0815414 --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates. --------------------------------- Get amazing travel prices for air and hotel in one click on Yahoo! FareChase -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From fjmc-rp at jointsec.nt.ca Fri May 5 13:53:44 2006 From: fjmc-rp at jointsec.nt.ca (Andrea Hoyt) Date: Fri, 5 May 2006 14:53:44 -0600 Subject: [MARMAM] Announcement: Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum - MAY 15 REGISTRATION DEADLINE Message-ID: <9404C74B352B5546B8569AAD1A02DAC8271B82@iqalukpik.jsdomain.jointsec.nt.ca> Good day everyone, We're coming up on the registration deadline for Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum, which will be held in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, Canada - on the coast of the spectacular Beaufort Sea! The theme of the Youth Forum is Change and Sustainability in Arctic Coastal Communities and we're inviting all youth (age 15-29) to come and share their knowledge and enthusiasm on topics relating to change and sustainability. For more information, check out our website at http://www.czc06.ca/e/youth.html. On the website, you will find the registration form, some info on the schedule, and a bit of background information on Tuktoyaktuk and the Coastal Zone Canada Association and biennial conference series. Please pass on this note to any youth you think might be interested in participating. Registrations are due by May 15, 2006. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at Youth.Forum at czc06.ca. Thanks in advance, Andrea Calling all Youth! Re: Invitation to Attend Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT We would like to invite you to participate in the Coastal Zone Canada Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk, in Canada's Western Arctic, August 11-14, 2006. If you're between the ages of 15 and 29, and interested in the environment and change, Tuktoyaktuk NWT is where you'll want to be this summer! The Youth Forum in Tuktoyaktuk will be an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about new and emerging ways to manage and adapt to coastal change. The theme of this year's conference is "change and sustainability in Arctic coastal communities" and Participants will be considering how livelihoods depend on the coast, from research, to hunting and fishing, to shipping and travel routes. We will look at how coastal residents can better adjust to changing times and conditions. We are confident that the Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum will provide many opportunities to learn and share with other youth from the Arctic and the rest of the world. Enclosed is some information about the Youth Forum, which may answer some questions you may have about the Forum. If you would like more information, don't hesitate to contact me at Youth.Forum at czc06.ca, or by replying to this letter at the address above. See you in Tuktoyaktuk! Yours truly, ________________________________________________ Andrea J. Hoyt Co-chair, Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Youth Forum c/o Fisheries Joint Management Committee Box 2120 Inuvik, Northwest Territories X0E 0T0 Tel: (867) 777-2828, ext. 235 Fax: (867) 777-2610 E-mail: Youth.Forum at czc06.ca http://www.czc06.ca/e/youth.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From james.finneran at navy.mil Mon May 8 09:06:07 2006 From: james.finneran at navy.mil (Finneran, James SPAWAR) Date: Mon, 8 May 2006 09:06:07 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Postdoctoral position in Marine Bioacoustics Message-ID: <872277038D43034596D1C7554EC4FB2103AA9508@NAWESPSCEX05VA.nadsuswe.nads.navy.mil> The NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Award for research in Bioacoustics at the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, CA The NRC will offer a postdoctoral research award for research to be conducted at the US Navy Marine Mammal Program in the investigation of the hearing abilities of and effects of sound on marine animals. This research involves conducting behavioral and electrophysiological measurements of hearing sensitivity, measuring noise-induced temporary threshold shifts, and developing acoustic impact criteria and safe exposure guidelines for marine animals. Qualified applicants should have a Ph.D. in acoustics, engineering, physics, experimental psychology (specializing in psycho-acoustics), or biology with a strong background in mathematics. ELIGIBILITY: US citizenship with PhD earned no more than 5 years as of date of application STIPEND: $52,500 per year PROVISIONS: Relocation, professional travel, and health insurance DURATION: One year renewable up to three years maximum Interested individuals are encouraged to contact: Dr. James J. Finneran, U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Code 2351 53560 Hull St., San Diego, CA 92152-5001 Phone: 619-767-4098, Fax: 619-553-0899, E-mail: james.finneran at navy.mil Detailed program information, including information on how to apply, is available on the NRC Web site at: http://www.national-academies.org/rap Questions should be directed to the NRC at 202-334-2760 or rap at nas.edu From jan.herrmann at cetacea.de Tue May 9 01:01:37 2006 From: jan.herrmann at cetacea.de (Jan Herrmann) Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 10:01:37 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications week 17 Message-ID: Dear all, here are some new publications of week 17 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Hung, C.L. et al. (2006): An assessment of the risks associated with polychlorinated biphenyls found in the stomach contents of stranded Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from Hong Kong waters. Chemosphere 63(5): 845-852. Nelson, M.E. and M.A. Maciver (2006): Sensory acquisition in active sensing systems. Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology 192(6): 573-586. Mancia, A. et al. (2006): The Immunoglobulin G Heavy Chain (IGHG) genes of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 144(1): 38-46. Munn, C.B. (2006): Viruses as pathogens of marine organisms-from bacteria to whales. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 86(3): 453-467. PINNIPEDIA Kuiken, T. et al. (2006): The 2000 Canine Distemper Epidemic in Caspian Seals (Phoca caspica): Pathology and Analysis of Contributory Factors. Veterinary Pathology 43(3): 321-338. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Bowen, L. et al. (2006): Expressed MHC class II genes in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from geographically disparate populations. Tissue Antigens 67(5): 402-408. Kenny, D.E. and C. Bickel (2005): Growth and development of Polar bear Ursus maritimus cubs at Denver Zoological Gardens. International Zoo Yearbook 39(1): 205-214. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de From karczmal at tamug.edu Tue May 9 12:14:22 2006 From: karczmal at tamug.edu (Leszek Karczmarski) Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 14:14:22 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Summer field course -- Delphinid and Sirenian Field Studies in Belize Message-ID: Summer Field Course: Delphinid and Sirenian Field Studies in Belize For those interested in delphinid and sirenian field research experience this summer, please see the web-links listed below. We have still two places available for the first session, June 15-26, 2006. Check out the following websites: a. Detailed Course Description: http://www.tamug.edu/mmrp/Postdoctoral/Leszek/LK%20PDFs/Belize%20HPF%20marine%20mammal%20course%20.pdf b. 1-Page Course Flyer: http://www.tamug.edu/mmrp/Postdoctoral/Leszek/LK%20PDFs/Belize%20Flyer.pdf c. Registration Form: http://www.tamug.edu/mmrp/Postdoctoral/Leszek/LK%20PDFs/Belize%20Registration%20Form%20PDF.pdf For further details contact either L. Karczmarski or C. Self-Sullivan Dr. Leszek Karczmarski E-mail: karczmal at tamug.edu Caryn Self Sullivan, Ph.D. Candidate Email: caryn at sirenian.org Tel: (540) 287-8207 To sign up for the course, contact: Caryn Self-Sullivan Email: caryn at sirenian.org Course Summary The course will provide an overview of population ecology, behavior, and conservation biology of cetaceans and sirenians, and will focus on field and laboratory research techniques used in studies of these marine mammals. Classes will include review of recent scientific literature, and open discussion on current issues in behavioral, population, and conservation ecology. Emphasis will be given to hands-on practical experience in data collection and analyses, especially in behavioral and ecological research, such as photo-ID mark-recapture techniques, population assessment, behavioral sampling, genetic research, etc. Students will participate in boat-based research surveys investigating population ecology and social dynamics of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and conservation biology of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Drowned Cayes area, central Belize. The course will last 10 days, and - weather permitting - we are going to be on the water at least during five or six of these days. Students will actively participate in data collection and analyses as part of an ongoing research. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in delphinid and sirenian field research in a unique tropical habitat of central Belize. All classes will be in a form of either (a) lectures that will lead to more "informal" discussion, hopefully ending with a constructive brain-storming on a specific topic, or (b) instructions with hands-on practical component, especially when it involves field techniques or analytical lab techniques. The course will be hosted by the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education (HPF) as a non-credit course. The lecture and lab hours are equivalent of a 4-credit academic course, and, when applicable, credits might be issued by the participating student's own university. In such a case a written assignment will be to follow by e-mail within six weeks of the completion of the course. Location The courses will take place at a unique field location, Spanish Lookout Caye (SLC), a small (184-acre) tropical mangrove island formation off the coast of Belize. SLC is approximately 10 miles east of Belize City and less than 2 miles west of the Belize Barrier Reef -- the second largest barrier reef in the world. This is approximately 20 minutes by boat from Belize City. Spanish Lookout encompasses two of several mangrove islets within the Drowned Cayes range. The Drowned Cayes represent pristine mangrove habitat, surrounded by seagrass beds and coral patch reefs, within the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon system. SLC is privately owned, with approximately 10% of the island developed exclusively for the conservation and research center. We will be hosted at the facilities of Spanish Bay Conservation and Research Center (SBCRC), home to the Hugh Parkey Foundation for Marine Awareness & Education (HPF) . Both SBCRC and HPF are in partnership with (and supported by) Hugh Parkey's Belize Dive Connection, the largest commercial diving operator in Belize. From volunteer at cbmwc.org Tue May 9 07:00:16 2006 From: volunteer at cbmwc.org (CBMWC) Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 15:00:16 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED - BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED Message-ID: <003e01c67370$e8159de0$4001a8c0@cbmwcpc2> Apologise for cross-posting! BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PHOTO-ID VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED Volunteer positions have recently become available for the 2006 season. If you are interested in volunteering at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre in New Quay, West Wales, please contact Sarah Perry on volunteer at cbmwc.org. For more information please visit our website www.cbmwc.org. Our 2005 Bottlenose dolphin photo-identification catalogue can be found on our website, (http://www.cbmwc.org/current_res/photo-idcatalogue.htm). We are recruiting willing volunteers to assist with our ongoing research and education programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay, primarily the bottlenose dolphins (photo-identification), harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seals. Undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects can be supported with boat time and office space. Please contact us to discuss feasible projects email: info at cbmwc.org. We support non-invasive and non-disruptive research. Some of the skills volunteers will learn include: * Species identification skills * How to estimate group size * How to distinguish between adult, juvenile and calf bottlenose dolphins & harbour porpoise * How to assess key environmental factors and how to record this information * How to estimate distance from recording platform * How to analyse & catalogue photo-identification images of bottlenose dolphins * How photo-identification techniques help to monitor cetaceans * How to conduct land based watches and record marine mammal sightings and how to monitor boat activity * How to record and distinguish different behaviours As well as learning about the bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seals of Cardigan Bay. Volunteers will also: * Assist with boat based photo identification surveys. * Assist with collection of data on marine mammals & other wildlife in Cardigan Bay * Act as a marine mammal "lookout". * Educate passengers about the wildlife in Cardigan Bay. * Assist with other ongoing projects at our centre including opportunistic jellyfish surveys and sunfish surveys amongst others. * Help crew research vessel, Sulaire. * Assist with the day-to-day operation of our Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife visitor centre, including staffing the front desk, taking boat bookings and answering enquiries. * Advise visitors to the centre and the public about the Marine Wildlife in Cardigan Bay and the work that is being conducted. * Creation and regular updating of our website pages with sightings and other information. * Conduct land based surveys from New Quay in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council. * Record sightings information, update sightings boards in our centre and central database with information gained from our boat and land based research surveys. * Assist with analysis & cataloguing of photo identification of the bottlenose dolphins. Commitment for a minimum of 2 weeks is preferred. Accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx 45 - 50GBP per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. Local volunteers are always welcome to join us. For further information about the work we do please visit - www.cbmwc.org To apply: Please contact Sarah Perry by email at volunteer at cbmwc.org and include a copy of your CV detailing your background and relevant experience together with a covering letter indicating when and how long you are available to volunteer. Or alternatively post your application to: Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales (UK) Tel: +44 (0) 1545 560032/ (0) 7796135490 www.cbmwc.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parissayazdi at yahoo.de Wed May 10 11:17:46 2006 From: parissayazdi at yahoo.de (Parissa Yazdi) Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 20:17:46 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Dissertation Message-ID: <002201c6745e$0fa5cdb0$c421fe91@armadam700> Dear colleagues, I have finished my PhD thesis with the title: "Impact of tour boats on the behaviour and energetic of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Choros Island, Chile." The dissertation is written in german, but an english summary is included (see below). My thesis can be downloaded as pdf-file under: http://e-diss.uni-kiel.de/diss_1579/ Please send all requests to: mail at parissa-yazdi.de Yazdi, P. (2005): Einfluss der Tourismusboote auf das Verhalten und die Energetik der Gro?en T?mmler (Tursiops truncatus) vor der Insel Choros, Chile. Dissertation. Christian-Albrechts-Universit?t, Kiel. Summary: Watching whales and dolphins in their natural habitat has increased throughout the world. Since bottlenose dolphins are common in coastal regions, they are visited frequently by tour boats. Boats can affect the behaviour of dolphins. To what degree their presence changes the dolphins' energy budget was still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to examine how the activities and energetics of bottlenose dolphins are affected by boats. Furthermore, the focus was on the different reactions of dolphins to boats far away and nearby as well as on the dolphins' strategies to avoid boats. Observations were conducted in Chile off Choros Island in the summer months of 2000/2001. Swimming speeds and movements of the dolphins were recorded via theodolite tracking. The results of this study show that close boats (<100 m) affect the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins more strongly than boats further away (>100 m). Whereas dolphins reacted to distant boats in 44% (n=23) of observations, they responded to close boats 95% (n=82) of the time. Their activity budget did not change significantly with distant boats compared to controls. Close boats, however, induced a decrease of feeding (from 6% to 0%), resting (from 15% to 5%) and social behaviour (from 15% to 5%). The proportions of high-speed swimming (from 5% to 11%) and slow swimming (from 20% to 38%) increased. Close boats caused behavioural changes 3.5 times more often than controls. With a constant number of close boats, resting changed to diving and social behaviour to slow swimming (p<0.05). In addition, dolphins reacted with frequent speed changes: slow swimming changed to high-speed swimming and vice versa. As a result of an increasing number of boats in the proximity, the transitions of slow swimming to high-speed swimming and slow swimming to diving showed an increase. If the animals were diving, they most often maintained this activity. However, dive time decreased with the presence of close boats by 45% (without boats: = 108 s; with close boats: = 59 s), while the duration at the surface remained unchanged (without boats: = 35.8 s, with boats: = 39.0 s). Off Choros Island, all types of diving behaviour strongly associated with feeding constituted 53% of the controls. With close boats, however, these kinds of submergings were not observed. In the presence of close boats, dolphins were observed 6 times more frequently to leap (when swimming at the surface between dives) and 3.6 times more frequently to tail-slap (when swimming slowly) than under control conditions - an indication of disturbance. Bottlenose dolphins off Choros Island responded to close boats with evasive manoeuvres similar to techniques used for avoiding predators. They mostly showed horizontal avoidance in 37% (n=82) of the cases. This also includes weak reactions such as changes of movement patterns during slow swimming. In the absence of boats, dolphins swam slowly often in a zigzag-pattern (59%; n=27) usually within their preferred residence area. With boats, however, movements predominantly followed (71%; n=51) a direct path - most frequently to the west or northwest of Choros Island as boats always approached from the east. Primarily dolphins left their preferred residence area, when many boats stayed for a longer time in their surroundings. The number of close tour boats had a significant influence on the mean swim speed of the dolphins. With more than two close boats, animals swam approx. 37% faster (3-5 close boats: = 2.6 m s-1) than without close boats (without/ distant boats: = 1.9 m s-1). Without boats, dolphins swam long distances and straight at high speed. With boats the distances (without boats: = 842 m; with boats: = 501 m) and the durations (without boats: = 3.0 min; with boats: = 1.5 min) of the high-speed tracks were significantly shorter. There was a trend to movements in zigzag pattern. Here a second strategy of horizontal avoidance was displayed: escape. Bottlenose dolphins off Choros Island showed an increase of group dispersion or a tendency to split into subgroups, when exposed to more than two boats. Possibly group dispersion is a further avoidance strategy of dolphins: scattered emerging positions make movements more unpredictable. Furthermore, individuals or subgroups could follow different avoidance strategies, causing the splitting of a group. Diving as a vertical avoidance strategy constituted 16% of dolphin reactions (n=82) towards close boats. In 14% of the cases, there was a simultaneous occurrence of horizontal and vertical avoidance behaviour, for example when dolphins dove and swam westward, in order to leave the boat traffic area. That was mostly the case, when several boats stayed a long time in the proximity of the dolphins. Based on activity budget, average swim speeds, and leap frequencies of the bottlenose dolphins off Choros Island, an energy consumption of 2.93 W kg-1 was calculated. This corresponds to a daily energy demand of 50.6 MJ per dolphin with 200 kg body weight. Animals utilized 36% of their energy for the execution of their daily activities. A leap to a height of 9 m costs a dolphin 79.5 KJ, corresponds to approximately 0.25% of its daily resting metabolism. If the power of leaps is averaged over all group members, they constituted only 1% of the total energy consumption. With boats at close range, the mean power requirement of dolphins was around 15.4% higher than during controls. The quantifiable additional momentary costs amounted to 324 kJ per hour, which corresponds to the energy content of approximately 65 g fish. With close boats, dolphins used a third of their energy budget to avoid boats by swimming at high speed. Whether additional energetic costs could be induced by tour boats and which long-term consequences might have to be expected is discussed. In the light of these findings, recommendations for dolphin-watching guidelines are given. These contain among others the restriction of the number of boats in the proximity of dolphins (<100 m) to a maximum of two boats. Boats should keep a minimum distance of 30 meters or 50 meters, respectively, if bottlenose dolphins show resting or social behaviour. Guidelines would not only provide for the protection of the animals on a long-term basis, they would also increase the probability of satisfying encounters between tourists and these small cetaceans. Dr. Parissa Yazdi Marine Biologist ___________________________________________________________ Gesendet von Yahoo! Mail - Jetzt mit 1GB Speicher kostenlos - Hier anmelden: http://mail.yahoo.de From simotoby at hotmail.com Wed May 10 13:41:17 2006 From: simotoby at hotmail.com (Simona Sacchini) Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 20:41:17 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] cetaceans' placenta Message-ID: Hi all! My name is Simona and i'm a student at the last year of veterinary medicine at the faculty of Milan ( Italy ). I'm making my thesis about placenta in cetacenas, making use of NOS and TUNEL techniques. I'm working on two placentas of bottlenose dolphins ( and one of pinniped, too ). But i need more samples, and i've not much written material ( I found few information about placenta in cetaceans on books and internet ). Can anyone help? With everything you know about placenta in cetaceans ( most of all in bottlenose dolphins ). Istological images would be very usefull. I'd be very grateful if someone could help me. Thank you so much! Simona simotoby at hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Scarica gratuitamente MSN Toolbar! http://toolbar.msn.it/ From gwilliams at meriresearch.org Thu May 11 08:02:20 2006 From: gwilliams at meriresearch.org (Greg Williams) Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 11:02:20 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Education Internships, Blue Hill, Maine Message-ID: <000001c6750b$e7b49760$0701a8c0@Outreach> Please post the announcement below. Thank you. MERI Announces Marine Education Internships ? Summer 2006 The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), a nonprofit organization based in Blue Hill, Maine, is recruiting to fill three Marine Education Internships at the MERI Center for Marine Studies. These are full-time positions requiring a commitment of 12 weeks in Summer 2006. MERI, founded in 1990, is an organization in Blue Hill, Maine, dedicated to protecting the health and biodiversity of the marine environment. Current work includes community-based marine education programs operating out of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, and field research on the effects of pollution on marine mammals. MERI's education programs focus on marine life along the rocky Maine coast and promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science education or environmental education to gain practical experience in the field. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment and a commitment to the mission of the organization. Primary Job Responsibility: This position will involve working closely with senior Education Staff in key components of the MERI education program, including leading island ecology trips for children and adults, assisting with the day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, planning and implementing educational science materials for adult and child community programs, and managing MERI library and information clearinghouse files. Interns are also expected to complete an individual education project over the term and to produce, at minimum, a Summary Report on their topic. Job Description: * Assist with the implementation of educational programming, including educational Boat Cruises, MERI's Summer Day Camp, Ocean Story Hour, Ocean Video Night, and Ocean Aquarium Room programs * Assist with day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, including staffing the reception desk and the Ocean Room, and attending some weekend and evening programs and special events * Help maintain Ocean Room aquaria and touch tank, including collection of species for exhibit in the tanks * Work with Education Department staff and volunteers to reorganize and catalogue the Sea Lending Library * Compile background information, assist with production of Fact Sheets, Teaching Kits and informational materials as assigned and for an individual project subject area * Complete a Summary Report on an assigned individual project topic * Articulate and promote the MERI mission to the public * Perform other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required Reports to: Education Program Coordinator and Education Director Qualifications: Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree (Juniors and Seniors may also apply) in environmental education, marine sciences, biology, environmental sciences or a similar major. Applicants should also have teaching experience both in the classroom and in the field with multiple age levels, and should be able to work well independently and as part of a team. Good public speaking and writing skills are required. Applicants must be flexible, able to adapt to a changing work environment, and at times, be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Adobe Photoshop required. Photography, graphics, and GIS skills a definite plus. Must possess a valid drivers license and a good driving record. Knowledge of First Aid, CPR, and water safety is a plus. Time Requirements: June 12 - September 2 (12 weeks); Full-time (min. 40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by employee and Director. Compensation: Housing in Blue Hill and a stipend are provided. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses and food. Deadline: Until Filled To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit by email a letter of interest with your updated r?sum? and 3 references to: MERI Search Committee/Summer 2006 Education Internship education at meriresearch.org Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04616 Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931 Website: www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer Greg Williams Outreach Coordinator Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) Blue Hill, ME 04614 207-374-2135 ext. 16 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Wayne.Mcfee at noaa.gov Thu May 11 10:02:53 2006 From: Wayne.Mcfee at noaa.gov (wayne mcfee) Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 13:02:53 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Position Announcement Message-ID: <44636E3D.402@noaa.gov> I would like to request the following position announcement be posted on the list serve. Thank you. > POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT > > Position (contract): Biological Science Technician Location: National Ocean Service, Charleston, SC Start Date: September 5, 2006 > Per Hour: $15.75/hr. ($30,240pa, full benefits) Hours per week: 40 > > Position Description: The National Ocean Service, Charleston, SC is > accepting applications for a Biological Science Technician to perform > laboratory and field work in the Marine Mammal Strandings and Life > History Program. This is a one year contract position with the > potential for renewal. Laboratory and field duties include, but are > not limited to: 1) assisting in the retrieval and necropsy of dead > stranded marine mammals, 2) assisting in the archiving of marine > mammal tissues, 3) marine mammal skeletal preparation, 4) data entry > into existing marine mammal databases, and 5) educational/public > outreach. > > The candidate should have a B.S. degree in biology or marine science > from an accredited institution, be available to work weekends and > holidays to respond to marine mammal strandings, and be able to work > in adverse weather conditions. Good communication skills are a must. > Knowledge of boat operation and computers are required. Knowledge of > life history methods, such as reproductive analysis, and marine > mammal anatomy are preferred. > > Please fax a CV or resume to (843) 762-8700 (Attn. ? Wayne McFee) by > close of business (4:30pm EST), June 2, 2006. (wayne.mcfee at noaa.gov) -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wayne McFee - Research Wildlife Biologist Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research at Charleston (CCEHBR) NOAA/NOS/NCCOS 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412-9110 voice: (843) 762-8592 fax: (843)762-8700 e-mail: wayne.mcfee at noaa.gov From azerbini at u.washington.edu Thu May 11 19:41:27 2006 From: azerbini at u.washington.edu (Alexandre Zerbini) Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 19:41:27 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] new paper on satellite telemetry Message-ID: <4463F5D7.8020902@u.washington.edu> Dear Marmamers, The following paper has just been published: Zerbini, A.N., Andriolo, A., Heide-J?rgensen, M.A., Pizzorno, J.L., Maia, Y.G., VanBlaricom, G.R., DeMaster, D.P., Simoes-Lopes, P.C., Moreira, S. and Bethlem, C. 2006. Movements of satellite monitored humpback whales (_Megaptera_novaeangliae_) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 313: 295-304. Abstract: Southern Hemisphere humpback whales _Megaptera_novaeangliae_ migrate from wintering grounds in tropical latitudes to feeding areas in the Antarctic Ocean. It has been hypothesized that the population wintering off eastern South America migrates to feeding grounds near the Antarctic Peninsula(ca. 65? S, 60? W) and/or South Georgia (54? 20? S, 36? 40? W), but direct evidence to support this has never been presented. Between19 and 28 October 2003, 11 humpback whales (7 females and 4 males) were instrumented with satellite transmitters off Brazil (ca. 18? 30? S, 39? 30? W) to investigate their movements and migratory destinations. Mean tracking time for the whales was 39.6 d (range = 5 to 205 d) and mean distance travelled was 1673 km per whale (range = 60 to 7258 km). Movements on the wintering ground showed marked individual variation. Departure dates from the Brazilian coast ranged from late October to late December. Whales migrated south through oceanic waters at an average headingof 170? and travelled a relatively direct, linear path from wintering to feeding grounds. Two whales were tracked to feeding grounds in offshore areas near South Georgia and in the South Sandwich Islands (58? S, 26? W) after a 40 to 60 d long migration. Historical catches and current sighting information support these migratory routes and destinations. This study is the first to describe the movements of humpback whales in the western South Atlantic Ocean. A pdf can be downloaded from the Marine Ecology Progress Series website or requested via email to -- Alexandre N Zerbini Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences University of Washington Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98195-5020, USA phone: (206) 221-5453 email: azerbini at u.washington.edu From biomario at gmail.com Thu May 11 18:06:46 2006 From: biomario at gmail.com (Mario A. Pardo) Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 20:06:46 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Cetacean dentification course Message-ID: Hi, Thank you very much for your help. These are the genral characteristics of the course (in spanish because the place and the people who may be interested, but in english too). T?tulo: Curso de Identificaci?n de Cet?ceos: ?nfasis en las especies del Caribe Colombiano Instituci?n que avala: Fundaci?n Omacha Lugar: Oficina de la unidad de Parques Nacionales. Calle 17 con 4ta. Santa Marta, Colombia. Fecha: Viernes 19 y S?bado 20 de mayo de 2006. Costo: $30.000 (pesos colombianos) Contenido general: taxonom?a del orden Cetacea, caracter?sticas generales de las especies, historia natural, ejercicios de identificaci?n. Dictado por: Mario A. Pardo. Bi?logo Marino. UJTL. *And in english (just in case):* Title: Cetaceans Identification Course : emphasis in the species of the Colombian Caribbean. Institution that guarantees: Omacha foundation Place: Office of the National Parks Unit. 17th Street with the 4th. Santa Marta, Colombia. Date: Friday 19 and Saturday 20 of May of 2006. Cost: $30.000 (Colombian pesos) General content: taxonomy of the order Cetacea, general characteristics of the species, natural history, exercises of identification Dictated by: Mario A. Pardo. Marine Biologist. UJTL. -- Mario A. Pardo Marine Biologist. UJTL. Cellphone: +(57) 1-3005696140 Cll 9 # 1-20. El Rodadero. Santa Marta, Colombia. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nhy038 at abdn.ac.uk Thu May 11 07:50:17 2006 From: nhy038 at abdn.ac.uk (nhy038 at abdn.ac.uk) Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 15:50:17 +0100 (BST) Subject: [MARMAM] Stomach contents data wanted for sperm whales and Kogia Message-ID: <1133.139.133.69.168.1147359017.squirrel@www.abdn.ac.uk> Dear Marmammers, I have a student who for their summer masters thesis project will be looking at the relative prey size consumed by sperm whales and Kogia. In the northeast Atlantic, it seems that these species all consume very similar prey sizes in relation to body size and the student will investigate whether this holds throughout the range of the three species or whether this is a local similarity. We are, therefore, looking for data on stomach contents of sperm whales and from Kogia species. We need data where the size of the whale is known and where the prey within the stomach have been measured. We are particularly interested in information from the western North Atlantic, the North Pacific and both coasts of South America, but would be interested in hearing from anyone who may have suitable data. If you have any data on prey sizes of Kogia and sperm whales and you may consider letting us use them in this master project, please let me know. I will look forward to hearing from you. All the best, Colin MacLeod University of Aberdeen, Scotland From RRABBOTT at mactec.com Thu May 11 16:48:45 2006 From: RRABBOTT at mactec.com (Abbott, Robert) Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 16:48:45 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Observers Needed in Alaska Message-ID: Marine Biologists Needed The anchorage office may have the opportunity to supply 3 full time marine biologist this suumer to support seisic testing operations. The project is to conduct seismic surveys from an off-shore platform (large ship) on Cook Inlet just off-shore from Homer on the Kenai Peninsula. The client's permit requirements state that they need marine biologists to monitor and report on mammal movements and intereptions during operations. The time frame would be from July through October. They would be working 3 week on and 1 week off, etc. The plan is to have 4 or 5 qualified folks who would share in the duties and provide time off. Please contact Bud Abbott at 707-793-3839. Robert R. Abbott Ph.D. | Sr. Principal Biologist MACTEC Engineering and Consulting, Inc. | Petaluma, CA Office 707 793-3839 Fax 707 793-3900 Email rrabbott at www.mactec.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Sally.Mizroch at noaa.gov Fri May 12 11:25:05 2006 From: Sally.Mizroch at noaa.gov (Sally Mizroch) Date: Fri, 12 May 2006 11:25:05 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on killer whales and whaling Message-ID: <000b01c675f1$646a6420$3eb037a1@afsc.noaa.gov> Hello all, This paper recently came out in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series: Mizroch, S. A., and Rice, D. W. 2006. Have North Pacific killer whales switched prey species in response to depletion of the great whale populations? Marine Ecology Progress Series 310:235-246. ABSTRACT Springer et al. (2003) hypothesized that populations of seals, sea lions and sea otters in the northern North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea declined because of increased predation by killer whales, in what they termed a ?sequential megafaunal collapse?. They hypothesized that the killer whales had been dependent on large whales for food, and that their increased predation on the smaller marine mammals was directly due to the depletion of great whale populations as a result of post-World War II industrial whaling. The maps presented by Springer et al. (2003) masked the development and precipitous decline of post-World War II industrial whaling. Our analysis shows that north of 50?N, whaling developed slowly from 1948 to 1951, expanded steadily from 1952 to 1962, and increased very sharply from 1963 to 1967. By 1968, there was near total drop-off in catches north of 50?N as the whaling fleets moved south. Because of the extraordinary whale biomass removals in the mid-1960s, any whaling-related prey shifting should have started by 1968, not the mid-1970s as they suggested. We also present data that refute their assumption that North Pacific killer whales depended on large whales as prey either prior to or concurrent with the whaling era. During the years of the development and pulse of whaling (i.e. prior to 1968), less than 3% of the mammal-eating killer whales were observed to have large whale remains in their stomachs. Killer whales attack healthy, adult large whales only rarely, and such attacks are usually unsuccessful. Neither minke nor gray whales were depleted by post-World War II industrial whaling, and they have always been available as prey for North Pacific killer whales. A PDF can be downloaded from the Marine Ecology Progress Series website or requested via email to Best regards, Sally -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- Sally A. Mizroch Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg 4 Seattle, WA 98115 USA voice: (206) 526-4030 fax: (206) 526-6615 E-mail: Sally.Mizroch at noaa.gov From pim_pim49 at yahoo.co.th Mon May 15 08:07:05 2006 From: pim_pim49 at yahoo.co.th (orapim sonson) Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 22:07:05 +0700 (ICT) Subject: [MARMAM] Lungworms of doplhins information required Message-ID: <20060515150705.12208.qmail@web38415.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Hello, my name is Orapar Soison, I am study in faculty of veterinary medicine in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am making my thesis related to lungworms of doplhins in Thailand.I have to identify lung worms that recieved from necropsy and reserved in formalin. I need a information about lungworm in dolphins and the identification methods. I really appreciate if someone can help me with these information. Let me know any question or information about it,at pim_pim49 at hotmail.com .Thanks __________________________________________________ ?????? Yahoo! ??????? ??????????????????????????? Yahoo! ??? ??????????????????????????????? http://th.mail.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From scromwell at meriresearch.org Fri May 12 05:42:07 2006 From: scromwell at meriresearch.org (Simone Cromwell) Date: Fri, 12 May 2006 08:42:07 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Ed Intern opening Message-ID: <000501c675c1$7b2618b0$0301a8c0@LabAssistant> Please post the following position, Thanks MERI Announces Marine Education Internships ? Summer 2006 The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), a nonprofit organization based in Blue Hill, Maine, is recruiting to fill three Marine Education Internships at the MERI Center for Marine Studies. These are full-time positions requiring a commitment of 12 weeks in Summer 2006. MERI, founded in 1990, is an organization in Blue Hill, Maine, dedicated to protecting the health and biodiversity of the marine environment. Current work includes community-based marine education programs operating out of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, and field research on the effects of pollution on marine mammals. MERI's education programs focus on marine life along the rocky Maine coast and promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science education or environmental education to gain practical experience in the field. The ideal candidate will possess a personal interest in the marine environment and a commitment to the mission of the organization. Primary Job Responsibility: This position will involve working closely with senior Education Staff in key components of the MERI education program, including leading island ecology trips for children and adults, assisting with the day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, planning and implementing educational science materials for adult and child community programs, and managing MERI library and information clearinghouse files. Interns are also expected to complete an individual education project over the term and to produce, at minimum, a Summary Report on their topic. Job Description: * Assist with the implementation of educational programming, including educational Boat Cruises, MERI's Summer Day Camp, Ocean Story Hour, Ocean Video Night, and Ocean Aquarium Room programs * Assist with day-to-day operation of the MERI Center for Marine Studies, including staffing the reception desk and the Ocean Room, and attending some weekend and evening programs and special events * Help maintain Ocean Room aquaria and touch tank, including collection of species for exhibit in the tanks * Work with Education Department staff and volunteers to reorganize and catalogue the Sea Lending Library * Compile background information, assist with production of Fact Sheets, Teaching Kits and informational materials as assigned and for an individual project subject area * Complete a Summary Report on an assigned individual project topic * Articulate and promote the MERI mission to the public * Perform other duties relating to the organization's goals and mission as required Reports to: Education Program Coordinator and Education Director Qualifications: Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree (Juniors and Seniors may also apply) in environmental education, marine sciences, biology, environmental sciences or a similar major. Applicants should also have teaching experience both in the classroom and in the field with multiple age levels, and should be able to work well independently and as part of a team. Good public speaking and writing skills are required. Applicants must be flexible, able to adapt to a changing work environment, and at times, be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Adobe Photoshop required. Photography, graphics, and GIS skills a definite plus. Must possess a valid drivers license and a good driving record. Knowledge of First Aid, CPR, and water safety is a plus. Time Requirements: June 12 - September 2 (12 weeks); Full-time (min. 40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by employee and Director. Compensation: Housing in Blue Hill and a stipend are provided. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses and food. Deadline: Until Filled To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit by email a letter of interest with your updated r?sum? and 3 references to: MERI Search Committee/Summer 2006 Education Internship education at meriresearch.org Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04616 Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931 Website: www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer Simone Cromwell Lab Technician MERI P.O. Box 1652 Blue Hill, ME 04614 207-374-2135 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Gullandf at TMMC.org Tue May 16 16:14:59 2006 From: Gullandf at TMMC.org (Frances Gulland) Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 16:14:59 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] job advertisment Message-ID: <559FF240E3B1A645A4F77A56A878830DF0431E@garber.TMMC.org> Please can you post the job advertisement below? Thank you Frances Gulland EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Staff Veterinarian APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY June 1, 2006 The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking candidates for the full-time position of STAFF VETERINARIAN. This is a supervisory position reporting to the Director of Veterinary Science. The mission of The Center is to rescue and rehabilitate injured and sick marine mammals; and, once healthy, to release them into the ocean. The Center also conducts significant research and public education in the protection of marine mammals and their habitats. The staff veterinarian is responsible for the clinical care of marine mammals in rehabilitation. The candidate supervises and trains veterinary technicians and visiting students in anesthesia, radiology, sample collection and processing, drug administration, record keeping and animal husbandry. In addition to clinical care, the staff veterinarian must have the knowledge, interest, and ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, and conservation and education staff. He/she must be able to communicate effectively before large and small gatherings, and work successfully on multidisciplinary teams to advance the mission of The Center. Requires supervisory and budget management experience; 3 years experience in clinical marine mammal veterinary medicine; knowledge of current marine mammal health and disease issues demonstrated through a publication and presentation record; a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent and a higher degree (Masters, Doctorate, or Board Certification); and must be eligible for a California State License to practice veterinary medicine. Salary will be based on education and experience. To apply: mail resume and salary requirements to: Director of Human Resources, The Marine Mammal Center, 1065 Fort Cronkhite, Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA 94965, or email lechleitnerj at tmmc.org. For further information contact Frances Gulland at gullandf at tmmc.org Applications must be received by June From jan.herrmann at cetacea.de Tue May 16 05:46:23 2006 From: jan.herrmann at cetacea.de (Jan Herrmann) Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 14:46:23 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications week 18 Message-ID: Dear all, here are some new publications of week 18 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Ross, W.G. 2006. BOOK REVIEWS: TWENTIETH-CENTURY SHORE-STATION WHALING IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR. Anthony B. Dickinson and Chesley W. Sanger. 2005. Montreal and Kingston: McGill-Queen's University Press. xvii + 254 p, illustrated, hard cover. ISBN 0-7735-2881-4. Can$49.95. Polar Record 42(2): 182-183. Koschinski, S. et al. 2006. Behavioral reactions of free-ranging harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena encountering standard nylon and BaSO4 mesh gillnets and warning sound. Marine Ecology Progress Series 313(): 285-294. Law, R.J. et al. 2006. Levels of the flame retardants hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol A in the blubber of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded or bycaught in the U.K., with evidence for an increase in HBCD concentrations in recent years. Environmental Science & Technology 40(7): 2177-2183. Hall, A.J. et al. 2006. The Risk of Infection from Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure in the Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena): A Case-Control Approach. Environmental Health Perspectives 114(5): 704-711. PINNIPEDIA Polasek, L.K., K.A. Dickson, and R.W. Davis. 2006. Metabolic indicators in the skeletal muscles of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology 290(): R1720-R1727. Harlin-Cognato, A. et al. 2006. Glacial refugia and the phylogeography of Steller's sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) in the North Pacific. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 19(3): 955-969. Cleland, L.G. and M.J. James. 2006. Marine oils for antiinflammatory effect -- time to take stock. The Journal of Rheumatology 33(2): 207-209. Madland, T.M. et al. 2006. Subjective improvement in patients with psoriatic arthritis after short-term oral treatment with seal oil: A pilot study with double blind comparison with soy oil. The Journal of Rheumatology 33(2): 307-310. Boily, F., S. Beaudoin, and L.N. Measures. 2006. Hematology and serum chemistry of harp (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) during the breeding season, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(1): 115-132. Nollens, H.H. et al. 2006. Pathology and preliminary characterization of a parapoxvirus isolated from a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(1): 23-32. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de From kimjochum at gmx.de Tue May 16 16:28:02 2006 From: kimjochum at gmx.de (Kim Jochum) Date: Wed, 17 May 2006 01:28:02 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Information Inquiry re. Behavior Study Message-ID: <200605162329.k4GNTHSp1429568@cascara.comp.uvic.ca> Dear MARMAN Members, I am a German M.Sc. cand. student planning a behavior project with Falk Huettmann, Institute for Arctic biology, UAF on social mammals this summer and we are looking for cooperation. I hold a research visa for the US. Mainly our project is based on bear species, but we also want to include one ape (Alouatta palliata) and one whale species - using the same method. The bear research sights are pretty set up, but getting cooperation in observation on a whale species brings up some difficulties. What we are searching for: People doing field work on whales, Being able to observe more individuals (2-10) at a time for 4-6 hours a day, Space for one person (me) on the boat for approximately two weeks, A place to stay during that time. The best time frame for the field season would be end of June / July 2006. As this project is a pilot study, we don't depend on a special species so far. Further we don't have money to offer in exchange but we can offer shared data, sampling of additional data (e.g. as useful to other researchers or part of their ongoing program) and full acknowledgments in our forthcoming papers. I want to ask you kindly if you see a possibility in cooperation or if you know any options and possibilities to find good contacts for the Northern Pacific region. For more information please don't hesitate to contact me. I am looking forward to hear from you. Any suggestion will be an appreciated help to us. With best regards, Kim Jochum Kim Jochum M.Sc. cand. Institute of Wildlife Research, at the School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation D-30173 Hannover Germany Email kimjochum at gmx.de Phone 011 49 511 2103508 Falk Huettmann PhD, Assistant Professor -EWHALE lab- Biology and Wildlife Dept., Institute of Arctic Biology 419 IRVING I, University of Alaska Fairbanks AK 99775-7000 USA Email fffh at uaf.edu Phone 907 474 7882 Fax 907 474 6716 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emily at dolphins.org Wed May 17 08:36:16 2006 From: emily at dolphins.org (Emily) Date: Wed, 17 May 2006 11:36:16 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Dolphin Research Internships Message-ID: <004701c679c7$a67f6f20$c801a8c0@drcid200> Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Fall term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with behavioral research sessions. In addition, educational opportunities are available such as informal journal article reviews and the development of personal learning objectives. Specific job duties include: * Collecting observational data * Preparing stimuli for behavioral research sessions * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for behavioral research sessions * Operating video equipment * Entering data into the computer for analysis * General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Research studies can vary widely in nature and availability. For information on past or current research projects at DRC, please visit our website, at www.dolphins.org . Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is June 1st. Further information and application materials can be found on our website at www.dolphins.org . -------------------------------- Emily Guarino Research Coordinator emily at dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key, FL 33050 www.dolphins.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Julie.K.Young at asu.edu Mon May 15 17:28:00 2006 From: Julie.K.Young at asu.edu (Julie Young) Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 17:28:00 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] looking for intern - for Ca sea lion research References: <73E761868BCD5F4CB6567B82C5218A6601623056@EX02.asurite.ad.asu.edu> Message-ID: <73E761868BCD5F4CB6567B82C5218A6601623057@EX02.asurite.ad.asu.edu> Hi, We need a few interns to help with research on behavioral and population biology of CA sea lions in the Gulf of California this summer. We depart from Tempe,AZ, but can meet people en route or in-country (Mexico) too. Each trip lasts about 10-12 days and there are two in June and one in July. Trip expenses paid for (from Tempe). A working knowledge of Spanish is not required but will make it more fun. We camp on-island. Please contact me if you would like more details: Julie.K.Young at asu.edu. Thanks, Julie Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Sciences School of Life Sciences Arizona State University, Box 874501 Tempe, AZ 85287-4501 USA phone: 480.965.7563 fax: 480.965.2519 email: Julie.K.Young at asu.edu Lab: http://sols.asu.edu/faculty/lgerber.php From Peter.Dobbins at sea.co.uk Wed May 17 06:25:00 2006 From: Peter.Dobbins at sea.co.uk (Peter Dobbins) Date: Wed, 17 May 2006 14:25:00 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Bioacoustics 2007 - Fourth IOA International Conference on Bio-Acoustics Message-ID: Bioacoustics 2007 - Fourth IOA International Conference on Bio-Acoustics 10-12th April 2007 Holywell Park, Loughborough University, UK If you only get to one conference in 2007 - make this the one! Bioacoustics2007 will be the fourth in a series organised by the Institute of Acoustics covering bio-acoustics and bio-sonar. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the present state of this rapidly evolving subject area, to report on new developments and to examine future trends. Equal emphasis will be given to papers dealing with underwater, land-based and airborne studies, covering work on the bio-acoustics of cetaceans, bats, insects and birds. Keynote speakers will include Dorian Houser (Biomimetica) on dolphin sonar, Gareth Jones (Bristol University) on bat echolocation, Barbara Webb (Edinburgh University) on insect acoustics and Robert Dooling (University of Maryland) on bird acoustics. Added attractions will be an after-dinner talk by Richard Ranft, head of technical services at the British Library, illustrated with examples of bioacoustics recordings from the BL collections, and a bat-walk - on opportunity to try out some of the bat detectors that manufacturers will be exhibiting. Further details and the call for papers are available from the conference web site: http://bioacoustics2007.lboro.ac.uk ************************************************** Dr Peter Dobbins PhD CEng FIOA Senior Consultant - Marine Division Systems Engineering and Assessment Ltd PO B0X 800, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 1SU Tel: +44 (0) 1373 852149 Mob: 07949 836503 Fax: +44 (0) 117 969 1177 peter.dobbins at sea.co.uk www.sea.co.uk ************************************************** ________________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email (including any attachments) are confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of its contents is strictly prohibited, and you should please notify the sender immediately and then delete it (including any attachments) from your system. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From projects at abusalama.org Wed May 17 06:37:20 2006 From: projects at abusalama.org (Projects) Date: Wed, 17 May 2006 06:37:20 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Building our Association's library Message-ID: We are a non profit Organization based in the Red Sea and registered with the Ministry of Social Funds. Our objective is the preservation of the marine mammals ' dolphins & dugongs' and their natural habitats in the Egyptian Red Sea through research and educational activities. We would like to establish the Association's specialised library that could guide us in our work and also be a resource of information for the specialized cadre we are trying to develop at this remote part of the world. Your help on providing us with books and or printed material ( used or new) on marine mammals would be highly appreciated. For more information please contact us at projects at abusalama.org HT -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tilen.genov at gmail.com Tue May 16 09:40:45 2006 From: tilen.genov at gmail.com (Tilen Genov) Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 18:40:45 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Summer Dolphin Research Camps in Slovenia Message-ID: Summer Dolphin Research Camps in Slovenia (apologies for cross-posting) Morigenos ? marine mammal research and conservation society is organizing Summer Dolphin Research Camps in July and August 2006, where you can assist in the research programme of the Slovenian Dolphin Project. Morigenos is a non-profit non-governmental organization from Slovenia, dedicated to cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), other marine mammals and the preservation of the marine environment. More information on Morigenos can be found at www.morigenos.org. Slovenian Dolphin Project is a long-term study on the biology, ecology and conservation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Slovenian Sea and surrounding waters, carried out since 2002 by Morigenos. The main objectives of the project are: - to acquire basic information on the biology and ecology of bottlenose dolphins in Slovenian Sea and the surrounding waters; - to identify main negative factors affecting bottlenose dolphins in the area; - to inform and educate the public and to raise public awareness; - to recommend appropriate measures for dolphin conservation to management bodies; - to preserve natural treasures of our sea; - to promote a precautious exploitation of the sea; - to promote sustainable development; - to effectively protect cetaceans and their environment. Summer Dolphin Research Camps offer people to join Morigenos team for 8 days and participate in its research activities. The camps include fieldwork, lectures, visits of natural monuments, etc. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise. No previous experience is required. Apart from research activities, the participants share everyday duties and chores with the team members. These duties are cooking, washing up and general maintainance of the research centre. Out in the field, the participants help searching for dolphins, collecting data and possible data sorting and analysis later. Detailed information on Summer Dolphin Research Camps can be found at www.morigenos.org -> "Research camps". Food, accommodation and fee Participants will be accommodated in Morigenos' research centre (sleeping, cooking and working facility). They must arrange their own travel to and from Morigenos base. The participation fee is 230 EUR. Applications There is no selection. Applications are treated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Please send an e-mail to morigenos at morigenos.org for registration, preferred dates and possible questions. Detailed information can also be found at www.morigenos.org -> "Research camps". ********************************************* Tilen Genov Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia morigenos at morigenos.org www.morigenos.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From janiger at almaak.usc.edu Sat May 20 16:56:34 2006 From: janiger at almaak.usc.edu (David S. Janiger) Date: Sat, 20 May 2006 16:56:34 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New Articles Message-ID: <3.0.6.32.20060520165634.0116a3e0@email.usc.edu> Hi, All Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Note: I guess the publisher had a secret way of preventing unauthorized distribution of its PDF. The secret if too make the file so large no one can email it. So if anyone wants the last paper, you will have to download it from our server. Please don't hit the reply button. Make all requests to: janiger at bcf.usc.edu Cheers! David Janiger - Curatorial Assistant (Mammals) Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3369 janiger at bcf.usc.edu djaniger at nhm.org Janiger Journals BAKER, C. S.; M. D. VANT; M. L. DALEBOUT; G. M. LENTO; S. J. O'BRIEN and N. YUHKI. IMMUNOGENETICS 58(4):283-296. 2006. Diversity and duplication of DQB and DRB-like genes of the MHC in baleen whales (suborder: Mysticeti). 0.266 MB BELIKOV, R. A. and V. M. BEL'KOVICH. ACOUSTICAL PHYSICS 52(2):125-131. 2006. High-pitched tonal signals of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in a summer assemblage off Solovetskii Island in the White Sea. 0.220 MB BOREN, LAURA J.; MIKE MORRISSEY; CHRIS G. MULLER and NEIL J. GEMMELL. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 52(4):442-446. 2006. Entanglement of New Zealand fur seals in man-made debris at Kaikoura, New Zealand. 0.139 MB BORRELL, A.; A. AGUILAR; V. TORNERO; M. SEQUEIRA; G. FERNANDEZ and S. ALIS. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 32(4):516-523. 2006. Organochlorine compounds and stable isotopes indicate bottlenose dolphin subpopulation structure around the Iberian Peninsula. 0.215 MB BORSA, PHILIPPE. COMPTES RENDUS BIOLOGIES 329(4):277-288. 2006. Marine mammal strandings in the New Caledonia region, Southwest Pacific. 0.277 MB BOWEN, L.; B. M. ALDRIDGE; A. K. MILES and J. L. STOTT. TISSUE ANTIGENS 67(5):402-408. 2006. Expressed MHC class II genes in sea otters (Enhydra lutris) from geographically disparate populations. 0.122 MB BRAULIK, GILLIAN T. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 129(4):579-590. 2006. Status assessment of the Indus River dolphin, Platanista gangetica minor, March-April 2001. 0.342 MB BULL, J. C.; P. D. JEPSON; R. K. SSUNA; R. DEAVILLE; C. R. ALLCHIN; R. J. LAW and A. FENTON. PARASITOLOGY 132(4):565-573. 2006. The relationship between polychlorinated biphenyls in blubber and levels of nematode infestations in harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena. 0.122 MB CIESIELSKI, T.; P. SZEFER; ZS. BERTENYI; I. KUKLIK; K. SKORA; J. NAMIESNIK and P. FODOR. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 32(4):524-532. 2006. Interspecific distribution and co-associations of chemical elements in the liver tissue of marine mammals from the Polish Economical Exclusive Zone, Baltic Sea. 0.333 MB COOK, MANDY L. H.; RENE A. VARELA; JULI D. GOLDSTEIN; STEPHEN D. MCCULLOCH; GREGORY D. BOSSART; JAMES J. FINNERAN; DORIAN HOUSER and DAVID A. MANN. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A NEUROETHOLOGY, SENSORY, NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY 192(5):489-495. 2006. Beaked whale auditory evoked potential hearing measurements. 0.233 MB DALTON, REX. NATURE (LONDON) 440(7088):1096-1097. 2006. Last hope for river dolphins. 0.538 MB DEMASTER, DOUGLAS P.; ANDREW W. TRITES; PHILLIP CLAPHAM; SALLY MIZROCH; PAUL WADE; ROBERT J. SMALL and JAY VER HOEF. PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY 68(2-4):329-342. 2006. The sequential megafaunal collapse hypothesis: Testing with existing data. 0.253 MB DYCK, MARKUS G. URSUS 17(1):52-62. 2006. Characteristics of polar bears killed in defense of life and property in Nunavut, Canada, 1970-2000. 0.260 MB FINNERAN, JAMES J. and DORIAN S. HOUSER. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 119(5):3181-3192. 2006. Comparison of in-air evoked potential and underwater behavioral hearing thresholds in four bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). 0.184 MB FRID, ALEJANDRO and GREGORY G. BAKER and LAWRENCE M. DILL. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 312:265-275. 2006. Do resource declines increase predation rates on North Pacific harbor seals? A behavior-based plausibility model. 0.220 MB GOLDBOGEN, JEREMY A.; JOHN CALAMBOKIDIS; ROBERT E. SHADWICK; ERIN M. OLESON; MARK A. MCDONALD and JOHN A. HILDEBRAND. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 209(7):1231-1244. 2006. Kinematics of foraging dives and lunge-feeding in fin whales. 2.140 MB GONZALEZ-SUAREZ, M.; K. E. MCCLUNEY; D. AURIOLES and L. R. GERBER. ANIMAL CONSERVATION 9(2):219-227. 2006. Incorporating uncertainty in spatial structure for viability predictions: A case study of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus californianus). 0.231 MB HAMER, DEREK J. and SIMON D. GOLDSWORTHY. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 130(4):517-529. 2006. Seal-fishery operational interactions: Identifying the environmental and operational aspects of a trawl fishery that contribute to by-catch and mortality of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus). 0.400 MB HARAGUCHI, K.; Y. HISAMICHI and T. ENDO. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 51(1):135-141. 2006. Bioaccumulation of naturally occurring mixed halogenated dimethylbipyrroles in whale and dolphin products on the Japanese market. 0.414 MB HARLIN-COGNATO, A.; J. W. BICKHAM; T. R. LOUGHLIN and R. L. HONEYCUTT. JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 19(3):955-969. 2006. Glacial refugia and the phylogeography of Steller's sea lion (Eumatopias jubatus) in the North Pacific. 0.534 MB HOFMEYR, G. J. G.; M. N. BESTER; A. B. MAKHADO and P. A. PISTORIUS. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH 36(1):55-68. 2006. Population changes in Subantarctic and Antarctic fur seals at Marion Island. 0.506 MB HOFMEYR, G. J. G.; M. N. BESTER and S. P. KIRKMAN. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 41(1):145-146. 2006. Vagrant Subantarctic fur seals at Bouvetoya. 0.205 MB HUNG, CRAIG L. H.; YAN XU; JAMES C. W. LAM; THOMAS A. JEFFERSON; SAMUEL K. HUNG; LEO W. Y. YEUNG; MICHAEL H. W. LAM; DESMOND K. O'TOOLE and PAUL K. S. LAM. CHEMOSPHERE 63(5):845-852. 2006. An assessment of the risks associated with polychlorinated biphenyls found in the stomach contents of stranded Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from Hong Kong waters. 0.213 MB JOHNSON, SHAWN; LINDA LOWENSTINE; FRANCES GULLAND; SPENCER JANG; DENISE IMAI; FREDERIC ALMY; ROBERT DELONG and IAN GARDNER. VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY 114(1-2):94-103. 2006. Aerobic bacterial flora of the vagina and prepuce of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and investigation of associations with urogenital carcinoma. 0.143 MB KIK, M. J. L.; M. G. GORIS; J. H. BOS; R. A. HARTSKEERL and G. M. DORRESTEIN. VETERINARY QUARTERLY 28(1):33-39. 2006. An outbreak of leptospirosis in seals (Phoca vitulina) in captivity. 