From Kovacs at npolar.no Fri May 1 00:20:09 2009 From: Kovacs at npolar.no (Kit Kovacs) Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 09:20:09 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] FW: Postdoctoral fellowship available Message-ID: <8CDF74583B1EAA4D80E84A3C050A5D853779F35916@anton> The Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) is seeking a well qualified spatial analyst/marine mammal ecologist for a 3-year postdoctoral (PDF) position to work within a study entitled "The population biology and ecology of the world's northernmost harbour seals in a changing Arctic". The position is to be held at the institute's head office in Troms?; field work will be conducted in Svalbard. The precise starting date is negotiable, but, the successful candidate must be in place by 01 09 2009. The successful applicant must have an educational background in biology, ideally including some marine mammal biology, and have strong analytical skills, particularly in the area of spatial analyses and habitat assessment. Documented experience in dealing with statistical treatment of data from Satellite-Relay-Data-Loggers (e.g. mixed models, first-passage times, Argos filters etc., etc. ) is an essential job skill for this PDF. Field experience from Polar Regions is desirable but is not a prerequisite. Similarly, experience with CTD-SRDL data bases and an interest in polar marine systems and climate change are seen as desirable. A strong publication record will be viewed favourably. The application deadline is 10 June 2009. Qualifications: We are looking for a candidate who holds a Ph.D. degree and has some experience with publishing in good quality, refereed journals. The successful candidate must be able to work well in a small team, both in the field and in the office. The salary will be at pay level 57-60, depending on qualifications. (NOK 435,700 - 459, 900 (66,000- 69,500 US)). Further inquiries about the position can be directed to the Biodiversity Research Programme Leader Dr. Kit M. Kovacs, e-mail: kit at npolar.no phone: +47 77750526; or Dr. Christian Lydersen, Christian at npolar.no, phone: +47 77750523; or Personnel Officer Harald R. Lind, e-mail job at npolar.no, phone: +47 77750630. The application deadline is 10 June 2009. The application should include a CV that includes a list of publications, names of at least two references and details of your relevant qualifications and experience. NPI prefers electronic applications, submitted at www.jobbnorge.no. If this is not feasible, printed applications may be sent to the attention of Dr. Kit M. Kovacs, Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, NO-9296 Troms?, Norway or emailed as PDF documents to (kit at npolar.no). All applications can be handled confidentially until the application deadline. Thereafter, a public list of applicants will be prepared. Applicants who wish to reserve their applications from the public list must give reasons for this in their applications. In accordance with new public information laws, information about an applicant can be made public even if the applicant has requested not be included from the public list of applicants, cf. Freedom of Information Act, Section 25, 2nd paragraph. Kit M. Kovacs Biodiversity Programme Leader Norwegian Polar Institute 9296 Troms? Norway Kit M. Kovacs Biodiversity Programme Leader Norwegian Polar Institute 9296 Troms? Norway -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dagmar_fertl at hotmail.com Fri May 1 20:33:01 2009 From: dagmar_fertl at hotmail.com (Dagmar Fertl) Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 22:33:01 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Abstracts - Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol 10(2), 2008 Message-ID: Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) publishes The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management thrice yearly (Spring, Autumn, and Winter), with at least one supplement that will contain the full report of the IWC Scientific Committee. The following is posted on behalf of the IWC and the journal editor Dr. Greg Donovan. Further information can be found at: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/JCRM.htm. A guide for authors is included in the first volume of each issue and on the IWC website: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/authorsguide.htm. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve editors or me for pdfs or copies of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Dagmar Fertl Ziphius EcoServices http://www.ziphiusecoservices.com **************************** LeDuc, R. G., K. K. Martien, P. A. Morin, N. Hedrick, K. M. Robertson, B. L. Taylor, N. S. Mugue, R. G. Borodin, D. A. Zelenina, D. Litovka, and J. C. George. 2008. Mitochondrial genetic variation in bowhead whales in the western Arctic. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):93-97. Contact email: Barbara.Taylor at noaa.gov Bowhead whales in the Western Arctic are managed as a single stock by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). In response to recent concerns about the potential existence of multiple stocks in the region, we examined genetic variation in the mitochondrial control region among various spatial, temporal and age-related strata. Sequences from 382 samples were used in the comparisons. No significant differences were detected in spatial comparisons or in temporal comparisons along Alaska?s North Slope. However the cc2 analysis showed evidence of genetic heterogeneity between some of the age cohorts, specifically between animals born prior to 1918 (n=8) and those born after 1979 (n=34) (p=0.030), between those born 1918-1949 (n=13) and those born after 1979 (p=0.050), and between the two aforementioned older cohorts and those born after 1979 (p=0.009). There was also a significant Fst difference between autumn (n=13) and spring (n=11) whales from St. Lawrence Island (p=0.049). The age data were insufficient to determine if this seasonal difference was due in part to the difference between age cohorts. *************************** Koski, W. R., J. Zeh, and J. C. George. 2008. A calf index for monitoring reproductive success in the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) population. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):99-106. Contact email: bkoski at lgl.com The percentage of calves in a whale population can provide information on whether a population is increasing, stable or decreasing and is an input to population models. In this paper a method for estimating the percentage of calves in the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas (B-CB) bowhead whale population in any given year by obtaining information on the percentage of calves passing Point Barrow, Alaska, during the last three weeks of the spring migration is presented. The method incorporates information on the timing of the migration with the percentage of calves detected during calf index surveys conducted during weekly periods from 14 May to early June. Historic data provide the different proportions of the migration during the weekly periods during low, medium and high calf years. The index is adjusted to allow for calves passing before 14 May and calves that are born after their mothers pass Point Barrow. The calf index was calculated for eight years using data from aerial photographic surveys near Point Barrow from 1985 to 2004 and the mean percentage of calves in the sampled years was 6.1%. Power analyses indicate that nine years of calf index data are required following a decline to detect a 60% reduction in the calf index. Additional calf index surveys prior to a decline would increase the power to detect a decline. This method can provide a robust estimate of the percentage of calves in the population each year with a modest aerial survey or photographic effort at Point Barrow. The data would be valuable in evaluating whether calving rates are within the range tested for the purpose of reviewing the B-C-B bowhead whale Strike Limit Algorithm. ******************************************** O'Hara, T. M., C. Hanns, V. M. Woshner, J. Zeh, G. Bratton, and R. Taylor. 2008. Essential and non-essential elements in the bowhead whale: Epidermis-based predictions of blubber, kidney, liver and muscle tissue concentrations. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):107-117. Contact contact email: fftmo at uaf.edu Assessment of element concentrations in wildlife must address both nutritional and toxicological considerations. The liver, epidermis, muscle and kidney of the bowhead whale are rich in some essential and non-essential elements. Blubber tends to have lower concentrations of these elements. Various cetaceans have been evaluated for these elements using a variety of sample sources (live and dead stranded whales, bycaught animals, remote and capture-release biopsy techniques, hunter killed whales etc). One constant shared by these approaches is the sampling of epidermis and adjacent dermis (blubber). In this study, the ability of elemental concentrations in bowhead whale epidermal samples to predict the corresponding elemental concentrations in blubber, kidney, liver and muscle is investigated. Epidermal concentrations had no predictive value for copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) or zinc (Zn) in any of the other tissues evaluated, except that the epidermal measurement provided an upper bound for blubber concentration of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn. Epidermal concentrations of the four other elements considered were predictive for some other tissues. Arsenic (As) concentrations could be predicted in kidney, liver and muscle but not blubber, although the preponderance of samples with concentrations below the minimum level reported (MLR, also known as ?detection limit?) and the small sample sizes that resulted from their omission suggest that these data should be interpreted with caution. Epidermal concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were strongly predictive for blubber and weakly predictive for muscle concentrations. Epidermal concentrations of mercury (Hg) were weakly predictive of blubber, liver and muscle concentrations. Epidermal concentrations of magnesium (Mg) were strongly predictive in blubber, kidney and liver but only weakly predictive in muscle. Thus epidermal biopsy cannot predict elemental concentrations in four key tissues in bowhead whales in most cases. Cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) were not detected in any epidermal samples. This inability of epidermal element concentrations to reflect concentrations in internal tissues is likely true for other mysticetes and perhaps for cetaceans in general. At a minimum, before using epidermal biopsies to predict internal tissue concentrations of elements, researchers must establish that a sound scientific basis exists for doing so. Such proof must be specific to the elements, species and tissues in question as well as based upon statistically adequate sample sizes. ***************************************** Heide-J?rgensen, M. P., D. L. Borchers, L. Witting, K. L. Laidre, M. J. Simon, A. Rosing-Asvid, and D. G. Pike. 2008. Estimates of large whale abundance in West Greenland waters from an aerial survey in 2005. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):119-129. contact email: mjh at ghsdk.dk An aerial line transect and cue counting survey of large whales in West Greenland was conducted in August and September 2005. The survey covered the area between Cape Farewell and Disko Island on the West Greenland coast out to the 200m depth contour. The surveyed area covered 163,574km2 and a total of 246 sightings of 9 cetacean species were obtained. Abundance estimates were developed for humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae (21 sightings), fin whales, Balaenoptera physalus (78 sightings) and common minke whales, B. acutorostrata (42 sightings). The mean group size of humpback whales was 3.30 but groups as large as 95 animals were seen off effort. The mean group size of fin whales was 2.96 with groups as large as 50 seen. Common minke whale group size was 1.1 with only one sighting of a group of two whales. Humpback whales were found both in offshore and coastal areas of West Greenland with the exception of Store Hellefiske Bank and the Cape Farewell offshore area. The line transect abundance estimate of humpback whales was 1,218 (CV=0.56), uncorrected for submerged whales (availability bias) and whales that were available to be seen but were missed by the observers (perception bias). Fin whales were observed in all areas of the survey and the uncorrected line transect estimate was 1,660 (CV=0.38). When corrected for perception bias the estimates increases to 3,234 fin whales (CV=0.44). Common minke whales were found in almost equal densities in all strata except for the Cape Farewell offshore area, where none were seen. The cue-counting abundance estimate of common minke whales was 4,856 (CV=0.49) for West Greenland using a cue rate of 46.3 cues per hour (CV=0.11). If the estimate is corrected for perception bias the common minke whale abundance is estimated to be 10,792 whales (CV=0.59). Low coverage was attained in the northern area of West Greenland and this should cause an especially large negative bias for the estimates of fin whale and humpback whale abundance because this area is believed to have particularly large densities of these whales. ******************************************* Pace D.S., A. Miragliuolo, and B. Mussi. 2008. Behaviour of a social unit of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) entangled in a driftnet off Capo Palinuro (southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):131?135. Contact email: danielasilvia.pace at gmail.com Driftnet fishing is notorious for being the major source of fatal entanglement of cetaceans and for its devastating impact on some pelagic species of the Mediterranean fauna. Of all the large cetaceans, the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is most affected by this fishing technique. On 9 August 2004, a group of five sperm whales, two adult females and three juvenile individuals, was found trapped in a driftnet 40 miles southwest off Capo Palinuro (Italy). Their tails were totally immobilised by the net and one animal was completely entangled. All the animals showed numerous lesions on their bodies. The group was freed by the Italian Coast Guard scuba-diving team during a two-day rescue operation. This exceptional case of sperm whale disentanglement was a unique opportunity to study the group?s acoustic and general behavior during a particularly stressful event. Out of a total video/acoustic recording of 110 minutes, 91 were examined. During the rescue procedures, the whales? behaviour was described as open mouthed, sideways roll, agitation of fluke and pectoral fins, head rubbing, fluke contact (with head, flippers and back by the liberated animals) and defecation. As expected, the entangled individuals produced different patterns of clicks, identified as ?usual clicks?, ?codas? and ?creaks?. Each pattern was associated with specific behaviour. Despite international and national regulation banning fishing with driftnets in the Mediterranean Sea, driftnets continue to be used illegally in this sperm whale habitat, posing a constant threat to the species? survival in the region. ***************************************** Waring, G. T., L. N?ttestad, E. Olsen, H. Skov, and G. Vikingsson. 2008. Distribution and density estimates of cetaceans along the mid-Atlantic Ridge during summer 2004. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):137-146. Contact email: Gordon.Waring at noaa.gov During 4 June-2 July 2004, the Norwegian R/V G.O. Sars conducted a multi-disciplinary survey along the mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) from the Reykjanes Ridge to north of the Azores. This provided the first systematic survey information on MAR cetacean populations. Using naked eye or 7x50 hand-held binoculars, observers searched in a 140 degree arc centred along the ships' heading. Eleven cetacean species and 10 other taxonomic groups were identified along 2,312km of transect effort. The sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) were the most commonly sighted species (53 and 48 sightings, respectively). There were 12 sightings of the fin whale (B. physalus). There were 26, 13 and 12 sightings, respectively of the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), pilot whale (Globicephala sp.) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). Density estimates of species ranged from 0.018 to 0.238 animals km^-2. The precision of the estimates (CV) was low, ranging from 40% to 61%. Species distribution varied north to south; the highest aggregations of baleen whales were sighted in the Charles Gibbs Fracture Zone (CGFZ). Sperm whales were also observed at the CGFZ as well as north of this area. Pilot whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) were sighted mainly in the cold (5-16 degrees C) and less saline (34.6-35.8 ppt) water masses along the Reykjanes Ridge. Conversely, common dolphins and striped dolphins were most commonly sighted south of the CGFZ in areas with warmer (12-22 degrees C) and more saline (34.8-36.7 ppt) surface water temperatures. **************** Koschinski, S., A. Diederichs, and M. Amundin. 2008. Click train patterns of free-ranging harbour porpoises acquired using T-PODs may be useful as indicators of their behaviour. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):147-155. Contact email: marine-zoology at t-online.de Harbour porpoise signals consist of directional, high frequency stereotypic clicks which can be logged using T-PODs. Variation in interclick intervals (ICs) can be used to distinguish different acoustic behaviours. So far, studies on ICI variation are mostly descriptive and the behavioural context in which certain click train patterns are emitted is poorly understood. In this study, the behaviour of free-ranging porpoises was quantified by using typical ICI patterns known from the literature. These were recordered using two T-PODS deployed at a wind farm site (Nysted, Denmark) between 14 June and 12 July 2005 and during the entanglement of a porpoise calf in a gillnet (Clayoquot Sound Canada). It was possible to distinguish between feeding, approach behaviour and communication and known ICI patterns associated with those behaviours were used to categorise acoustic dta. During feeding typical click trains start with long ICIs (30-70ms) and end with ICIs down to about 2 ms. In a transition phase ICIs rapidly decreasing. Click trains attributed to feeding were found in the wind farm data at a rate of 6.3d^-1 (n=174) with a patchy distribution. We found 20 to 74s long click train sequences with ICIs gradually decreasing from a median of 72ms (range 34 to 124ms) down to 5 ms at a rate of 1.6day^-1 (n=45). This was interpreted as approach behaviour, in which the animal was acoustically 'locked on' to a reflective structure. Communication signals are built up of click trians with very short ICIs (<7.7ms). During the entanglement of a porpoise calf, three differentcall types were determined at a rate of 8.9min^-1 (n=89). One call with variable duration (100 to 890ms) and relatively stable ICIs as a low as 3.6ms resembled 'distress calls' described by Amundin (1991b). Another call type with durations form 780 to 830ms and ICIs ranging from 3.0 to 10 ms and thus different with respect to ICI curve progression was found only three times. These had a U-shaped ICI curve, similar to an 'alarm' or 'fright' call described by Busnel and Dziedzic (1966). A third and previously unreported call is characterized by a long call duration (up to 1,270ms) and sometimes oscillating ICIs with an initial decrease from about 9ms to around 7ms and an increase towards the end. The data presented suggest that the T-POD is a promising tool for behavioural studies. It is possible to recognise certain acoustic behavioural categories described in the literature, but it is important to look at the temporal context with other vocalisations in T-POD data, such as ICIs of preceding click trains. ********************* Balmer, B. C., R. S. Wells, S. M. Nowacek, D. P. Nowacek, L. H. Schwacke, W. A. McLellan, F. S. Scharf, T. K. Rowles, L. J. Hansen, T. R. Spradlin, and D. A. Pabst. 2008. Seasonal abundance and distribution patterns of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near St. Joseph Bay, Florida, USA. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):157-167. Contact email: bpalmer at mote.org Three unusual mortalities events involving bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus Montagu 1821) occurred along Florida?s northern Gulf of Mexico coast between 1999 and 2006. The causes of these events, in which over 300 bottlenose dolphins are known to have died, are still under investigation. The impact of these mortality events cannot be fully evaluated, because little prior information on bottlenose dolphin abundance and distribution patterns exist in this region. Thus, the goals of this study were to estimate seasonal abundance, develop site-fidelity indices, and describe distribution patterns of bottlenose dolphins in St. Joseph Bay, Gulf County, Florida, USA. This study site was chosen because it was impacted by all three unusual mortality events and was the geographic focus of the 2004 event. Mark-recapture photo-identification surveys were conducted across multiple seasons from February 2005 through July 2007. Site-fidelity indices were calculated for each identifiable dolphin based upon all photo-ID efforts undertaken in the area. Distribution patterns were investigated by short-term (12-94 days) radio-tracking of tagged individuals across seasons (April-July, n=9; July-October, n=15). Mark-recapture closed and robust abundance estimates, as well as site-fidelity indices suggest that St. Joseph Bay supports a resident community of 78-152 bottlenose dolphins. During spring and autumn, this region experiences an influx of dolphins, as demonstrated by closed and robust abundance estimates of 313-410 and 237-340, respectively. These results are supported by the distribution patterns of radio-tagged individuals. Individuals tagged in summer tended to stay within or near St. Joseph Bay, whereas two individuals tagged in spring ranged more than 40km from the study site. This study provides the first detailed examination of bottlenose dolphin abundance and distribution patterns for this region of the northern Gulf coast of Florida. These results suggest that unusual mortality events probably had, and will in the future have, seasonally variable effects on bottlenose dolphins in St. Joseph Bay. Future mortality events that occur during the summer and winter in St. Joseph Bay may predominantly affect resident individuals, while those that occur during the spring and autumn will probably affect both residents and seasonal visitors. ******************* Larese, J. P., and S. J. Chivers. 2008. Age estimates for female eastern and whitebelly spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) incidentally killed in the eastern tropical Pacific tuna purse-seine fishery from 1973-82. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):169-177. Contact email: susan.chivers at noaa.gov Age was estimated from teeth for 1,267 female eastern spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris orientalis) and 1,071 female whitebelly spinner dolphins (S. longirostris) incidentally killed in the eastern tropical Pacific yellowfin tuna purse-seine fishery between 1973 and 1982. The final age assigned to each specimen was the mean of two readers? age estimates made independently and without knowledge of the corresponding biological data for each specimen. The oldest eastern spinner dolphin was estimated to be 24.5 years and the oldest whitebelly spinner dolphin was 26 years. Age bias plots revealed nonlinear systematic bias between readers while a measure of overall precision, coefficient of variation (CV), indicated equivalent difficulty in estimating age for each population. The age frequency distributions generated in this study document the age structure of dolphins sampled from the observed incidental kill, which will facilitate further assessments of the impact of the fishery on these dolphins. *********** Avila, I. C., C. Garc?a, and J. C. Bastidas. 2008. A note on the use of dolphins as bait in the artisanal fisheries off Bah?a Solano, Choc?, Colombia. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 10 (2):179-182. Contact email: Isabel_c_avila at yahoo.com Dolphin hunting for fishing bait in Bah?a Solano, Choc?, Colombia, was evaluated during eight months, between July 2005 and April 2006. Interviews were conducted with 122 fishermen (18.2% of the registered fishermen in the zone), who cover at most 890km2 when fishing (approximately 2.3% of the Pacific Territorial Sea of Colombia), and data obtained from landings at a fishing company. Only fishermen using longlines (37.3%) confirmed using dolphins as bait. It was not possible to obtain additional information about date, specific location or dolphin species, but the most probable captured species were common bottlenose dolphin and pantropical spotted dolphin. Nine dolphins were killed during the study period (1.1 dolphins/month) and extrapolating these numbers to all fishermen using longlines in the region (250), 24 dolphins might have been taken during the study period (3 dolphins/month). Fish species caught using dolphin bait include Pacific bearded brotula, groupers and smooth-hound. _________________________________________________________________ Rediscover Hotmail?: Get quick friend updates right in your inbox. http://windowslive.com/RediscoverHotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Rediscover_Updates2_042009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From natalycastelblanco at yahoo.com.br Sat May 2 07:43:18 2009 From: natalycastelblanco at yahoo.com.br (Nataly Castelblanco) Date: Sat, 2 May 2009 07:43:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] New publication -- Habitat use, mortality and reproduction of manatees in Orinoco River Message-ID: <52831.50562.qm@web33301.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Dear Marmam and Sirenian list subscribers, ? Apologies for cross-posting. We are pleased to report that the following paper has just been published: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Castelblanco-Mart?nez, D. N., A. L. Bermudez-Romero, I. G?mez-Camelo, F. C. W. Rosas, F. Trujillo, & E. Zerda-Ordo?ez. 2009. Seasonality of habitat use, mortality and reproduction of the Vulnerable Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus in the Orinoco River, Colombia: implications for conservation. Oryx 43 (2) :235?242. Abstract The Vulnerable Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus (Mammalia, Sirenia) is threatened by hunting, entanglement in fishing nets and habitat degradation but most knowledge of the species comes from coastal and estuarine populations. We therefore studied an Antillean manatee population located 1,100 km from the Caribbean coast, in the Orinoco River of Colombia, during 2001?2005. To verify the occurrence of the manatee and to investigate its habitat use throughout the annual hydrological cycle, we carried? out surveys for manatees and manatee feeding signs over c. 40 km of the Orinoco River, between El Burro and Bachaco. We made 870 sightings in 1,003 hours of observation, and found 69 feeding areas in 776 hours of surveys. From 82 interviews in a total of 28 locations in Venezuela and Colombia we compiled 90 reports of manatees injured or killed in the Orinoco during 1980?2004. Both habitat use by the manatee and anthropogenic impacts on the species vary with the annual hydrological cycle. Reproduction appears to occur during the low water period in restricted areas that retain deep water.Improved knowledge of the dynamics of manatee migration and regulation of human activities, especially those related to use of nets and boat traffic, are required for conservation of the Antillean manatee in this freshwater habitat. Keywords: Colombia, habitat use, manatee, mortality, Orinoco River, Trichechus manatus manatus. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More information?upon request from me (castelblanco.nataly at gmail.com, natalycastelblanco at yahoo.com.br) Cheers!? -- Nataly Castelblanco-Mart?nez, Ph.D. Candidate Doctorado en Ecolog?a y Desarrollo Sustentable El Colegio de la Frontera Sur - ECOSUR Av. Centenario Km 5.5 C.P. 7790 Chetumal, Quintana Roo.? Mexico Veja quais s?o os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! +Buscados http://br.maisbuscados.yahoo.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gianni.pavan at unipv.it Sun May 3 08:55:37 2009 From: gianni.pavan at unipv.it (Gianni Pavan) Date: Sun, 03 May 2009 17:55:37 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Reminder: 4th DCL Workshop and 1st DE Workshop, University of Pavia, September 2009 Message-ID: <49fdbe80.06e2660a.616f.53fa@mx.google.com> Universit? degli Studi di Pavia, Dept. of Animal Biology Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali September 2009, 10 - 12 : 4th International Workshop on Detection, Classification and Localization of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics September 2009, 13 : Linked Workshop: 1st International Workshop on Density Estimation of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics Registration and Abstract submission are now open. The workshops web page is available on the CIBRA website at http://www.unipv.it/cibra/DCLWorkshop2009.html A short presentation of the workshops can be downloaded here: http://www.unipv.it/cibra/Workshop2009.pdf For any additional information please write to gianni.pavan at unipv.it Deadlines & Important Dates May 1, 2009: Registration and Abstract submission opening June 1: Deadline for abstract submission June 15: Notification of Acceptance June 22: Deadline for Registration, Payment and Accomodation Booking September 30: Deadline for presenting full papers for the Proceedings (details will be available soon) Program September 9: 17 PM, Registration opening and welcome buffet September 10 to 12: DCL Workshop September 12, afternoon: Technical discussion, Round Table and introduction to DE Workshop September 13: Density Estimation Workshop Scientific Committee Gianni Pavan (Univ. of Pavia, Italy); Walter Zimmer (NURC, Italy); David Moretti (NUWC, US); Bob Gisiner (MMC, US); John Potter (Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore); Olivier Adam (NAMC, Paris University, France); Len Thomas (Univ St Andrews, Scotland; convenor of the DE workshop). Organizing Committee Gianni Pavan, CIBRA (DCL Workshop); Len Thomas, StAndrews (DE Workshop) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gianni Pavan Presidente CIBRA Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Universita' degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 PAVIA, ITALIA Phone +39-0382-987874 Fax +39-02-700-32921 Email gpavan at cibra.unipv.it, gianni.pavan at unipv.it Web http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From giz53100 at yahoo.com Mon May 4 14:38:35 2009 From: giz53100 at yahoo.com (Teresa Gisburne) Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 14:38:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Field assistant opportunity in dolphin feeding behavior Message-ID: <582122.1093.qm@web53411.mail.re2.yahoo.com> Job Description: 2 field assistants are needed for a project in bottlenose dolphin strand-feeding behavior in Bull Creek, South Carolina. Bull Creek is a part of a Spartina marsh system, located west of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and is home to a variety of animals in addition to dolphins. Assistants will be in the field every day that weather allow. Hours in the field vary daily as we follow the tide. Successful applicants will help with data collection and entry and photo-identification. Positions will run from June 1 through the end of August. While these positions are unpaid, housing and food will be provided in Bluffton with PI. Qualifications: Assistants will be expected to work on a boat 6 to 7 days per week, for 6 hours at a time, in mostly hot and humid weather. Assistants should be hardworking, flexible, easy-going, work well in a team, and willing to work early morning. Preference will be given to assistants who have prior experience working on dolphins, photo-identification, or boating. To apply please send the following: (1) cover letter describing your interest in the position, (2) CV or resume and (3) contact information for 2 references to Teresa Gisburne at g_tgisburne at umassd.edu. Teresa Gisburne Masters Graduate Student Department of Biology University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth 285 Old Westport Rd. North Dartmouth, MA 02747 From info at scanningoceansectors.org Tue May 5 22:41:51 2009 From: info at scanningoceansectors.org (Yvonne Miles) Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 15:41:51 +1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Late registration for MMO and PAM course June 8th 2009 Message-ID: Hi All *Scanning Ocean Sectors ? A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee ? JNCC, recognised course for industry and research.* * * We have years of research behind the effective training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. With fully trained and experienced MMOs teaching. Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the *quality standard * of the MMO industry is gaining. *Please note that the Late registration for the UK June 2009 course ** will close on the 8th May 2009*** *Registration will close two weeks before course starts. * * We are now running Passive Acoustic Monitoring course for MMOs* *June MMO Course 8th **? 10th June 2009* ** *June PAM Course 11th **? 12th June 2009* *This course is booking up quickly so don?t leave it late* Please visit our website for more information and to register for all courses *Note * *When you register for a course the course prices will be sent directly to you* *Note ? There are limited numbers for each course so please book early to avoid disappointment. This is a 3 **FULL** day INTENSIVE course * If anyone is interested in advertising in our newsletter please contact us for the next issue www.scanningoceansectors.org info at scanningoceansectors.org -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info at scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From drbr at bas.ac.uk Fri May 8 06:34:11 2009 From: drbr at bas.ac.uk (Briggs, Dirk R) Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 14:34:11 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Sub-Antarctic Job Opportunity: Field Assistants Message-ID: <1DCCED50D0696A498958BA6B254456E201A9704FE1@nerckwmb1.ad.nerc.ac.uk> The British Antarctic Survey are recruiting Zoological Field Assistants to work at Bird Island, South Georgia. Apply before May 31st, 2009 Bird Island is home to: 700,000 nocturnal petrels 65,000 breeding fur seals 50,000 pairs of penguins 14,000 pairs of albatrosses With room for 2 more Zoological Field Assistants on 32 month contracts! Take your career to the extreme and work in one of the most challenging and amazing places on earth. Antarctica is where cutting edge scientific investigation - on issues such as global warming and environmental change - is happening right now. It's where your curiosity, ambition and sense of adventure will surely lead you and we're the team to take you there. At Bird Island, South Georgia, two field assistants will be recruited by BAS to help carry out fieldwork on seabirds and seals. Bird Island is small (just 6 Km long) and forms part of the South Gerogia archipelago where it is buffeted by prevailing westerlies and cold winds from Antarctica to the South. It has a high annual rainfall and variable snow cover during winter. In summer tens of thousands of seals and hundreds of thousands of seabirds breed there (including 3 species of penguins and 4 species of albatrosses). Up to 10 staff (ferried in and out by ship) live in a modern research station. There is a satellite link to the outside world and comfortable accommodation. The successful candidates will work and live on Bird Island continuously between October or November 2009 and April 2012. They will each be partly responsible for one element of a monitoring program (seals, penguins or flying birds). The learning curve is very steep and so all candidates must have previous experience of handling appropriate wild animals. BAS will provide a finishing school (at Bird Island) to hone these skills. Fieldwork in the breeding season at Bird Island will be very intensive with long hours of data preparation afterwards, so it is important to be organised. The data will be finalised using databases and by submitting reports, observing strict deadlines at frequent intervals. These, the assistant's finished products, will underpin key research into regional and global change processes based on seabird and seal life histories, reproductive success, behaviour and diet. The successful applicants will remain on Bird Island continuously for 30 months, where they will live with 2 other residents and up to 6 summer only visitors. Whilst everyone will be assigned duties to keep the research station running (including cooking and cleaning), the residents will have extra responsibilities (after essential pre-deployment training), such as helping to provide medical cover. The position of zoological field assistant offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated and disciplined individuals with relevant fieldwork skills and a keen interest in wildlife that will adapt well to small island living in a challenging sub-Antarctic environment. Qualifications and experience: Minimum of a science degree in biology or zoology, experience of remote, unsupervised fieldwork and animal handling skills (i.e. of appropriate wild animals in their natural habitat). Applicants must be competent and efficient managing, analysing and reporting large data sets. Meticulous time management, attention to detail and effective communication are important attributes. Candidates should also be able to mix well in a small and vibrant science community. Applying: Appointments will be for a period of approximately 32 months. Salary will be in the range of ? 20,424 - ?28,091 pa pro-rata (depending on qualifications and experience). Please quote reference: BAS 30/09 Closing date for receipt of application forms: 31st May 2009. Interviews are to be held on 16th June 2009. On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment These are also available from the Personnel Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: +44 (0)1223 221508. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome. You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions. Dirk Briggs British Antarctic Survey From BrodieE at tmmc.org Fri May 8 15:18:39 2009 From: BrodieE at tmmc.org (Erin Brodie) Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 15:18:39 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Internship Opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center Message-ID: <39AD038EA3A2CE4CAC6C1A892A59865725BEAD6957@dawn.TMMC.org> [cid:image001.jpg at 01C9CFF0.43E6A720] STRANDING DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT The Stranding Department of The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea otters. These positions are unpaid. Program Description: The Stranding Department Internship is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Interns will be responsible for answering the animal hotline and rotating the after hours on-call. Interns will coordinate rescue and triage response throughout the Center's 600-mile rescue range. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues and releases. In addition, interns will be required to assist with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning) for all on-site pinnipeds. Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment and assorted miscellaneous tasks. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals and other physical tasks. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a r?sum? that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, housing accommodations, and availability. Please forward all application materials to the following address: The Marine Mammal Center Marin Headlands 2000 Bunker Road Sausalito, California 94965 Attn: Erin Brodie Or via email to: BrodieE at TMMC.org There is some flexibility on the start date of each position, with the earliest start date of August 1 and the last available internship beginning October 12. Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of acceptance Approximate Internship Time Fall June 15, 2009 June 18-19, 2009 June 23, 2009 August - October Winter August 1, 2009 August 6-7, 2009 August 15, 2009 October - December Celebrating its 34th year in 2009, The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals, and to research about their health and diseases. Volunteers and staff have treated more than 13,000 California sea lions, elephant seals, porpoises, and other marine life. The Center uniquely combines its rehabilitation program with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation. For more information, please visit our website at www.marinemammalcenter.org. * Note new address and fax number effective 1/15/09 Erin Brodie Stranding Coordinator The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, Ca 94965 phone: 415-289-7371 fax: 415-754-4050 email: brodiee at tmmc.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 2550 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From jzeligs at mlml.calstate.edu Sun May 3 14:57:20 2009 From: jzeligs at mlml.calstate.edu (Jenifer Zeligs) Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 14:57:20 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Summer classes working with marine mammals Message-ID: *Interested in animal training or a career in the marine mammal field?* * * *CSUMB & Moss Landing Marine Laboratories is offering 2 unique animal classes this summer: Techniques of Animal Training and Working with Marine Mammals* ** ? *Each class is only one week long! * ? *Fulfills College Science Requirement* ? * Available to undergraduates at any level* ? *No prerequisites needed* ? *Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammalogy with completion of both classes & 5 day internship!* ? Space is limited- contact jzeligs at mlml.calstate.edu for course questions * * *Students intern at least one day at Moss Landing Marine Labs * *assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions!* * * *TECHNIQUES AND THEORIES OF ANIMAL TRAINING: BIO 348* *(Earn 3 college credits!) July 6-12, 2009. (cost: $585 + $39 campus fee (for non-CSUMB students) + $50 lab fee)* *Topics Included:* ? *History and ethics of animal use and training* ? *Practical Animal Training Techniques for terrestrial & aquatic animals* ? *Daily demonstrations using trained sea lions, horses & other animals at the training facility* * * *WORKING WITH MARINE MAMMALS: BIO 347* *(Earn 3 college credits!) July 20-26, 2009 (cost: $585 + $39 campus fee (for non-CSUMB students) + $50 lab fee)* *Topics Included:* ? *Current topics and careers working with marine mammals* ? *Learn basic physiology & an overview of common research topics and techniques* ? *Public display, education and current issues* * * *Registration: *For registration, enrollment and other logistical information please contact CSU, Monterey Bay at http://extendeded.csumb.edu/ or call the Campus Service Center at *831-582-5100 *or the extended education dept at * 831-582-4500*. Using the web site you can download Course Registration forms by clicking on the Forms link. *Registration begins April 27th. * The classes are open for enrollment to *any high school graduate* regardless of age or nationality; however, no transportation or housing is included. Courses will be taught at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Moss Landing, CA. For assistance with housing or a 5 day internship please contact: sskrovan at mlml.calstate.edu. -- Jenifer Zeligs, Ph.D. Science and Environmental Policy, California State University Monterey Bay Director of SLEWTHS Science Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, CA 95039 v: (831)-771-4191 fax:(831)-632-4403 http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emily at dolphins.org Tue May 5 12:15:53 2009 From: emily at dolphins.org (Emily Guarino) Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 15:15:53 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Dolphin Research Internships Message-ID: <08D5531636A54316964002B3A958F479@DRCID142> > 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 experimental research sessions. > > Specific job duties include: > * Collecting observational behavioral data of our dolphins > * Preparing stimuli for experimental research sessions > * Assisting with equipment for experimental research sessions > * Operating video equipment > * Entering or scanning 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 will start in September, 2009. 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***. To apply, download the > application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Help DRC", and then > "Volunteer / Intern Opportunities". > > The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and > letters of recc.) must be mailed to DRC. > > -------------------------------- > Emily Guarino > Admin. Director of Research > 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 vcornish at oceanconservancy.org Thu May 7 12:03:15 2009 From: vcornish at oceanconservancy.org (Vicki Cornish) Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 15:03:15 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Support Letters Needed for U.S. Legislation to Expand Stranding Network Message-ID: <6CE4347DF1CD83429306D5E8EC6DA0C304E428CD@TOCEX.toc.oceanconservancy.org> Hello All - On April 22, 2009, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Amendments Act (S. 859), a bill to amend section 403 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This bill would: - Define the term "entanglement" and add authorization for entanglement response as eligible for funding under the program; - Require the Secretary of Commerce to collect and update existing practices and procedures for rescuing and rehabilitating entangled marine mammals; - Establish an interest bearing fund in the Treasury for emergency response to marine mammal entanglement and stranding, and allow the program to solicit and accept gifts and other donations to increase the impact of the program; - Increase authorization for the program to $7 million for fiscal years 2009 to 2013; and - Increase the maximum grant for projects from $100,000 to $200,000. A copy of the bill can be found at: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills &docid=f:s859is.txt.pdf The U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Network performs a critical science and conservation function by responding to live and dead stranded marine mammals, collecting biological samples, and rehabilitating injured or sick animals. Data collected from stranding events also help identify and protect against increasing threats to marine mammal populations. However, funds to support and expand stranding response efforts throughout the U.S. are limited. Please take a moment to send in letters of support for this legislation, addressed to Senator Cantwell, the lead sponsor of this legislation, Senator Rockefeller, the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senator Hutchinson, the Ranking Member of the Committee. Your letter doesn't have to be very long, it just needs to say why marine mammal stranding and entanglement response is important and to convey your support for quick passage of this important legislation. I have included addresses to send the letters to, as well as a copy of Ocean Conservancy's letter to the Committee as an example. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Please send your letters of support to: The Honorable Maria Cantwell Chairwoman, Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable John D. Rockefeller, IV Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation United States Senate Washington DC 20510 The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation United States Senate Washington DC 20510 Sample Letter, from Ocean Conservancy to the Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation: On behalf of Ocean Conservancy and our more than 500,000 members, volunteers and activists, I write to express our strong support for S.859 - the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Amendments Act of 2009 - and to urge your committee to move forward with consideration of this important piece of legislation. This bill would expand the capabilities of the nation's marine mammal stranding network by providing additional authorizations for response to both stranded and entangled marine mammals, and by allowing necessary funding to be provided to marine mammal rescuers more expeditiously. When Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, it recognized the importance of marine mammals as a resource of great international significance, and determined that marine mammals should be protected and populations developed to the greatest extent feasible to maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem. While many marine mammals have benefited from these protections, others continue to be impacted by human activities such as commercial and recreational fishing, shipping and other vessel operations, coastal and nearshore construction, military sonar, oil and gas exploration and development, and increasingly, global climate change. The Marine Mammal Stranding Network is a largely volunteer network of marine mammal biologists and researchers that respond to strandings and entanglements of live and dead marine mammals. Throughout the United States, network members collect and share information from these events that help us better manage human activities so as to minimize impacts on marine mammals and other ocean wildlife. By including entanglement events as an activity that would fall under the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, this legislation would greatly enhance information collected from entangled marine mammals. Just this past winter, there were five entangled North Atlantic right whales off Florida and Georgia - highly detrimental to a critically endangered population of only about 400 whales. Efforts by local responders helped to disentangle these whales from their constricting lines, greatly increasing their chance for survival. Rescuers were also able to retrieve the gear entangling these whales and, in one instance, determine the source as Canadian lobster gear. Information on the source of gear recovered from entangled whales will direct management efforts more effectively to help prevent entanglements from occurring in the future. Ocean Conservancy strongly urges the passage of S. 859 by the Committee, and we look forward to working with you to continue to enhance protections for marine mammals and other ocean wildlife. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- Thank you for your help to highlight and promote the important work being done by U.S. marine mammal stranding network members. My apologies if you have already received this request from another posting. Vicki Cornish Vice President, Marine Wildlife Conservation Ocean Conservancy 1300 19th Street NW, 8th Floor Washington, DC 20036 Telephone: 202.351.0452 E-mail: vcornish at oceanconservancy.org www.oceanconservancy.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emma.webb at biscay-dolphin.org.uk Mon May 11 09:14:19 2009 From: emma.webb at biscay-dolphin.org.uk (Emma Webb) Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 17:14:19 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Cetacean & Seabird Identification Workshops Message-ID: <200905111614.n4BGEKmh8429688@cascara.comp.uvic.ca> Cetacean & Seabird Identification Workshops Biscay Dolphin Research Programme is delighted to announce the launch of 3 Cetacean & Seabird Identification Workshops on the P&O cruiseferry ?Pride of Bilbao?. Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) has been conducting whale, dolphin and seabird surveys of the English Channel and Bay of Biscay each month, year-round continuously since 1995. BDRP is an award-winning project within the newly established charity Marinelife that aims to further the conservation of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life through scientific study and educational activities. Because of the work we have undertaken, the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay is now recognised as one of the most important areas in the world for whales and dolphins! Come and join some of the most experienced cetacean and seabird researchers in the UK for a fully interactive workshop where you will learn all the basic skills needed to observe and identify these fantastic animals at sea. This workshop is ideal for anyone with a general interest in marine wildlife, students studying Marine Biology or similar subjects, people who want some firsthand experience of field work as well any prospective Marine Mammal Observers (MMO?s). Workshop Dates: 19-22 June 2009 14-17 September 2009 23-26 September 2009 Cost is ?135 per person based on two people sharing a 2 bunk inside cabin. For more information or to book a place, please visit our website at www.biscay-dolphin.org.uk/blueoceansafaris/biscay.php#IDWorkshops or email us on info at biscay-dolphin.org.uk Kind Regards Emma Webb Marinelife Community & Operations Officer Marinelife Email: info at biscay-dolphin.org.uk Website: www.marine-life.org.uk Registered Charity no: 1110884 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.325 / Virus Database: 270.12.18/2098 - Release Date: 05/06/09 06:04:00 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From underks at hotmail.com Tue May 12 06:08:06 2009 From: underks at hotmail.com (Kari Underhill) Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 13:08:06 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Whale Research Field Course in Eastern Canada Message-ID: INTERESTED IN STUDYING GREAT WHALES IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT? Join an ORES whale research field course in Canada! Meet different marine mammals during daily trips on the protected waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary, support researchers in data collection during daily boat-based surveys, learn about research methods, and gain insight into the unique lives of minke whales. There are still spaces available in our two-week field courses from July to September. For more information and photographs click www.ores.org The Canadian non-for-profit organisation ORES (Ocean Research and Education Society) is dedicated to the study of free living whales and seals of the St. Lawrence Estuary (Quebec) in Eastern Canada. The farthest southerly population of beluga whales live year-round in these waters, while blue, finback, humpback and minke whales as well as harbour porpoises and occasionally sperm whales visit these highly dynamic and nutrient rich waters during the summer months. The study area lies within the first and only Canadian Marine Park, the St. Lawrence ? Saguenay Marine Park, just 220km east northeast of Quebec City. Scientific studies focus on the agile and highly interesting minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) which frequent these waters daily in high numbers to hunt schooling fish and occasionally krill. Unique environmental parameters such as tidal currents, areas of upwellings, and fronts often concentrate the prey at the surface where the agile and highly creative minke whales coral, entrap and engulf the prey while lunging into the air. Under the permit of Fisheries & Oceans and the Marine Park ORES conducts long-term studies on the distribution, ecology and conservation of minke whales which are based on the most comprehensive photo-identification program of minke whales. Since 1990, ORES offers two-week field courses for academic and non-academic students who not only encounter different marine mammals and observe different behaviours but also learn what the whales are doing and why while helping to collect important research data. Throughout the course ORES staff present comprehensive lectures on research results, marine mammal biology, data sampling, breathing and diving ecology, hunting strategies and techniques and individual habitat use. A special focus is given to the photo-identification program allowing participants to identify individual whales within a few days. The courses include - daily boat-based surveys in protected waters (no seasickness) - data collection in the field - primary data processing on land - comprehensive lectures on o the marine ecosystem o marine mammal biology o feeding and breathing ecology o distribution and habitat use o photo-identification o scientific sampling methods o primary data analysis - trips to museums and local attractions ?Every day when we got back to the harbour, I would think "Wow! What a great day! It can't get any better than this." Then the next day would come and it would be more amazing then the day before. Watching the minkes as they surface feed or when they are moving up the St. Lawrence was great. But when I started learning the history of the individual whales like Loca and Double Scoop, and then when I was able to identify Owl Eyes, I knew I was making a difference.? (Testimonial Wendy Beltz, USA) Course dates 2009: Group 1: July 5 ? 17 Group 2: July 19 ? 31 Group 3: August 2 -14 Group 4: August 16 ? 28 Group 5: August 30 ? September 11 Group 6: September 13 - 25 The course fee of Swiss francs 1600 (~ ? 1100, ? 1050, US 1500) include accommodation, all transports on land and on water and special trips to museums and local events, all safety equipment and several multi-media lectures given by marine biologists. Everybody with basic English and between 16 to 70+ years old is eligible. No special skills or knowledge are needed!! For more information visit www.ores.org or contact: utscherter at ores.org Ursula Tscherter, project director, Canada, Switzerland _________________________________________________________________ One at a time or all at once? Get updates from your friends in one place. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9660827 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ekpartridge at googlemail.com Tue May 12 02:54:34 2009 From: ekpartridge at googlemail.com (Eleanor Partridge) Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 10:54:34 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] High seas marine reserves in the Pacific - data needed Message-ID: <3f5707510905120254h10acebe4s4d9d7af262970b59@mail.gmail.com> Dear Listers, I am in the process of gathering biological and oceanographic data to support the creation of marine reserves in a number of high seas enclaves in the Western Pacific. This data will be presented to the CBC at their experts meeting, to be held in Ottawa in October. The aim is to demonstrate fulfillment of the CBD criteria for the creation of high seas marine reserves in these areas. If you have access to any unpublished data, or data available only to a limited audience, that could help to justify the closure of these areas to fishing, I would be very grateful if you could get in touch. I am interested in all biological and oceanographic data relating directly to these areas, including quantitative and qualitative, and expect that information on migratory species, including cetaceans, will be of particular interest. Information relating directly to high seas areas is limited so anything and everything is likely to be of value when presenting the case to the CBD. The areas in question are: - The Northern New Guinea donut hole: area between the EEZs of Papua New Guinea, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. - The Western Pacific donut hole: area between the EEZs of the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji (this is in fact 2 'donut holes'). - The area between the EEZs of French Polynesia, the Line Islands (Kiribati) and the Cook Islands. If you have any information that could be of use please get in touch at ekpartridge at gmail.com. Thanks, Eleanor Partridge From curland at earthlink.net Wed May 13 10:52:00 2009 From: curland at earthlink.net (Jim Curland) Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 10:52:00 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] TIME-SENSITIVE: Defenders of Wildlife Marine/Terrestrial Carnivore Conference Call for Presentation/Poster Abstracts _Due June 1st Message-ID: <4A0B08C0.2070204@earthlink.net> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Detailed Conference Agenda - Oct 5.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 57465 bytes Desc: not available URL: From marinemammalogy.southernafrica at gmail.com Thu May 14 02:09:53 2009 From: marinemammalogy.southernafrica at gmail.com (Southern African Marine Mammalogy) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 11:09:53 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammalogy in Southern Africa Message-ID: <5d716e2d0905140209u2a632959xb78de3aa09675d70@mail.gmail.com> *Workshop and Conference on Marine Mammalogy in Southern Africa* Hosted by: The Mammal Research Institute of the University of Pretoria Marine mammal research in southern Africa is experiencing an exciting renaissance. There has been a striking increase in the number of research groups, students and projects starting up in the region in the last few years. This provides a wonderful opportunity for collaboration, sharing ideas and enthusiasm and avoiding duplication of effort. A workshop on marine mammalogy in southern Africa therefore seems timely. The aim of this workshop will be for all interested people in the region to come together to briefly introduce their own, or their Organisation?s, marine mammal-related research. A workshop like this will provide a forum to find out what other projects are going on in the region, creating opportunities for networking and communication in order to minimise overlaps in coverage of species, areas, questions or techniques, and to build collaborations between people and organisations. It will also provide the opportunity to explore networking options in the future, including the possibility of forming a Southern African Marine Mammalogy Society. If you would like to receive more information about this meeeting, please send an email, with your field of interest and affiliation to: marinemammalogy.southernafrica at gmail.com __________________________________ Mammal Research Institute Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria 0002 South Africa http://www.up.ac.za/zoology/MRI/ __________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ericr at mcs.st-and.ac.uk Fri May 15 02:47:00 2009 From: ericr at mcs.st-and.ac.uk (Eric Rexstad) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 10:47:00 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Introductory distance sampling workshop, La Jolla CA 12-15 July 2009--deadline 1 June!! Message-ID: <4A0D3A14.1000009@mcs.st-and.ac.uk> Staff from the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, Univ. of St. Andrews will deliver this workshop hosted by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) this coming summer (12-15 July). The workshop instructors will be Drs. David Borchers, Len Thomas, and Tiago Marques. Over 3.5 days, we will focus on distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book Introduction to Distance Sampling (book will be provided). The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program Distance. Registration and payment deadline is 1 June; so to hold a place, please register soon for the remaining places at website (http://www.cetus.ucsd.edu/Distance.html). This site also contains information on accommodation (campus housing at UCSD as well as other negotiated rates) along with information on the location and other details. Those interested in the application of passive acoustics in abundance estimation may also attend a SIO symposium the following day (http://www.cetus.ucsd.edu/Density.html). -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532 From Phillip.Clapham at noaa.gov Fri May 15 10:13:57 2009 From: Phillip.Clapham at noaa.gov (Phillip.Clapham at noaa.gov) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 10:13:57 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New papers on Soviet whaling Message-ID: <574f75b62964c073.4a0d4065@noaa.gov> The following two papers have just been published online in Marine Fisheries Review (print version to follow): Clapham, P., Mikhalev, Yu., Franklin, W., Paton, D., Baker, C.S., Ivashchenko, Y.V. & Brownell, R.L. Jr. 2009. Catches of humpback whales by the Soviet Union and other nations in the Southern Ocean, 1947-1973. Marine Fisheries Review 71: 39-43. ABSTRACT >From 1947 to 1973, the USSR conducted a huge campaign of illegal whaling worldwide. We review Soviet catches of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Southern Ocean during this period, with an emphasis on the International Whaling Commission?s Antarctic Management Areas IV, V and VI (the principal regions of illegal Soviet whaling on this species, south of Australia and western Oceania). Where possible, we summarize legal and illegal Soviet catches by year, Management Area and factory fleet, and also include information on takes by other nations. Soviet humpback catches between 1947 and 1973 totaled 48,702 and break down as follows: 649 (Area I), 1,412 (Area II), 921 (Area III), 8,779 (Area IV), 22,569 (Area V) and 7,195 (Area VI), with 7,177 catches not currently assignable to area. In all, at least 72,542 humpback whales were killed by all operations (Soviet plus other nations) after World War 2 in Areas IV (27,201), V (38,146) and VI (7,195). More than a third of these (25,474 whales, of which 25,192 came from Areas V and VI) were taken in just two seasons, 1959/60 and 1960/61. The impact of these takes, and of those from Area IV in the late 1950's, is evident in the sometimes dramatic declines in catches at shore stations in Australia, New Zealand and Norfolk Island. When compared to recent estimates of abundance and initial population size, the large removals from Areas IV and V indicate that the populations in these regions remain well below pre-exploitation levels despite reported strong growth rates off eastern and western Australia. Populations in many areas of Oceania continue to be small, indicating that the catches from Area VI and eastern Area V had long-term impacts on recovery. A pdf reprint is available free of charge at: http://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/mfr711/mfr7113.pdf And: Clapham, P. & Ivashchenko, Y. 2009. A whale of a deception. Marine Fisheries Review 71: 44-52. No abstract, but this is also available free at: http://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/mfr711/mfr7114.pdf -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Leader, Cetacean Assessment & Ecology Program U.S. National Marine Mammal Lab Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 phillip.clapham at noaa.gov From tilen.genov at gmail.com Sat May 16 04:07:37 2009 From: tilen.genov at gmail.com (Tilen Genov) Date: Sat, 16 May 2009 14:07:37 +0300 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on bottlenose dolphins in the north Adriatic Sea Message-ID: Dear MARMAM and ECS members, The following paper was recently published: Genov, T., Kotnjek, P., Lesjak, J., Hace, A. & Fortuna, C. M. 2008. Bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Slovenian and adjacent waters (northern Adriatic Sea). Annales, Series Historia Naturalis, 18(2), 227-244. Abstract: A local population of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Slovenian and adjacent waters (northern Adriatic Sea) was studied between 2002 and 2008. Boat-based surveys, land-based surveys and standard photo-identification procedures were carried out. A total of 120 sightings were recorded and 101 well-marked dolphins photo-identified. Resighting rates within and between years showed a relatively high rate of site fidelity for some individuals. The group size ranged from 1 to 43. Offspring were present in 53.3% of the groups. Annual mark-recapture density estimates of 0.069 dolphins/km2 seem to be good baseline information for conservation management. Pdf copies are available upon request from tilen.genov at gmail.com Best wishes, Tilen Genov Morigenos - marine mammal research and conservation society Jarska cesta 36/a 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia www.morigenos.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From janiger at almaak-01.usc.edu Mon May 18 13:10:42 2009 From: janiger at almaak-01.usc.edu (David S. Janiger) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 13:10:42 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New Articles Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.20090518131042.00b75a18@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. 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 AGUAYO-LOBO, ANELIO; JORGE ACEVEDO; JOSE LUIS BRITO; CARLOS OLAVARRIA; RODRIGO MORAGA and CARLOS OLAVE. REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA MARINA Y OCEANOGRAFIA 43(3):653-668. 2008. La ballena franca del sur, Eubalaena australis (Desmoulins, 1822) en aguas chilenas: Analisis de sus registros desde 1976 a 2008. (Southern right whales, Eubalaena australis (Desmoulins, 1822) off Chile: Analyses of records from 1976 to 2008) 2.537 MB BALATA, DAVID and STEFANO MARIANI. SCIENCE (WASHINGTON D. C.) 324(5926):464. 2009. Culling whales: Ethically and ecologically wrong. 0.056 MB BARTHELMESS, K. and I. SVANBERG. ARCHIVES OF NATURAL HISTORY 36(1):63-69. 2009. Two eighteenth-century strandings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) on the Swedish coast. 0.613 MB BEARZI, MADDALENA; SHANA RAPOPORT; JASON CHAU and CHARLES SAYLAN. AMBIO 38(2):66-71. 2009. Skin lesions and physical deformities of coastal and offshore common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Santa Monica Bay and adjacent areas, California. 2.059 MB BEATSON, E. L. and S. O'SHEA. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 36(1):47-58. 2009. Stomach contents of long-finned pilot whales, Globicephala melas, mass-stranded on Farewell Spit, Golden Bay in 2005 and 2008. 0.790 MB BEBEJ, RYAN M. JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN EVOLUTION 16(2):77-97. 2009. Swimming mode inferred from skeletal proportions in the fossil pinnipeds Enaliarctos and Allodesmus (Mammalia, Carnivora). 0.454 MB BUSCAINO, GIUSEPPA; GASPARE BUFFA; GIANLUCA SARA; ANTONIO BELLANTE; ANTONIO JOSE TONELLO, JR.; FERNANDO AUGUSTO SLIVA HARDT; MARTA JUSSARA CREMER; ANGELO BONANNO; ANGELA CUTTITTA and SALVATORE MAZZOLA. FISHERIES SCIENCE (TOKYO) 75(3):537-544. 2009. Pinger affects fish catch efficiency and damage to bottom gill nets related to bottlenose dolphins. 0.366 MB CASTELBLANCO-MARTINEZ, DELMA NATALY; ANA LUCIA BERMUDEZ-ROMERO; ISABEL VICTORIA GOMEZ-CAMELO; FERNANDO CESAR WEBER ROSAS; FERNANDO TRUJILLO and ENRIQUE ZERDA-ORDONEZ. ORYX 43(2):235-242. 2009. Seasonality of habitat use, mortality and reproduction of the Vulnerable Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus in the Orinoco River, Colombia: Implications for conservation. 0.312 MB CICIMURRI, DAVID J. and JAMES L. KNIGHT. SOUTHEASTERN NATURALIST 8(1):71-82. 2009. Two shark-bitten whale skeletons from coastal plain deposits of South Carolina. 0.582 MB CLAPHAM, PHIL and YULIA IVASHCHENKO. MARINE FISHERIES REVIEW 71(1):44-52. 2009. A whale of a deception. 2.159 MB CLAPHAM, PHIL; YURI MIKHALEV; WALLY FRANKLIN; DAVID PATON; C. SCOTT BAKER; YULIA V. IVASHCHENKO and ROBERT L. BROWNELL, JR. MARINE FISHERIES REVIEW 71(1):39-43. 2009. Catches of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, by the Soviet Union and other nations in the Southern Ocean, 1947-1973. 0.437 MB COTTE, CEDRIC; CHRISTOPHE GUINET; ISABELLE TAUPIER-LETAGE; BRUCE MATE and ESTELLE PETIAU. DEEP SEA RESEARCH PART I: OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS 56(5):801-811. 2009. Scale-dependent habitat use by a large free-ranging predator, the Mediterranean fin whale. 0.895 MB COZZI, BRUNO; SANDRO MAZZARIOL; MICHELA PODESTA and ALESSANDRO ZOTTI. THE OPEN ZOOLOGY JOURNAL 2:24-32. 2009. Diving adaptations of the cetacean skeleton. 0.497 MB DE MOURA, JAILSON FULGENCIO; THAIS GUIMARAES CORREA SHOLL; EDERSON DA SILVA RODRIGUES; SANDRA HACON and SALVATORE SICILIANO. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records (Published online) 4pgs. 2009. Marine tucuxi dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) and its interaction with passive gill-net fisheries along the northern coast of the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. 0.187 MB DE MOURA, J. F.; S. SICILIANO; P. N. SARCINELLI and S. HACON.. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records (Published online) 3pgs. 2009. Organochlorine pesticides in marine tucuxi dolphin milk incidentally captured with its calf in Barra de Sao Joao, east coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. 0.131 MB DE OLIVEIRA SANTOS, MARCOS CESAR and EDNILSON DA SILVA. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF OCEANOGRAPHY 57(1):65-68. 2009. Records of a male killer whale (Orcinus orca) off southeastern Brazil. 0.553 MB DE OLIVEIRA SANTOS, MARCOS CESAR; JULIA EMI DE FARIA OSHIMA and EDNILSON DA SILVA. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF OCEANOGRAPHY 57(1):57-63. 2009. Sightings of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei): The discovery of a population in the Paranagua Estuarine Complex, southern Brazil. 0.977 MB DEAGLE, BRUCE E.; ROGER KIRKWOOD and SIMON N. JARMAN. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY 18(9):2022-2038. 2009. Analysis of Australian fur seal diet by pyrosequencing prey DNA in faeces. 0.446 MB DIBLE, S. A.; J. A. FLINT and P. A. LEPPER. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 4(1):Article Number 015005. 9pp. 2009. On the role of periodic structures in the lower jaw of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). 0.553 MB FILATOVA, O. A.; I. D. FEDUTIN; M. M. NAGAYLIK; A. M. BURDIN and E. HOYT. ACTA ETHOLOGICA 12(1):37-44. 2009. Usage of monophonic and biphonic calls by free-ranging resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Kamchatka, Russian Far East. 0.266 MB GURARIE, ELIEZER; RUSSAL D. ANDREWS and KRISTIN L. LAIDRE. ECOLOGY LETTERS 12(5):395-408. 2009. A novel method for identifying behavioural changes in animal movement data. 0.582 MB HU, WUYANG; KATYA BOEHLE; LINDA COX and MINLING PAN. MARINE RESOURCE ECONOMICS 24(1):61-76. 2009. Economic values of dolphin excursions in Hawaii: A stated choice analysis. 0.626 MB JENSEN, F. H.; L. BEJDER; M. WAHLBERG and P. T. MADSEN. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 212(8):1078-1086. 2009. Biosonar adjustments to target range of echolocating bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in the wild. 0.623 MB KRAUSE, JENS; DAVID LUSSEAU and RICHARD JAMES. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY 63(7):967-973. 2009. Animal social networks: An introduction. 0.148 MB LEE, OLIVIA A.; PAUL OLIVIER; RYAN WOLT; RANDALL W. DAVIS and FRED WELTZ. AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 161(2):401-405. 2009. Aggregations of sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) feeding on fish eggs and kelp in Prince William Sound, Alaska. 0.252 MB LODI, LILIANE; LEONARDO LIBERALI WEDEKIN; MARCOS ROBERTO ROSSI-SANTOS and MILTON CESAR MARCONDES. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 8(4):205-209. 2008. Movements of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. 0.208 MB LOTZE, HEIKE K. and BORIS WORM. TRENDS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION 24(5):254-262. 2009. Historical baselines for large marine animals. 0.333 MB LUSSEAU, DAVID and LARISSA CONRADT. BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY 63(7):1067-1077. 2009. The emergence of unshared consensus decisions in bottlenose dolphins. 0.447 MB MAQUART, MARIANNE; MICHEL S. ZYGMUNT and AXEL CLOECKAERT. MICROBES AND INFECTION 11(3):361-366. 2009. Marine mammal Brucella isolates with different genomic characteristics display a differential response when infecting human macrophages in culture. 0.265 MB MCMAHON, CLIVE R. and GARY C. WHITE. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY 372(1-2):36-42. 2009. Tag loss probabilities are not independent: Assessing and quantifying the assumption of independent tag transition probabilities from direct observations. 0.868 MB MOONEY, T. ARAN; PAUL E. NACHTIGALL; KRISTEN A. TAYLOR; MARIANNE H. RASMUSSEN and LEE A. MILLER. JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY A NEUROETHOLOGY, SENSORY, NEURAL AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY 195(4):375-384. 2009. Auditory temporal resolution of a wild white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris). 0.554 MB MUSTIKA, PUTU LIZA KUSUMA; PARIAMA HUTASOIT; CECILIA CICIK MADUSARI; FEBRUANTY S. PURNOMO; ADITYO SETIAWAN; KATHERINA TJANDRA, KATHERINA; WALESA EDHO PRABOWO. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 57(1):199-206. 2009. Whale strandings in Indonesia, including the first record of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Archipelago. 0.534 MB PHILIPPA, J. D. W.; M. W. G. VAN DE BILDT; P. 'T HART and A. D. M. E. OSTERHAUS. VETERINARY RECORD 164(11):327-331. 2009. Neurological signs in juvenile harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) with fatal phocine distemper. 0.131 MB REA, LORRIE D.; MICHELLE BERMAN-KOWALEWSKI; DAVID A. ROSEN and ANDREW W. TRITES. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY 82(3):236-247. 2009. Seasonal differences in biochemical adaptation to fasting in juvenile and subadult Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). 0.402 MB REEVES, RANDALL R.; STEPHEN LEATHERWOOD and ROBIN W. BAIRD. PACIFIC SCIENCE 63(2):253-261. 2009. Evidence of a possible decline since 1989 in false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) around the main Hawaiian Islands. 0.239 MB RIDGWAY, SAM; MANDY KEOGH; DON CARDER; JAMES FINNERAN; TRICIA KAMOLNICK; MARK TODD and ALLEN GOLDBLATT. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 212(10):1519-1527. 2009. Dolphins maintain cognitive performance during 72 to 120 hours of continuous auditory vigilance. 1.007 MB ROCKLIN, DELPHINE; MARIE-CATHERINE SANTONI; JEAN-MICHEL CULIOLI; JEAN-ANTOINE TOMASINI; DOMINIQUE PELLETIER and DAVID MOUILLOT. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 66(4):699-707. 2009. Changes in the catch composition of artisanal fisheries attributable to dolphin depredation in a Mediterranean marine reserve. 0.323 MB RYBCZYNSKI, NATALIA; MARY R. DAWSON and RICHARD H. TEDFORD. NATURE (LONDON) 458(7241):1021-1024. 2009. A semi-aquatic Arctic mammalian carnivore from the Miocene epoch and origin of Pinnipedia. 0.628 MB SHAPIRO, RUSSELL S. and ELEANOR SPANGLER. PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY 274(3-4):196-203. 2009. Bacterial fossil record in whale-falls: Petrographic evidence of microbial sulfate reduction. 2.298 MB SHPAK, O. V.; O. I. LYAMIN; P. R. MANGER; J. M. SIEGEL and L. M. MUKHAMETOV. JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 45(1):111-119. 2009. States of rest and activity in the Commerson's dolphin Cephalorhynchus commersonii. 0.156 MB SILVA, MONICA A.; CRISTINA BRITO; SARA V. SANTOS and JOAO PEDRO BARREIROS. MAMMALIA 73(1):60-62. 2009. Short note Historic and recent occurrences of pinnipeds in the Archipelago of the Azores. 0.046 MB THEWISSEN, J. G. M. and SUNIL BAJPAI. ACTA PALAEONTOLOGICA POLONICA 54(1):7-13. 2009. A new Miocene sirenian from Kutch, India. 0.404 MB TODD, VICTORIA L. G.; WILLIAM D. PEARSE; NICK C. TREGENZA; PAUL A. LEPPER and IAN B. TODD. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 66(4):734-745. 2009. Diel echolocation activity of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) around North Sea offshore gas installations. 0.316 MB WARD, ERIC J.; ELIZABETH E. HOLMES and KEN C. BALCOMB. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY 46(3):632-640. 2009. Quantifying the effects of prey abundance on killer whale reproduction. 0.415 MB WEDEKIN, LEONARDO LIBERALI; FABIO GONCALVES DAURA-JORGE; MARCOS ROBERTO ROSSI-SANTOS and PAULO CESAR SIMOES-LOPES. BIOTA NEOTROPICA 8(4):225-229. 2008. Notas sobre a distribuicao, tamanho de grupo e comportamento do golfinho Tursiops truncatus (Cetacea: Delphinidae) na Ilha de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. 0.253 MB WILLIAMS, NIGEL. CURRENT BIOLOGY 19(8):R307-R308. 2009. Dolphin surprise. 0.670 MB YE XIONG; MATTHEW C. BRANDLEY; SHIXIA XU; KAIYA ZHOU and GUANG YANG. BMC EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 9(20): 13pp. 2009. Seven new dolphin mitochondrial genomes and a time-calibrated phylogeny of whales. 0.904 MB From gilles at ftz-west.uni-kiel.de Mon May 18 00:41:42 2009 From: gilles at ftz-west.uni-kiel.de (Anita Gilles) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 09:41:42 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on harbour porpoise seasonal distribution, North Sea Message-ID: <005001c9d78c$194ab710$4be02530$@uni-kiel.de> Dear MARMAMers, The following paper was recently published: Gilles A, Scheidat M, Siebert U (2009). Seasonal distribution of harbour porpoises and possible interference of offshore wind farms in the German North Sea. Marine Ecology Progress Series 383: 295-307 Abstract: The seasonal distribution of harbour porpoises in the German North Sea was investigated, hot spot areas were identified and the proportion of porpoises potentially affected by the imminent construction of offshore wind farms was estimated. Data were collected during dedicated aerial surveys conducted year-round between 2002 and 2006 following line transect methodology. Survey effort amounted to 44 739 km during which a total of 5121 harbour porpoises was detected, including 258 calves. Our data suggest that porpoises move to distinct areas on a seasonal basis as their biological requirements change. They move into German waters in early spring, reach high numbers in early summer and move out of the area in autumn. The abundance estimates for the German exclusive economic zone and 12 n mile zone were highest in spring (55 048 animals; 95% CI: 32 395 to 10 1671) and summer (49 687 animals; 95% CI: 29 009 to 96 385) and lowest in autumn with 15 394 animals (95% CI: 8906 to 29 470). Important aggregation zones were detected in offshore waters: in spring, 2 hot spots, Borkum Reef Ground and Sylt Outer Reef (SOR), were identified as key foraging areas. In summer, only the large hot spot SOR persisted, causing a strong north-south density gradient. In autumn, porpoises were more evenly distributed. Most mother-calf pairs were observed during spring and summer in the SOR, underlining its importance as a foraging area when reproductive costs are high. Spatial overlap exists between important areas for porpoises and areas where offshore wind farms are currently licensed or planned. The proportion of the national stock possibly exposed to the construction noise of 18 licensed wind farms was estimated applying different scenarios. Within a 20 km zone of responsiveness - as worst case scenario - 39% of the harbour porpoise stock in the German EEZ could be affected during construction. Pdf copies are available upon request from gilles at ftz-west.uni-kiel.de All the best, Anita ************************************************** Dr. Anita Gilles Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westkueste University of Kiel Hafentoern 1 25761 Buesum Germany Tel: +49 (0)4834-604105 Fax: +49 (0)4834-604199 email: gilles at ftz-west.uni-kiel.de http://www.uni-kiel.de/ftzwest/ag7/mitarb/agilles.shtml -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From antje.kakuschke at gkss.de Mon May 18 11:31:22 2009 From: antje.kakuschke at gkss.de (antje.kakuschke at gkss.de) Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 20:31:22 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Abstract: Elements in tissues of porpoises of the North and Baltic Seas Message-ID: Dear all, a new publication to harbour porpoises of the North Sea is now available: Fahrenholtz, S., Griesel, S., Pr?frock, D., Kakuschke, A. Essential and non-essential elements in tissues of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded on the coasts of the North and Baltic Seas between 2004?2006. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 2009, 11, 1107?1113. Abstract: This study on harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded along the coasts of the Eastern North and Western Baltic Sea as well as in the river Elbe during 2004?2006, evaluated concentrations of 20 essential and non-essential elements (Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, V, Zn) in liver and muscle samples. Tissue samples of 22 porpoises were taken during postmortem investigations at the Research and Technology Centre (FTZ) in B?sum, Germany. A multi element method utilizing microwave accelerated acid digestion for sample preparation and collision/ reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CC-ICP-MS) was used for element quantification. All 20 elements investigated could be determined in liver and muscle tissues except for Al in muscle samples. Furthermore the concentrations in liver tissues were higher compared to muscle tissues. While sex specific differences were observed only for Cu concentrations in liver tissue, age dependent relationships were obtained for nine elements. Differences between juveniles and adults were found for Ag, Al, Co, Mn, Mo, Se, Sn, Pb, and V concentrations in liver, as well as Sn concentrations in muscle tissues. Furthermore, As and Sn concentrations in liver and muscle showed differences between the stranding locations. This multi-element study on harbour porpoises gives baseline information to concentrations of essential and non-essential elements in tissue to develop reference ranges for health status determination as well as the assessment of the pollutant body burden. For further questions do not hesitate to contact me: Antje Kakuschke antjekakuschke at web.de -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Stacie.Koslovsky at MyFWC.com Wed May 20 07:35:03 2009 From: Stacie.Koslovsky at MyFWC.com (Koslovsky, Stacie) Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 10:35:03 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Manatee OPS Database and GIS Specialist position at Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Message-ID: Please direct any questions to the contact information below. Apply electronically in People First by the closing date: http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com. If you experience technical difficulties, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. Stacie Koslovsky Research Associate - Marine Mammals Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish & Wildlife Research Institute Email: Stacie.Koslovsky at MyFWC.com ________________________________ FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS Req No: 77900909-51196773-20090519102859 Agency Name: FWC - Fish&Wildlife Cons Comm Description: OCCUPATION PROFILE Working Title: OPS FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIO S Broadband/Class Level: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS - Level 2 Broadband/Class Code: 19-1023-02 Pay Grade/Pay Band: BB008 Position Number: 77900909 Closing Date: 6/18/2009 Location: SAINT PETERSBURG County: Pinellas County Annual Salary Range: $15.00 per hour Announcement Type: Open Competitive Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION: Working Title: OPS Database and GIS Specialist Section: Wildlife Research Sub-Section: Marine Mammals Job Duties: This is a technical position that supports Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) scientists in managing tabular and spatial (GIS) data for research on the Florida manatee and its habitat. The manatee program collects a wide range of biological data, including aerial counts, behavior, mortality, photo-identification, telemetry, and habitat characteristics. The person in this position is responsible for working with researchers and field staff on a variety of projects and performing multiple tasks including entering tabular and spatial data; assisting with the creation, maintenance, quality assurance and quality control of multiple databases including manatee biology and habitat; producing maps and data summaries for use in publications, reports, field research, and management purposes; assisting with metadata documentation; and locating, retrieving, and compiling biological and environmental data. He/she will implement database structure, such as creating data entry forms with built-in QA/QC and queries to extract relevant information. The person in this position will communicate technical information to coworkers while maintaining a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units and with the Marine Mammal Program at FWRI. The person will occasionally participate in public outreach efforts and may have the opportunity to take part in a limited amount of fieldwork, depending on interests, skills, and program needs. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the natural sciences or geography. Qualified applicants must have working knowledge of relational databases, data management principles, and GIS theory and methods. This position requires strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access and ArcGIS. Experience with SQL and SQL Server is a plus. Good verbal and written communication skills are necessary, including the ability to work well with others in a team and to effectively communicate technical GIS and database information to coworkers with less experience. This position requires a person who is organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated. Qualified applicants will need to be adept at problem solving and time management to succeed in this position. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation Requirements: Closest Major City Saint Petersburg Occupation FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS Education Bachelors (or equivalent work experience) Job Type Full Time Region/County Pinellas County Years of Experience 0-1 year -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 13586 bytes Desc: image001.gif URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.gif Type: image/gif Size: 2481 bytes Desc: image002.gif URL: From info at scanningoceansectors.org Wed May 20 03:49:59 2009 From: info at scanningoceansectors.org (Yvonne Miles) Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 20:49:59 +1000 Subject: [MARMAM] NEW DATES FOR MMO AND PAM COURSE JUNE 2009 Message-ID: Hi All *Scanning Ocean Sectors ? A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee ? JNCC, recognised course for industry and research.* We have years of research behind the effective training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. With fully trained and experienced MMOs teaching. Each student is *graded* in their certificates to ensure the *quality standard* of the MMO industry is gaining. *Please NOTE that the mid **UK** May & June courses have been combined into one course, the date has changed* *Registration will close two weeks before course starts. * * ** **JUNE 15TH ? 17TH 2009** IS THE MMO COURSE * *JUNE 18TH -19TH 2009 IS THE PAM COURSE* *This course is booking up quickly so don?t leave it late* Please visit our website for more information and to register for all courses *Note * *When you register for a course the course prices will be sent directly to you* *WE WILL ALSO BE RUNNING A COURSE IN IRELAND 2009 * * * *IN EITHER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER THE DATES HAVE NOT BEEN CONFIRMED YET, BUT IF YOU **ARE** INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT US THROUGH THE WEBSITE INFORMATION **FORM**. * *Note ? There are limited numbers for each course so please book early to avoid disappointment.* If anyone is interested in advertising in our newsletter please contact us for the next issue www.scanningoceansectors.org info at scanningoceansectors.org -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info at scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From marmam at marineteam.com Thu May 21 05:36:04 2009 From: marmam at marineteam.com (Alison Gill) Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 13:36:04 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] JNCC MMO Training and PAM Course Message-ID: Dear MARMAM Subscribers I am pleased to announce a new Training and Consultancy Company "Intelligent Ocean" offering Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Mammal Observer Training and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Training. Please see the website for details www.intelligentocean.com I will be running the following courses next week and there are some spaces available. Please view the website for details of the content for each course. Wednesday 27th May 2009 - JNCC MMO Training (1 Day Course costing ?100 per person) Thursday 28th May 2009 - PAM Training - Introductory Course (1 Day Course costing ?100 per person ) If you book the JNCC MMO Training and PAM Training courses together the cost will be ?180 per person The courses are located in Downham Market, Norfolk which can be easily reached by train from London. Please contact me at alisongill at intelligentocean.com if you wish to make a booking or ask further questions. Regards Alison Gill Alison Gill Intelligent Ocean 21 Pentney Lakes Kings Lynn Norfolk PE32 1LE Tel: +44 (0) 208 123 6965 email: alisongill at intelligentocean.com website: www.intelligentocean.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From NRose at hsus.org Thu May 21 06:59:19 2009 From: NRose at hsus.org (Naomi Rose) Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 09:59:19 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Fourth edition of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity" Message-ID: <89CA520F9BA4DC4DA49AB6EBA87FD19F01FCCCB6@mailserv> Dear colleagues: The fourth edition of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity" was released today and is available at http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/MarMamCptvtyBklt.pdf. This joint publication of The Humane Society of the United States and the World Society for the Protection of Animals was first published by The HSUS in 1995 - the third edition, published in 2006 by The HSUS and WSPA, was entirely updated and reformatted. In the three years since, new research has been published and many events have occurred (particularly related to the capture of live dolphins for international trade), leading to a fourth edition with more than 80 new endnotes and several new sections and updated information in the main text. If you would like a hard copy of this document, please let me know (and send your postal address) and I will post one to you as soon as possible. Best, Naomi Rose _______________________________ Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Senior Scientist International Policy Humane Society International 700 Professional Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA Ph 301 258 3048 Fax 301 258 3082 Eml nrose at hsi.org http://www.hsi.org http://www.hsus.org NOTICE: This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately at the telephone number above. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lmarino at emory.edu Fri May 22 13:02:31 2009 From: lmarino at emory.edu (Lori Marino) Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 16:02:31 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Policy Paper on Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs by lmarino@emory.edu Message-ID: <035f01c9db18$3dec3c80$b9c4b580$@edu> Dear Colleagues, This is to announce the release of a new Animals & Society Institute policy paper by myself and Kristen Stewart entitled: "Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs: Policies, Problems and Alternatives," Summary: We examine dolphin protection policy, particularly the question of harassment, as it pertains to recreational human-dolphin interactions in the wild and in captivity. We conclude that current policy measures are inconsistent and deficient and we offer recommendations for improving the welfare of both dolphins and humans. Please see the Press Release below. To purchase a copy of the paper and support ASI, please go to: https://plus7.safe-order.net/psyeta/catalog/index.php?cPath=3 Thank you. Lori Marino News Release For immediate release May 18, 2009 Contact: Kenneth J. Shapiro, Executive Director, Animals and Society Institute, (301) 963-4751 Swimming with Dolphins: Experts Find Dolphin Protection Laws and Policies Flawed (Ann Arbor, Michigan): A national animal protection organization has issued a policy paper concluding that current dolphin protection laws are inconsistent, based on unsupported assumptions, and ultimately detrimental to dolphins. Published by the nonprofit Animals and Society Institute, "Dolphin-Human Interaction Programs: Policies, Problems and Alternatives," was co-authored by Kristin L. Stewart. J.D., Ph.D. and Lori Marino, Ph.D. Dr. Marino is a senior lecturer in neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University whose work focuses on cetacean and primate intelligence and brain evolution. Dr. Stewart is an attorney, scholar and consultant concentrating on animal law, policy and ethics. The paper is being circulated to institutions, organizations and government agencies related to marine mammal protection. In their paper, Stewart and Marino examine the conditions under which both wild and captive dolphins interact with human beings. The practice of people swimming with dolphins in the ocean or in marine parks, under the guise of both recreation and therapy, has become increasingly popular but also increasingly problematic. Considering the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other laws and regulations aimed at protecting dolphins from harm and harassment, thereby undercutting the basic aim of such policies: to keep dolphins safe from harm. Says Kenneth J. Shapiro, executive director of the ASI, "The purpose of this paper is to encourage a wholesale review of policies that should be providing consistent protection to both wild and captive dolphins. Despite the intent of U.S. law, evidence shows that dolphins are subject to exploitation, harassment, and other kinds of harm." The paper concludes with several recommendations, and challenges the current law's continued sanctioning of dolphin display facilities and swim-with-dolphins programs. The Animals and Society Institute, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a nonprofit, independent research and educational organization that advances the status of animals in public policy and promotes the study of human-animal relationships. The policy paper about dolphins is the fifth in a series that focuses on contemporary animal protection issues. Additional information is available at www.animalsandsociety.org. ### Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program 1462 Clifton Road, Suite 304 Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322 Phone: (404) 727-7582 Fax: (404) 727-7471 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From A.Steffen at stb-ets.de Tue May 26 04:48:11 2009 From: A.Steffen at stb-ets.de (Andrea Steffen) Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 13:48:11 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Skeleton deformation on a Southern Right Whale CAndrea Steffen ) Message-ID: <73792E73743C5A49986ACB47D89DDD8713BA56@w2000srv.kanzlei.local> Dear MARMAN Members, On a Research Trip to South America we found in a Museum near Montevideo in Uruguay, a skeleton of a Southern Right Whale with an lot of bony excrescence on several vertebras. Does anybody seen a skeleton with such a deformation? Does anybody know what could be the cause for such bony outgrowths? And, more theoretical, what could be the impact of the whales live? Photos are available on http://www.pottwale.de/srw We would appreciate any information to: Andrea.Steffen at wale-delfine.de Best regards Andrea Steffen Project leader Society for Dolphin Conservation Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delfine e.V. Germany -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Spencer.Fire at noaa.gov Tue May 26 07:38:00 2009 From: Spencer.Fire at noaa.gov (Spencer Fire) Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 10:38:00 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper: Domoic acid in Kogia from Southeast U.S. Message-ID: <002d01c9de0f$9208b650$b61a22f0$%Fire@noaa.gov> Dear Colleagues: The following paper is now available from the journal "Harmful Algae" (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/15689883) Fire SE, Wang Z, Leighfield TA, Morton SL, McFee WE, McLellan WA, Litaker RW, Tester PA, Hohn AA, Lovewell G, Harms C, Rotstein DS, Barco SG, Costidis A, Sheppard B, Bossart GD, Stolen M, Durden WN, Van Dolah FM (2009) DOMOIC ACID EXPOSURE IN PYGMY AND DWARF SPERM WHALES (KOGIA SPP.) FROM SOUTHEASTERN AND MID-ATLANTIC U.S. WATERS. Harmful Algae 8:658-664. ABSTRACT: The neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) was detected in urine and fecal samples recovered from pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima) stranding along the U.S. Atlantic coast from 1997 to 2008. Of the 41 animals analyzed from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, 24 (59%) tested positive for DA at concentrations of 0.4-1.8?ng/mL in urine and 12-13,566?ng/g in feces as determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Feces appeared to be the best indicator of DA exposure in Kogia spp., with 87% of all fecal samples analyzed testing positive for this toxin. Additional stranded animals (n?=?40) representing 11 other cetacean species were recovered from the same region between 2006 and 2008 and analyzed by LC-MS/MS, however DA was not detected in any of these individuals. DA is produced naturally by diatoms in the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. Although blooms of DA-producing Pseudo-nitzschia have been associated with repeated large-scale marine mammal mortalities on the west coast of the U.S., there is no documented history of similar blooms on the southeast U.S. coast, and there were no observed Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the region associated with any of these strandings. The feeding habits of Kogia spp. are poorly documented; thus, the vector(s) for DA exposure to these deep-diving species remains to be identified. Toxin accumulation in these pelagic whale species may be an indication of cryptic harmful algal bloom activity in offshore areas not currently being monitored. This study highlights the need for a better understanding of the role of toxigenic algae in marine mammal morbidity and mortality globally. For more information, please contact me at spencer.fire at noaa.gov Sincerely, Spencer E. Fire, Ph.D. Marine Biotoxins Program Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research NOAA/National Ocean Service 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 www.chbr.noaa.gov/marinebiotoxins Tel:? 843.762.8574 Fax:? 843.762.8700 From rossiter at csiwhalesalive.org Tue May 19 18:53:21 2009 From: rossiter at csiwhalesalive.org (William Rossiter) Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 21:53:21 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Request for CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine: Health, Disease, and Rehabilitation Message-ID: <4A136291.7000803@csiwhalesalive.org> Wild Earth Foundation (WEF) of Argentina urgently requests a donated copy of the 2001 /CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine: Health, Disease, and Rehabilitation/, edited by Leslie A. Dierauf & Frances M.D. Gulland. The book is too expensive for WEF to purchase, but it is a necessary resource for WEF's marine mammal veterinarians and rescue/rehabilitation staff. The 2002 Pocket Version is also acceptable. If donated through Cetacean Society International, by regular US mail to P.O.Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA, the book will immediately be shipped at CSI expense to WEF in Argentina, and a US donor can claim a tax-deductible donation of US$142 (current Amazon.com price), if the book is in good condition. WEF, has assisted injured sea lions and several cetacean live strandings of Southern right whales, orcas, and recently, a juvenile dusky dolphin that was rehabilitated for 72 hours before a successful ocean release. WEF Contact Information: Email: wef.director at gmail.com Phone: +54 2965 495008 Cell Phone: +54 9 2965 201889 Postal Address: Wild Earth Foundation WEF / Fundacion Tierra Salvaje Av de las Ballenas y Segunda Bajada al Mar, U9121XAQ, Puerto Piramides, Chubut, Argentina If interested in making this donation, or for more information on WEF, please contact Gaby Bellazzi and Bill Rossiter . Thank you, 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 www.csiwhalesalive.org From eduferna at umail.iu.edu Wed May 27 17:12:56 2009 From: eduferna at umail.iu.edu (Eduardo Fernandez) Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 17:12:56 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Fourth edition of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity" Message-ID: <342320260905271712j63915271v78d17a05f35829f3@mail.gmail.com> Hi all, If anyone, particularly scientists and those who work in captive animal facilities, is interested in writing a review of this book, please contact me directly. I'm particularly interested in addressing reasons for having marine mammals and other endangered species in captivity, as well as addressing some of the suggested reference claims, such as that captive animals do not facilitate education and support of conservation. Thank you, Eduardo J Fernandez, Ph.D. NSF Postdoctoral Fellow/Visiting Research Associate Department of Psychology University of Washington Box 351525 Seattle, WA 98195 http://faculty.washington.edu/eduferna/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gpavan at cibra.unipv.it Thu May 28 03:12:13 2009 From: gpavan at cibra.unipv.it (Gianni Pavan) Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 12:12:13 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] DEADLINE 4th DCL Workshop and 1st DE Workshop, University of Pavia, September 2009 Message-ID: <4a1e6386.096c100a.17b3.ffff9a4c@mx.google.com> As we received some requests to accept abstracts later than the original deadline set on June 1st, the workshop committee agrees in extending the deadline to June 8th. September 2009, 10 - 12 : 4th International Workshop on Detection, Classification and Localization of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics September 2009, 13 : Linked Workshop: 1st International Workshop on Density Estimation of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics The workshops web page is available on the CIBRA website at http://www.unipv.it/cibra/DCLWorkshop2009.html A short presentation of the workshops can be downloaded here: http://www.unipv.it/cibra/Workshop2009.pdf For any additional information please write to gianni.pavan at unipv.it Deadlines & Important Dates May 1, 2009: Registration and Abstract submission opening June 8: Deadline for abstract submission June 15: Notification of Acceptance June 22: Deadline for Registration, Payment and Accomodation Booking September 30: Deadline for presenting full papers for the Proceedings Program September 9: 17 PM, Registration opening and welcome buffet September 10 to 12: DCL Workshop September 12, afternoon: Technical discussion, Round Table and introduction to DE Workshop September 13: Density Estimation Workshop Scientific Committee Gianni Pavan (Univ. of Pavia, Italy); Walter Zimmer (NURC, Italy); David Moretti (NUWC, US); Bob Gisiner (MMC, US); John Potter (Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore); Olivier Adam (NAMC, Paris University, France); Len Thomas (Univ St Andrews, Scotland; convenor of the DE workshop). Organizing Committee Gianni Pavan, CIBRA (DCL Workshop); Len Thomas, StAndrews (DE Workshop) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From krose.tdi at gmail.com Wed May 27 12:53:04 2009 From: krose.tdi at gmail.com (Kathryn Rose) Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 09:53:04 -1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Fluke Matching Volunteer Opportunity at The Dolphin Institute Message-ID: Volunteer Opportunity: The Dolphin Institute (TDI) in Honolulu, Hawai?i is offering a limited number of volunteer positions for college-level students to assist in the processing of data collected on humpback whales in Hawaiian waters. TDI is a Hawaii-based non-profit marine mammal science and education organization dedicated to whales and dolphins through research, education, and conservation. It is directed by Dr. Adam Pack, Assistant Professor at University of Hawai?i at Hilo, and Dr. Louis Herman, an emeritus professor at the University of Hawai?i at Manoa. Further information on TDI can be found at www.dolphin-institute.org. TDI?s archival catalog of identification photographs of humpback whales spans over three decades and includes over 22,000 observations of over 5,000 individual humpbacks. This archive is a rich resource for investigating the behavior and biology of Hawaii?s humpback whales. During the summer of 2009, TDI volunteers will have a unique opportunity to work alongside one of our researchers to help uncover the life histories of individual humpback whales by matching photographs of their tail flukes (the ?finger print? of a humpback) to our digitized archival catalog. TDI is looking for extremely motivated and dedicated individuals. Volunteer openings are available for an immediate start date. Accepted volunteers must complete at least 1 full day each week, or alternatively 2 half days, for a three-month period. Continuation is evaluated based on dedication and performance. Volunteers are responsible for their own housing and transportation to TDI?s Honolulu office. Desirable qualifications: College or post-college education preferred, experience in marine mammal research, previous fluke matching experience, experience with computer programs such as Aperture, Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, Excel, and experience working with large data sets. Send a cover letter indicating your qualifications and why you are seeking a volunteer position with TDI along with a complete resume including two letters of reference. Send applications or inquiries by email to Kathryn Rose at krose.tdi at gmail.com. Positions are open until filled, but early application is encouraged. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mkellogg at usgs.gov Thu May 28 10:03:03 2009 From: mkellogg at usgs.gov (Margaret E Kellogg) Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 13:03:03 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] International Sirenian Symposium announcement Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, You are invited to participate in the Fourth International Sirenian Symposium: Exploring Issues Related to Sirenian Conservation, Rehabilitation, Monitoring, and Biology on Sunday, 11 October 2009 from 12:30-5:00 PM. This symposium is held in conjunction with the 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Quebec, Canada. The aim of the International Sirenian Symposium is to foster communication between researchers, managers, and policy makers. Scientists and managers representing countries from all over the globe are invited to submit a brief abstract to speak at the symposium. All presenters will be given 10 minutes, including time for questions. Presentation topics will be limited to four per session and should relate to one of the discussion areas listed below: I - Conservation/Management - Conservation, Regulations, Laws, Modeling, Recovery, Survey Techniques II - Rescue, Rehabilitation, Release - Programs, Capture, Husbandry, Medicine, Health Assessment III - Monitoring Applications - Carcass Recovery, Aerial Surveys, Radio Tagging, Photo ID, Genetics IV- Biology/Research - Anatomy, Physiology, Habitat, Ecology, Behavior To register for this workshop, please follow the instructions on the web site at: http://www.marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=918&Itemid=215 There will be a small registration fee of $10.00/US collected at the door for this symposium. If you would like to submit for a presentation please send an electronic copy of your abstract to Nicole Adimey ( nicole_adimey at fws.gov) by 15 August 2009. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Margaret E. Kellogg, PhD Molecular Biologist U.S. Geological Survey Sirenia Project 7920 NW 71st Street Gainesville, Florida 32653-3701 Office: (352) 264-3484 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Shilpa.Rajkumar at environment.nsw.gov.au Thu May 28 18:04:43 2009 From: Shilpa.Rajkumar at environment.nsw.gov.au (Shilpa Rajkumar) Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 11:04:43 +1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Request for help: Pinniped photographs needed Message-ID: <2886232FFE50DF48AFF2562F5CFCEA89045C01E333@LIDCOEX01.dec.int> Hello. I am currently reviewing and updating the operational guide used by New South Wales Parks and Wildlife (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change) staff in the event of a seal haulout incident. I am hoping to obtain some good quality photographs showing phocids and or otariids at different stages of their life cycle. Ideally, I would like a range of photographs showing clearly the seals/sea lions: a) in good body condition, b) emaciated, c) have very obvious eye injuries, d) very obviously moulting (especially southern elephant seals) e) have extensive bite wounds f) a pup with its mother (to highlight size and colour differences; Species: Australian and New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions) g) adult males (Species: Australian and New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, leopard seals, Sub-antarctic fur seals) h) adult females (Species: Australian and New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, leopard seals, Sub-antarctic fur seals) i) thermoregulating The photographs will not be used for commercial purposes and the photographers will be clearly acknowledged in the final document. If anyone can help me, please contact me at Shilpa.Rajkumar at environment.nsw.gov.au. Your assistance will be deeply appreciated. Yours sincerely, Shilpa. --Shilpa Rajkumar, Project Officer, Major Programmes Major Programs Unit, Protected Areas Policy and Programs Branch Parks & Wildlife Group NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change P.O. Box 1967 HURSTVILLE 1481 Telephone: + 61 2 9585 6928 Cell phone: 0425 631 831 Fax: + 61 2 9585 6666 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This email is intended for the addressee(s) named and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and then delete it immediately. Any views expressed in this email are those of the individual sender except where the sender expressly and with authority states them to be the views of the Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kuczaj_laboratory at yahoo.com Thu May 28 16:31:24 2009 From: kuczaj_laboratory at yahoo.com (Kuczaj Laboratory) Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 16:31:24 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Fall Internship Opportunity Message-ID: <295861.12159.qm@web50801.mail.re2.yahoo.com> The University of Southern Mississippi Psychology Department is offering a Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship to college juniors, seniors and recent graduates for the fall of 2009. College credits for the internship are awarded by the University of Southern Mississippi. Interns will work with faculty and graduate student researchers and will have an opportunity to help in the analysis of data from USM?s Mississippi Wild Dolphin Project, a boat-based research project surveying the Mississippi Gulf Coast bottlenose dolphin population. Interns may assist in the analysis of environmental, behavioral, and acoustic data, as well as photo-ID. In the research laboratory, interns will gain experience in different areas, such as behavioral analysis using video and ethogram data and acoustic analyses of a variety of cetacean species, including killer whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, and bottlenose and rough-tooth dolphins. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist graduate students in the collection of behavioral data of captive rough-tooth dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Interns are also encouraged to complete a small personal research project on a topic relevant to their research interests. The internship is a full time voluntary position, and students are responsible for their own transportation and housing arrangements. Students interested in the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition internship are required to send: a resumea letter of intent including career goals and reasons for wanting the internship (what you expect to contribute and gain from the internship)an unofficial or official copy of your transcriptsat least two letters of recommendation (preferably from college professors who know you personally) All materials should be sent to: Internship Coordinator Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Drive, # 5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5025 Materials may arrive separately or together, but the complete application must be postmarked by July 1st. We encourage interested applicants to become familiar with the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab. For more information, please visit our website at www.usm.edu/psy-kuczaj or you can email the internship coordinator at kuczaj_laboratory at yahoo.com. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rleeney at coastalstudies.org Fri May 29 12:39:12 2009 From: rleeney at coastalstudies.org (Ruth H Leeney) Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 15:39:12 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Right Whale Aerial survey Program, 2010: Aerial survey observer positions Message-ID: <4a2039e4.86c3f10a.5342.ffff94b2@mx.google.com> Right whale Aerial Survey Observer positions at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies is seeking two aerial survey observers for the upcoming 2010 right whale survey season. Observers will work with the aerial survey team, which operates between January 1 and May 31 every year, flying aerial surveys over Cape Cod Bay to assess the abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay. The observers' primary responsibilities include: - Participation in aerial surveys, either as the data recorder or photographer. - Processing of aerial survey data: Entering data recorded during surveys, filling in data tables throughout the season, photo analysis, matching photographs taken on surveys to known, catalogued individuals, updating in--house identification website, helping to prepare data for submissions to the New England Aquarium. - Keeping up with current issues in right whale monitoring, particularly familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols. Other responsibilities may include: - Assisting program director and flight coordinator with relevant projects. - Updating in-house photo catalog - Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons. Requirements: * A degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences (required). * Experience with digital SLR cameras. * Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and matching of photographs (required). * Data entry; basic computer skills in programs such as Excel and Word (required). * Aerial survey experience. Must not suffer from air sickness. * Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable. * Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to learn. We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season. Observers are sometimes required to work on weekends and for long hours in a small plane. Applicants with a long-term interest in working in the field of large whale conservation research are encouraged to apply. Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This is a paid position. PCCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found at the following links: Habitat program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm Aerial program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm Application process: Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email to srichardson at coastalstudies.org . The closing date for applications is July 15, 2009. No applications will be accepted after this date. Please use "Aerial survey observer position" in the subject line of your email. Ruth H. Leeney, PhD Director, Right Whale Aerial Survey Program Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue MA 02657 USA t: (508) 487-3623 ext. 111 www.coastalstudies.org www.namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From editor at monachus-guardian.org Sat May 30 02:39:40 2009 From: editor at monachus-guardian.org (William M. Johnson) Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 12:39:40 +0300 Subject: [MARMAM] The Monachus Guardian 12 (1): June 2009 Message-ID: THE MONACHUS GUARDIAN, JUNE 2009 Dear Colleagues and Friends of the Monk Seal This is to let you know that we have now published the June 2009 issue of The Monachus Guardian, the biannual electronic journal focusing on the Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Caribbean monk seals. The site can be accessed at HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CURRENT ISSUE: Guest Editorial: Monk seal ? metaphor for the Mediterranean ecosystem, by Ali Cemal G?c?... International News: IUCN World Congress votes overwhelmingly for monk seal action ? but will its own specialist group pay any heed? .... plus, Who are our seals? Moving towards a standardized population estimate approach for Monachus monachus ? a report on the ECS Workshop in Istanbul. Hawaiian News: Ecosystem healthy; monk seals plunging... Mediterranean News: Croatia: Comeback sightings... Greece: STOP PRESS | Artemis found dead on Skiathos... Turkey: Badem undergoes veterinary treatment... Mauritania: Open beach observations on the rise in Cabo Blanco... Cover Story: Freedom at last for KP2, the first successfully released hand-reared Hawaiian monk seal, by David Schofield... In Focus I: Artemis diary, by Eugenia Androukaki... In Focus II: Our monk seal ambassador, ?Desertinha?, dies in Madeira, by Rosa Pires... Perspectives I: Our Sea, Our Life, by Konstantinos Mentzelopoulos... Perspectives II: The 1st International Conference for Marine Mammal Protected Areas: a long overdue workshop on both Monachus species, by Spyros Kotomatas, Vangelis Paravas, Harun G??l?soy and Rosa Pires... Letters to the Editor: Volunteering and internships in monk seal conservation... Recent Publications. The current and back issues of The Monachus Guardian are also available from the Monk Seal Library and may either be viewed on-line, or downloaded as PDF files. Should you have any comments on the web site or its contents, please contact us at: editor at monachus-guardian.org. For breaking or developing news stories between issues of the journal, please check out our TMG news blog and/or TMG Facebook page Our sincere thanks to all the friends and colleagues who have made this issue possible. William M. Johnson editor at monachus-guardian.org PS. Don't hesitate to let us know if you appear to be on this email information list in error. _______________________________________ William M Johnson editor at monachus-guardian.org http://www.monachus-guardian.org http://www.iridescent-publishing.com _______________________________________ From NRose at hsus.org Fri May 29 09:15:24 2009 From: NRose at hsus.org (Naomi Rose) Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 12:15:24 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] A request for a review of "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity" Message-ID: <89CA520F9BA4DC4DA49AB6EBA87FD19F020197B2@mailserv> In response to Eduardo Fernandez's May 27 request for a review of The HSUS/WSPA booklet "The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity, a critical review is always welcome; among other reasons, it assists in improving future editions. However, I would like to note that the public display community has had (for decades) ample opportunity - including in U.S. law - to make the argument FOR holding marine mammals in captivity. The "pro" platforms are myriad and include "Shamu TV" in San Diego, the facilities themselves, and any number of web sites, travel articles in popular media, and so on. The purpose of The HSUS/WSPA booklet was and is to respond to and rebut the claims made from those platforms - I would think an open debate on this topic would be welcome by both sides. A common argument made by the public display community is that those who oppose holding marine mammals in captivity have only emotional support for their position. The main motivation for producing this booklet is simply to point out that, on the contrary, there are substantive and yes, even science-based arguments AGAINST holding marine mammals in captivity. The views expressed in the booklet are supported by factual events, by peer-reviewed literature, and by other science-based documentation, where it exists. The rest is based on logic and organizational ethics and beliefs. It's a position paper - rebuttals (that are equally substantive and supported by peer-reviewed and science-based documentation where possible) are encouraged. _______________________________ Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Senior Scientist International Policy Humane Society International 700 Professional Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA Ph 301 258 3048 Fax 301 258 3082 Eml nrose at hsi.org http://www.hsi.org http://www.hsus.org NOTICE: This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately at the telephone number above. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rossiter at csiwhalesalive.org Mon May 25 09:58:27 2009 From: rossiter at csiwhalesalive.org (William Rossiter) Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 12:58:27 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Undersea with Google Earth Message-ID: <4A1ACE33.4040407@csiwhalesalive.org> MARMAMER's may find it useful that Google Earth's updated ocean topography includes, perhaps unintentionally, an ability to "fly" underwater, providing an unusual perspective of oceanic terrain features that may be applicable to various studies. The accuracy and detail depend upon the location chosen, as with surface views. For the adventurous it is possible to "fly" at 1000 knots along the bottom of, or loop in the Puerto Rican Trench, but the slower aircraft program should permit even the faint-hearted a chance to see their area of interest at a more leisurely pace. The normal mouse commands are sufficient to control the "flight" with a little practice, although guidance from any teenage lab assistant with gaming experience may be useful. There is no penalty for "crashing". Open Google Earth (4.3 and later). Position over a location such as Monterey Bay or some area with prominent canyon features. Drop to 1