0.539 MB KOSCHINSKI, SVEN; BORIS M. CULIK; EDWARD A. TRIPPEL and L. GINZKEY. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 313:285-294. 2006. Behavioral reactions of free-ranging harbor porpoises Phocoena phocoena encountering standard nylon and BaSO4 mesh gillnets and warning sound. 0.183 MB LAW, ROBIN J.; PHILIPPE BERSUDER; COLIN R. ALLCHIN and JON BARRY. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 40(7):2177-2183. 2006. Levels of the flame retardants hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol A in the blubber of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded or bycaught in the UK, with evidence for an increase in HBCD concentrations in recent years. 0.157 MB LEVENSON, DAVID H.; PAUL J. PONGANIS; MICHAEL A. CROGNALE; JESS F. DEEGAN II; ANDY DIZON and GERALD H. JACOBS. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A NEUROETHOLOGY, SENSORY, NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY (Online First Copy) 11pp. 2006. Visual pigments of marine carnivores: pinnipeds, polar bear, and sea otter. 0.570 MB MAGELI, ELDRID.. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY 31(1):1-16. 2006. Norwegian-Japanese whaling relations in the early 20th century - A case of successful technology transfer. 0.155 MB MANCIA, ANNALAURA; TRACY A. ROMANO; HOLLY A. GEFROH; ROBERT W. CHAPMAN; DARLENE L. MIDDLETON; GREGORY W. WARR and MATS L. LUNDQVIST. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 144(1):38-46. 2006. The Immunoglobulin G Heavy Chain (IGHG) genes of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. 0.389 MB MANISCALCO, JOHN M.; PAMELA PARKER and SHANNON ATKINSON. JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY 87(2):304-311. 2006. Interseasonal and interannual measures of maternal care among individual Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). 0.130 MB MARCOUX, MARIANNE; HALL WHITEHEAD and LUKE RENDELL. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 84(4):609-614. 2006. Coda vocalizations recorded in breeding areas are almost entirely produced by mature female sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). 0.081 MB MILLER, PATRICK J. O. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A NEUROETHOLOGY, SENSORY, NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY 192(5):449-459. 2006. Diversity in sound pressure levels and estimated active space of resident killer whale vocalizations. 0.523 MB MUNN, COLIN B. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 86(3):453-467. 2006. Viruses as pathogens of marine organisms-from bacteria to whales. 0.258 MB NATOLI, A.; A. CANADAS; V. M. PEDDEMORS; A. AGUILAR; C. VAQUERO; P. FERNANDEZ-PIQUERAS and A. R. HOELZEL. JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 19(3):943-954. 2006. Phylogeography and alpha taxonomy of the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.). 0.241 MB PALO, JUKKA U. and RISTO VAINOLA. BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY 88(1):61-72. 2006. The enigma of the landlocked Baikal and Caspian seals addressed through phylogeny of phocine mitochondrial sequences. 0.271 MB PEREZ, MARIA JOSE; FELIPE THOMAS; FLOR URIBE; MARITZA SEPULVEDA; MARCELO FLORES and RODRIGO MORAGA. AQUATIC MAMMALS 32(1):109-113. 2006. Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) feeding on Euphausia mucronata in nearshore waters off north-central Chile. 0.475 MB PODESTA, MICHELA; ANGELA D'AMICO; GIANNI PAVAN; AIMILIA DROUGAS; ANASTASIA KOMNENOU and NICOLA PORTUNATO. JOURNAL OF CETACEAN RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT 7(3):251-261. 2006. A review of Cuvier's beaked whale strandings in the Mediterranean Sea. 1.686 MB POLLOCK, KENNETH H.; HELENE D. MARSH; IVAN R. LAWLER and MATHEW W. ALLDREDGE. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 70(1):255-262. 2006. Estimating animal abundance in heterogeneous environments: An application to aerial surveys for dugongs. 0.200 MB POPOV, VLADIMIR V.; ALEXANDER YA. SUPIN; DING WANG and KEXIONG WANG. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 119(5):3173-3180. 2006. Nonconstant quality of auditory filters in the porpoises, Phocoena phocoena and Neophocaena phocaenoides (Cetacea, Phocoenidae). 0.119 MB RUCHONNET, DIANE; MARC BOUTOUTE; CHRISTOPHE GUINET and PATRICK MAYZAUD. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 311:165-174. 2006. Fatty acid composition of Mediterranean fin whale Balaenoptera physalus blubber with respect to body heterogeneity and trophic interaction. 0.221 MB SOTO, KARIM H.; ANDREW W. TRITES and M. ARIAS-SCHREIBER. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 312:277-290. 2006. Changes in diet and maternal attendance of South American sea lions indicate changes in the marine environment and prey abundance. 0.490 MB VAZQUEZ-MEDINA, JOSE PABLO; TANIA ZENTENO-SAVIN and ROBERT ELSNER. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY 142(3-4):198-204. 2006. Antioxidant enzymes in ringed seal tissues: Potential protection against dive-associated ischemia/reperfusion. 0.228 MB WARING, GORDON T.; JAMES R. GILBERT; JAMES LOFTIN and NICOLE CABANA. NORTHEASTERN NATURALIST 13(1):1-14. 2006. Short-term movements of radio-tagged harbor seals in New England. 1.377 MB WEISS, JESSICA. AQUATIC MAMMALS 32(1):10-19. 2006. Foraging habitats and associated preferential foraging specializations of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) mother-calf pairs. 0.221 MB WILSON, R. P. and C. R. MCMAHON. FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT 4(3):147-154. 2006. Measuring devices on wild animals: What constitutes acceptable practice? 1.837 MB YAN, JIAHAU; KARI B. CLIFTON; JOHN J. MECHOLSKY, JR. and ROGER L. REEP. JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS 39(6):1066-1074. 2006. Fracture toughness of manatee rib and bovine femur using a chevron-notched beam test. 0.488 MB YANG, J.; N. MIYAZAKI; T. KUNITO and S. TANABE. CHEMOSPHERE 63(3):449-457. 2006. Trace elements and butyltins in a Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) from the Sanriku coast of Japan. 0.132 MB ZERBINI, ALEXANDRE N.; ARTUR ANDRIOLO; MADS PETER HEIDE-JORGENSEN; JOSE LUIS PIZZORNO; YGOR G. MAIA; GLENN R. VANBLARICOM; DOUGLAS P. DEMASTER; PAULO CESAR SIMOES-LOPES; SERGIO MOREIRA and CLAUDIA BEHTLEM. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 313:295-304. 2006. Satellite-monitored movements of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. 0.510 MB ZHAO, LIYING Y.; DONALD M. SCHELL and MICHAEL A. CASTELLINI. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 143(4):469-478. 2006. Dietary macronutrients influence C-13 and N-15 signatures of pinnipeds: Captive feeding studies with harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). 0.220 MB Due to file size, the file below can be *DOWNLOADED FROM FTP SERVER ONLY* email for logon info SARDI, KATHERINE A. and CONSTANCE MERIGO. NORTHEASTERN NATURALIST 13(1):39-42. 2006. Erignathus barbatus (bearded seal) vagrant in Massachusetts. 12.201 MB From curland at earthlink.net Fri May 19 16:49:05 2006 From: curland at earthlink.net (Jim Curland) Date: Fri, 19 May 2006 16:49:05 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Last Call for Abstracts: Marine Mammal Sessions Organized for Defenders of Wildlife Marine and Terrestrial Carnivore Conference 2006 Message-ID: <446E5971.7040702@earthlink.net> Abstract Deadline Just Over a One Week Away Carnivores 2006: Conference Announcement & Call for Papers Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce Carnivores 2006: Habitats, Challenges, and Possibilities. The conference, the sixth biennial, which has averaged between 700 and 800 attendees over the last two conferences, will be held at the Hilton Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida, November 12-15, 2006, and will feature three full days of sessions on terrestrial and marine carnivore issues, plus a poster session, field trip, silent auction, banquet and ambassador wolf sessions. Defenders is accepting oral and poster presentation submissions for Carnivores 2006. On this year's Conference Science Advisory Committee is a team of 15 scientists, including 4 marine scientists: * From Mote Marine Lab: Dr. John Reynolds, Dr. Randy Wells, Dr. N?lio B. Barros * From the Center for Ocean Health, U.C. Santa Cruz/Long Marine Lab: Dr. Jim Estes At the present time, there is a plan to have the following sessions around marine mammals: * Special sessions on bottlenose dolphin foraging ecology will include presentations on a variety of topics, such as predator-prey dynamics, foodweb modelling, and prey determination by stomach content, stable isotope, fatty acid and genetic analyses. * Human Interactions with Marine Mammals * Sea Otters The session on marine carnivores is certainly not limited to these session topics above, so please feel free to submit abstracts on the variety of areas listed below. Abstract submissions must be received by 1 June 2006. We will consider any papers covering topics such as biology, behavior, taxonomy, general ecology, recovery, management, and economic impacts of terrestrial, avian and marine carnivore species (canids, bears, cats, mesocarnivores, raptors, pinnipeds, whales, dolphins, sea otters, sharks, etc), and also papers addressing carnivore habitat issues, with some of the focus in the southeastern U.S. (including but not limited to habitat conservation, planning and linkages, invasive species, land use and development challenges, etc). Please visit our official conference website, www.carnivoreconference.org or leave a message at 202-789-2844 x315 for complete Carnivores 2006 details. To get an idea of the nature of talks, please let me know if you'd like me to email you a pdf of a past conference agenda. If submitting an abstract, please follow the online instructions, and, in addition, please cc me (curland at earthlink.net) with your abstract. thanks, Jim Curland Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate Defenders of Wildlife P.O. Box 959 Moss Landing, CA. 95039 831-726-9010-phone 831-726-9020-fax jcurland at defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife, founded in 1947, is dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. We focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that will help keep species from becoming endangered. Our programs encourage protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. http://www.defenders.org http://www.kidsplanet.org http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/seaotters.html (Above link is Defenders Main Sea Otter Page) http://www.kidsplanet.org/espanol/espint.html (Above link is Defenders Sea Otter Unit) http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/marine.html (Above link is Defenders Marine Page) http://www.defenders.org/california/marine.html (Above link is Defenders California Programs-Marine Protection) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info at m-e-e-r.de Fri May 19 01:52:23 2006 From: info at m-e-e-r.de (info at m-e-e-r.de) Date: Fri, 19 May 2006 10:52:23 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] ECS Poster on Bryde's Whales Message-ID: <446D8747.60506@m-e-e-r.de> Dear All, We would like to inform those of you who where not able not attend the ECS conference in Gdynia, that a full text version of the following poster presentation is now avialable as a PDF on the MEER-website : Ritter, F. & Neumann, K.: *THE YEAR OF THE WHALE: EXTRAORDINARY OCCURRENCE OF BRYDE'S WHALES OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) IN 2005. *Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, Gdynia, Poland, April 2006. If you are interested, please go to www.m-e-e-r.de/wissenschaft.1.html With best greetings, Fabian -- _________________________ Fabian Ritter MEER e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin TEL/FAX: (0)30-85 07 87 55 e-mail: info at m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org _________________________ "The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and had no major answers they wished to know the question to." (after Douglas Adams) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From KSTEWART at mus-nature.ca Thu May 18 13:14:34 2006 From: KSTEWART at mus-nature.ca (Kathlyn Stewart) Date: Thu, 18 May 2006 16:14:34 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Job Opportunity- Canadian Museum of Nature Message-ID: <67B36D023E7A744BB4C9C83DCA800150BB81B3@NHBEXC01.mus-nature.ca> CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE: JOB OPPORTUNITY *Veuillez noter que dans le texte fran?ais la forme masculine d?signe aussi bien le f?minin que le masculin CONCOURS Gestionnaire en chef des collections, unit? des vert?br?s, Services des collections Poste permanent ? temps plein 64,141 $ ? 80,177 $ par ann?e Lieu de travail est ? Gatineau, Qu?bec (secteur Aylmer) COMPETITION Chief Collections Manager ? Vertebrates Collections Services Full-Time Permanent Position $64,141 to 80,177 per year Work location is in Gatineau, Qu?bec (Aylmer Sector) T?CHES : Membre d?une ?quipe multidisciplinaire, le gestionnaire en chef des collections ? unit? des vert?br?s : DUTIES: As a member of a multidisciplinary team, the Chief Collections Manager ? Vertebrates: * G?re l?unit? responsable des collections de vert?br?s abrit?es et pr?serv?es par le MCN en ?laborant, g?rant et surveillant les projets et les budgets et de superviser le personnel de l?unit?; * Manages the Section charged with the responsibility for the Vertebrate collections housed and preserved by the CMN by supervising section personnel, developing, managing and monitoring projects and budgets; * Assume la responsabilit? de l?entretien des collections pour le sous-ensemble des Mammif?res des collections de vert?br?s; * Assumes collection care responsibilities for the Mammalogy subset of the Vertebrate Collections; * G?re la collection de r?f?rence ost?ologique; * Manages the osteology reference collection; * Utilise son expertise pour la distribution de l?information et des services aff?rents aux collections et ? leurs donn?es, pour les clients internes et externes; * Applies expertise in the provision of information and services related to the collections and their associated data, for internal and external clients; * Applique les politiques et proc?dures pour l?identification et l?acquisition de sp?cimens pertinents aux programmes de recherche et d?exposition du MCN, g?re l?utilisation et l?enrichissement des collections; * Applies policies and procedures to identify and acquire specimens of relevance to CMN?s programmes of research and exhibition, manages the use and development of collections; * Collabore avec les autres divisions pour r?aliser les objectifs de la Soci?t? (p. ex., planification et mise en ?uvre de nouvelles expositions); * Collaborates with other divisions to achieve corporate goals (e.g., new exhibit planning and implementation); * Participe aux activit?s, comme la planification strat?gique pour influencer positivement l??volution des objectifs et des strat?gies de la Soci?t?; * Participates in activities such as strategic planning, to positively influence the evolution of corporate objectives and strategies; * Effectue des travaux de recherche pertinents aux collections et aux projets de recherche du MCN, conjointement avec des partenaires internes et externes; * Conducts research in conjunction with internal and external partners relevant to CMN collections and research projects; * Repr?sente le Mus?e aux r?unions professionnelles, entreprend et entretient des partenariats et partage la connaissance avec les communaut?s scientifiques et mus?ales. * Represents the Museum in professional fora, initiates and nurtures partnerships and shares knowledge with the museum and scientific communities. ADMISSIBILIT?: Tous les employ?s du Mus?e canadien de la nature et le public, qui r?pondent aux exigences suivantes : OPEN TO: Employees of the Canadian Museum of Nature and the general public who meet the following qualifications. ?DUCATION : D?tenteur d?une ma?trise ?s sciences d?une universit? reconnue, concentration et sp?cialisation en Zoologie des vert?br?s en g?n?rale et en Mammalogie en particulier. Une connaissance avanc?e de l?anatomie compar?e des vert?br?s et de l?ost?ologie serait un atout pour ce poste. EDUCATION: Graduation with a Master of Science degree from a recognized university with a demonstrated specialization and expertise in Vertebrate Zoology in general and in Mammalogy in particular. Profound knowledge of osteology and comparative vertebrate anatomy are considered assets for this position. EXIGENCES LINGUISTIQUES : Le fran?ais et l?anglais sont essentiels. Bilingue non-imp?ratif : BBBB/BBBB (Une nomination non-imp?rative signifie que le poste peut ?tre combl? par une personne qui s?engage ? devenir bilingue ? l?int?rieur d?un d?lai sp?cifique par l?entremise de formation linguistique aux frais du MCN). LANGUAGE EQUIREMENTS: English and French are essential Bilingual non-imperative: BBBB/BBBB (A non-imperative appointment means that the position can be staffed with a person who makes a commitment to become bilingual (English/French) within a specified timeframe through language training at the CMN?s expense). EXP?RIENCE : * Exp?rience de travail dans un environnement mus?al et/ou scientifique; * Exp?rience de gestion de collections d?histoire naturelle; * Exp?rience de travail avec des collections de mammif?res et divers groupes de vert?br?s; * Exp?rience de supervision et de gestion de personnel, d??laboration de programmes de travail et de budgets, d??tablissement de priorit?s et de r?alisation d?activit?s g?n?ratrices de recettes; * Exp?rience en gestion de l?information et utilisation des donn?es des collections mus?ales; * Exp?rience de l?utilisation de divers logiciels, y compris : traitement de texte et applications de pr?sentations; tableurs; bases de donn?es; courriels. EXPERIENCE: * Experience working within a museum/scientific environment; * Experience in the management of natural history collections; * Experience working with mammal collections and a variety of vertebrate groups; * Experience in the supervision and management of staff, in the development of work programs and budgets, in setting priorities and carrying out revenue-generating activities; * Experience in information management and in the use of museum collections data; * Experience using a variety of office software including: word processing and presentation applications; spreadsheets; databases; and electronic mail. FAIRE PARVENIR VOTRE DEMANDE ? : Kim de Grandpr? Conseill?re, ressources humaines Mus?e canadien de la nature C.P. 3443, Succursale ? D ? Ottawa (Ontario) K1P 6P4 Courriel : kdegrandpr at mus-nature.ca T?l?c. : 613-364-4028 Veuillez indiquer le num?ro de concours : CMN-2090-06-OC-018. L??nonc? de qualit?s peut ?tre obtenu aupr?s de Kim de Grandpr? au (613) 566-4710. Pour de plus amples renseignements concernant le poste, veuillez communiquer avec Roger Baird au (613) 364-4138; Courriel : rbaird at mus-nature.ca NOTE IMPORTANTE Le comit? de s?lection ne peut formuler d'hypoth?ses sur votre exp?rience. Il est important que les candidats d?montrent clairement dans leur lettre de pr?sentation, curriculum vitae et trois lettres de r?f?rences ? quel point ils satisfont aux ?l?ments susmentionn?s concernant l'exp?rience, en donnant des exemples d?taill?s pour CHAQUE ?l?ment (maximum de 5 pages). Veuillez noter que nous communiquerons uniquement avec les candidats retenus pour la prochaine ?tape de la s?lection. Ce concours pourrait permettre l??tablissement d?une liste d??ligibilit? de candidats potentiels qui pourra servir ? la dotation de postes similaires. Le Mus?e canadien de la nature s'est engag?e ? instaurer des processus de s?lection et un milieu de travail inclusifs et exempts d'obstacles. Si l'on communique avec vous au sujet de ce concours, veuillez faire part ? la Conseill?re en ressources humaines de vos besoins de mesures d'adaptation pour assister ? une entrevue ou pour participer au processus de s?lection. SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO: Kim de Grandpr? Advisor, Human Resources Canadian Museum of Nature P.O. Box 3443, Station D Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6P4 Email : kdegrandpr at mus-nature.ca Fax: 613-364-6028 State competition NO. CMN-2090-06-OC-018. Statement of qualifications available with Kim de Grandpr? at (613) 566-4710. For more information regarding the position, please contact: Roger Baird at (613) 364-4138; email: rbaird at mus-nature.ca IMPORTANT NOTE The selection committee cannot make assumptions about your experience. It is important that candidates clearly demonstrate in their letter of introduction, curriculum vitae and three reference letters to what degree they meet the above experience elements, giving detailed examples for EACH element (5 pages maximum). Please note that only candidates who are selected for the next stage of the selection process will be contacted. As a result of this competition, we may establish an eligibility list of potential candidates that may serve to staff similar positions. The Canadian Museum of Nature is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted regarding this competition, please advise the Advisor, Human Resources should you require accommodation to attend an interview or participate in the selection process. Le Mus?e appui l??quit? en mati?re d?emploi. DATE LIMITE : le 3 juillet 2006 ? 16 h (HAE) (HSG -5 hrs) The Museum supports employment equity. CLOSING DATE: July 3, 2006 at 4 p.m. (EDT) (GMT-5 hours) http:// nature.ca -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 3370 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: From Rossitercsi at aol.com Sat May 20 07:58:14 2006 From: Rossitercsi at aol.com (Rossitercsi at aol.com) Date: Sat, 20 May 2006 10:58:14 EDT Subject: [MARMAM] Images needed now for MM book Message-ID: <41a.1a6ee74.31a08886@aol.com> The author of Guide for Marine Mammals of the World, albatross_shirihai at hotmail.com, needs images of specific species immediately. If you can help, or you know of people who can, please reply to the author's modified email below. Note that fees will be paid. Bill William W. Rossiter President, Cetacean Society International P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA ph 203-770-8615, fx 860-561-0187 rossiter at csiwhalesalive.org *please note 2nd email change: rossitercsi at optonline.net versus rossitercsi at aol.com www.csiwhalesalive.org > Subj:Pygmy Sperm Whale, Franciscana and Amazon [Freshwater] Tucuxi > Date:5/20/2006 3:48:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time > From:albatross_shirihai at hotmail.com > To:Rossitercsi at aol.com > File:titelpageMMguide.doc (165376 bytes) DL Time (32000 bps): < 1 minute > Sent from the Internet > > You most probably already heard about the forthcoming Guide for Marine > Mammals of the World, A & C Black, London? The guide is illustrated with c. > 400 photos and 130 plates by the artist Brett Jarrett (the same artist that > painted my Antarctic Wildlife Guide, 2002). > > Are you a professional marine mammals observe/researcher who has worked > on some cetaceans and also has nice images of Pygmy Sperm Whale, Franciscana > and Amazon [Freshwater] Tucuxi? A list of additional species required is > below. We credit photographers and the publisher pay fees for the use of the images > and we can give you copy of the book. > > Can you please email me high res. of such images, thanks! If you can email > them to me in the next few days (or the very latest before the end of the > month) I might use them. It is extremely important to have good selection of > > such rare species. > > The book is now in the last page proofs stage and I will appreciate your > swift respond on that issue. > > Thanks, hope to hear from you soon. Please try to respond as soon as you > can. > > Thanks, > > Hadoram > (the Author) > North Pacific Right Whale ? still need improvements/variations Pygmy Right Whale ? still need improvements/variations Omura?s Whale ? No images available yet? Arnoux's Beaked Whale ? still need improvements Shepherd?s Beaked Whale ? No images available yet? Southern Bottlenose Whale ? still need improvements/variations True?s Beaked Whale ? S Hemisphere animals and also still need improvements for N/C Atlantic animals Gervais? Beaked Whale ? No images available yet? Gray?s Beaked Whale ? still need improvements/variations Hubbs? Beaked Whale ? No images available yet? Stejneger's Beaked Whale ? No images available yet? Pygmy Beaked Whale ? still need improvements/variations Ginkgo-toothed Beaked Whale ? No images available yet? Pygmy Sperm Whale ? still need improvements/variations Amazon [Freshwater] Tucuxi ? No images available yet? Franciscana ? still need improvements/variations Indus River Dolphin ? still need improvements/variations Finless Porpoise (includes Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise, Chinese Finless Porpoise, Yangtse Finless Porpoise) ? still need improvements/variations Spectacled Porpoise ? still need improvements/variations Burmeister's Porpoise ? still need improvements/variations Gulf of California Porpoise (Vaquita) ? No images available yet? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From web24 at cornell.edu Fri May 19 17:42:57 2006 From: web24 at cornell.edu (William E. Bemis) Date: Fri, 19 May 2006 20:42:57 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Still some openings in marine mammal programs at Shoals Marine Laboratory for Summer 2006 Message-ID: <87187051-A40A-4568-A4D4-E2C628ABE959@cornell.edu> As the new Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML), I am working with Associate Director Jessica Bolker to spread the word about our college credit courses and other programs for Summer 2006. We are a small organization and we rely on word-of-mouth recruiting for our college credit courses and adult and family education programs. SML is based on 95-acre Appledore Island, 6 miles offshore from Portsmouth, New Hampshire (about one hour drive north from Logan Airport in Boston). The clean surrounding waters are teaming with life including seals, whales, lobsters and hundreds of species of fishes. We have worked hard to plan an exciting series of courses and programs for Summer 2006, and we still have openings in some courses of interest to MARMAM subscribers. J.B. Heiser (Cornell) will teach Marine Vertebrates (July 24 - August 14; 6 credits). This is the 20th year for Marine Vertebrates at SML, and leading authorities on fishes, marine birds and marine mammals of the Gulf of Maine will join J.B. for a very special version of this highly regarded course. J.B. also will lead a non-credit adult and family education course Marine Mammals of the Gulf of Maine (August 24 - August 27), in which participants will learn about the Gulf of Maine as a natural laboratory for the observation and study of seals, whales and dolphins. Although not focused on marine mammals, The Ecology of Animal Behavior (July 3 - July 17, 2006; 4 credits) is back again for Summer 2006. This highly regarded course offers intensive experience in behavioral ecology based on the many vertebrate and invertebrate species readily observable on Appledore. The Diversity of Fishes (June 5 - 26, 2006; 6 credits) will be taught again this summer by world famous ichthyologist Bruce Collette (NOAA/ Smithsonian), an authority on marine fishes and editor of The Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. Finally, Biological Illustration will be offered again this year (July 17 - July 24; 2 credits). It is nearly full, so send in your application now! We guarantee that everyone will find inspiring things to see, study, learn, describe, paint or photograph at SML. We would be delighted to have you, your family, your students or your friends enroll in these or other programs at SML. To learn more about the full range of opportunities at SML, please visit our website: http:// www.sml.cornell.edu/. Or call us at 607-255-3717. Sincerely, Willy William E. Bemis Kingsbury Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory and Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Jessica Jessica Bolker Associate Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory and Associate Professor of Zoology University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From fernando_ugarte at hotmail.com Mon May 22 08:10:46 2006 From: fernando_ugarte at hotmail.com (fernando ugarte) Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 15:10:46 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Permanent job in Greenland Message-ID: Dear list, There is a position available in the Ministry for Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture in Greenland. Among other tasks, the person who gets this job will deal with the incorporation of user?s knowledge in management decisions. He/she will also be responsible for issues related to management of belugas and narwhals. The working language is Danish, but Greenlandic is certainly a plus. The advertisement can be found at: http://www.nanoq.gl/Groenlands_Landsstyre/Direktoratet_for_Fiskeri_og_Fangst/Stillinger/AC_fangst_maj2006.aspx The deadline for applying is the 2nd of June All the best, Fernando From JENNIFER.N.LATUSEK at saic.com Mon May 22 15:28:43 2006 From: JENNIFER.N.LATUSEK at saic.com (Latusek, Jennifer N.) Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 15:28:43 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] SAIC Environmental Scientist Positions Message-ID: <6F4A7DBCA8F8234C8DA3554AB68B13EF029F005E@us-shalimar.mail.saic.com> Please post the following information to the MARMAM List Serve. Thank you. The SAIC Gulf Coast office is looking to immediately fill one to two Environmental Scientist positions with self-motivated, conscientious professionals. The ideal candidates would have specialized experience in marine mammals and technical writing. Additional considerations include a willingness and demonstrated ability to perform work in other resource areas including but not limited to marine habitats; other marine protected species (sea turtles, fishes); terrestrial habitats; and threatened and endangered species. A brief description is provided below along with the hiring manager's contact information. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.saic.com/career/ and search by city: Shalimar, FL. We are currently seeking one to two candidates with the right blend of experience, skills, and attitude to become a member of our team to: * Assess potential effects from a variety of federal government actions on protected marine species and habitats * Write portions of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, including Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements * Prepare, review, revise, and amend reports, plans, and/or permits related to consultations required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA - section 7 consultations), and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA - Letters of Authorization/ Incidental Harassment Authorizations) * Identify mitigation measures and develop recommendations to reduce these potential effects * Participate in marine field surveys. Environmental Scientist II EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS BS in Biology, Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Science, or related field. In lieu of a degree, six (6) years comparable experience will be considered. REQUIRED SKILLS: Two (2) years experience with a Bachelors Degree in the environmental field. Eight (8) total years of experience will be considered in lieu of Degree. Knowledge of NEPA, ESA, and MMPA from a) federal government, consulting, other employment experience; or b) formal graduate level coursework. DESIRED SKILLS: M.E.M. in Coastal Management or M.S. in marine biology or biology. Experience with the preparation of NEPA, MMPA, and ESA documents with a working knowledge of consultation processes. Strong background and familiarity with MMPA and ESA species, including demonstrated fieldwork. Demonstrated experience with the National Marine Fisheries Service. Knowledge of the Air Force, the Navy, or other DOD mission activities a plus. Environmental Scientist III EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Required: BS in Biology, Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Science, or related field. Preferred: M.E.M. in Coastal Management or M.S. in marine biology or biology. REQUIRED SKILLS: Four (4) years experience in the environmental field required. Demonstrated experience with the National Marine Fisheries Service. Knowledge of the Air Force, the Navy, or other DOD mission activities and subsequent MMPA permit applications. Knowledge of NEPA, ESA, and MMPA requirements. DESIRED SKILLS: Experience with the preparation of NEPA, MMPA, and ESA documents with a working knowledge of consultation processes. Strong background and familiarity with MMPA and ESA species, including demonstrated fieldwork. Federal government experience. Sincerely, Jenn Latusek Jennifer N. Latusek Science Applications International Corporation NEPA Specialist/Marine Scientist M. Environmental Management 1140 Eglin Parkway Shalimar, FL 32579 (850) 609-3479 latusekj at saic.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jlunt at oxfordscientificfilms.tv Mon May 22 09:43:58 2006 From: jlunt at oxfordscientificfilms.tv (Jo Lunt) Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 17:43:58 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Sea Rescue TV Show Request Message-ID: <97215A52861A204C8F7A4DABAFA7988818E234@sbs-osf.OSF.local> Dear MARMAM, I'm a TV producer from Oxford Scientific Films and I'm working on a new show we are hoping to make for a UK broadcaster about the Sea World centre on the Gold Coast, Australia. The show will follow the rescue team as they go out and save animals trapped in fishing nets or hit by propellers as well as reintroduction programmes for endangered species like Dugongs. The show needs a British researcher working with the Sea World rescue crew to give it a UK angle so I'm currently trying to find who this researcher might be and hoped you might be able to help. I'm looking for someone who is doing relevant research on the animals or environment, Dolphins, Dugongs and Whales spring immediately to mind but it really could be anything. We'll want to send someone out for 6 months to a year to work at Sea World, researching their own work and also getting involved with the rescues where ever possible. If you know of someone who is already in Australia who we could try to relocate to the centre that would also be an option. The only catch is, they need to be from the UK. I know its a strange request but do you have any British members or associates who are planning any projects out in Australia who might be interested to work on the Gold Coast with Sea World and take part in a documentary series of this nature? If you could suggest any organisations who send people out to work there or know of any researchers who are planning a project out there I'd be really grateful if you could pass on this message to them as I'd very much like to talk to them about potentially getting involved with the show. Once again sorry to contact you out of the blue like this but any advise you can offer would be gratefully received. Best wishes, Joanne Joanne Lunt Oxford Scientific Films London +44 207 612 1934 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sophie at gvi.co.uk Tue May 23 07:44:51 2006 From: sophie at gvi.co.uk (Sophie Greatwood) Date: Tue, 23 May 2006 16:44:51 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] JOB VACANCIES Message-ID: <013901c67e77$80881dd0$2e9f330a@SGLAPTOP> JOB VACANCIES GLOBAL VISION INTERNATIONAL, AFRICAN WILDLIFE AND MARINE RESEARCH EXPEDITION, SHIMONI, KENYA. GVI is looking for adventurous & motivated staff all-rounder, with boat handling experience, to assist in setting up and running an exciting new wildlife and marine expedition Position start date July 2006 FOR MORE INFO READ BELOW If you are interested and have the relevant qualifications and experience pls send me your CV and cover letter ASAP to sophie at gvi.co.uk JOB VACANCIES GLOBAL VISION INTERNATIONAL, AFRICAN WILDLIFE AND MARINE RESEARCH EXPEDITION, SHIMONI, KENYA. "Global Vision International promotes sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world by matching the general public, with international environmentalists, researchers and pioneering educators." Global Vision International, (www.gvi.co.uk), was formed in 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non profits and governmental agencies. Through their international network of 40 personnel in over 20 countries GVI continues to support many of the most critical conservation and humanitarian projects around the globe. GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with aid-reliant organisations throughout the world provides opportunities to Volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. GVI wildlife and Marine Expeditions work closely with local organisations and providing essential support monitoring the Kisite-/mpunguti National Marine Park, environmental and sustainable development education. Project: This new expedition combines a variety of both marine and terrestrial research together with community development projects within the tropical environment of East Africa. The expedition looks at the biodiversity of the immediate region around Shimoni, utilizing a base in Shimoni on the Kenyan border with mainland Tanzania. The expedition examines how the local communities affect and utilise the region's natural resources, and aims to assist these communities to profit from their resources in a sustainable manner. The expedition will focus on three main elements, wildlife research and the impact of development upon it, marine mammal research (specifically dolphins) to determine trends related to tourism and populations and community development projects which together with many other activities will include teaching English programs, sustainable tourism workshops and development programs. Aims: Cetacean research off the coast of Shimoni as well as incidental marine mega-fauna research, including whale sharks, turtles, whales and manta rays. Wildlife research on species such as Colobus monkeys and forest biodiversity studies. Teaching English, Environmental education, Rainforest re / degeneration, Sustainable tourism practices, and Community infrastructure development. Role: The project is managed by a young team of four full-time Researchers assisted by teams of temporary, overseas volunteers. The position open is expedition staff and will be trained and participate in all areas of the expedition focuses: Expedition staff Looking for all rounder to assist in managing the research programmes, train Expedition Members in survey and monitoring techniques, teach survey techniques and identification, write reports, liaise with local partners and head office. Drive boat; maintain high health and safety standards, aid with logistics, budgeting and community programme Science degree and environmental studies/sustainable development background an advantage. Previous expedition experience and working with volunteers advantage RYA level 2 Boat Handling qualifications and experience essential. Able to work as part of a team, in a remote area and on own initiative. Driving licence. Excellent people skills needed. Basic Swahili is an advantage. Pro-activity, self-motivated, flexible, prepared to work flexible hours and operate happily and effectively within a communal living environment. . Must be able to lead plus work as part of a team with good management and organisational skills. Possible promotion to management positions for suitable candidates. This positions also offers potential opportunities within the growing organisation of GVI, all around the world. Please look at the GVI website for more information on this exciting organisation www.gvi.co.uk Conditions All food, accommodation, equipment and essential transport provided, plus $450 expedition salary and flight contribution, paid at start and end of the contract. Own insurance has to be provided. Hours are long, with a day and a half off at weekends when not on duty. Conditions are basic, living on an island, however staff get private room. Solar power provides limited electricity at night. The diet is generally vegetarian and staff are expected to join Expedition Members in camp duties such as cooking, base cleaning, maintenance of base and boats. Position started ASAP no later than July 2006 Enquiries and applications to Sophie Greatwood sophie at gvi.co.uk Cell: +2782 410 5539 . Sophie Greatwood Director of operations, Africa e: sophie at gvi.co.uk t: +27 82 410 5539 Global Vision International | W: http://www.gvi.co.uk | E: info at gvi.co.uk T: Europe +44 (0) 870 608 8898 | T: North America +1 888 653 6028 Amwell Farm House | Nomansland | Wheathampstead | St Albans | Herts | United Kingdom | AL4 8EJ The information in this internet email is confidential and is intended solely for the addressee(s). There is no guarantee that this message is either private or confidential and it may have been altered without your or our knowledge. Nothing in this message is capable of or intended to create any legally binding obligations on either party or be used in in any legal proceedings whatsoever. Access, copying, dissemination or re-use of information in it by anyone else is unauthorised. If you are not the intended recipient please delete this message from your system and contact us. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Global Vision International.gif Type: image/gif Size: 2033 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Godley-ESR at seaturtle.org Wed May 24 14:55:34 2006 From: Godley-ESR at seaturtle.org (Brendan Godley) Date: Wed, 24 May 2006 22:55:34 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Sea Level Rise and Monk Seals: Endangered Species Research Message-ID: <021d01c67f7c$ccb11f30$0302a8c0@CUCCAJYH39I1HH> Dear Marine Mammal List Members Apologies if you receive this more than once but, given its importance to monk seals, I thought members would be interested in the most recent publication (today) in the conservation journal Endangered Species Research (ESR): Baker JD, Littnan CL, Johnston DW (2006) Endangered Species Research Number 4 Potential effects of sea level rise on the terrestrial habitats of endangered and endemic megafauna of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands It looks at one of the key cross-cutting themes of the journal ie climate change and how potential sea level rise may impact monk seals, birds and sea turtles in the biologically rich NW Hawaiian islands. The paper can be downloaded free of charge at the journal website: http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/contents/ It follows the recent publication of: McGowan A, Broderick AC, Gore S, Hilton G, Woodfield NK, Godley BJ (2006) Endangered Species Research Number 3 Breeding seabirds in the British Virgin Islands. Eguchi T, Seminoff JA, Garner SA, Alexander-Garner J, Dutton PH (2006) Endangered Species Research Number 2 Flipper tagging with archival data recorders for short-term assessment of diving in nesting female turtles Frias Torres (2006) Endangered Species Research Number 1 Habitat use of juvenile goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara in the Florida Keys, USA Additional journal information: We are a relatively new journal but growing fast with 15 original articles under review including manuscripts on plants, molluscs, turtles, otters, cetaceans as well as those relating to issues such as bushmeat and traditional use. We welcome submissions on all taxa and ecosystems of conservation concern in terrestrial, freshwater and marine realm. Submissions should be via the Managing Editor Penny Khun at esr-submissions at int-res.com. We have recently expanded our scope http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/information/ and are growing our international editorial board. If you would like to receive additional updates about contents to ESR you can subscribe for e-mail updates by sending a message to: esr-contents-subscribe at int-res.com containing the subject line "SUBSCRIBE" . If you have any additional queries about the journal, drop me a line. Best B Dr. Brendan J. Godley Editor-in-Chief, Endangered Species Research Centre for Ecology & Conservation School of Biosciences University of Exeter Homepage -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jf at udel.edu Wed May 24 06:33:07 2006 From: jf at udel.edu (Jeremy Firestone) Date: Wed, 24 May 2006 09:33:07 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] USCG PARS study of Potential Vessel Routing Measures to Reduce Vessel Strikes of North Atlantic Right Whales Message-ID: <007901c67f36$97c06dd0$39bcaf80@Jeremy8600> [Federal Register: May 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 100)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 29876-29878] >From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr24my06-25] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 167 [USCG-2005-20380] Port Access Routes Study of Potential Vessel Routing Measures to Reduce Vessel Strikes of North Atlantic Right Whales AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of study results; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the completion of a Port Access Route Study that analyzed potential vessel routing measures and considered adjusting existing vessel routing measures in order to help reduce the risk of vessel strikes of the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale. The study focused on the northern region off the Atlantic Coast which included Cape Cod Bay, the area off Race Point at the northern end of Cape Cod (Race Point) and the Great South Channel; and in the southern region which included areas along the seacoast in the approaches to the Ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Brunswick, Georgia. This notice summarizes the study's recommendations. Comments on these recommendations are requested. DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before June 5, 2006. ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as the actual study and other documents mentioned in this notice, are part of docket USCG-2005-20380 and are available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, 20590-0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov . You may submit comments identified by Coast Guard docket number USCG-2005-20380 to the Docket Management Facility at the U.S. Department of Transportation. To avoid duplication, please use only one of the following methods: (1) Web site: http://dms.dot.gov . (2) Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. (3) Fax: 202-493-2251. (4) Delivery: Room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329. (5) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice of study results, call George Detweiler, Office of Navigation Systems, Coast Guard, telephone 202-267-0574, or send e-mail to Gdetweiler at comdt.uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-493-0402-0271. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: You may obtain a copy of the Port Access Route Study by contacting either person listed under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. A copy is also available in the public docket at the address listed under the ADDRESSES section and electronically on the DMS Web Site at http://dms.dot.gov . Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to comment on the study and its recommendations by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to use the Docket Management Facility. Please see DOT's ``Privacy Act'' paragraph below. Submitting comments: If you submit a comment, please include your name and address, identify the docket number for this notice of study (USCG-2005-20380), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. You may submit your comments and material by electronic means, mail, fax, or delivery to the Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES; but please submit your comments and material by only one means. If you submit them by mail or delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all [[Page 29877]] comments and material received during the comment period. Viewing comments and documents: To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://dms.dot.gov at any time and conduct a simple search using the docket number. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Privacy Act: Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the Department of Transportation's Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov . Definitions The following definitions are from the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) publication ``Ships' Routeing'' and should help you review this notice: Area to be avoided or ATBA means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits in which either navigation is particularly hazardous or it is exceptionally important to avoid casualties and which should be avoided by all vessels, or certain classes of vessels. Precautionary area means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits where vessels must navigate with particular caution and within which the direction of traffic flow may be recommended. Recommended route means a route of undefined width, for the convenience of vessels in transit, which is often marked by centerline buoys. Recommended track is a route which has been specially examined to ensure so far as possible that it is free of dangers and along which vessels are advised to navigate. Separation Zone or separation line means a zone or line separating the traffic lanes in which vessels are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions; or from the adjacent sea area; or separating traffic lanes designated for particular classes of vessels proceeding in the same direction. Traffic lane means an area within defined limits in which one-way traffic is established. Natural obstacles, including those forming separation zones, may constitute a boundary. Traffic Separation Scheme or TSS means a routing measure aimed at the separation of opposing streams of traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes. Two-way route means a route within defined limits inside which two- way traffic is established, aimed at providing safe passage of ships through waters where navigation is difficult or dangerous. Vessel routing system means any system of one or more routes or routing measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; it includes traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, areas to be avoided, no anchoring areas, inshore traffic zones, roundabouts, precautionary areas, and deep-water routes. Background and Purpose When did the Coast Guard conduct this Port Access Route Study (PARS)? We conducted this PARS following our announcement of the PARS in a notice published in the Federal Register on February 18, 2005, (70 FR 8312). This notice had a comment submission deadline of April 19, 2005. What is the study area? The study area encompassed the two regions described as follows: 1. Northern region: Cape Cod Bay; the area off Race Point at the northern end of Cape Cod (Race Point) and the Great South Channel. 2. Southern region: The area bounded to the north by a line drawn at latitude 31[deg]27' N (which coincides with the northernmost boundary of the mandatory ship reporting system) and to the south by a line drawn at latitude line 29[deg]45' N. The eastern offshore boundary is formed by a line drawn at longitude 81[deg]00' W and the western boundary is formed by the shoreline. Included in this area are the ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina, FL, and Brunswick, GA. Why did the Coast Guard conduct this PARS? The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (NMFS ANPRM) (69 FR 30857, June 1, 2004) in the Federal Register, which announced that it is considering regulations to implement a strategy to reduce ship strikes of right whales (Strategy). The goal of the Strategy is to assist in the recovery of the right whale by reducing the likelihood and threat of ship strikes. Section 626 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (the 2004 Act) (enacted August 9, 2004) mandates that the Coast Guard shall: (1) Cooperate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in analyzing potential vessel routing measures for reducing vessel strikes of North Atlantic Right Whales, as described in the notice published at pages 30857 through 30861 of volume 69 of the Federal Register; and (2) provide a final report of the analysis to Congress within 18 months after the date of enactment of the Act. The Coast Guard is charged with enforcing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the regulations issued under those statutes. One of the Coast Guard's primary strategic goals is the protection of the marine environment, including the conservation of living marine resources and enforcement of living marine resource laws. The Coast Guard works independently, and in collaboration with NMFS, to prevent ship strikes and promote right whale conservation. The Coast Guard issues local and written periodic notices to mariners concerning ship strikes, issues NAVTEX messages alerting mariners to the location of right whales, and actively participates in the Mandatory Ship Reporting (MSR) System that provides information to mariners entering right whale habitat. In addition, the Coast Guard provides patrols dedicated to enforcement of the ESA and the MMPA, provides limited vessel and aircraft support to facilitate right whale research and monitoring, and disseminates NMFS information packets to vessels boarded in or near right whale waters. As part of its Strategy development, and consistent with section 626 of the 2004 Act, NMFS asked the Coast Guard for assistance in its ship-strike rulemaking by conducting a Port Access Route Study (PARS). How did the Coast Guard conduct this PARS? During the course of a routine PARS, the Coast Guard would review port data, which would include vessel types, vessel traffic density, types of cargo, economic impacts, port improvements, vessel safety, and overall environmental impacts. In addition, the Coast Guard would review comments received on the PARS notice. Further, if meetings of any type were held, comments received at those meetings would also be considered. In analyzing potential vessel routing measures for reducing vessel strikes of North Atlantic right whales, the Coast [[Page 29878]] Guard and NMFS agreed this PARS would be narrower in scope than a routine PARS because the Coast Guard did not consider economic impacts. Economic impacts are being considered by NMFS as part of an economic analysis it is conducting as part of the implementation of its Strategy. The Coast Guard analyzed ship transit data and reviewed research papers published and/or provided by NMFS. These papers discussed right whale habitat and migration patterns, and also analyzed ship transit data, including Mandatory Ship Reporting System data. Comments received on its PARS announcement in the Federal Register as well as comments NMFS received on its ANPRM were also reviewed by the Coast Guard. Study Recommendations The PARS recommendations include the following: 1. Establish precautionary areas at the entrance to the ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, FL, and Brunswick, GA. 2. Establish six, two-way routes for the ports of Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach, FL, and Brunswick, GA. 3. Establish precautionary areas at the entrance to Cape Cod Canal and in the vicinity of New Inlet, MA. 4. Establish three, two-way routes in Cape Cod Bay to the ports of Boston and Provincetown, MA, and the entrance to Cape Cod Canal. 5. Establish a two-way recommended track from the Cape Cod Canal entrance to Provincetown, MA. 6. Realign and modify the location and size of the western portion of the TSS ``In the Approach to Boston, Massachusetts.'' Next Steps A brief synopsis of how the PARS recommendations will proceed towards implementation follows: 1. Changes to the TSS will be implemented through submission of a proposal by the United States to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Upon IMO approval, adoption, and implementation, NOAA charts will be revised to reflect changes to the TSS and the Coast Guard will revise the list of TSSs at 33 CFR part 167. 2. The final locations of the precautionary areas, two-way routes, and the two-way recommended track will be determined and approved by the Coast Guard and NOAA. After approval they will be placed on the appropriate charts by NOAA. Notification of the establishment of these routing measures and their placement on applicable charts will be published in the appropriate Local Notice to Mariners. 3. Changes to aids to navigation resulting from the above actions will be accomplished through the following established procedures-- notification of proposed changes in the Local Notice to Mariners with an opportunity for comment and notification of the final changes in the Local Notice to Mariners. Conclusion We appreciate the comments we received concerning the PARS. We will provide opportunity for additional comments on any recommended changes to existing routing or operational measures listed in 33 CFR part 167 through notices published in the Federal Register. Dated: May 15, 2006. Howard L. Hime, Acting Director of Standards, Assistant Commandant for Prevention. [FR Doc. E6-7859 Filed 5-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-15-P -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simon.berrow at shannondolphins.ie Tue May 23 09:27:12 2006 From: simon.berrow at shannondolphins.ie (Simon Berrow) Date: Tue, 23 May 2006 17:27:12 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] IWDG express concern about NATO Operation Steadfast Jaguar in Cape Verde Message-ID: <000c01c67e85$c7815590$caa3869f@simon> IWDG express concern about NATO Operation Steadfast Jaguar in Cape Verde The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) have recently learnt that NATO intend to use Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS) during their forthcoming training exercise Steadfast Jaguar in the Cape Verde Islands. There has been considerable concern over the impact of LFAS on cetaceans from marine mammal experts from around the world including North America and Europe. There is considerable evidence that this system has been a major factor in the mass stranding of cetaceans, including the poorly understood and rarely seen, beaked whales. Recent pathological evidence suggests these deep diving species may suffer air embolisms or "the bends" due to rapid surfacing after reacting to strong acoustic sources, such as LFAS. The US Navy admitted the potential of LFAS to kill marine mammals after a mass stranding event in the Bahamas during a NATO exercise in 2000. The system has been the subject of numerous court cases in the US, with US judges ruling against the deployment and use of LFAS on a number of occasions. As a volcanic archipelago, the seabed around the Cape Verde Islands slope steeply away into great depths. The islands are surrounded by deep-water canyons and shelf slopes which are a prime habitat for beaked whale species. Recent modeling data also suggest that the Cape Verde Islands may be important habitat for a number of beaked whale species. The IWDG have recently returned from their second expedition to the Cape Verde Islands. The primary objective of both expeditions was to obtain fluke images of humpback whales in order to locate the feeding grounds of the Cape Verde breeding population. It is the opinion of the IWDG, that Cape Verde might be the breeding ground of the humpback whales being observed, with increasing frequency, in Irish waters. The IWDG have a long-term interest in the ecology and conservation of cetaceans in Cape Verde Islands and are concerned over the possible impacts of Steadfast Jaguar. The IWDG call on NATO to ensure that there is no impact of LFAS and other military equipment on marine mammals around Cape Verde during this operation. The IWDG will work together with local groups in Cape Verde to monitor for any effects of the use of LFAS on marine mammals during and after the forthcoming NATO exercises. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Tel: 00353 86 8545450 Email: Simon.Berrow at iwdg.ie Website: www.iwdg.ie ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Steadfast Jaguar website: http://www.nato.int/shape/issues/shape_nrf/steadfast_jaguar.htm Statement from Ian Bailey, Lt UK N, PIO, JFC HQ Brunssum on 11 May 2006 NATO takes the impact of any of its operations on the environment and wildlife very seriously. Consequently, the Alliance has developed a general policy for military principles and policies for Environmental Protection. This doctrine establishes the mandatory integration of environmental risk management at the initial stages of the planning process for operations and exercises. Furthermore, NATO requires that the co-operating host nation's environmental laws be respected during all NATO operations and exercises. During the extensive planning process for the NATO Response Force Live Exercise, Steadfast Jaguar 06 (SFJR06) in Cape Verde, all of these guidelines have been utilized to ensure that both the national and NATO requirements for the protection of cetaceans are met. Naval units participating in SFJR 06 are fitted with the usual variety of sonar military systems, both passive and active, and ranging from low to high frequencies. All these systems will be subject to restrictions during this exercise in accordance with NATO and Cape Verdian guidelines. Cognizant of concerns from environmental protection institutions regarding possible risks to marine life produced by sonar transmission, NATO recently created a Specialist Team on Maritime Mammal Protection at its Headquarters in Brussels. The Team will co-operate in this area with academics, industries and NGOs and promote among the member nations the introduction of further effective measures and equipment to minimize the impact of sonar transmissions on maritime mammals -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jan.herrmann at cetacea.de Tue May 23 10:24:02 2006 From: jan.herrmann at cetacea.de (Jan Herrmann) Date: Tue, 23 May 2006 19:24:02 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications week 19 Message-ID: Dear all, here are some new publications of week 19 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Andersen, G. et al. (2006): Levels of toxaphene congeners in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from Svalbard, Norway. Science of the Total Environment 357(1-3): 128-137. Gross, L. (2005): As the Antarctic Ice Pack Recedes, a Fragile Ecosystem Hangs in the Balance. PLoS Biology 3(4): e127. Sakai, M. et al. (2006): Laterality of flipper rubbing behaviour in wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus): Caused by asymmetry of eye use? Behavioural Brain Research 170(2): 204-210. Saliki, J.T. et al. (2006): A Novel Gammaherpesvirus Associated with Genital Lesions in a Blainville's Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon densirostris). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(1): 142-148. PINNIPEDIA Acevedo-Whitehouse, K. et al. (2006): Contrasting effects of heterozygosity on survival and hookworm resistance in California sea lion pups. Molecular Ecology 15(7): 1973-1982. Hoffman, J.I., J. Forcada, and W. Amos (2006): No relationship between microsatellite variation and neonatal fitness in Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus gazella. Molecular Ecology 15(7): 1995-2005. Twiss, S.D. et al. (2006): Finding fathers: spatio-temporal analysis of paternity assignment in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Molecular Ecology 15(7): 1939-1953. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de From scott at beamreach.org Tue May 23 23:14:26 2006 From: scott at beamreach.org (Scott Veirs) Date: Tue, 23 May 2006 23:14:26 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Toward recovery of endangered orcas and their ecosystem Message-ID: Dear colleagues: There was an impressive spirit of constructive dialogue displayed at the Southern Resident Killer Whale Symposium held last month in Seattle, Washington (April 3-5, 2006). In an effort to continue (and broaden) such dialogue and facilitate recovery of the endangered orca, a virtual collaborative space called the Orcasphere ( http://orcasphere.net ) has been launched. I invite you to explore this site devoted to the southern residents and to use the tools it provides for blogging, threaded discussion, photo display, and file exchange. I think MarMam readers will enjoy one of the first Orcasphere blog entries that describes a "greeting ceremony" of the southern residents. The ceremony was observed on October 4, 2005, by Beam Reach students (amongst others) which coincided with the last time a matriarch (L32) was seen. The blog provides links to video, underwater sound, and still photos: http://www.orcasphere.net/blog/2006/5/15/ceremony.html Beam Reach, a marine science and sustainability school, sponsors Orcasphere in an effort to provide a collaborative space for our students and the community of researchers, policy makers, and citizens dedicated to the recovery of orcas and their ecosystem. There is still space available during our fall 2006 class that will focus on the acoustic study of the orcas and their environment. Application instructions can be found at: http://beamreach.org/apply.html Best regards, Dr. Scott Veirs, scott at beamreach.org | (206) 251-5554 Note: The Beam Reach research opportunity is part of an academic study-away program. Participation requires application, acceptance, and tuition payment. Financial aid is available. Beam Reach is affiliated with the Colorado College orca vocalization and localization (OVAL) project [conference presentations/pre-prints available upon request]. Beam Reach courses are approved for credit by the University of Washington. From simon.berrow at shannondolphins.ie Thu May 25 04:17:51 2006 From: simon.berrow at shannondolphins.ie (Simon Berrow) Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 12:17:51 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] IWDG express concern about NATO Operation Steadfast Jaguar in Cape Verde Message-ID: <004e01c67fec$dd4d2df0$61a2869f@simon> Sorry, After posting this original message our attentuion has been drawn to some mis-information. This revised posting has incorporated these sugestions. The conclusions are concerns expressed are unchanged. Simon IWDG express concern about NATO Operation Steadfast Jaguar in Cape Verde The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) have recently learnt that NATO intend to use a range of active sonar systems during their forthcoming training exercise Steadfast Jaguar in the Cape Verde Islands. There has been considerable concern over the impact of Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS) on cetaceans from marine mammal experts from around the world including North America and Europe. In addition, there is considerable evidence that active sonar systems, particularly mid-frequency ones, have been a major factor in the mass stranding of cetaceans, including the poorly understood and rarely seen, beaked whales. Recent pathological evidence suggests these deep diving species may suffer air embolisms or "the bends" due to rapid surfacing after reacting to strong acoustic sources, such as active sonars. The US Navy admitted the potential of mid-frequency active sonars to kill marine mammals after a mass stranding event in the Bahamas during a NATO exercise in 2000, while LFAS has been the subject of numerous court cases in the US, with US judges ruling against the deployment and use of LFAS on a number of occasions. As a volcanic archipelago, the seabed around the Cape Verde Islands slope steeply away into great depths. The islands are surrounded by deep-water canyons and shelf slopes which are a prime habitat for beaked whale species. Recent modeling data also suggest that the Cape Verde Islands may be important habitat for a number of beaked whale species. The IWDG have recently returned from their second expedition to the Cape Verde Islands. The primary objective of both expeditions was to obtain fluke images of humpback whales in order to locate the feeding grounds of the Cape Verde breeding population. It is the opinion of the IWDG, that Cape Verde might be the breeding ground of the humpback whales being observed, with increasing frequency, in Irish waters. The IWDG have a long-term interest in the ecology and conservation of cetaceans in Cape Verde Islands and are concerned over the possible impacts of Steadfast Jaguar. The IWDG call on NATO to ensure that there is no impact of their sonar systems, particularly LFAS and mid-frequency ones, and other military equipment on marine mammals around Cape Verde during this operation. The IWDG will work together with local groups in Cape Verde to monitor for any effects of this exercise on marine mammals during and after the forthcoming NATO exercises. Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Tel: 00353 86 8545450 Email: Simon.Berrow at iwdg.ie Website: www.iwdg.ie ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Steadfast Jaguar website: http://www.nato.int/shape/issues/shape_nrf/steadfast_jaguar.htm Statement from Ian Bailey, Lt UK N, PIO, JFC HQ Brunssum on 11 May 2006 NATO takes the impact of any of its operations on the environment and wildlife very seriously. Consequently, the Alliance has developed a general policy for military principles and policies for Environmental Protection. This doctrine establishes the mandatory integration of environmental risk management at the initial stages of the planning process for operations and exercises. Furthermore, NATO requires that the co-operating host nation's environmental laws be respected during all NATO operations and exercises. During the extensive planning process for the NATO Response Force Live Exercise, Steadfast Jaguar 06 (SFJR06) in Cape Verde, all of these guidelines have been utilized to ensure that both the national and NATO requirements for the protection of cetaceans are met. Naval units participating in SFJR 06 are fitted with the usual variety of sonar military systems, both passive and active, and ranging from low to high frequencies. All these systems will be subject to restrictions during this exercise in accordance with NATO and Cape Verdian guidelines. Cognizant of concerns from environmental protection institutions regarding possible risks to marine life produced by sonar transmission, NATO recently created a Specialist Team on Maritime Mammal Protection at its Headquarters in Brussels. The Team will co-operate in this area with academics, industries and NGOs and promote among the member nations the introduction of further effective measures and equipment to minimize the impact of sonar transmissions on maritime mammals. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Steadfast Jaguar.doc Type: application/msword Size: 27136 bytes Desc: not available URL: From jan.herrmann at cetacea.de Mon May 29 12:24:28 2006 From: jan.herrmann at cetacea.de (Jan Herrmann) Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 21:24:28 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications week 20 Message-ID: Dear all, here are some new publications of week 20 / 2006, which haven't been announced on MARMAM earlier AFAIK. By clicking the following link you are guided to a website, where the following references are linked to their according journal homepages. There you can find abstracts and contact information: http://www.mmbib.com/news.html Please do not contact MARMAM, the MARMAM editors or me for reprints. Thank you. Kindest Regards, Jan Herrmann CETACEA Holt, S. (2006): Propaganda and pretext. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(4): 363-366. Janik, V.M., L.S. Sayigh, and R.S. Wells (2006): Signature whistle shape conveys identity information to bottlenose dolphins. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 103(21): 8293-8297. Kjeld, M. et al. (2006): Sex Hormones and Reproductive Status of the North Atlantic Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) During the Feeding Season. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 75-84. McKinney, M.A. et al. (2006): Organohalogen contaminants and metabolites in beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) liver from two Canadian populations. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 25(5): 1246-1257. Neumann, D.R. and M.B. Orams (2006): Impacts of Ecotourism on Short-Beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Mercury Bay, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 1-9. Nikaido, M. et al. (2005): Baleen Whale Phylogeny and a Past Extensive Radiation Event Revealed by SINE Insertion Analysis. Molecular Biology and Evolution 23(5): 866-873. P?rez, M.J. et al. (2006): Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) Feeding on Euphausia mucronata in Nearshore Waters off North-Central Chile. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 109-113. Reyes, L.M. (2006): Cetaceans of Central Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 20-30. Schusterman, R.J. (2006): Entanglements: the Intertwined Fates of Whales and Fishermen. Tora Johnson. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 114-115. Sourisseau, M., Y. Simard, and F.J. Saucier (2006): Krill aggregation in the St. Lawrence system, and supply of krill to the whale feeding grounds in the estuary from the gulf. Marine Ecology Progress Series 314(): 257-270. Turner, J.P. et al. (2006): Organ Weights and Growth Profiles in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 46-57. Weiss, J. (2006): Foraging Habitats and Associated Preferential Foraging Specializations of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Mother-Calf Pairs. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 10-19. PINNIPEDIA Cooper, L.W. et al. (2006): Rapid Seasonal Sea-Ice Retreat in the Arctic Could Be Affecting Pacific Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) Recruitment. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 98-102. Haulena, M. et al. (2006): Lesions associated with a novel Mycoplasma sp. In california sea lions (Zalophus californianus) undergoing rehabilitation. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(1): 40-45. McDonald, B.I. and D.E. Crocker (2006): Physiology and Behavior Influence Lactation Efficiency in Northern Elephant Seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79(3): 484-496. McFadden, K.W., G.A.J. Worthy, and T.E. Lacher (2006): Photogrammetric Estimates of Size and Mass in Hawaiian Monk Seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 31-40. Mellish, J.-A.E. et al. (2006): Temporary Captivity as a Research Tool: Comprehensive Study of Wild Pinnipeds Under Controlled Conditions. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 58-65. Nollens, H.H. et al. (2006): Pathology and preliminary characterization of a parapoxvirus isolated from a california sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42(1): 23-32. Trites, A.W. et al. (2006): Insights into the Timing of Weaning and the Attendance Patterns of Lactating Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska During Winter, Spring, and Summer. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 85-97. OTHER MARINE MAMMALS Fellner, W. et al. (2006): Response to Conditioned Stimuli by Two Rehabilitated and Released West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 66-74. Lanyon, J.M., K. Newgrain, and T. Sahir Syah Alli (2006): Estimation of Water Turnover Rate in Captive Dugongs (Dugong dugon). Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 103-108. Ortiz, R.M. and G.A.J. Worthy (2006): Body Composition and Water Turnover Rates of Bottle-Fed West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) Calves. Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 41-45. Ross, S.R. (2006): Issues of choice and control in the behaviour of a pair of captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Behavioral Processes 73(1): 117-120. Yan, J. et al. (2006): Application of fracture mechanics to failure in manatee rib bone. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 128(3): 281-289. -- --> jan.herrmann -at - cetacea.de From swatwood at whoi.edu Tue May 30 09:23:58 2006 From: swatwood at whoi.edu (Stephanie L. Watwood) Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 12:23:58 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on sperm whale diving and foraging behavior Message-ID: <447C719E.4040407@whoi.edu> The following paper on the diving and foraging behavior of sperm whales was recently published: Watwood, Stephanie L., Miller, Patrick J.O., Johnson, Mark, Madsen, Peter T., and Tyack, Peter L. 2006. Deep-diving foraging behaviour of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Journal of Animal Ecology 75: 814-825. Pdf reprints for those interested are available from swatwood at whoi.edu. Summary 1. Digital tags were used to describe diving and vocal behaviour of sperm whales during 198 complete and partial foraging dives made by 37 individual sperm whales in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Ligurian Sea. 2. The maximum depth of dive averaged by individual differed across the three regions and was 985 m (SD = 124?3), 644 m (123?4) and 827 m (60?3), respectively. An average dive cycle consisted of a 45 min (6?3) dive with a 9 min (3?0) surface interval, with no significant differences among regions. On average, whales spent greater than 72% of their time in foraging dive cycles. 3. Whales produced regular clicks for 81% (4?1) of a dive and 64% (14?6) of the descent phase. The occurrence of buzz vocalizations (also called 'creaks') as an indicator of the foraging phase of a dive showed no difference in mean prey capture attempts per dive between regions [18 buzzes/dive (7?6)]. Sperm whales descended a mean of 392 m (144) from the start of regular clicking to the first buzz, which supports the hypothesis that regular clicks function as a long-range biosonar. 4. There were no significant differences in the duration of the foraging phase [28 min (6?0)] or percentage of the dive duration in the foraging phase [62% (7?3)] between the three regions, with an overall average proportion of time spent actively encountering prey during dive cycles of 0?53 (0?05). Whales maintained their time in the foraging phase by decreasing transit time for deeper foraging dives. 5. Similarity in foraging behaviour in the three regions and high diving efficiencies suggest that the success of sperm whales as mesopelagic predators is due in part to long-range echolocation of deep prey patches, efficient locomotion and a large aerobic capacity during diving. -- ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< Stephanie L. Watwood Postdoctoral Investigator Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Research Facility MS#50 Woods Hole MA 02543 508-289-3463 (phone) 508-457-2138 (fax) www.whoi.edu/people/swatwood <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> <>< ><> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From marmamed at uvic.ca Tue May 30 22:42:44 2006 From: marmamed at uvic.ca (MARMAM Editors) Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 22:42:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Abstracts and contents - Aquatic Mammals, 32(1), 2006 (fwd) Message-ID: Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies in advance to those of you who will be receiving cross-postings. The following is a list of contents of the most recent issue of _Aquatic Mammals_. This publication is supported through a partnership between the European Association for Aquatic Mammals and the European Cetacean Society. For more information on _Aquatic Mammals_, I refer you to the new website for the publication (that includes author guidelines) which not only also has links to both societies: http://www.wiu.edu/users/aquamamm/index/home.htm The abstracts are posted as a courtesy to the journal editors: Managing Editor: Dr. Jeannette Thomas, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, 3561 Street, Moline, Illinois 61265, USA (J-Thomas at wiu.edu; tel: 309-762-9481; fax: 309-762-6989) and Co-Editor and Book Review Editor: Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, 55 Coogan Avenue, Mystic, Connecticut 06355, USA (kdudzinski at mysticaquarium.org; tel: 860-572-5955; fax: 860-572-5969). The addresses to whom reprint inquiries should be directed is included with each article. No email addresses were provided with any of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in this journal and publication postings in general. With warm regards, Dagmar Fertl Geo-Marine, Inc. dfertl at geo-marine.com http://www.geo-marine.com ____________________________________________________________________________ Neumann, D.R.*, and M.B. Orams. 2006. Impacts of ecotourism on short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Mercury Bay, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):1-9. *Luisenstrasse 2, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) often are found in large aggregations offshore from the eastern coast of New Zealand. They are the primary target of at least six marine mammal tourism operations from Whakatane to the Hauraki Gulf. This report details the first long-term investigation of interactions between tourists and common dolphins. During a 3-y study offshore from Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula, 105 focal group follows, totaling 118 h of observations were conducted from a 5.5-m, rigid-hull inflatable boat. Seventy-two of these observations were conducted in the absence of the tour boat (baseline), and 33 with the tour boat. Baseline data were compared with "tour boat" data to assess changes in dolphin behaviour resulting from the tour boat approaching and swimmers entering the water to snorkel with the dolphins. Common dolphins responded with a relatively predictable pattern to approaching boats. Initial attraction (mean duration 8 min) typically was followed by neutral behaviour (mean duration 57 min) and eventually replaced by boat avoidance. Smaller dolphin groups showed boat avoidance sooner and more frequently than larger groups. When swimmers entered the water, dolphins only spent an average of 2 min in their vicinity. Throughout encounters, they maintained a distance of at least 3 m from the nearest swimmer. During half of the attempted swims, dolphins did not change their course or their activity in response to swimmers. Swimmers had a better chance of a sustained interaction when the group of dolphins was large (> 50 individuals) and/or the number of swimmers in the water was small (< 5). The results of this study suggested that common dolphins can be affected by tourism; however, adherence to New Zealand's Marine Mammals Protection Regulations and the current low level of tourism appear to minimise the impact on this species. ******************************************************************* Weiss, J.* 2006. Foraging habitats and associated preferential foraging specializations of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) mother-calf pairs. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):10-19. Current address: Geo-Marine, Inc. 2713 Magruder Boulevard, Suite D, Hampton, VA 23666, USA Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) use a variety of foraging specializations to detect and pursue prey. Like other mammals, individual dolphins may use specialized foraging techniques that are shaped in response to habitat type or prey resources. The long duration of the mother-calf bond presents an opportunity for mothers to transmit such specializations to their calves. This study explored how the use of foraging specializations may influence selection of foraging habitats and how such specializations may spread within a dolphin community. Focal animal follows were used to document the foraging behavior of five resident females and their calves from June to August 2003 in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Sarasota Bay was classified into six habitat types based upon bathymetry and bottom topography. Individual females differed in their selection of foraging habitats. Three of the five focal females used one of two foraging specializations?kerplunking and barrier-feeding?and exhibited a preference for only one type of behavior. A significant difference in the frequency of observations of foraging specific behaviors was found between different habitat types. Limited observations, as well as anecdotal evidence from past studies, suggest that maternal transmission may play a role in the spread of foraging techniques, such as kerplunking and barrier-feeding, within the community. My findings suggest that the use of foraging specializations is associated with foraging habitat preferences in Sarasota Bay. The importance of seagrass areas to foraging dolphins and the significance of the mother-calf bond to the development of the use of foraging specializations is emphasized. *********************************************************************** Reyes, L.M.* 2006. Cetaceans of central Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):20-30 *Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Boulevard Brown 3700, (9120) Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina The aim of this study was to produce the first annotated checklist of cetaceans found in the coastal waters of central Patagonia, Argentina, in the Southwestern Atlantic, encompassing approximately 700 km of coastline. Personal records of sightings and strandings, personal communications with trained individuals, photographs, unpublished abstracts from meetings, scientific publications, newspaper articles, and specimen collections from academic institutions were considered. Thirteen species were reported in the area, including ten odontocetes and three mysticetes. Reports of eight species had been published previously, including Cephalorhynchus commersonii, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, L. australis, Orcinus orca, Globicephala melas, Physeter macrocephalus, Mesoplodon layardii, and Ziphius cavirostris. Five species were formally documented for the first time in this coastal area, including Grampus griseus, M. grayi, Eubalaena australis, Balaenoptera bonaerensis, and B. musculus. The number of odontocete species and the presence of three species of pinnipeds breeding or moulting on several islands (Otaria flavescens, Arctocephalus australis, and Mirounga leonina) highlight the importance of the area in terms of biodiversity of top predators and the need for the creation of a new Marine Protected Area, considering present uses and trends in coastal development. *********************************************************************** McFadden, K.W.*, G.A.J. Worthy, and T.E. Lacher. 2006. Photogrammetric estimates of size and mass in Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Aquatic Mammals 32(1): 31-40. *current address: National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources Division, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA A non-invasive photographic technique was developed to estimate the body mass of Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Newly weaned monk seal pups (n = 31) were photographed and measured at Kure Atoll in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Length, side area, anterior/posterior area, and perimeter were measured from photographs to establish predictive relationships with body mass using regression analyses. Photographs were ranked subjectively in terms of quality, based on the degree to which the seal's body position deviated from the ideal position used to obtain standardized photographs. Results indicated that deviations in body positioning (e. g., a seal rolled on its side) did not significantly alter photogrammetric (surface area or perimeter) values compared to those obtained in a standard position. Although the most reliable models (based on information criterion analysis and 95% CIs) were based on directly measured morphological variables, models using only photogrammetric variables also yielded practical and reliable models with 95% CI, ranging from ? 4.95 to 9.12 kg and R2 values from 0.93 to 0.77. This finding indicated that the use of photogrammetry alone to assess body condition is suitable to estimate body mass in 10- to 120-kg weaned Hawaiian monk seal pups. *********************************************************************** Ortiz, R.M.*, and G.A.J. Worthy. 2006. Body composition and water turnover rates of bottle-fed West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) calves. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):41-45. *current address: Division of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95344-0039, USA Estimation of body composition and water turnover rates can provide important indices of an animal's health and well-being. This data becomes especially important for a highly endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Information on body composition and water turnover rates in nursing manatee calves is unavailable; therefore, the present study describes a unique opportunity to estimate, by isotopic dilution, body composition and water flux in vivo in bottle-fed calves of the West Indian manatee held in captivity. A calf held in fresh water was measured at 9 mo (124.8 kg) and 12 mo (152.6 kg) to examine the effects of growth. Over this 3-mo period, absolute fat mass (FM) increased 70.4% and absolute water turnover rate increased from 4.7 to 9.7 l/d, illustrating how these parameters change as a function of the animal's growth. To examine the effects of salinity on water flux, another calf (110.0 kg), held in salt water, was restricted from fresh water. During freshwater restriction, the calf's water turnover rate was 2.9 l/d and could be accounted for solely by dietary and metabolic water. When the animal was given access to fresh water, turnover rate increased to 4.0 l/d, for which 1.3 l/d could not be accounted, suggesting that nursing calves do not drink salt water. Collectively, the results provide a unique data set for nursing manatee calves and suggest that nursing calves, similar to adults, do not engage in mariposia. In addition, nursing calves will drink when given access to fresh water; however, the contribution of drinking fresh water to the growth and development of nursing calves remains to be examined. These data should provide useful information when implementing the proper husbandry and management plans for both fresh- and saltwater habitats of such a highly endangered species as the West Indian manatee. ********************************************************** Turner, J.P.*, L.S. Clark, E.M. Haubold, G.A.J. Worthy, and D.F. Cowan. 2006. Organ weights and growth profiles in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):46-57. *current address: Department of Marine Science, University of Hawai?i at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Systematic necropsies were performed on 63 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and data on organ mass, standard body length (SBL), body mass (BM), gender, sexual maturity, and age were measured and/or estimated. Animals were extremely fresh and recovered from along the Texas and Louisiana coastline in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Organ reference tables were established for this species to facilitate comparisons with other bottlenose dolphins and to provide a baseline for other cetacean species. Organs examined included lungs, adrenal glands, kidneys, testes, ovaries, heart, liver, pancreas, brain, pituitary, thyroid, thymus, and spleen. Individuals were separated into three size classes: < 175 cm, 175-225 cm, and > 225 cm, based on SBL to further facilitate comparisons. Growth rates of length and mass were described using Gompertz nonlinear models as a function of gender. No sexual dimorphism was identified in BM or organ weights, and SBL was only significantly larger for older mature males. SBL and BM were strongly correlated with age when all animals were included in analyses, although this is not an accurate predictor of age, especially in older individuals. Organ weights were significantly correlated with both SBL (except thymus and spleen) and BM (except left ovary, spleen, and thymus). Age was significantly correlated with all organ weights (except thymus, thyroid, and ovaries). There were no significant differences in the weight of any paired organs (adrenal glands, kidneys, lungs, ovaries, testes), and all were significantly correlated with BM. These data on organ weights of bottlenose dolphins, when interpreted with SBL, BM, and age, are significant tools for pathologists and veterinarians interpreting animal health status. ******************************************************************* Mellish, J.E.*, D.G. Calkins, D.R. Christen, M. Horning, L.D. Rea, and S.K. Atkinson. 2006. Temporary captivity as a research tool: Comprehensive study of wild pinnipeds under controlled conditions. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):58-65. *School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA A new approach to the study of free-ranging, endangered western stock Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) was implemented at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. Groups of up to four juvenile (n = 16) Steller sea lions were held in temporary quarantine for research periods of up to three months. Hematological and blood chemistry parameters were collected at the beginning and end of captivity and compared to free-ranging juvenile controls to determine if animals in temporary captivity can provide accurate physiological data representative of their wild counterparts. Free-ranging pups and juveniles were compared for hematological differences related to developmental stage. Overall, temporarily captive animals did not differ from free-ranging juveniles. Seven of 17 blood parameters measured changed significantly during captivity, likely as a function of a regular schedule and low-impact nutritional studies (e.g., increased mass, cholesterol, total protein, and globulins). A decrease in white blood cells during the study period (10.4 ? 0.59 to 7.9 ? 0.33 m/mm3) to levels lower than that of free-ranging animals (10.7 ? 0.40 m/mm3) indicated a drop in overall stress during captivity despite research and handling procedures. Calcium increased with captivity duration, suggesting that physiological changes can begin in even limited time frames. Eight parameters related to immune status and diet differed significantly between juveniles and pups from the same geographical region. A strategy that combines the benefits of an extended research design with temporary holding of free-ranging animals is proposed as an alternative to traditional field methods for some types of focused physiological studies. ******************************************************************** Fellner, W.*, K. Odell, A. Corwin, L. Davis, C. Goonen, I. Larkin, and M.A. Stamper. 2006. Response to conditioned stimuli by two rehabilitated and released West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Aquatic Mammals 32(1):66-74. *The Living Seas, Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA U.S. regulations discourage research that requires training with West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) due to the concern that trained manatees would become accustomed to approaching humans for food and would continue to approach people once released back to the wild. Learning theory suggests that behaviors acquired while in captivity may not transfer well to the new context of the wild habitat, however. In this study, two female, rehabilitating manatees were trained to perform up to five husbandry behaviors. Prior to their release, the behaviors were no longer reinforced. Response to training signals was reduced for all behaviors when reinforcement was with-held. In post-release observations, the manatees were located by satellite and radio-telemetry, and training signals were presented. Neither manatee performed any of the trained behaviors. The results of this case study suggest that training releasable manatees may be a viable option. ******************************************************************** Kjeld, M.*, ? ?lafsson, G. V?kingsson, and J. Sigurj?nsson. 2006. Sex hormones and reproductive status of the North Atlantic fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) during the feeding season. Aquatic Mammals 31(2):75-84. *The University Hospital, Department of Clinical Chemistry, K-bygging, Landsp?talinn v Hringbraut, 101 Reykjav?k, Iceland Reproductive fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) (448 females and 278 males), classified by anatomical/histological methods, were studied for serum sex hormones. Of the 207 females classified as pregnant by anatomical methods, 95% had progesterone (P) levels higher than 9.0 nmol/l with a near symmetrical distribution of log10 P-levels around the mean of 1.55 (35.5 nmol/l geometric mean). More than half of the sexually immature females (n = 157) had P-levels ? 0.1 nmol/l. Nonpregnant mature cows were older on average than pregnant cows, suggesting the beginning of reproductive senescence in females before the age of 30 y. The mean serum testosterone (T) of mature males (3.1 nmol/l) was significantly higher than that of immature males (1.0 nmol/l). In mature males, T-levels were positively associated with testicular size, as well as time (day-count) during the summer whaling season. For fin whales, serum P- and T-levels agreed closely with anatomical studies of reproduction and may be decisive when anatomical indexes fail. Furthermore, the serum T-level appears to be an excellent index for monitoring the latter part of the annual male reproductive cycle. *********************************************************************** Trites, A.W.*, B.P. Porter, V.B. Deecke, A/P. Coombs, M.L. Marcotte, D.A.S. Rosen. 2006. Insights into the timing of weaning and the attendance patterns of lactating Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska during winter, spring, and summer. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):85-97. *Marine Mammal Research Unit, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, Room 247, AERL, 2002 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T IZ4 Behavioral observations of lactating Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and their offspring were recorded at four haulout sites in Alaska to determine (1) whether sea lions wean during winter while they are 7 to 9 mo old and (2) whether sea lions using sites in the Gulf of Alaska (the declining endangered population) made longer foraging trips than sea lions in southeast Alaska (where the population appeared larger and healthier). Longer foraging trips are commonly thought to be an indicator of nutritional stress. Eight sets of behavioral observations were made using focal and scan-sampling techniques at haulouts from 1995 to 1998 during three seasons (winter, spring, and summer). Counter to expectations, we found no significant differences between haulout populations in the time that lactating Steller sea lions spent at sea or on shore. This suggests that lactating sea lions did not have more difficulty capturing prey from winter through summer in the area of decline compared to where sea lion numbers increased. Lactating Steller sea lions in both regions did make longer foraging trips in winter than they did in spring and summer. These changes in foraging patterns among seasons were consistent among all years and sites. The proportion of time that immature Steller sea lions suckled declined through the spring to early summer, suggesting that sea lions began supplementing their milk diet with solid food in the spring. We did not observe any sea lions weaning during winter; rather, most appeared to wean at the start of the breeding season when they were 1 or 2 y old. Sea lions observed in southeast Alaska during the late 1990s while population growth was slowing suggest that most males weaned at 2 y and that about 50% of females weaned at 1 y and the remainder at 2 y. ******************************************************** Cooper, L.W.*, C.J. Ashjian, S.L. Smith, L.A. Codispoti, J.M. Grebmeier, R.G. Campbell, and E.B. Sherr. Rapid seasonal sea-ice retreat in the Arctic could be affecting Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) recruitment. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):98-102. *Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Under conditions of rapid sea-ice retreat and dissolution, we observed at least nine Pacific walrus calves separated from adult females in waters as deep as 3,000 m in July and August 2004 in the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean. Given limited sea surface visibility from the ship, we surmise that many additional calves may have been separated in the overall study area. These conditions appear to have been related to the transport of unusually warm (7? C) Bering Sea water into this area north of Alaska. Walruses invest considerable maternal resources while caring for calves on seasonally ice-covered continental shelves for periods of up to 2 y or more and only rarely separate from their young. Therefore, these observations indicate that the Pacific walrus population may be ill-adapted to rapid seasonal sea-ice retreat off Arctic continental shelves. ____________________________________________________________________________ Lanyon, J.M.*, K.. Newgrain, and T. Sahir Syah Alli. 2006. Estimation of water turnover rate in captive dugongs (Dugong dugon). Aquatic Mammals 32(1):103-108. *School of Integrative Biology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia Water turnover rate was measured for two captive dugongs (Dugong dugon) using deuterated water. Body water content of 69.5% in a dugong was high compared to other marine mammals. A water turnover of 257.2 ml kg?1 day?1 measured in one dugong was almost twice as high as the highest rates measured in studies of captive West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) and was high compared to those measured in carnivorous marine mammals. The other dugong's estimated water turnover rate of 134 ml kg?1 day?1 was comparable to the highest rates in manatees. Two alternative explanations are offered for the high water turnover: (1) the incidence of mariposia or voluntary drinking of sea water by the dugong or (2) a metabolic rate that is significantly higher than predicted, based on its phylogeny. ************************************************************************ P?rez, M.J.*, F. Thomas, F. Uribe, M. Sep?lveda, M. Flores, and R. Moraga. 2006. Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) feeding on Euphausia mucronata in nearshore waters off north-central Chile Aquatic Mammals 32(1):109-113. *Eutropia, Centro de Investigacion de Aves y Mam?feros Marinos de Chile, Uno Poniente 960, Departmento 1102, Vina del Mar, Chile This paper reports the presence and feeding activity of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) during the austral summers of 2004 and 2005 in coastal waters near the Reserva Nacional Pinguino de Humboldt, north of Chile. The main prey item of the species was identified as the euphausiid Euphausia mucronata. The presence of B. physalus is associated with a high concentration of potential prey probably produced by an upwelling system that is frequently detected slightly south of the study area during summer. This information is a contribution to the knowledge of distribution, feeding behavior, and diet of B. physalus. Additionally, it constitutes the first record of a direct observation of feeding activity of B. physalus along the Chilean coast. ************************************************************************** Schusterman, R.J. 2006. Book review: Entanglements: the Intertwined Fates of Whales and Fishermen. Author: Tora Johnson. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):114-115. *Long Marine Laboratory, University of California at Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA *********************************************************************** Blomqvist, C. 2006. Book review: The Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior. Editor: Marc Bekoff. Aquatic Mammals 32(1):116-117. *Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, University of Linkoping, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden ------------------------------------------------------------------- -To submit a message to MARMAM, send it to: marmam at lists.uvic.ca -Please include your name and e-mail address in the body of the text of all submissions, and ensure your message has an appropriate subject heading (ie., not "Message for MARMAM") -Do not submit attached files or HTML/MIME messages. -To subscribe to MARMAM, go to lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam -To contact the MARMAM editors, write to: marmamed at uvic.ca -MARMAM Editorial Policy & FAQ: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/marmam.htm From bruno_daz2000 at yahoo.es Sun May 28 23:44:22 2006 From: bruno_daz2000 at yahoo.es (Bruno Diaz) Date: Sun, 28 May 2006 23:44:22 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Training Course about vocalizations and diving behaviour of free ranging wild bottlenose dolphins Message-ID: <20060529064422.79001.qmail@web86808.mail.ukl.yahoo.com> TRAINING COURSE ABOUT VOCALIZATIONS AND DIVING BEHAVIOUR OF FREE RANGING WILD BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS This research course, organized by BDRI (Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute), offers an opportunity for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in methodology and analysis for the study of bottlenose dolphin vocalizations and diving behaviour under the mentorship of BDRI's researchers. PLACE: GOLFO ARANCI (north-eastern Sardinia - Italy) where since 1991 the Non-profit "Accademia del Leviatano" and Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI have carried out a long term study about this coastal resident population. This course will explore the relationship between dolphin vocalizations and behavior. Visual observations on the behaviour of coastal bottlenose dolphins are often obscured by the turbidity of coastal water conditions, the substantial amount of time these dolphins spend submerged, and by the darkness of nocturnal periods. In contrast, dolphin vocalizations may be monitored and recorded under a wide range of water conditions, when dolphins are at the surface or submerged, and at night. If a relationship between dolphin vocalizations and behavior can be documented, then vocal activity may be used to provide access to important behavioral processes under a broader range of environmental and daytime conditions. The recognition of individual animals can be used as a tool for the descriptions of diving behaviour (surfacing cycles), and their correlation to general behaviour patterns such feeding, travelling, socializing, resting. LANGUAGES: English, Spanish or Italian. DATES: 10 - 15 July, 31 July - 05 August, 14 - 19 August, 30 October - 04 November PRICE: 450 Euro. The course fee will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs in the base), seminars fee, and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Golfo Aranci - Olbia (Sardinia) (see How to reach the BDRI in our website: www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I). If you are interested in the course, or for further information, please visit our website or feel free to contact us: http://www.geocities.com/B_D_R_I Email: B_D_R_I at yahoo.com Tel: + 39 346 0815414 --------------------------------- Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. --------------------------------- Sneak preview the all-new Yahoo.com. It's not radically different. Just radically better. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From d.lusseau at abdn.ac.uk Wed May 31 11:19:00 2006 From: d.lusseau at abdn.ac.uk (David Lusseau) Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 15:19:00 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Fiordland bottlenose dolphins: new publication Message-ID: <001201c684de$b2254170$a901a8c0@Wilma> Dear Marmamers, we are pleased to announce the publication of the first in a series of papers looking at the potential communicative value of physical behavioural events in Fiordland bottlenose dolphins: R. Ferrer i Cancho and D. Lusseau 2006. Long-term correlations in the surface behavior of dolphins. Europhysics Letters DOI: 10.1209/epl/i2005-10596-9 Abstract Here we study the sequences of surface behavioral patterns of dolphins (Tursiops sp.) and find long-term correlations. We show that the long-term correlations are not of a trivial nature, i.e. they cannot be explained by the repetition of the same surface behavior many times in a row. Our findings suggest that dolphins have a long collective memory extending back at least to the 7-th past behavior. As far as we know, this is the first evidence of long-term correlations in the behavior of a non-human species. The paper is available in the E-first section of the Journal (http://www.edpsciences.org/articles/epl/abs/first/contents/contents.html) and will be shortly available at lusseau.org David David Lusseau, PhD Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dalhousie University Department of Biology 1355 Oxford Street Halifax, NS B3H 4J1 Tel: (902) 494 3723 E-mail: d.lusseau at dal.ca david.lusseau at gmail.com Website: http://www.lusseau.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From hannanuuttila at gmail.com Wed May 31 11:21:24 2006 From: hannanuuttila at gmail.com (Hanna Nuuttila) Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 19:21:24 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] UK Cetacean Survey Training Courses In-Reply-To: <005e01c684cd$f2e69e40$0702a8c0@D55Z5N1J> References: <005e01c684cd$f2e69e40$0702a8c0@D55Z5N1J> Message-ID: Sea Watch Foundation Cetacean Survey Training Courses in New Quay, West Wales July - September 2006 Join a short course to learn all about British cetaceans, how to survey for them, and contribute to their conservation! Book Now! Introductory weekend course 15th ? 16th July 2006 5th-6th August 2006 Extended 4-day course 2nd -5th September 2006 Courses will consist of illustrated lectures and video presentations as well as headland watches and boat surveys aboard a local whale-watching vessel. There are two types of course: a weekend course for those with little previous knowledge or experience of cetaceans; and an extended 4-day course for those who already have some knowledge of cetacean watching. For the introductory course, the programme will include an extra lecture introducing cetaceans ? their biology, ecology and behaviour. For the extended course, there will be more "in-depth" lectures including research studies, and, weather permitting, extended time at sea, with additional training in field techniques like photo-identification. Both courses will include lectures/videos on conservation issues facing UK cetaceans, species identification, and recommended survey methods for monitoring cetaceans. The course will be based at New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, and will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based watches allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. Boat-based work will also teach participants the skills needed for: (r) estimating group size and distinguishing calves, juveniles and adults (r) assessing sea state and other key environmental details (r) photographic techniques There will also be the chance to practice species field identification and the recording of different behaviours. All participants will receive a detailed manual on how to record and monitor cetaceans. The courses will be taught by experienced and enthusiastic staff from the Sea Watch Foundation. Cost of workshop, per person (excluding accommodation and meals) Introductory weekend course - ?150 Organisations; ?120 Individuals Extended 4-day course - ?200 Organisations; ?170 Individuals On both courses, there are discounts available as follows: - ?10 for members of the Sea Watch Foundation - ?10 for unwaged participants (incl. students) - ?10 for people sent by other charities These discounts can be added together. Outline of the course Indoor Session 1: - introduction to cetaceans: biology, ecology and behaviour (beginners course only) - cetaceans in UK: methods and applications for surveying and monitoring cetaceans, including acoustics - species identification: introductory lecture and video Indoor Session 2: - conservation problems currently faced by UK cetaceans - methods for monitoring conservation threats ( followed by video and discussion session) - cetacean research in Cardigan Bay: a review of survey and photo-ID studies Boat Trips - how to use recording forms, conduct watches, identify species, record group size and behaviour, and record environmental parameters - estimate range, measure bearing to sighting (extended course only) - how to use a camera to photograph cetaceans, key ID features to be photographed - photo-ID: individual features to photograph, how to develop and maintain ID catalogues (extended course only) Land-based Watches - watches from a nearby headland will enable participants to practise their identification skills - learn how to monitor boat activity and their possible effects on cetaceans To book, please use the form overleaf The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity dedicated to monitoring the status and the distribution of cetaceans throughout the UK and Ireland, running training courses, and various research projects as well as managing the National Sightings Database. To book on a course, obtain more information about the work of the charity, or take part in surveys, please contact: The Sea Watch Foundation, Paragon House, Wellington Place, New Quay, Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545-561227 ? www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk ? info at seawatchfoundation.org.uk ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________ Hanna Nuuttila Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House, Wellington Place New Quay SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 hanna.nuuttila at seawatchfoundation.org.uk www.seawatchfoundation.org. uk ------------------------------ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: