From L.Bejder at murdoch.edu.au Tue Nov 2 00:09:18 2010 From: L.Bejder at murdoch.edu.au (Lars Bejder) Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2010 15:09:18 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Workshops on spatial modeling of cetacean habitat use and abundance Message-ID: Dear Marmam readers, Two workshops, funded by the Australian Marine Mammal Centre, are being offered by Murdoch University, Western Australia and Flinders University, South Australia to build expertise in the Australian marine mammal research community. The workshop, aimed at post-graduate students, marine wildlife managers and relevant research organisations, will focus on the use of spatial modeling techniques that allows habitat use to be quantified and abundance to be estimated from line transect data. These statistical methods can be complex and sophisticated. Researchers unfamiliar with the methods face a steep learning curve and this can limit the potential impacts of research projects. The workshop will give participants the practical hands-on skills to apply some of the more accessible models, providing insight and familiarity but stressing the limitations of currently available methods. Time and location Workshop #1: Fremantle, Western Australia. Dates: January 24th-28th, 2010 Venue: The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA Workshop #2: Port Lincoln, South Australia. Dates: January 31st - February 4, 2010 Venue: Lincoln Marine Science Centre, SA Please visit the following webpage for further details on workshop outline, admission requirements, application process and accommodation options: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/habitatws.html Best, Guido Parra and Lars Bejder -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jens.Koblitz at meeresmuseum.de Tue Nov 2 01:04:03 2010 From: Jens.Koblitz at meeresmuseum.de (Koblitz Jens) Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2010 08:04:03 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Technical research assistant position opening Message-ID: <7D8E242773898E459C2DF8AB1843CB6502D1D2@SKS10.meeresmuseum.local> The German Oceanographic Museum (www.meeresmuseum.de) is seeking a technical research assistant. The successful candidate will be assisting in calibrating and comparing different static acoustic monitoring (SAM) devices that are applicable for monitoring the harbour porpoise populations in the North- and Baltic Sea. Starting date is February 1st 2011 with 20 working hours per week. The position terminates November 30th 2013. Salary is paid according to 50% TV?D E 6 (http://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund), approx. gross salary: 12,000-14,000 ?/year. Responsibilities: -Calibration of SAM-devices in a test-tank -Data analysis -Designing of anchoring systems -Maintenance of SAM-devices at sea -Calibration of SAM-devices at sea Requirements: -Computer-proficiency, esp. MS Excel and Access -Technical understanding and craftsmanship -Drivers licence -Experience with working at sea/seaworthy -Enjoy working in a team Desirable: -Basic knowledge in acoustics or bioacoustics -MATLAB experience -Diving and sailing certifications -Conversational German Application deadline: November 15th 2010. If you are interested, please e-mail your cover letter, resume, and the names of three references or letters of recommendation to Jens.Koblitz at meeresmuseum.de. With kind regards, Jens Koblitz Ein Museum ? vier Standorte: MEERESMUSEUM, NATUREUM, NAUTINEUM und OZEANEUM ? Europas Museum des Jahres 2010 Deutsches Meeresmuseum Museum f?r Meereskunde und Fischerei ? Aquarium Stiftung des b?rgerlichen Rechts Katharinenberg 14 - 20 18439 Stralsund Tel.: +49 (0) 3831 26 50 395 Fax: +49 (0) 3831 26 50 309 Jens.Koblitz at meeresmuseum.de www.meeresmuseum.de<../../owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx> www.ozeaneum.de<../../owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx> Der Direktor Dr. Harald Benke Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/141/02545 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Margie.Barlas at MyFWC.com Tue Nov 2 10:59:59 2010 From: Margie.Barlas at MyFWC.com (Barlas, Margie) Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2010 13:59:59 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Florida Manatee Project Research Assistant, Seasonal Position Message-ID: <8B5AE15CFB74F04484510AEB4AFF09BF0239316EEA@FWC-TLEX10.fwc.state.fl.us> Manatee Tracking Project Seasonal Research Assistant The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mammal Research Group is looking for one field biological technician to work for the upcoming winter-spring season in St. Petersburg, FL. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Section: Wildlife Research Subsection: Marine Mammals Headquarters: Saint Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) Position#: 77903039 Rate of Pay: $11 - $12 per hour depending on experience, 40 hours/ week, no paid benefits. Closing Date: November 12, 2010 Start Date: December 1, 2010 Duration: 5-6 months Position Description: The employee's primary responsibility is to assist researchers in the Manatee Behavioral Ecology and Movements Program with radio-tracking manatees along the East Coast of Florida by following tagged individuals from land and small boats to record behavioral observations. The principle aims of this study are to characterize manatee use of warm-water refugia and essential winter foraging habitat using state-of-the-art satellite-linked GPS technology. Other duties include equipment maintenance, data entry, mapping and interpreting Argos and GPS satellite telemetry data, preparing reports of habitat site visits, miscellaneous office tasks, and public outreach as needed. The person will participate in manatee captures, currently scheduled for mid-December. Applicants should understand that this job requires them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions. The office is headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL but the primary field site is near Titusville, FL. Travel to other areas of the state may be required based on animal movements or project needs. Lodging, per diem, and transportation costs are provided while at the field site. Hours are generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, but some evening and weekend hours may be required. Field work is expected to last through March, followed by work on equipment and data in the lab. This position requires the applicant to drive a truck towing a boat trailer. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with a major in a life or physical sciences is required. Previous experience in boat handling and trailering is strongly desired. Applicant must have field research experience with wildlife. Experience with radio-telemetry tracking gear is desirable. The successful candidate must have strong computer skills, preferably including familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word applications. Experience with GIS is a plus. Organizational skills, attention to detail, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work successfully as part of a team are essential qualifications for this position. He/She must have a valid US driver's license, have a good driving history, and must be able to swim. Application Process: Please apply electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com) by the closing date. If you experience technical difficulties, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. Please make sure to submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and a summary of your qualifications, along with a resume and list of three references when applying in People First. 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. Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From L.Bejder at murdoch.edu.au Thu Nov 4 16:42:10 2010 From: L.Bejder at murdoch.edu.au (Lars Bejder) Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 07:42:10 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] SocProg workshop, Murdoch University, Western Australia Message-ID: Dear Marmam readers, We would like to inform Marmam readers of the following workshop entitled: SOCPROG and the analysis of animal social structure using individual identifications. The workshop is for those interested in the analysis of animal social structure in populations within which at least some individuals are individually identifiable, whether through natural or artificial markings, tags, genetics, vocalizations or other means. Presenter: Professor Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada. Host: Murdoch University's Cetacean Research Unit (http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/) Location: Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Time: February 8th - 10th, 2011 Costs: The cost of attendance for external participants is $AUS 550. The cost for Murdoch University students is $AUS 300. Lunch, tea and coffee will be provided. Applicants: This course is designed for postgraduate students conducting studies in the broad field of biological - with a special interest in analyzing animal social structure. As there is limited space available at the workshop, we encourage applicants to sign up early. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Please visit the following website for application details: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/socprog.html Workshop details: SOCPROG is a series of MATLAB programs written by Professor Hal Whitehead for analyzing data on the social structure, population structure and movements of identified individuals. The programs are designed to be easy to use, most input is done through graphical user interfaces (i.e. windows with things to click on), and most things can be done without any knowledge of MATLAB (although this helps for custom options, figuring out errors, making your own extensions, etc.). There is also a compiled version of SOCPROG, so you don't need access to MATLAB (although you have more options if you do). The programs are also designed to be flexible so you can tailor the analyses to your data and hypotheses. The program is free and can be downloaded from: Professor Hal Whitehead's website. The 1st day of the workshop will consider general issues in the analysis of animal social structure (based upon the book "Analyzing animal societies"), and on the 2nd day the focus will be on the practical use of SOCPROG. On the 3rd day, we will look at participants' own data sets, trying to get as much insight as possible. If time permits, we will consider SOCPROG's functionality for examining population sizes, and movements. Workshop outline: What is Social Structure? Observing Interactions and Associations: Collecting Data Organizing Data Describing Relationships: Methods Available Building Models of Social Structure: Methods Available Comparing Social Structures: How Can we do this? SOCPROG: what it does SOCPROG: how to get and install it SOCPROG: inputting data SOCPROG: restricting data; setting associations and sampling periods SOCPROG: displays of associations SOCPROG (and other programs): network analyses SOCPROG: tests of social hypotheses SOCPROG: temporal changes in social structure SOCPROG: multivariate methods, and incorporation of genetic data SOCPROG: movement analyses SOCPROG: population analyses Best, Lars Bejder -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From andrew.lowther at adelaide.edu.au Wed Nov 3 00:32:14 2010 From: andrew.lowther at adelaide.edu.au (Andrew Damon Lowther) Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2010 18:02:14 +1030 Subject: [MARMAM] Paper on stable isotope screening of Australian sea lion breeding colonies Message-ID: <1288769534.4cd10ffe6c419@webmail.adelaide.edu.au> Hi all, Just to let you know of a new article reporting on the development of a validated stable isotope screening technique to detect inter-individual variation in adult female Australian sea lion foraging behavior across three spatially close, asynchronously breeding colonies. Abstract below, the full article can be found in Marine Mammal Science Early View (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/doi/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00425.x/abstract). Any queries should be directed to andrew.lowther at adelaide.edu.au - enjoy ! 'Detecting alternate foraging ecotypes in Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) colonies using stable isotope analysis' ANDREW D LOWTHER, S.D GOLDSWORTHY Article first published online: 26 OCT 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00425.x Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes are used frequently to describe the trophic ecology of top marine mammal predators. Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) are one of the world's rarest otariid seals and exhibit the highest levels of natal site philopatry of any seal. We report the development of a screening technique to identify different foraging ecotypes and assess their relative frequencies in Australian sea lion breeding colonies using stable isotope ratios in pups. Geospatial and dive data from 15 adult females at three breeding colonies revealed alternate foraging strategies (inshore and offshore foraging) that were reflected in significant changes in δ13C and δ15N. Isotope fractionation from mother to pup was validated using paired whisker and blood serum samples with no significant difference between δ13C and δ15N enrichment of +1.27? (whiskers) and +1.92? (blood serum) from mothers to pups.Isotope ratios from whisker samples representing over 50% of pups born at three colonies revealed significant intercolony differences in maternal foraging ecotype frequencies. These results are unique in that ecological partitioning over such a small spatial scale has not been described in any other otariid species. Andrew Lowther PhD Candidate Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Adelaide North Terrace Andrew.Lowther at Adelaide.edu.au CRICOS Provider Number 00123M ----------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT: This message may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you think it was sent to you by mistake, please delete all copies and advise the sender. For the purposes of the SPAM Act 2003, this email is authorised by The University of Adelaide. Think green: read on the screen. From metubbs at hotmail.com Wed Nov 3 07:33:52 2010 From: metubbs at hotmail.com (Mollie Tubbs) Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2010 10:33:52 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] validation of photo-id catalog In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello! I am preparing a manuscript on the creation of a photo-id catalog for hawksbill sea turtles. I am looking for information on validating the success of a catalog. After performing a literature search, I did not find any studies quantifying the success of a catalog based on positive matches by naive observers. Wurzig and Wurzig pioneered photo-id and the practice is very common in the field of marine mammalogy. My catalog is low-tech (no computer matching software was used, just people) but I am hopeful that it will aid in conservation efforts. Please let me know how you validate the success of your catalogs (if the directions, layout, and animal features are appropriate/useful) or what you think a successful matching rate would be. I would appreciate any information you have, whether peer-reviewed or personal observation. Thanks in advance! Mollie Tubbs metubbs at hotmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Orcamom1 at aol.com Fri Nov 5 09:00:04 2010 From: Orcamom1 at aol.com (Orcamom1 at aol.com) Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 12:00:04 EDT Subject: [MARMAM] Recent publication on transient killer whales Message-ID: <84f2e.4a53f96b.3a058404@aol.com> Ecological aspects of transient killer whales (Orcinus orca) as predators in southeastern Alaska Wildlife Biology, Volume 6, No. 3: 308-322 Marilyn E. Dahlheim, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, Washington 98115. USA. E-mail: _marilyn.dahlheim at noaa.gov_ (mailto:marilyn.dahlheim at noaa.gov/) Paula A. White, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720. USA. Abstract In this study we present empirical data on predator numbers, movements and area usage, and predation obtained from tracking transient killer whales (Orcinus orca) throughout the inland waters of southeastern Alaska, USA. During 1991-2007, we documented 155 transient killer whales via photo-identification methodology within this large study area (27,808 km2). Transient killer whales were distributed throughout southeastern Alaska and were present during all seasons, although not all individuals were seen each year. Resighting data suggested that within southeastern Alaska, maternal groups may partition area usage of their environment. By following whales for 1,467 km, we calculated a mean travel speed of 7.2 km/h with mean daily movements of 134 km ? 88 km/24 hours and ranging within 59-240 km/24 hours. Photographic matches demonstrated that most (86%) of the transient killer whales identified in southeastern Alaska also utilized British Columbia and Washington State waters. In contrast, photographic matches between whales in southeastern Alaska and whales seen off of California, USA, were rare, suggesting that different transient killer whale stocks occupy these two regions. Transient killer whales preyed upon Dall?s porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenoryhncus obliquidens), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and seabirds. Potential prey species available, but not targeted, included humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), and sea otters (Enhydra lutris). Prey-handling techniques varied depending upon the prey being targeted with no evidence of prey specialization. During 114 encounters totaling 332.5 hours of direct observations of transient killer whales, we documented 36 predation events for a calculated kill rate of 0.62 prey items/24-hour period/whale. The data we present in this article provide a foundation of transient killer whale ecology aimed at improving our ability to understand the impact of transient killer whale predation on southeastern Alaska prey populations. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From c.mccormick at acsonline.org Fri Nov 5 09:50:30 2010 From: c.mccormick at acsonline.org (Cheryl M. McCormick) Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 09:50:30 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] American Cetacean Society Conference Program Message-ID: Dear colleagues, The final program for the American Cetacean Society's 12th International Conference, which will be held at the Embassy Suites in Monterey, CA, November 12th-14th, is available at the ACS website at www.acsonline.org. I think you will find the program intellectually stimulating, very forward-looking in scope, and an excellent opportunity to network among friends and colleagues. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. Hope to see you there! Cheryl Cheryl M. McCormick, Ph.D. Executive Director American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 (office) (310) 293-4613 (mobile) c.mccormick at acsonline.org "People protect what they love." Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997) From cjones at mmc.gov Fri Nov 5 07:40:47 2010 From: cjones at mmc.gov (Cathy Jones) Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 10:40:47 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Commission Vacancy Announcement Message-ID: <003901cb7cf7$6f3ac540$4db04fc0$@gov> The Marine Mammal Commission is currently seeking applicants for a Scientific Program Director (GS-0401, grade 14/15). The position is open to all applicants, both those in the federal service, and those in the private sector. Interested applicants should click here http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=91541474 &JobTitle=SCIENTIFIC+DIRECTOR&q=Marine+Mammal+Commission&where=&x=0&y=0&brd= 3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&AVSDM=2010-10-29+00%3a03%3a00 The deadline for application is November 26, 2010. Thank you. Cathy Jones Administrative Officer Marine Mammal Commission 301-504-0087 FAX: 301-504-0099 cjones at mmc.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 530 bytes Desc: not available URL: From barthval at t-online.de Sat Nov 6 10:35:10 2010 From: barthval at t-online.de (Klaus Barthelmess) Date: Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:35:10 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New catalogs of European whale bone monuments - re cetacean osteology, etc. Message-ID: Dear MARMAMers, Those of you interested in osteology, osteometrics, articulated skeletons, fossil large-whale remains in museum collections, and a host of other aspects regarding the bones of large whales, will be intrigued by the cataloguing work by Nick Redman from England. For in 2004, Redman started publishing the results of his unrelentless and painstaking research conducted since the early 1980s on the functional and decorative uses of the bones of large whales all around the world. In practise, this research has meant that he went in person to every location, where sources or rumor reported a whale bone monument - a very time-consuming and costly undertaking! After his pioneering books on whale bone monuments in the British Isles (2004, 414 pp), in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic & Switzerland (2009, 205 pp), (see the online reviews at: http://www.cetacea.de/artikel/review/2010/redman_whales_bones.php and http://www.cetacea.de/artikel/review/2004/redman.php) ... he just published Whales? bones of the Netherlands & Belgium. Teddington: Redman Publishing, 2010. xx + 161 pp. And Whales? bones of the British Isles, supplement 2004-2010. Teddington: Redman Publishing, 2010. vi + 53 pp. Some statistics may give you an idea of the scope and depth of the project as it now is in print: In total, on more than 800 pages, over 1,500 large-whale bone monuments and displays in almost 1,000 locations are meticulously described. Many of them are documented visually, amounting to several hundred illustrations. Over 2,100 written sources are listed in the bibliographies. In addition, several hundred local people were interviewed concerning the wherefroms of existing bones and the whereabouts of dislocated or lost ones. Each volume contains up to almost 40 indices of useful sub-categories, such as mounted skeletons, bone remains originating from stranded whales (the oldest ones from the 13th century), shoulder blades as inn signs, jawbone arches, cattle rubbing posts, whale bones in building structures (rafters, supports, bridges, well posts, fences, stepping stones, etc.) and furniture, whale bones at town halls, castles, forts, churches, monasteries, and cemetaries, in museums, zoos, entertainment parks, commercial exhibitions of skeletons, whale bone monuments in lore, legend, literature, song, toponymy, in the visual arts; and in many other categories. In the hardbound volumes there are maps showing every location of a whale bone monument. The author's care thus makes the volumes extremely reader-friendly reference works, superbly printed and durably bound into the bargain. The first four published volumes form a breathtakingly comprehensive catalogue of a very unique manifestation of humankind's perennial fascination with the great whales. All the hardbound volumes are avaiable for 30 Pounds Sterling each, plus shipping, the softcover supplement is 10 Pounds plus shipping, and all can be ordered directly from the author nick.redman at hotmail.com or through his website http://www.whalebones.co.uk/index.html And Redman's quest continues. In preparation are volumes on the whale bone monuments of the Nordic countries, of the Romance countries, the Slavic countries including Western Russia and the Baltic states, and the Middle East countries. Australia's, New Zealand's and Japan's whale bones have been hunted down by him, and forthcoming on the agenda are the Americas and the other Asian countries. Which means that MARMAM readers - especially from the last-named areas - are cordially invited to report whale bone monuments to Nick Redman through his website, see above; they will be given proper credit in his meticulous works. Buy, and enjoy, a unique, multi-volume catalogue! Cheers Klaus Barthelmesss Cologne, Germany barthval at t-online.de From jf at udel.edu Sat Nov 6 13:27:44 2010 From: jf at udel.edu (Jeremy Firestone) Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 16:27:44 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] 6-8 environmental faculty positions at all levels at the University of Delaware Message-ID: <0a2401cb7df1$11dfefb0$359fcf10$@edu> Sorry for cross-postings. Jeremy Jeremy Firestone Associate Professor, School of Marine Sciences and Policy College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment Senior Research Scientist, Center for Carbon-free Power Integration University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716 USA 1.302.831.0228 (office) 302.831.6838 (fax) jf at udel.edu www.ceoe.udel.edu/windpower carbonfree.udel.edu http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/people/jf Environmental Faculty Positions at the University of Delaware One of the oldest institutions of higher education in this country, the University of Delaware today combines tradition and innovation, offering students a rich heritage along with the latest in instructional and research technology. The University of Delaware is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution with its main campus in Newark, DE, located halfway between Washington, DC and New York City. Please visit our website at www.udel.edu. As part of its Path to Prominence Strategic Plan, the University of Delaware has launched its Initiative for the Planet. The goals of this initiative are to promote sustainable practices and to support multidisciplinary efforts in research and education needed to develop solutions to significant, time-critical issues in energy, the environment, and resource sustainability. Our overarching objective is to make the University of Delaware a national and international resource for environmental research, technology, education, and policy - today and into the future. To attain this goal, we seek 6-8 outstanding faculty at all academic ranks in environmental science, engineering, and policy. Faculty can have appointments in multiple departments and colleges. To complement these hires we are conducting a search for the Howard E. Cosgrove Chair in Environment. This internationally renowned scholar will further enhance the prominence of the University's environmental interdepartmental teaching and research programs, and assist in building the Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) to a position of national and international prominence. The University of Delaware provides an outstanding environmental research base through existing strengths in a number of areas including biogeochemistry, soil and environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental microbiology, environmental genomics and bioinformatics, geomicrobiology, land/coastal dynamics, land use, nutrient management, environmental modeling, hydrology, environmental forecasting and restoration, ecosystem health and sustainability, and environmental policy, economics and education. These activities are carried out across the University's seven colleges and in a number of well-regarded institutes and research centers. More details on our environmental programs can be found at www.environmentalportal.udel.edu/. The desire to better utilize the strengths in the colleges, institutes, and centers, and to foster collaboration and enhance competitiveness in attracting outstanding faculty and students, led to the creation of the Delaware Environmental Institute in 2009. DENIN's goals are to initiate interdisciplinary research projects, support interdisciplinary academic programs, and forge partnerships among government agencies, nonprofits, industry, policymakers, and the public to address environmental challenges and coordinate and sponsor University-based interdisciplinary initiatives. More details on DENIN can be found at www.udel.edu/denin. Other recent actions which reflect the University's commitment to the environment and sustainability include an aggressive Climate Action Plan and the creation of new undergraduate majors in Environmental Studies and Energy and Environmental Policy. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to help shape and grow these new majors. Candidates for the faculty positions are expected to hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in their area of expertise and have a demonstrated record of excellence in environmental scholarship commensurate with appointment to a faculty position in one or more departments of the University. Nominations and applications should be submitted electronically to Environmental Cluster Search Committee Chair at environmental-hire at udel.edu. Application materials should include a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, description of research and teaching interests and accomplishments, and the names and contact information of at least four references. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2010 and will continue until the positions are filled. The UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members and Women. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From caryns at sirenian.org Mon Nov 8 09:16:29 2010 From: caryns at sirenian.org (Caryn Self-Sullivan) Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2010 12:16:29 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Latest Issue of Sirenews Available Online Message-ID: <063E207A-C97B-4C4D-A310-128C2CBD8914@sirenian.org> The latest issue of Sirenews is now available online at http://sirenian.org/sirenews/54OCT2010.pdf Table of Contents 1. Report from the 1st Official Meeting of the Signatory States: UNEP/CMS Conservation of Dugong MoU 2. Historic Technical Meeting on Dugong Research and Conservation held in Madagascar 3. USGS Survey News Release: Manatee subspecies genetically confirmed, but diversity challenge looms: Two Belize populations offer opportunity in a desert of genetic diversity. 4. Sirenian Action Plan in Brazil & Aquatic Mammal Stranding Network in Brazil 6. Sirenian Workshop During Latin American Aquatic Mammal Meeting 7. Local News Australia: Distribution and abundance of dugong in the Kimberly Region, North Western Australia Sirenews is the Official Newsletter of the IUCN SSC SSG. However, it is an informal forum, not to be considered citable, formally-published literature. Sirenews is NOT "peer-reviewed", and contributions to it should not be quoted without the written permission of the author. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of IUCN or other organizations. Sirenews (ISSN 1017-3439) appears twice a year in April and October and is edited by Cynthia R. Taylor, Wildlife Trust, 1601 3rd Street S., Suite F, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 USA, and James A. Powell, Sea to Shore Alliance, 200 2nd Ave. S., #315, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. It is supported by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. Submission deadlines are April 1 and October 1. Material may be submitted by e-mail to: Cynthia Taylor (taylor at wildlifetrust.org). Archives of all back issues are available online at http://sirenian.org/sirenews.html Cheers, Caryn Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. Email: caryns at sirenian.org President & Co-Founder, Sirenian International, Inc. 200 Stonewall Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401-2110 Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 888.371.4998 Visiting Assistant Professor Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences College of Natural Resources & Environment Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321 Phone: 540.231.7740 | Email: caryns at vt.edu Office: 315B Cheatham Hall Office Hours: TBA Adopt a Mermaid Ambassador or Donate online at www.sirenian.org The mission of Sirenian International is to promote the long-term conservation of manatee and dugong populations and our shared aquatic habitats around the world through research, educational outreach, and capacity building. Please remember us when budgeting for your charitable donations. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From GroningerH at tmmc.org Mon Nov 8 14:35:25 2010 From: GroningerH at tmmc.org (Heather Groninger) Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2010 14:35:25 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is looking for a Research Associate/Necropsy Manager Message-ID: <39AD038EA3A2CE4CAC6C1A892A5986573674193BB4@dawn.TMMC.org> EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY RESEACH ASSOCIATE / NECROPSY MANAGER The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer located in Sausalito, California, is seeking a Research Associate/Necropsy Manager to join our team. The Marine Mammal Center's mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals-their health and that of their ocean environment-and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. Reporting to the Research Biologist, the Research Associate/Necropsy Manager is a full time, exempt, position with competitive benefits. This position works closely with the Veterinary Science research team. Specific duties are as follows: Major Responsibilities: * Manage the post mortem laboratory and field necropsy response. * Assist veterinary staff in coordinating and conducting necropsies of dead and euthanized marine mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds), as well as field response to large whales. * Duties include, but are not limited to ordering of supplies, management of carcass disposal, writing necropsy reports, and compiling data for analyses. * Assist with training of visiting students in necropsy technique and sample collection. * Ensure the post mortem room is adequately supplied, clean, and safety procedures are established and followed. * Supervise sample and data collection and consistency at necropsies, and revising necropsy protocols as necessary. * Coordinate sample archiving, shipping, and tracking in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and Research Assistant. * Coordinate workflow with clinical Veterinary Science team. * Ensure compliance with all shipping regulations, including CITES. * Manage post-mortem specimen and sample data entry in the database, and work with Stranding Manager to ensure proper information is collected and available for monthly NMFS reporting * Promote collaborative and cooperative efforts with academic and government researchers, especially with other local Stranding Network participants. * Assist with and/ or lead selected research projects. Core Competencies -- Knowledge and Skills: * Ability to record, manage and analyze data, and perform statistical analyses. * Demonstrated knowledge of marine mammal anatomy. * Demonstrated ability to prepare specimens and equipment for post-mortem dissection. * Demonstrated knowledge of tissue fixation and archival methods including trimming for histology, preparation for photography of gross anatomy and lesions, and sample processing for cryopreservation. * Awareness of laboratory safety procedures. * Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Qualifications: * B.S. in Biology, Zoology or related field. * Minimum 2 years of necropsy experience and training. * Competence in MS Office and solid database experience (ex. Filemaker Pro or MS Access). * Basic understanding of the NOAA/ NMFS National Stranding Network. * Basic knowledge of marine mammal biology and diseases, and general laboratory procedures. * Enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated individual, able to work in laboratory as well as field environments. Comfortable hiking 5+ miles and lifting 50+ pounds. To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume attention Human Resources and Operations Manager to admin at tmmc.org. Please put "Research Associate/Necropsy Manager" in the subject line. Deadline for applications is November 29th, 2010. Please no phone calls or faxed submissions. Heather Groninger Human Resources and Operations Manager The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965 415-289-7348 Fax: 415-754-4048 groningerh at tmmc.org www.tmmc.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sh52 at st-andrews.ac.uk Mon Nov 8 16:39:14 2010 From: sh52 at st-andrews.ac.uk (Sonja Heinrich) Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2010 00:39:14 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] University Students Antarctic Expedition 2011 Message-ID: <000801cb7fa6$8d28a160$a779e420$@st-andrews.ac.uk> Students on Ice Antarctic University Expedition A few spaces are still available on the Students on Ice Antarctic University Expedition in February 2011. This unique educational experience is open to international undergraduate and graduate-level University students and offers the opportunity to enrol in one of several accredited field courses from Canadian and Scottish Universities. The students will be mentored by a team of 25 scientists, historians, artists, explorers, educators, and polar experts. Students will participate in both cross-disciplinary activities and in-depth studies in their selected field course, and will develop the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices that will help them to pursue their future careers. The expedition will serve as a powerful and unique international platform to inspire, educate, create change, and raise awareness around the world about polar science and research, the impacts of climate change and other issues facing Antarctica. The Antarctic University Expedition involves travelling to southern Argentina to board the ice-strengthened vessel for the trip south to the Antarctic Peninsula. The vessel will serve as floating home and class room. Expedition participants will conduct at-sea wildlife surveys during transit, explore Antarctic coastal waters from small boats and participate in shore-based activities (e.g. visits to wildlife colonies, research stations and historical sites). Participation in the expedition is open to University students with an interest in experiencing the unique Antarctic environment and requires payment of a substantial expedition fee plus travel costs. For further information about the expedition and how to apply see: http://www.uantarctic.org/ or contact: Niki Trudeau, Participant Coordinator Students on Ice Natural Heritage Building 1740 chemin Pink Gatineau, Qu?bec J9J 3N7 Toll free: 1-866-336-6423 Tel: 1-819-827-3300 Fax: 1-819-827-9951 Email: apply at studentsonice.com http://www.uantarctic.org/ From mtcmmbiologist at centurytel.net Tue Nov 9 08:56:30 2010 From: mtcmmbiologist at centurytel.net (Jonathan Scordino) Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2010 08:56:30 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Entry-Level Marine Mammal Technician Postion Open Message-ID: <201011091656.oA9GuW8X013122@mail938c35.nsolutionszone.com> To Whom It May Concern: The Makah Tribe is currently accepting applications for a Marine Mammal Technician. The Technician's primary responsibility will be to act as coordinator of the Makah Tribe's Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The Technician will also assist the Tribe's Marine Mammal Biologist with ongoing studies that focus on gray whales, Steller sea lion, California sea lion, and humpback whales. Tasks will include monitoring a phone line for the Makah Marine Mammal Stranding Network, responding to strandings, performing necropsies, data entry, processing sea lion scat samples, reviewing gray whale photos for body condition, and in assisting with ocean surveys. This position has a hiring preference for Native Americans, but all are encouraged to apply. The Technician will work in Neah Bay, Washington. Neah Bay is located on the northwest tip of Washington State. The rate of pay is $10.63 - $12.51 per hour, depending on experience. The Technician will receive medical and dental benefits. The position closes on November 19, 2010. If you would like more information please visit http://makah.com/pdfs/techiimm110510.pdf. Respectfully, Jonathan Scordino Marine Mammal Biologist Makah Fisheries Management (360) 645-3176 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dylan at planetwhale.com Wed Nov 3 02:15:15 2010 From: dylan at planetwhale.com (Dylan Walker) Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2010 09:15:15 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New online directory of Cetacean Conservation Organisations (CCO's) Message-ID: Hi Marmamers, The team at www.planetwhale.com have just completed the first online directory of the world's Cetacean Conservation Organisations (CCO's). The directory includes nearly 100 CCO's listed by continent and in alphabetical order viewable at: http://www.planetwhale.com/get-involved/help-save-whales/ Each organisation's name is linked to a profile page giving a wealth of information, including latest research, educational projects, and current campaigns, as well as contact details. We hope that this will be a useful resource for marine mammal researchers and conservationists into the future, and would like to thank the many people and organisations that contributed. We will shortly be publishing a report reviewing the status of the world's CCO's globally and regionally, and will notify Marmam on publication. Regards, Amanda Banks & Dylan Walker The Planet Whale Team http://www.planetwhale.com Email: dylan at planetwhale.com Tel: +44 (0)1273 355011 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From doridick14 at gmail.com Wed Nov 10 07:23:46 2010 From: doridick14 at gmail.com (Dori Dick) Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 07:23:46 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Reminder: IMCC2 call for abstracts now open! Message-ID: -----------------------Please see posting below!--------------------------------- The call for abstracts for oral presentations, speed presentations, and posters is now open for the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress/Making Marine Science Matter/, which will be held from 14-18 May 2011 at the Victoria Convention Centre, Victoria BC, Canada. The deadline for proposals is 1 December 2010. You can find the proposal guidelines on the IMCC web site: http://www.conbio.org/IMCC2011/. For additional information contact the program committee at IMCCprogram at gmail.com. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you on this very exciting conference. Sincerely, Dr. Ellen Hines Conference Chair IMCC2Chair at gmail.com Ms. Laura Joan Feyrer, Local Secretariat IMCC.Victoria at gmail.com cc: Dr. Chris Parsons and Dr. John Cigliano From eliovicente at zoomarine.pt Thu Nov 11 00:39:08 2010 From: eliovicente at zoomarine.pt (Elio Vicente) Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:39:08 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] EAAM's 2011 Annual Symposium (Barcelona - Spain, March 11-14, 2011) References: <088F72F1A78E0042AB20D21AF29EC099024C2412@snetexc.zoomarine.alg> <088F72F1A78E0042AB20D21AF29EC099024C2414@snetexc.zoomarine.alg> Message-ID: <088F72F1A78E0042AB20D21AF29EC099024C2415@snetexc.zoomarine.alg> Dear Colleagues, On behalf of Dr. Jesus Fernandez, President-Elect of the EAAM - European Association for Aquatic Mammals (www.eaam.org) and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the EAAM's 2011 Annual Symposium, we would like to inform you that the Association's upcoming meeting will take place in Barcelona (Spain), between March 11-14, 2011. This special event will be hosted by Barcelona Zoo. As one can read in the "Call for Presentations", "All topics related to marine mammal science and husbandries (including conservation, education, veterinarian medicine, operant conditioning, et cetera) are acceptable. For the 39th Annual Symposium, the EAAM will especially encourage presentations dedicated to any fields of work related to the conservation of wild populations of marine mammals. Students are particularly encouraged to submit presentations, apply for sponsorships and enroll on the Award for the Best Student Presentation". For further information (including the relevant forms: "Call for Presentations" and "Registration"), you can check the following websites: - www.eaambarcelona2011.net/ - www.zoobarcelona.cat - www.eaam.org We do look forward to see you in fantastic Barcelona! Kind regards, E. Vicente -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From malashichev at gmail.com Wed Nov 10 23:33:54 2010 From: malashichev at gmail.com (Yegor Malashichev) Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:33:54 +0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Laterality in wild whales Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, please, find bellow a link to a recently published paper from my lab on laterality in whales. Actually, we are not all specialists in whale biology, but more interested in topics related to evolution of brain asymmetries and its ecological implications. Currently we are working with other mammals, too. Though, I am posting this short comment to the marine mammals list in a genuine belief, that the fact on laterality in calf-mother interactions in wild beluga whales might be of some interest to your community. Please, note, that I am not a regular subscriber to this list, so if you have any questions or specific requests, please address them to me directly. The paper is freely available (including pdf) at PLoS ONE web site: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0013787 Since PLoS ONE is a unique resource, which allows not only to download published papers, but also to discuss them, you may also wish to forward the link to others and/or leave your own critical comments on the paper page at the PLoS ONE web site to facilitate scientific discussion of the issues raised in our paper. Yours, Yegor Malashichev -- Dr. Yegor B. Malashichev, Associate Professor/Dozent Department of Embryology & Department of Vertebrate Zoology, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab., 7/9, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia. Phone: +7(812)328-9453; -9689; Fax: +7(812)328-9569 e-mail: malashichev at gmail.com http://www.zp.pu.ru/rus/myb.htm http://www.neuroscience.spb.ru/i10n/ru/?page=cv&id=31&action=show P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. From dreeblet at gmail.com Sun Nov 14 14:31:20 2010 From: dreeblet at gmail.com (Desray Reeb) Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2010 11:31:20 -1100 Subject: [MARMAM] Right whale skin and fungi Message-ID: Dear Marmamers, These authors are pleased to announce the publication of two papers: Reeb, D., Best, P.B., Botha, A., Cloete, K.J., Thornton, M. and Mouton, M. 2010. Fungi associated with the skin of a southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) from South Africa. Mycology. 1(3): 155-162. ABSTRACT: Cutaneous fungi are known to affect parts of the outermost skin layers of mammals, including the epidermis, stratum spinosum and stratum corneum, as well as mucocutaneous membranes, genitalia or external ears. Relatively little is known about fungal infections of Mysticete cetaceans and studies are needed to determine the fungal diversity associated with these marine mammals. This case report was aimed at identifying the fungi associated with the skin of a diseased neonatal southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) found stranded in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Initial physical examination on site revealed hyperplasia of the follicular and epidermal epithelium. Preliminary examination of skin biopsies using scanning electron microscopy indicated that the skin was colonized by fungal hyphae. Isolation methods yielded a number of fungal isolates, which were identified using standard morphology and rDNA sequence data. These analyses confirmed colonization of the cutaneous layers by species belonging to the genera *Fusarium, Chaetomium *and *Penicillium*. Moreover, all isolates were capable of degrading keratin, indicating that skin may act as a natural substrate for these fungi. This study is the first report of the association of these fungi with southern right whale skin. Marnel M., Reeb, D., Botha, A. and Best, P.B. 2009. Yeast infection in a beached southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) neonate. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 45(3): 692-699. ABSTRACT: A female southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) neonate was found stranded on the Western Cape coast of southern Africa. Skin samples were taken the same day from three different locations on the animal?s body and stored at -20? C. Isolation through repetitive culture of these skin sections yielded a single yeast species, *Candida zeylanoides*. Total genomic DNA also was isolated directly from skin samples. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer region of the fungal ribosomal gene cluster revealed the presence of *Filobasidiella neoformans* var. *neoformans*, the teleomorphic state of *Cryptococcus neoformans*. Fungal infections in cetaceans seem to be limited when compared to infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. However, *Candida* species appear to be the most common type of fungal infection associated with cetaceans. To our knowledge this is the first report of a *C. zeylanoides* infection in a mysticete, as well as the first report of a dual infection involving two opportunistic pathogenic yeast species in a cetacean. PDF copies are available from Drs Mouton (marnel at sun.ac.za) and Reeb ( dreeblet at gmail.com). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From maddalena at hepca.com Sun Nov 14 09:54:11 2010 From: maddalena at hepca.com (maddalena at hepca.com) Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2010 12:54:11 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] URGENT - Red Sea Dolphin Project: Field assistants for Jan/Feb 2011 Message-ID: <380-2201011014175411589@M2W110.mail2web.com> The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) is a leading NGO in Egypt working in the field of marine and land conservation (www.hepca.com). In 2010, Hepca started a three-year research campaign in the Red Sea waters of Egypt south of Marsa Alam. One of the aims of the research project is to understand more about the abundance and spatial distribution of cetaceans in order to identify their critical habitats. Moreover, international eco-volunteers and eco-tourists have the chance to join the team on board, making the project an important educational tool to promote awareness. HEPCA is offering four internship positions on the research expeditions that will take place at the beginning of 2011, scheduled from the 15th of January to the 13rd of February 2011. Interns must be available for the entire survey. Successful candidates will be responsible for their own travel expenses to Hurghada and travel insurance. Successful candidates are expected to arrive at the base 2-3 days before the start of the expedition and will be responsible for accommodation and food. During the expedition accommodation is provided on board the Red Sea Defender in double cabins, interns will contribute to living and research expenses with a total amount of 300 Euro. Research activities may include, but are not limited to: - Visual observation and use of hydrophone to investigate presence, abundance and distribution of marine mammals in relation to environmental variables; - Use of photographic identification to estimate population size of cetaceans with a focus on sociality and site fidelity of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in selected areas; - Vomit and/or scat collection to study spinner dolphin feeding ecology; - Coral reef survey to assess coral and fish biodiversity mainly in offshore sites; - Collection of data about megafauna, such as dugongs, sharks, turtles and manta rays; - Data entry, management and analysis. Applicants should be ready to work long hours (from sunrise to sunset, and occasionally also during night-time navigation), 7 days a week and are expected to participate in the following duties: - Actively and independently contributing to the research activities, being able to run his/her shift of observation, acoustic detection, data entry, photo-ID, coral reef survey; - Assist in running the research vessel with chores including maintaining common spaces, equipment and laboratory; - Actively participating in lectures or activities scheduled by the research team; - Assist in the development and implementation of education and awareness tools: interns are encouraged to propose and develop topics of common interest to promote discussion and debate. Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: - Able to work independently and with limited supervision after the training period; - Interns must be patient, adaptable and flexible as fieldwork is highly weather-dependent; - Proficiency in English, good writing and public speaking skills are a must; - Proficiency in swimming is required; - SCUBA diving license is preferred but not required; - Current enrolment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required; - Previous wildlife field experience is preferred; - Basic computer literacy with a working knowledge PC operating system and proficiency with MS Office, especially Word, and Excel is required. Familiarity with software including Microsoft Access, Pamguard, Distance, GIS, Photoshop would be very helpful but not required. Successful interns are encouraged to bring their personal laptop computer. To apply for a Red Sea Dolphin Project internship, interested persons should send a brief email to maddalena at hepca.com stating name, contact information, availability and attach an updated and relevant CV. Deadline for applications is December 3rd, 2010. Maddalena Fumagalli Marine Biologist HEPCA - Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation association. Hurghada New Marina - Building B2 Hurghada- Red Sea- Egypt Tel:+2 065 344 50 35/ 065 3447728 maddalena at hepca.com www.hepca.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web.com ? What can On Demand Business Solutions do for you? http://link.mail2web.com/Business/SharePoint From SPrendiville at une.edu Mon Nov 15 09:00:37 2010 From: SPrendiville at une.edu (Shannon Prendiville) Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:37 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Internship at Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center Message-ID: <4CE120E4.A77C.000A.0@une.edu> The University of New England's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center is currently accepting applications for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Internship Program. We are looking for highly motivated, dynamic candidates who will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals, cetaceans and/or sea turtles. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: Daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, water quality testing, maintenance of daily food and medical records, necropsy, education/docent tours and computer entry of data. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. These positions are unpaid and interns are required to find their own housing and transportation. Interns should expect to be scheduled to cover weekday shifts, as well as nights, weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills. The deadline for Applications has been extended to December 1, 2010. Interested applicants can find all information and application materials at http://www.une.edu/research/msc/marc/internship.cfm Applications and questions can be submitted to MARCinfo at une.edu c/o Anne Watson, Volunteer/Internship Coordinator Shannon Prendiville Animal Care and Lab Technician Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center University of New England 11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, ME 04005 sprendiville at une.edu 207.602.2750 From jamie at imms.org Mon Nov 15 08:33:11 2010 From: jamie at imms.org (Jamie Klaus) Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:33:11 -0600 Subject: [MARMAM] IMMS Marine Mammal Research Internship Message-ID: <000f01cb84e2$cbe1cf80$63a56e80$@org> Marine Mammal Research Internship Program Description The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine mammal science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research and will participate in other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine mammal research. Principle Duties and Requirements Interns must: * Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. * Be available to work Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 4 PM and must be available for all boat trips. * Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. * Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. * Principle Duties include: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), and boat based field research. * Secondary Duties involve: Working with animal care staff, attending marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies, responding to strandings, assisting with educational tours. * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 ?F in summer to 30 ?F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur once or twice a week. May include overnight trips. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. To Apply Please visit http://imms.org/internship.php Jamie Klaus Research Assistant Institute for Marine Mammal Studies P.O. Box 207 Gulfport, MS 39502 Phone: (228) 701-1761 Fax: (228) 896-9183 Email: jamie at imms.org http://www.imms.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From joshima at uol.com.br Tue Nov 16 05:52:30 2010 From: joshima at uol.com.br (joshima) Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:52:30 -0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Fwd: new manuscript on home range of guiana dolphins in Brazil In-Reply-To: References: <4ce1cee6edad4_2d49c55466c1e6@weasel20.tmail> Message-ID: <4ce28c9e1f265_7b918894e701dc@weasel15.tmail> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jrichardson at miami.edu Tue Nov 16 13:50:41 2010 From: jrichardson at miami.edu (Richardson, Jill L) Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:50:41 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Master's of Professional Science - Marine Mammal Science Track Message-ID: <738C953EF58ECE4A85C6C42B51FEBE5F1AC84CA369@MBX04.cgcent.miami.edu> We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to new, exciting graduate degree programs in Marine Science, including a Marine Mammal Science track, at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS): the Master's of Professional Science (MPS). The MPS is an innovative graduate degree at the University of Miami intended for students who seek advanced training in the marine science and conservation fields, as well as the development of workplace skills highly valued by employers. The MPS program prepares students for science careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations where employment demands are growing. The curriculum is structured to allow students to complete their degree in as little as 12-15 months, with the training and real-world experience necessary for employment in entry to mid-level positions in today's professional job market. The curriculum combines rigorous study in select areas of marine and atmospheric science with interdisciplinary coursework in business, public health, communications, law and other professional domains. In place of a research-based thesis, all MPS students complete a 3-9 month internship in a business, government, or public sector enterprise, where they learn to apply their skills in a "hands-on" setting. All MPS graduates must complete 30 credits, consisting of 24 credits of graduate coursework and 6 credits of internship training. Please be advised that this program is self-funded. Applications for Fall 2011 will be accepted starting February 1st, 2011 and will be evaluated on a rolling basis until June 1st, 2011. Tracks to be offered in the Fall 2011 include: * Marine Mammal Science * Integrated Coastal Zone Management * Fisheries Science * Aquaculture * Oceans and Human Health * Tropical Marine Ecology * Marine Conservation For more information regarding coursework, prerequisites, and application instructions, please visit our web page - http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/ Jill Richardson, Ph.D. Faculty/Director of Master's of Professional Science Department of Marine and Atmospheric Science RSMAS, University of Miami (305) 284-2180 jrichardson at miami.edu From ecs2011cadiz at gmail.com Wed Nov 17 02:04:46 2010 From: ecs2011cadiz at gmail.com (ECS ECS) Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:04:46 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] REMEMBER: Second announcement of the 25th ECS Conference Message-ID: This mail is just to remember you the Abstract dealine for the next ECS conference Second announcement of the 25th ECS Conference This is the *Second Announcement of the 25th Conference of the European Cetacean Society!* CIRCE, Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans and the "Estaci?n Biol?gica de Do?ana" of the CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cient?ficas) is proud to announce the 25th Conference of the European Cetacean Society (ECS), whose theme will be: *"Long-term datasets on marine mammals: learning from the past to manage the future"*. The conference will also host the *annual meeting of the Spanish Cetacean Society*. The conference will have as preliminary programme: ? Workshops: 19-20 March 2011. ? 25th ECS Conference 21-23 March 2011. ? Annual Meeting of the Spanish Cetacean society: 21 March 2011. ? Video Night: 22 March 2011. ? Excursion to the Strait of Gibraltar: 24 March 2011. Submission of abstract is available on www.europeancetaceansociety.eu (please register to have access to the abstract submission form), and general information is already available on www.circe.info. Please note the following milestones: ? Abstract submission and workshop proposal: 19 November 2010. ? Answer to the Authors: 24 December 2010. ? Early Registration 14th January 2011. ? Late registration 18 February 2011. If you have any questions, please contact ecs2011cadiz at gmail.com We are looking forward to welcoming you in C?diz in March 2011! Renaud de Stephanis on Behalf of the Organising Committee. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ASchaefer at hboi.fau.edu Wed Nov 17 07:13:13 2010 From: ASchaefer at hboi.fau.edu (Adam Schaefer) Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:13:13 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Job posting Message-ID: <2309E53F80BD7841A64800D44F69F71B05E89230@sailfish.hboi.edu> Harbor Branch Oceanographic would like to post the attached job opportunity to the MARMAM list serve. Thank you for your assistance as this postion will be of particular interest to this group. Thank You. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Research Professor & Veterinary Scientist Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) seeks a highly motivated, qualified senior veterinary scientist with research experience related to the health of marine mammal populations. This scientist will be at the full Research Professor level and will play a leadership role in further developing the research program and academic mission of the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation (MMRC) program at HBOI/FAU. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong research program with internal and external collaborators and to participate in clinical programs including health assessments and stranding and rehabilitation activities. She/he will mentor junior scientists and faculty, participate in training of MS and PhD candidates and post-doctoral fellows and lead degree and non-degree educational programs in marine mammal research on the HBOI/FAU campus. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D., preferably in an area related to marine mammal health such as pathology, microbiology, toxicology, or epidemiology. A DVM is strongly desired. Substantial marine mammal experience and evidence of research productivity consistent with the rank of a full professor in the FAU system is desired. Training and experience in toxicology, risk assessment, environmental medicine, environmental science or related fields who have worked with marine mammal populations and the marine environment are preferred. To apply, please go to https://jobs.fau.edu and reference Job #980209. Candidates must apply electronically and include a CV, cover letter, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references. Supporting materials and letters of reference will be requested as needed. Get your plate today and support Ocean Science for a Better World TM Visit www.hboi.fau.edu or your tax collector. Gift certificates make great gifts for all occasions! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 3185 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.gif Type: image/gif Size: 285 bytes Desc: image002.gif URL: From rwallace at ursinus.edu Wed Nov 17 08:37:11 2010 From: rwallace at ursinus.edu (Wallace, Richard) Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:37:11 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] AESS 2011 Annual Meeting - Call for Proposals Open Message-ID: <0D4B4FB26F41EA45812E83E8D5ABAFCF1AA55A0D@Exchange02.ursinus.local> Dear Marmam folks: I am delighted to announce the initial call for proposals for the 2011 annual meeting of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences, to be held in Burlington, Vermont in late June 2011. This is the CFP for symposia, panel sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions. There will be a second call (in January) for individual abstracts for oral or poster presentations. More information below and through the links provided. We hope to continue to foster the participation of the marine science and conservation community, and especially the community of practitioners involved in marine mammal research and management. The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission was a major sponsor of the 2010 AESS annual meeting, and it is our desire to intentionally grow the marine content of the AESS forums, including the annual meeting and our new journal, to be published by Springer. We are aware that the 2011 AESS meeting comes close on the heels of the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress being held in British Columbia in May 2011, and hope that you perceive the AESS meeting as a viable alternative for (among other things) East Coast-based folks who are seeking a professional venue closer to home. Please contact me if you have questions, and apologies for cross-postings! Cheers, Rich Wallace -- Richard L. Wallace, Ph.D. Program Committee Chair Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Ursinus College rwallace at ursinus.edu P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences 2011 Annual Meeting "Confronting Complexity" June 23-26, 2011, Burlington, Vermont Hosted by the University of Vermont Call for Session Proposals Now Open!! Click here for more information on submitting a proposal [cid:image001.jpg at 01CB864B.C620D220] Featuring Plenary Addresses by Climatologist Heidi Cullen and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (invited) [cid:image002.jpg at 01CB864B.C620D220] More on the Conference Theme: AESS recognizes and embraces complexity as the hallmark of our field. Social, physical, biological and ideological factors in environmental problems are intricately linked, and environmental problems are so tightly interconnected that addressing one invariably affects others. This limits our predictive capacity and challenges the assumptions embedded in our models of natural and social phenomena. Engaging in dialogues about complexity presents challenges in both classroom and public sphere. Confronting complexity is critical to our ability to develop effective responses, thus this theme for the AESS 2011 annual meeting. About the Conference Host: The University of Vermont, the state's land grant institution, is one of the top green universities in the United States. It offers numerous environmental majors and is home to 10,000 undergraduates, 1,500 graduate students, and 1,300 faculty. Located in Burlington, Vermont, the campus and green conference venue are perched on a hill and look west across Lake Champlain to the Adirondacks and east to the Green Mountains. Downtown is a short shuttle ride or walk from campus with easy access to shops and restaurants. Burlington is the largest metropolitan area in Vermont and has received high ratings for livability, sustainability, and cultural engagement. To learn more about AESS or to become an AESS member, click here! If you have questions, please e-mail: AESS Program Committee Chair Rich Wallace at rwallace at ursinus.edu or AESS 2011 Site Host Stephanie Kaza at Stephanie.Kaza at uvm.edu ________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 27461 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 20826 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: From mjasny at nrdc.org Wed Nov 17 13:15:36 2010 From: mjasny at nrdc.org (Jasny, Michael) Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:15:36 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] NMFS proposes endangered listing for Hawaiian whale population Message-ID: Dear All, I want to let the community know about some significant news from NMFS. The agency has just proposed listing the insular Hawaiian false killer whale, whose best abundance estimate lies somewhere between about 150 and 170 animals, as an endangered population under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The proposal was published in today's Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-28843.pdf. The proposal comes at the end of a year-long status review by an expert NMFS panel, following a petition for listing from NRDC. The panel found that the whales constitute a distinct population segment of false killer whales, and that the population is in danger of extinction (or extirpation) throughout its range - the standard for listing. Today's proposal affirms the panel's findings. NMFS' population viability analysis is particularly alarming: under most model runs, the whales were likely to decline within 3 generations to fewer than 20 animals, at which point the population was considered effectively irrecoverable. Under the Endangered Species Act, NMFS now has one year in which to make a final decision and, hopefully, list the population. With listing comes a recovery plan, resources, and greater attention to bycatch and other threats. The agency is taking comments through Feb. 15, 2011 on both the proposed listing and on areas to designate as critical habitat should the listing proceed. Again, more detail here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-28843.pdf. Cheers, Michael Michael Jasny Senior Policy Analyst, NRDC 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R1S4 t 604-736-9386 c 310-560-5536 mjasny at nrdc.org PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only 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 as attorney client and work-product confidential or otherwise confidential communications. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication or other use of a transmission received in error is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, immediately notify us at the above telephone number. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lelquest at gmail.com Thu Nov 18 11:52:34 2010 From: lelquest at gmail.com (Leslie Walsh) Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:52:34 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications concerning humpback whale song Message-ID: Hello, I am please to announce that the following paper is now published. PDF copies are available from me upon request at the following email address: lelquest at gmail.com. Wright, A.J. & Walsh, L.A. 2010. Mind the gap: why neurological plasticity may explain seasonal interruption in humpback whale song. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2010, 90(8), 1489?1491 The abstract is as follows. Much is unknown about humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) song. The behaviour is limited almost exclusively to males, occurs almost exclusively on the calving grounds and is identical within a population, although it changes periodically throughout the season. Much of current thinking associates humpback whale song with breeding, although it is not clear if it is intended to attract a mate, fend off challengers, or a combination of the two. There is, however, very little information on the internal biology of these large, sea-going mammals, so the majority of hypotheses have not considered much in the way of physiological mechanisms. Nonetheless, we believe that there is enough information available to infer that a seasonal process of neurological development and atrophy similar to that found in other animals may be present in humpback whales. We believe this explains why humpback whale song is not produced between breeding seasons and also why it does not vary between seasons, while it does so within a season. It also adds additional weight to the idea that humpback whale song is an honest signal of fitness to a potential mate or competitor. Best regards, Leslie Walsh -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: MindtheGap.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 77118 bytes Desc: not available URL: From pack at hawaii.edu Thu Nov 18 23:59:48 2010 From: pack at hawaii.edu (Adam Pack) Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:59:48 -1000 Subject: [MARMAM] new publication on dolphin cognition Message-ID: <9D750423-9593-4F3F-952C-B4E5DEB2B231@hawaii.edu> Aloha Colleagues: I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper on the synergistic relationship of laboratory and field studies in the investigation of dolphin cognition and behavior. "Pack, A. A. (2010). The synergy of laboratory and field studies of dolphin behavior and cognition. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, pp. 538-565." The abstract is presented below: Dolphin behavior and cognition have been studied in both the laboratory and the wild. Laboratory studies provide high levels of control over experimental variables and the opportunity to investigate the cognitive mechanisms of behavior. However, laboratory studies are typically limited to a few subjects. Field studies have the benefit of examining behavior and social interactions among large numbers of individuals. They can reveal how cognitive abilities are expressed naturally, and can provide external validity for observations in the laboratory. However, there is typically less control over experimental variables in field studies than in the laboratory. Thus, a synergistic relationship has emerged between laboratory and field studies of dolphin behavior and cognition with each contributing information and ideas to the other that can lead to new questions and insights. This relationship is demonstrated using four issues: a) the types of percepts and mental representations dolphins can form through echolocation; b) the complexity of relationships that dolphins can understand; c) the dolphin?s competency in symbolic referential communication; and d) the dolphin?s ability to manage joint attention through pointing and gazing. Pdfs copies can be obtained from the following journal link http://comparativepsychology.org/ejournal.html#i234 or directly from pack at hawaii.edu. Best regards and happy holidays, Adam ------------------------------------------------------------ Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Associate Professor Psychology & Biology University of Hawaii at Hilo Mailing Address: Psychology Department University of Hawaii at Hilo 200 West Kawili St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Voice: 808-375-7892 email: pack at hawaii.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From giovanni.bearzi at gmail.com Fri Nov 19 04:56:50 2010 From: giovanni.bearzi at gmail.com (Giovanni Bearzi) Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:56:50 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Mid-distance movements of common bottlenose dolphins in the coastal waters of Greece In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The following article has just become available online: Mid-distance movements of common bottlenose dolphins in the coastal waters of Greece Giovanni Bearzi, Silvia Bonizzoni, Joan Gonzalvo. 2010. Journal of Ethology. DOI 10.1007/s10164-010-0245-x ABSTRACT -- While bottlenose dolphins in Mediterranean waters often display a high degree of site fidelity, movements across distant areas can occur. Such movements have important implications in terms of population viability, particularly in basins with low bottlenose dolphin densities. We report movements of nine individuals photoidentified up to 265 km apart in western Greece. Four showed a certain degree of site fidelity to one area across several years, but were also found elsewhere, with two individuals moving between two areas. This study provides further evidence that animals appearing to be 'resident' within a given area can temporarily leave and range widely. --- A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site: http://tinyurl.com/33k9wxq or from me: giovanni.bearzi at gmail.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi http://www.coastaldolphins.org/giovanni_bearzi.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From billsm at ufl.edu Thu Nov 18 11:58:28 2010 From: billsm at ufl.edu (Bills,Meghan L) Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:58:28 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Florida Student Chapter of SMM 1st Annual Research Symposium In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: We are pleased to announce the first annual Florida student chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy?s research symposium on January 30, 2011 with an ice breaker January 29th. This year?s symposium will be hosted by the University of Florida?s Aquatic Animal Health Program in Gainesville, FL. We encourage all students (graduate, undergraduate, professional, etc) actively involved or interested in marine mammal research to attend. This is an informal symposium which will give students the opportunity to present their research in a relaxed environment and to meet and exchange ideas with other students from the state of Florida and surrounding areas. We also have scheduled round table discussions with prominent marine mammal researchers from both the academic and government arena. Presentation slots will be 12 minutes with 3 minutes for questions. If you wish to present on your current or proposed research project please submit your abstract (300 word maximum) and registration form available at our website no later than December 20th, 2010 to floridasmm at gmail.com. All registration forms for attendees are due by the December 20th date. In addition to the symposium, there is a planned marine mammal anatomy tutorial and dissection planned for January 31st. Also, you will have the unique opportunity to attend free-ranging manatee health assessment captures in Crystal River, Florida with Dr. Bob Bonde, USGS Sirenia Project, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on February 1 or 2, 2011. Preference for both events will be given to those who register early! To alleviate the cost of room and board, there will be limited free accommodations so again, please register early. Please check our website and Facebook event page for updates. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at floridasmm at gmail.com. Thank you and we look forward to meeting all of you! The committee of the Florida Student Chapter for the Society for Marine Mammalogy Meghan Bills Doctoral Candidate University of Florida-College of Veterinary Medicine PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, FL 32610 billsm at ufl.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk Fri Nov 19 11:53:18 2010 From: ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk (UKRSC) Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:53:18 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] UKRSC Meeting Registration Deadline Reminder Message-ID: Annual Meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy: St. Andrews, 27-29th January 2011 REMINDER FOR REGISTRATION DEADLINE We would like to remind you that the annual meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will be held at St Andrews University from the 27th to the 29th of January, 2011. (An Icebreaker will be held on the evening the 26th). We encourage all students registered in Universities across the UK and Ireland, that are interested, or are actively involved, in marine mammal research, to attend. The atmosphere of the conference is relatively informal, giving students a platform to discuss their research with other students and prominent researchers. We invite postgraduate students to submit abstracts for oral presentations. For planning purposes, we have divided presentations into 5-10 minute and 15-20 minute slots. We encourage new postgraduate students to talk about their future research plans using the 5-10 minute slots and for those further along in their studies to present for the longer 15-20 minutes. Undergraduates with an interest in the field are also welcome to attend. The talks traditionally vary in content: from talks by new students discussing their future plans or the basis of their project, to students whose Ph.D.?s are near completion. We will also have guest speakers and a workshop, details of which shall follow closer to the time, please visit our website for updates, ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk. The deadline for presentation abstracts (max 300 words) will be the 20th of December 2010. There is no registration fee. You don?t need to be an existing member of the Chapter ? you can register for the Chapter at the same time as registering for the conference. Please submit your registration form by e-mail attachment to ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk before the 26th of November 2010. Registration Forms can be downloaded from our website at www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/. For those members traveling to St. Andrews, we will provide a list of accommodation options before the Christmas holidays, and directions to St. Andrews will be available on our website soon. Please visit our website for updates (www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/). If you have any further questions regarding the meeting, please don't hesitate to get in touch, ukrsc at st-andrews.ac.uk With best wishes, The committee of the UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society for Marine Mammalogy -- UKRSC Chapter Contact c/o Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute East Sands St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB Scotland, UK http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info at gobroadreach.com Thu Nov 18 06:59:03 2010 From: info at gobroadreach.com (Broadreach and Academic Treks) Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:59:03 -0600 Subject: [MARMAM] Wanted: Marine Biology Instructors for summer programs Message-ID: <9c342e9a-a198-44a5-ba93-e8db9d93f756@xtinmta08.xt.local> To view this email as a web page, go to the link below, or copy and paste it into your browser's address window. http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f0454b21ccd0a38050b4586b4747193897f21fc872bc6a4a3Broadreach and Academic Treks are hiring! WANTED: Professors To Teach Summer Experiential Marine Science Programs Abroad Academic Treks has summer employment job offerings to individuals with graduate degrees in Marine Science fields. - Shark Behavior and Conservation (Fiji) - Sea Turtle Ecology and Conservation (Costa Rica) - Tropical Marine Biology (Leeward Caribbean Islands) - Dolphin Studies (Belize)High school-age programs only - Marine Biology Adventure (Bahamas)High school programs only - Oceanography (Leeward CaribbeanIslands)College programs only (PhD preferred, Masters required). - Marine Resource Management (Leeward Caribbean Islands) - Marine Mammal Ecology (Vancouver Island, Canada) AT and AT College offers high school and college students the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture while experientially studying Marine Science and earning college credit. Instructors are needed to teach marine science courses in many locations abroad. In addition to teaching the course, instructors are responsible for facilitating groups, leading adventure activities and field trips such as hiking, involving students in community service projects, facilitating home stays and handling various other Course Instructor responsibilities. Qualifications: Masters or PhD in Marine Science or relevant field (specific to program applying for), teaching experience in the subject area, proficiency in language spoken, international travel experience, experience working with young adults, and flexibility. Dates: Staff training includes a couple weekend trainings in April/May, as well as a week in late May. Courses run from May-August. Each course is about 21 to 35 days. For more information about our high school programs, please visit http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f916cc9b93d284b1905a865da07e00eceda9967c706fbe372 www.academictreks.com . For our college programs, please visit http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f3922b4996aff11bd63ef721ff9b18c9dd87e8b81cfaba620 www.academictrekscollege.com . Apply online at http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f0eb958a14f23785380a798e264c59d36728f728af04967f1 www.broadreachstaff.com or send resume, cover letter, photo, and contact information for 3 references to Broadreach Academic Treks, 806 McCulloch Street, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27603. Fax: 919-833-2129 Phone 919-256-8200/888-833-1907 Email: mailto:staffinquiry at gobroadreach.com staffinquiry at gobroadreach.com . BROADREACH AND ACADEMIC TREKS806 McCulloch St., Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27603 | 888-833-1907 http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f4cc56ad47828fd6723e860886a113c89e31dced5300f1369 www.gobroadreach.com and http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f9abe9ae12c1e3629c0d570e9b905c1c18608c5606dc7ccf9 www.academictreks.com All contents and photography (c) Broadreach 2007 ---------------------------------------- This email was sent by: Broadreach and Academic Treks 806 McCulloch St., Suite 102 Raleigh, NC, 27603, We respect your right to privacy - visit the following URL to view our policy. ( http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99fe1a5d98942d38f1ad2529e71cd958dec21f6160566f91ca6 ) ---------------------------------------- Visit the following URL to manage your subscriptions. ( http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99f2da3f2897224a870d4044a1fe5a8bb5feb653907e298fd27 ) Visit the following URL to update your profile. ( http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99fa14af72dd85484b6e5554498a266caad0e4bf6a2b468207e ) Visit the following URL to unsubscribe. ( http://cl.exct.net/?qs=fc2d3a07d968d99fb93fa936972c1a3f8bb0420e54decd7ea8d8373e2cb6e415 ) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sean.hanser at navy.mil Sun Nov 21 21:03:23 2010 From: sean.hanser at navy.mil (Hanser, Sean F CIV NAVFAC Pacific, EV) Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:03:23 -1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Civilian job opportunity with the Navy Facilities Engineering Command in Hawaii Message-ID: There is an opening for a Natural Resources Management Specialist with a specialization in marine mammals and/or sea turtles at Naval Facilities Engineering Command at Pearl Harbor. The level is GS-12. The position responsibilities include: - participating in marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring and mitigation during Naval exercises - reviewing and creating NEPA documents generated by the Navy, such as Environmental Impact Statements, Marine Resource Assessments, Biological Assessments, and responses to designation of Critical Habitat - being a liaison between Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific's Natural Resources group and the offices of Pacific Fleet's Environmental Group - providing input as a subject matter expert on marine mammals and/or sea turtles - overseeing Navy contracts for monitoring and conservation actions associated with Naval facilities and exercises - assisting in generating reports summarizing the results of the Navy's marine mammal and sea turtle monitoring program for compliance with the Navy's Letter of Authorizations to operate issued by NMFS Applicants should have: - experience in the field with some aspect of marine mammal or sea turtle research; the emphasis for the job is on marine mammals, but knowledge and experience with sea turtles will be viewed positively - knowledge of NEPA, MMPA, ESA, Section 7 Consultation, and other Federal policies - strong writing and communication skills - willingness to develop strong interpersonal skills - at least a Masters level of education - GIS skills would be a benefit - an ecology or ecosystems-focused background is a plus The position is responsible to anywhere the US Navy (and any other branch of the armed forces) operates in the area outlined by the West Coast of North and South America west to Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian Ocean and from pole to pole. The position can expect travel up to ~25% of the time. The position is based in Pearl Harbor. Please send resumes or CVs to me at sean.hanser at navy.mil. We will starting reviewing CVs and interviewing immediately. This position could fill quickly. Because of security screening issues with individuals that are not citizens of the United States, only exceptionally qualified people from outside the United States will be considered for the position. Thank you for your time. Sean F. Hanser, PhD Supervisory Natural Resources Specialist for Marine Resources Naval Facilities Engineering Command 258 Makalapa Dr., Suite 100 Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134 phone: (808)472-1388 -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: smime.p7s Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature Size: 5200 bytes Desc: not available URL: From J.Tyne at murdoch.edu.au Mon Nov 22 14:27:17 2010 From: J.Tyne at murdoch.edu.au (Julian Tyne) Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 06:27:17 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins Message-ID: Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins PROJECT SUMMARY I am seeking experienced research assistants for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/ ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in five spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Boat based photo-identification surveys will be conducted in each of four resting bays off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and at another control site, possibly off the island of Molokai, to evaluate abundance of spinner dolphins, in addition, group focal follows will be carried out on spinner dolphins both inside and outside the four resting bays. Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Bottom-mounted acoustic recorders will be deployed in two of the resting bays that will also be subject to photo-identification- and theodolite studies described above. Initially, acoustic survey periods will be continuous (no duty cycle) and will coincide with daily visual observations in order to link acoustic detections with the distribution and behaviour of dolphins. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques, photo-identification, and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in January 2011. Assistants will help collect information on spinner dolphin abundance, distribution and behaviour off the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The field season for 2011 begins in January and will last until December 2011. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate for longer will be given preference. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification, theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of three-five people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of five days a week for two months (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawaii and their own living expenses. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne at murdoch.edu.au ). Julian Tyne, BSc Hons PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences School of Biological Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/julian_tyne.html http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nicola.rehn at arcor.de Tue Nov 23 09:10:32 2010 From: nicola.rehn at arcor.de (Nicola Rehn) Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:10:32 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on killer whale acoustics Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, The following paper has recently been published online by the journal Naturwissenschaften. Rehn, N., Filatova, O.A., Durban, J.W. & Foote, A.D. (2010). Cross-cultural and cross-ecotype production of a killer whale 'excitement' call suggests universality. Naturwissenschaften, DOI 10.1007/s00114-010-0732-5, published online 12 November 2010. Abstract Facial and vocal expressions of emotion have been found in a number of social mammal species and are thought to have evolved to aid social communication. There has been much debate about whether such signals are culturally inherited or are truly biologically innate. Evidence for the innateness of such signals can come from cross-cultural studies. Previous studies have identified a vocalisation (the V4 or 'excitement' call) associated with high arousal behaviours in a population of killer whales in British Columbia, Canada. In this study, we compared recordings from three different socially and reproductively isolated ecotypes of killer whales, including five vocal clans of one ecotype, each clan having discrete culturally transmitted vocal traditions. The V4 call was found in recordings of each ecotype and each vocal clan. Nine independent observers reproduced our classification of the V4 call from each population with high inter-observer agreement. Our results suggest the V4 call may be universal in Pacific killer whale populations and that transmission of this call is independent of cultural tradition or ecotype. We argue that such universality is more consistent with an innate vocalisation than one acquired through social learning and may be linked to its apparent function of motivational expression. Keywords Innateness . Universality . Close-range interactions . Vocal signal A pdf copy of the article is available here: http://www.springerlink.com/content/008330p691718502/. Any queries should be directed to nicola.rehn at arcor.de. Best wishes, Nicola Rehn -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From s.kuczaj at usm.edu Thu Nov 18 09:35:03 2010 From: s.kuczaj at usm.edu (Stan Kuczaj) Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:35:03 -0600 Subject: [MARMAM] Announcement of Special Issue of the International Journal of Comparative Psychology Message-ID: I am pleased to announce the publication of the following special issue of the International Journal of Comparative Psychology: Research withe Captive Marine Mammals is Important - Part 2 The table of contents for this issue is listed below: More evidence that research with captive marine mammals is important: An introduction to the second special issue Stan A. Kuczaj II The synergy of laboratory and field studies of dolphin behavior and cognition Adam A. Pack Overlap between information gained from complementary and comparative studies of captive and wild dolphins Kathleen M. Dudzinski Observing cognitive complexity in primates and cetaceans Christine M. Johnson Studying dolphin behavior in a semi-natural marine enclosure: Couldn't we do it all in the wild? Amir Perelberg, Frank Veit, Sylvia E. van der Woude, Sophie Donio, and Nadav Shashar Recent studies on captive cetaceans in Japan: Working in tandem with studies on cetaceans in the wild Tadamichi Morisaka, Shiro Kohshima, Motoi Yoshioka, Miwa Suzuki, and Fumio Nakahara Can dolphins plan their behavior? Stan A. Kuczaj II, Mark J. Xitco Jr., and John D. Gory Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Kelly Jaakkola, Emily Guarino, and Mandy Rodriguez The occurrence and context of S-posture display by captive belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) Kristina M. Horback, Whitney R. Friedman, and Christine M. Johnson Play in wild and captive cetaceans Robin D. Paulos, Marie Trone, and Stan A. Kuczaj II Ovarian follicular dynamics during the luteinizing hormone surge in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Holley Muraco, Pat Clough, Valerie Teets, Dennis Arn, and Mike Muraco Non-invasive multidisciplinary approach to the study of reproduction and calf development in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): The Rimini Delfinario experience Raffaella Tizzi, Pier Attilio Accorsi, and Massimo Azzali Advances in husbandry training in marine mammal care programs Sabrina I. C. A. Brando Marine mammals enact individual worlds Fabienne Delfour Learning about manatees: A collaborative program between New College of Florida and Mote Marine Laboratory to conduct laboratory research for manatee conservation Gordon B. Bauer, Debborah E. Colbert, and Joseph C. Gaspard II This issue has just appeared on the IJCP website (see below) and all articles are available for free download. (You may also download the entire issue at once if you choose). http://comparativepsychology.org/ejournal.html#i234 Sincerely, Stan Kuczaj Editor, IJCP s.kuczaj at usm.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From caroline.weir at ketosecology.co.uk Wed Nov 24 10:00:36 2010 From: caroline.weir at ketosecology.co.uk (Caroline Weir) Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:00:36 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Injury to a Bryde's whale off Angola Message-ID: <50907.1290621636@ketosecology.co.uk> Hello, I would be grateful for any feedback/thoughts on the possible causes of an injury to a Bryde?s whale that has been photographed on a couple of occasions off Angola. Some images can be viewed online at the following link: http://www.ketosecology.co.uk/Brydes.htm It?s slightly curious because the animal has a (healed) deep cut running from flank to flank across the top of the tailstock, but also a second shallower (healed) cut running perpendicular to the first (only visible on the left side). While the injuries appear to have healed, the swimming and surfacing behaviour of this individual were rather compromised (the tailstock region was very stiff causing the animal to partially-fluke on sounding). I?d also be interested to know whether this animal has been sighted elsewhere. Please email me (Caroline.Weir at ketosecology.co.uk) if you are able to help. Thanks, Caroline *********************************************** Caroline Weir Ketos Ecology 44 Lord Hay's Grove Aberdeen AB24 1WS, U.K. Email: Caroline.Weir at ketosecology.co.uk www.ketosecology.co.uk From tricia_lavery at yahoo.com.au Wed Nov 24 14:18:00 2010 From: tricia_lavery at yahoo.com.au (Trish Lavery) Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:18:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: sperm whales export carbon in the Southern Ocean Message-ID: <635114.48067.qm@web39807.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new paper published recently in Proceedings of the Royal Society of Biology B: Lavery TJ, Roudnew, B, Gill P, Seymour J, Seuront L, Johnson G, Mitchell JG, Smetacek V. 2010. Iron defecation by sperm whales stimulates carbon export in the Southern Ocean. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Biology B, 277, 3527-3531. A PDF is available free online 'Sperm whales export carbon' or upon request to Trish.Lavery at flinders.edu.au. ? ABSTRACT ? The iron-limited Southern Ocean plays an important role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels. Marine mammal respiration has been proposed to decrease the efficiency of the Southern Ocean biological pump by returning photosynthetically fixed carbon to the atmosphere. Here, we show that by consuming prey at depth and defecating iron-rich liquid faeces into the photic zone, sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) instead stimulate new primary production and carbon export to the deep ocean. We estimate that Southern Ocean sperm whales defecate 50 tonnes of iron into the photic zone each year. Molar ratios of Cexport : Feadded determined during natural ocean fertilization events are used to estimate the amount of carbon exported to the deep ocean in response to the iron defecated by sperm whales. We find that Southern Ocean sperm whales stimulate the export of 4 ? 105 tonnes of carbon per year to the deep ocean and respire only 2 ? 105 tonnes of carbon per year. By enhancing new primary production, the populations of 12 000 sperm whales in the Southern Ocean act as a carbon sink, removing 2 ? 105 tonnes more carbon from the atmosphere than they add during respiration. The ability of the Southern Ocean to act as a carbon sink may have been diminished by large-scale removal of sperm whales during industrial whaling.? ? Kindest thanks for your interest,? Trish J Lavery PhD candidate Flinders University Trish.Lavery at flinders.edu.au http://www.scieng.flinders.edu.au/current/biology/msl/mswebsite_ppl_lavery.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info at cbmwc.org Thu Nov 25 02:42:37 2010 From: info at cbmwc.org (CBMWC) Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:42:37 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] 2011 marine research volunteer opportunity, Wales Message-ID: <92E45A6972DF48188DF2ECA1E0CD8D3A@CBMWCLT1> Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre New Quay Wales, UK www.cbmwc.org Marine research volunteer opportunity Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is recruiting volunteer visitor centre and bottlenose dolphin research assistants for the 2011 season (April to November). The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and since 1996 has been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Through boat-based and land-based surveys we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations, with a focus on the photo-identification of the semi-resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). To learn more, please visit www.cbmwc.org Volunteer positions are available for a minimum of four weeks from 6th April through to 1st November 2011 to help with our ongoing research, education and awareness-raising programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. Learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. Contribute to long running studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage and abundance research, photo-identification studies and act as a research assistant for a PhD project being undertaken by CBMWC?s associate researcher. We also welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need boat support and office space to conduct their research projects. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas are feasible. Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre?s work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. Please note enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training in species identification, data collection/entry and visitor centre operation is provided. Position description Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to): * Visitor centre operation, including dealing with enquiries and taking boat bookings * Land-based surveys in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council * Boat-based surveys * Data entry and checking * Updating sightings information * Beach cleans * Educational activities with children and the general public Please note that boat surveys are weather dependent and volunteers take turns to join trips to act as onboard researcher. During times of bad weather, you will spend more time doing data entry and visitor centre work. You will be expected to work up to 8 hours a days, six days a week. Field work can involve long periods outdoors, in often inclement Welsh weather. All volunteers are expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. As such, if you are only looking to gain field experience, this is not the opportunity for you. Essential skills * An interest in wildlife and conservation * Reliable, conscientious and mature attitude * Ability to work as part of a small team * Self-motivated with an ability to work unsupervised * Adaptable and patient (particularly as boat work is weather dependent) * Confident in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone * Fluency in English * Willing to ask for help if unsure and admit mistakes Desirable skills * Experience working with children, the public or in environmental interpretation or education * Good verbal and written communication skills * IT, design and fundraising skills are useful but not essential Time commitment Volunteers are needed from April 6th until 1st November 2011 for six separate four week blocks and one block of six weeks. Priority will be given to volunteers who are able to commit to more than one block. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. Volunteering dates 2011 * Block A: 6th April to 3rd May * Block B: 4th May to 31st May * Block C: 1st June to 28th June * Block D: 29th June to 26th July * Block E: 27th July to 6th September (6 weeks) * Block F: 7th September to 4th October * Block G: 5th October to 1st November Accommodation and expense arrangements Basic, shared accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx ?55 per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. How to apply It?s easy to get involved - simply download an application form from our website www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp, complete it and email it to volunteer at cbmwc.org with ?Volunteer application 2011? in your subject line or alternatively post your application form. Please make sure you fill in your availability. The closing date for applications is Friday 25th February 2011 Postal address: FAO: Laura Mears Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales For further information Visit www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp If you have any questions please email volunteer at cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on +44 (0)1545 560032. __________________________________________________________________ Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560032 E-bost/E-mail: info at cbmwc.org Website: www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter or become a fan of our Facebook page www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC http://facebook.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's Marine Wildlife through education, interpretation and research. Cynorthwyo i gadw Bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Aberteifi trwy addysg as ymchwil. __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From cristiano.parente at gmail.com Thu Nov 25 11:44:09 2010 From: cristiano.parente at gmail.com (Cristiano Parente) Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:44:09 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] New article: Growth curve of free-ranging Trichechus inunguis Message-ID: Dear Marmams, I would like to announce the following article: *Growth curve of free-ranging Trichechus ** inunguis **Abstract* The objective of this work was to describe growth curves for free-ranging Amazonian manatees in Brazil. Data analyzed included age estimates and biometrics from 60 Amazonian manatees (33 males and 27 females) captured between 1993 and 2006 by local residents of the mid-Solim?es and Pirativa rivers, in Amazonia, and collected by the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustent?vel Mamirau? and Centro Nacional de Conserva??o e Manejo de Mam?feros Aqu?ticos/ICMBio. The non-linear mathematical model used to analyze the data was the von Bertalanffy's equation; two growth curves were calculated, one for males L(t)male = 299.4[1?e-0.0897507(t+6.55696)], and one for females L(t)male = 256.1[1?e-0.23731(t+ 3.01921)]. Based on these equations, length at birth for the Amazonian manatee is estimated at 133.2 cm (average = 113.0 cm; SD = 34.4 cm) for males, and 131.0 cm (average = 124.7 cm; SD = 22.0 cm) for females. Among the males, the annual growth rate was 0.09 cm (95% CI: ? 0.002), with a maximum length of 299.4 cm (95% CI: ? 2.039), while females presented a growth rate of 0.24 cm per year (95% CI: ? 0.004), reaching up to 256.1 cm (95% CI: ? 0.4832) of total length. Even though von Bertalanffy's equation is not commonly used for sirenians, and considering that when previously applied it did not obtain satisfactory results, in this study it proved adequate for the establishment of the growth curve for free-ranging Amazonian manatees.* how to quote this paper* Vergara-Parente, J. E.; Parente, C. L.; Marmontel, M.; Silva, J. C. R. and S?, F. B. Growth curve of free-ranging *Trichechus ** inunguis *. *Biota Neotrop. * Jul/Sep 2010 vol. 10, no. 3 http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v10n3/en/abstract?article+bn01410032010 ISSN 1676-0603. Best regards, Cristiano Leite Parente Engenheiro de Pesca, DSc -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From yvonne at scanningoceansectors.org Fri Nov 26 01:04:21 2010 From: yvonne at scanningoceansectors.org (Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors) Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:04:21 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Observer Course (MMO/MFO) - Fremantle - Perth Australia Message-ID: Scanning Ocean Sectors are holding an MMO course in Fremantle at the IFAP Fremantle Offshore and Maritime Training Centre 12 Rous Head Rd North Fremantle WA 6159 Postal Address: PO Box 339, Willetton, WA, 6955 Phone: work +61 8 9430 6611 Fax: +61 8 9430 6093 IFAP Fremantle Offshore and Maritime Training Centre The dates for the MMO Course 1st to the 3rd February 2011 Please register at the Scanning Ocean Sectors website http://www.scanningoceansectors.org/training-courses/mmo-register/ immediately if you wish to attend the course, the registration has only started today and places are very limited If you also require your BOSIET/TBOSIET or seaworthy medical please book this through IFAP training center (Please note all persons wishing to do the BOSIET course need to have a medical first) We look forward to seeing you on this course in Perth, Fremantle Scanning Ocean Sectors ? Is a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee ? JNCC, recognised course for industry and research. This course will cover all aspects of data recording for Australian waters and legislation from the EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 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 facilitating. Our training is to ensure INDUSTRY gets the MMOs they require, that they are PROFESSIONALLY trained, Efficient and EFFECTIVE in the job, and are prepared for all necessary actions. Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the *quality standard * of the MMO industry is gaining. -- Yvonne Miles *Managing Director* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* yvonne at scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org www.marinemammaljobs.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ryhnsnmz at yahoo.com Fri Nov 26 07:38:32 2010 From: ryhnsnmz at yahoo.com (Reyhan Sonmez) Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2010 07:38:32 -0800 (PST) Subject: [MARMAM] request: white harbor porpoise record Message-ID: <647512.5439.qm@web31403.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. I am working on anomalously white harbour porpoises, and would be interested in hearing if anyone has?published or unpublished records?of white harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)??? Records i am already aware; 10 August 1911, Scotland, cited McIntosh (1912) and?Prince (1913) 18 April 1928, Black Sea, cited Kleinenberg (1936) July 1929, Skagerrak (North Sea), cited Peters (1929) and?Flower (1929) Thank you ? Reyhan Sonmez M.Sc Student Dokuz Eylul University, Institute?of Marine Sciences And Technology -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From janiger at cox.net Fri Nov 26 22:18:35 2010 From: janiger at cox.net (David S. Janiger) Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2010 22:18:35 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] New Articles Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.20101126221835.0205bff0@pop.west.cox.net> Hi, All Here's the latest posting of new PDF's that are available. File sizes have been included. Abstracts also available on request. Make all requests to: janiger at cox.net 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 cox.net djaniger at nhm.org Janiger Journals AFSAL, V. V.; P. P. MANOJKUMAR; K. S. S. M. YOUSUF; B. ANOOP and E. VIVEKANANDAN. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 2: e133. 3pp. 2009. The first sighting of Longman's beaked whale, Indopacetus pacificus in the southern Bay of Bengal. 0.188 MB AMARAL, RODRIGO S.; VERA M. F. DA SILVA and FERNANDO C. W. ROSAS. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 3: e105. 4pp. 2010. Body weight/length relationship and mass estimation using morphometric measurements in Amazonian manatees Trichechus inunguis (Mammalia: Sirenia). 0.133 MB APPELBEE, A. J.; R. C. A. THOMPSON; L. M. MEASURES and M. E. OLSON. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY 173(1-2):19-23. 2010. Giardia and Cryptosporidium in harp and hooded seals from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. 0.279 MB ARAGON-NORIEGA, E. A.; G. RODRIGUEZ-QUIROZ*; M. A. CISNEROS-MATA and A. ORTEGA-RUBIO. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND WORLD ECOLOGY 17(5):410-416. 2010. Managing a protected marine area for the conservation of critically endangered vaquita (Phocoena sinus Norris, 1958) in the Upper Gulf of California. 0.726 MB ARAGONES, LEMNUEL V.; MARY ANNE A. ROQUE; MARIEL B. FLORES; RICHARD P. ENCOMIENDA; GAIL E. LAULE; BIANCA G. ESPINOS; FRANCIS E. MANIAGO; GLORIA C. DIAZ; EDWYN B. ALESNA and ROBERT C. BRAUN. AQUATIC MAMMALS 36(3):219-233. 2010. The Philippine marine nammal strandings from 1998 to 2009: Animals in the Philippines in peril? 0.748 MB ARTICO, L. O.; A. BIANCHINI; K. S. GRUBEL; D. S. MONTEIRO; S. C. ESTIMA; L. R. DE OLIVEIRA; S. L. BONATTO and L. F. MARINS. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH 43(9):816-820. 2010. Mitochondrial control region haplotypes of the South American sea lion Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800). 0.468 MB ATTARD, CATHERINE R. M.; LUCIANO B. BEHEREGARAY; CURT JENNER; PETER GILL; MICHELINE JENNER; MARGARET MORRICE; JOHN BANNISTER; RICK LEDUC and LUCIANA MOLLER. CONSERVATION GENETICS 11(6):2437-2441. 2010. Genetic diversity and structure of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in Australian feeding aggregations. 0.258 MB AU, WHITLOW W. L.; JOHN K. HORNE and CHRISTOPHER JONES. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(4):2225-2232. 2010. Basis of acoustic discrimination of chinook salmon from other salmons by echolocating Orcinus orca. 0.792 MB AU, WHITLOW W. L.; DORIAN S. HOUSER; JAMES J. FINNERAN; WU-JUNG LEE; LOIS A. TALMADGE and PATRICK W. MOORE. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(3):1426-1434. 2010. The acoustic field on the forehead of echolocating Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). 0.886 MB BAILEY, HELEN and PAUL THOMPSON. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 418:223-233. 2010. Effect of oceanographic features on fine-scale foraging movements of bottlenose dolphins. 0.488 MB BARGU, SIBEL; MARY SILVER; TRACEY GOLDSTEIN; KATHRYN ROBERTS and FRANCES GULLAND. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 418:213-222. 2010. Complexity of domoic acid-related sea lion strandings in Monterey Bay, California: Foraging patterns, climate events, and toxic blooms. 0.564 MB BAUMANN-PICKERING, SIMONE; SEAN M. WIGGINS; JOHN A. HILDEBRAND; MARIE A. ROCH and HANS-ULRICH SCHNITZLER. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(4):2212-2224. 2010. Discriminating features of echolocation clicks of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Gray's spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris longirostris). 0.394 MB BEATTY, BRIAN L. and JONATHAN GEISLER. NEUES JAHRBUCH FUR GEOLOGIE UND PALAONTOLOGIE-ABHANDLUNGEN 258(2):185-194. 2010. A stratigraphically precise record of Protosiren (Protosirenidae, Sirenia) from North America. 0.149 MB BELLIDO, J. J.; J. CABOT; J. J. CASTILLO; J. C. BAEZ; J. J. MARTIN; J. L. MONS; J. LARIOS; J. RUBIA and R. REAL. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 2: e169. 2pp. 2009. First record of the harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) extralimital presence in the Mediterranean Sea. 0.265 MB BEZERRA RIBEIRO, FELIPE; VITOR LUZ CARVALHO; CLAUDIA MARIA LEAL BEVILAQUA and LUIS ERNESTO ARRUDA BEZERRA. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 3: e8. 5pp. 2010. First record of Xenobalanus globicipitis (Cirripedia: Coronulidae) on Stenella coeruleoalba (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in the oligotrophic waters of north-eastern Brazil. 0.216 MB BODKIN, JAMES L. and BRENDA E. BALLACHEY. U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS REPORT 2010-5096. iv + 12pp. 2010. Modeling the effects of mortality on sea otter populations. 2.257 MB BRITO, CRISTINA and NINA VIEIRA. JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM 90(8):1583-1588. 2010. Using historical accounts to assess the occurrence and distribution of small cetaceans in a poorly known area. 0.287 MB BROWN, JUDITH C.; PARIS SMARAGDIS and ANNA NOUSEK-MCGREGOR. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(3):EL93-EL98. 2010. Express letters Automatic identification of individual killer whales. 0.675 MB CABALLERO, S. and C. S. BAKER. ZOO BIOLOGY 29(5):647-657. 2010. Captive-born intergeneric hybrid of a Guiana and bottlenose dolphin: Sotalia guianensis x Tursiops truncatus. 0.271 MB CARRILLO, MANUEL; CLAUDIA PEREZ-VALLAZZA and ROSANA ALVAREZ-VAZQUEZ. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 3: e97. 9pp. 2010. Cetacean diversity and distribution off Tenerife (Canary Islands). 0.399 MB CASTRILLON, J.; E. GOMEZ-CAMPOS; A. AGUILAR; L. BERDIE and A. BORRELL. CHEMOSPHERE 81(4):459-463. 2010. PCB and DDT levels do not appear to have enhanced the mortality of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the 2007 Mediterranean epizootic. 0.462 MB CHEN, CHUNG-LING. MARINE POLICY 35(1):10-17. 2010. >From catching to watching: Moving towards quality assurance of whale/dolphin watching tourism in Taiwan. 0.163 MB CLARK, JOSEPHINE; SARAH J. DOLMAN and ERICH HOYT. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) Publication. 173pp. 2010. Towards marine protected areas for cetaceans in Scotland, England and Wales: A scientific review identifying critical habitat with key recommendations. 6.842 MB DAHLHEIM, MARILYN E. and PAULA A. WHITE. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 16(3):308-322. 2010. Ecological aspects of transient killer whales Orcinus orca as predators in southeastern Alaska. 2.055 MB FERNANDEZ-CONTRERAS, M. M.; L. CARDONA; C. H. LOCKYER and A. AGUILAR. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 67(8):1732-1738. 2010. Incidental bycatch of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) by pairtrawlers off northwestern Spain. 0.351 MB FINNERAN, JAMES J.; DORIAN S. HOUSER; PATRICK W. MOORE; BRIAN K. BRANSTETTER; JENNIFER S. TRICKEY and SAM H. RIDGWAY. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(3):1483-1489. 2010. A method to enable a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) to echolocate while out of water. 0.414 MB GALOV, ANA; GORDAN LAUC; NELA NIKOLIC; ZLATKO SATOVIC; TOMISLAV GOMERCIC; MARTINA DURAS GOMERCIC; IVNA KOCIJAN; BRANKA SEOL and HRVOJE GOMERCIC. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 2: e98. 5pp. 2009. Records and genetic diversity of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. 0.122 MB GUILHERME-SILVEIRA, F. R. and F. J. L. SILVA. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 2: e122. 5pp. 2009. Diurnal and tidal pattern influencing the behaviour of Sotalia guianensis on the north-eastern coast of Brazil. 0.150 MB HAZEVOET, CORNELIS J.; VANDA MONTEIRO; PEDRO LOPEZ; NURIA VARO; GERGELY TORDA; SIMON BERROW and BARBARA GRAVANITA. ZOOLOGIA CABOVERDIANA 1(2):75-99. 2010. Recent data on whales and dolphins (Mammalia: Cetacea) from the Cape Verde Islands, including records of four taxa new to the archipelago. 1.013 MB HERZING, DENISE L. ACTA ASTRONAUTICA 67(11-12):1451-1454. 2010. SETI meets a social intelligence: Dolphins as a model for real-time interaction and communication with a sentient species. 0.116 MB HINCH, PATRICIA R. and ELIZABETH M. DE SANTO. MARINE POLICY 35(2):163-180. 2010. Factors to consider in evaluating the management and conservation effectiveness of a whale sanctuary to protect and conserve the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). 0.794 MB HINDLE, ALLYSON G.; DAVID A. S. ROSEN and ANDREW W. TRITES. AQUATIC BIOLOGY 10(2):139-148. 2010. Swimming depth and ocean currents affect transit costs in Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus. 0.314 MB HINDLE, ALLYSON G.; BETH L. YOUNG; DAVID A. S. ROSEN; MARTIN HAULENA and ANDREW W. TRITES. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY 394(1-2):141-148. 2010. Dive response differs between shallow- and deep-diving Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). 0.564 MB HO, SIMON Y. W. and ROBERT LANFEAR. MITOCHONDRIAL DNA 21(3-4):138-146. 2010. Improved characterisation of among-lineage rate variation in cetacean mitogenomes using codon-partitioned relaxed clocks. 0.201 MB HOLOBINKO, ANASTASIA and GEORGE H. WARING. ZOO BIOLOGY 29(5):567-585. 2010. Conflict and reconciliation behavior trends of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). 0.143 MB HOUSER, DORIAN S.; PATRICK W. MOORE; SHAWN JOHNSON; BETSY LUTMERDING; BRIAN BRANSTETTER; SAM H. RIDGWAY; JENNIFER TRICKEY; JAMES J. FINNERAN; ERIC JENSEN and CARL HOH. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(3):1460-1466. 2010. Relationship of blood flow and metabolism to acoustic processing centers of the dolphin brain. 0.978 MB HUNTER, CHRISTINE M.; HAL CASWELL; MICHAEL C. RUNGE; ERIC V. REGEHR; STEVE C. AMSTRUP and IAN STRILING. ECOLOGY 91(10):2883-2897. 2010. Climate change threatens polar bear populations: A stochastic demographic analysis. 1.904 MB INIGUEZ, MIGUEL; JUAN F. MASELLO; CESAR GRIBAUDO; DEBORA ARCUCCI; FLORENCIA KROHLING and JIMENA BELGRANO. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 3: e68. 6pp. 2010. On the occurrence of sei whales, Balaenoptera borealis, in the south-western Atlantic. 0.149 MB JASPERS, VEERLE L. B.; RUNE DIETZ; CHRISTIAN SONNE; ROBERT J. LETCHER; MARCEL EENS; HUGO NEELS; ERIK W. BORN and ADRIAN COVACI. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 408(22):5613-5618. 2010. A screening of persistent organohalogenated contaminants in hair of East Greenland polar bears. 0.501 MB JOHANSEN, CARINA E.; CHRISTIAN LYDERSEN; PAUL E. ASPHOLM; TORE HAUG and KIT M. KOVACS. JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 96(5):946-953. 2010. Helminth parasites in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from Svalbard, Norway with special emphasis on nematodes: Variation with age, sex, diet, and location of host. 0.582 MB KIMURA, SATOKO; TOMONARI AKAMATSU; SONGHAI LI; SHOUYUE DONG; LIJUN DONG; KEXIONG WANG; DING WANG and NOBUAKI ARAI. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(3):1435-1445. 2010. Density estimation of Yangtze finless porpoises using passive acoustic sensors and automated click train detection. 0.488 MB KIRKEGAARD, MAJA; CHRISTIAN SONNE; RUNE DIETZ; ROBERT J. LETCHER; ASGER L. JENSEN; SIGNE STIGE HANSEN; BJORN MUNRO JENSSEN and PHILIPPE GRANDJEAN. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 74(1):157-163. 2010. Alterations in thyroid hormone status in Greenland sledge dogs exposed to whale blubber contaminated with organohalogen compounds. 0.478 MB KLOEPPER, LAURA N.; PAUL E. NACHTIGALL and MARLEE BREESE. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(4):2233-2237. 2010. Change in echolocation signals with hearing loss in a false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens). 0.274 MB KLOEPPER, L. N.; P. E. NACHTIGALL; R. GISINER and M. BREESE. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 213(21):3717-3722. 2010. Decreased echolocation performance following high-frequency hearing loss in the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens). 0.271 MB KRAJEWSKI, JOAO PAULO and IVAN SAZIMA. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 3: e81. 3pp. 2010. Fish feed on faeces and vomits of New Zealand fur seals: Marine mammals bring nutrients from open to inshore waters. 0.129 MB LAVERY, TRISH J.; BEN ROUDNEW; PETER GILL; JUSTIN SEYMOUR; LAURENT SEURONT; GENEVIEVE JOHNSON; JAMES G. MITCHELL and VICTOR SMETACEK. PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 277(1699):3527-3531. 2010. Iron defecation by sperm whales stimulates carbon export in the Southern Ocean. 0.280 MB LEUNG, ELAINE S.; VALERIA VERGARA and LANCE G. BARRETT-LENNARD. ZOO BIOLOGY 29(5):633-637. 2010. Allonursing in captive belugas (Delphinapterus leucas). 0.090 MB LI, SONGHAI; TOMONARI AKAMATSU; LIJUN DONG; KEXIONG WANG; DING WANG and SATOKO KIMURA. JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 128(3):1476-1482. 2010. Widespread passive acoustic detection of Yangtze finless porpoise using miniature stereo acoustic data-loggers: A review. 0.452 MB LUNDSTEN, LONNY; KYRA L. SCHLINING; KAITLIN FRASIER; SHANNON B. JOHNSON; LINDA A. KUHNZ; JULIO B. J. HARVEY; GILLIAN CLAGUE and ROBERT C. VRIJENHOEK. DEEP SEA RESEARCH PART I: OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS 57(12):1573-1584. 2010. Time-series analysis of six whale-fall communities in Monterey Canyon, California, USA. 2.577 MB MAY-COLLADO, LAURA J. ETHOLOGY 116(11):1065-1074. 2010. Changes in whistle structure of two dolphin species during interspecific associations. 0.455 MB MCKINNEY, MELISSA A.; IAN STIRLING; NICK J. LUNN; ELIZABETH PEACOCK and ROBERT J. LETCHER. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 408(24):6210-6222. 2010. The role of diet on long-term concentration and pattern trends of brominated and chlorinated contaminants in western Hudson Bay polar bears, 1991-2007. 0.783 MB MIYAJI, KAZUKI; KENJI NAGAO; MAKOTO BANNAI; HIROSHI ASAKAWA; KAORU KOHYAMA; DAI OHTSU; FUMIO TERASAWA; SHU ITO; HAJIME IWAO; NOBUYO OHTANI and MITSUAKI OHTA. PLOS ONE 5(9) e13808. 8pp. 2010. Characteristic metabolism of free amino acids in cetacean plasma: Cluster analysis and comparison with mice. 0.614 MB MONTIE, ERIC W.; ELIZABETH WHEELER; NICOLA PUSSINI; THOMAS W. K. BATTEY; JEROME BARAKOS; SOPHIE DENNISON; KATHLEEN and FRANCES GULLAND. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 91(3):243-256. 2010. Magnetic resonance imaging quality and volumes of brain structures from live and postmortem imaging of California sea lions with clinical signs of domoic acid toxicosis. 1.295 MB MORISSETTE, LYNE; KRISTIN KASCHNER and LEAH R. GERBER. FISH AND FISHERIES 11(4):388-404. 2010. 'Whales eat fish'? Demystifying the myth in the Caribbean marine ecosystem. 0.617 MB OSINGA, NYNKE; PIETER 'T HART and PIETER C. VAN VOORST VADER. ANIMAL BIOLOGY 60(3):273-281. 2010. Albinistic common seals (Phoca vitulina) and melanistic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) rehabilitated in the Netherlands. 0.588 MB PATRICIAN, MELISSA R. and ROBERT D. KENNEY. JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH 32(12):1685-1695. 2010. Using the continuous plankton recorder to investigate the absence of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) from the Roseway Basin foraging groung. 0.559 MB PIMPER, LIDA E.; SCOTT BAKER; R. NATALIE P. GOODALL; CARLOS OLAVARRIA and MARIA I. REMIS. CONSERVATION GENETICS 11(6):2157-2168. 2010. Mitochondrial DNA variation and population structure of Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) in their southernmost distribution. 0.388 MB POTVIN, J.; J. A. GOLDBOGEN and R. E. SHADWICK. JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY 267(3):437-453. 2010. Scaling of lunge feeding in rorqual whales: An integrated model of engulfment duration. 1.275 MB PTITSYN, ANDREY; AMBER SCHLATER and SHANE KANATOUS. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 4(133): 11pp. 2010. Transformation of metabolism with age and lifestyle in Antarctic seals: A case study of systems biology approach to cross-species microarray experiment. 0.612 MB QUEROUIL, SOPHIE; LUIS FREITAS; IRMA CASCAO; FILIPE ALVES; ANA DINIS; JOANA R. ALMEIDA; RUI PRIETO; SILVIA BORRAS; JOSE A. MATOS; DIOGO MENDONCA and RICARDO S. SANTOS. MARINE BIOLOGY (BERLIN) 157(11):2567-2580. 2010. Molecular insight into the population structure of common and spotted dolphins inhabiting the pelagic waters of the Northeast Atlantic. 0.626 MB REEB, DESRAY; PETER B. BEST; ALFRED BOTHA; KAREN J. CLOETE; MEREDITH THORNTON and MARNEL MOUTON. MYCOLOGY 1(3):155-162. 2010. Fungi associated with the skin of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) from South Africa. 0.625 MB RICCIALDELLI, LUCIANA; SETH D. NEWSOME; MARILYN L. FOGEL and R. NATALIE P. GOODALL. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES 418:235-248. 2010. Isotopic assessment of prey and habitat preferences of a cetacean community in the southwestern South Atlantic Ocean. 0.675 MB ROBINSON, P. W.; S. E. SIMMONS; D. E. CROCKER and D. P. COSTA. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY 79(6):1146-1156. 2010. Measurements of foraging success in a highly pelagic marine predator, the northern elephant seal. 0.649 MB ROMAN, JOE and JAMES J. MCCARTHY. PLOS ONE 5(10) e13255. 8pp. 2010. The whale pump: Marine mammals enhance primary productivity in a coastal basin. 0.830 MB RYU, JU-SUN; KUEM HEE JANG; EUN HWA CHOI; SANG KI KIM; SHI HYUN RYU; YOUNG-JUN KIM; HANG LEE and UI WOOK HWANG. MITOCHONDRIAL DNA 21(2):54-56. 2010. Complete mitochondrial genome of a Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus (Carnivora, Otariidae). 0.063 MB SHISHIDO, REIKO; KAZUE OHISHI; RINTARO SUZUKI; KIYOTAKA TAKISHITA; DAI OHTSU; KENJI OKUTSU; KOJI TOKUTAKE; ETSUKO KATSUMATA; TAKEHARU BANDO; YOSHIHIRO FUJISE; TSUKASA MURAYAMA and TADASHI MARUYAMA. COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 33(6):E89-E98. 2010. Cetacean toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 2, and possible cetacean-specific responses against gram-negative bacteria. 1.484 MB SPITZ, JEROME; EMELINE MOUROCQ; JEAN-PIERRE LEAUTE; JEAN-CLAUDE QUERO and VINCENT RIDOUX. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY 390(2):73-77. 2010. Prey selection by the common dolphin: Fulfilling high energy requirements with high quality food. 0.208 MB SPITZ, J.; E. MOUROCQ; V. SCHOEN and V. RIDOUX. ICES (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEAS) JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE 67(5):909-915. 2010. Proximate composition and energy content of forage species from the Bay of Biscay: high- or low-quality food? 0.294 MB STANILAND, I. J.; N. GALES; N. L. WARREN; S. L. ROBINSON; S. D. GOLDSWORTHY and R. M. CASPER. MARINE BIOLOGY (BERLIN) 157(11):2383-2396. 2010. Geographical variation in the behaviour of a central place forager: Antarctic fur seals foraging in contrasting environments. 0.624 MB TERASAWA, FUMIO; HIROSHI OHIZUMI and ISAO OHSHITA. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE 72(9):1221-1224. 2010. Effect of breath-hold on blood gas analysis in captive Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). 0.587 MB TZIKA, ATHANASIA C.; EVA D'AMICO; JOANNA ALFARO-SHIGUETO; JEFFREY C. MANGEL; KOEN VAN WAEREBEEK and MICHEL C. MILINKOVITCH. CONSERVATION GENETICS 11(6):2207-2218. 2010. Molecular identification of small cetacean samples from Peruvian fish markets. 1.027 MB VIANNA, JULIANA A.; PAULA AYERDI; GONZALO MEDINA-VOGEL; JEFFREY C. MANGEL; HORACIO ZEBALLOS; MANUEL APAZA and SYLVAIN FAUGERON. JOURNAL OF HEREDITY 101(6):676-689. 2010 Phylogeography of the marine otter (Lontra felina): Historical and contemporary factors determining its distribution. 0.683 MB WALL, DAVE; IVAN O'KELLY; PADRAIG WHOOLEY and PETER TYNDALL. MARINE BIODIVERSITY RECORDS 2: e128. 4pp. 2009. New records of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) with evidence of possible feeding behaviour from the continental shelf slopes to the west of Ireland. 0.265 MB WEIJS, LIESBETH; CORNELIS VAN ELK; KRISHNA DAS; RONNY BLUST and ADRIAN COVACI. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 409(1):228-237. 2010. Persistent organic pollutants and methoxylated PBDEs in harbour porpoises from the North Sea from 1990 until 2008: Young wildlife at risk? 1.407 MB WETZEL, DANA L.; JOHN E. REYNOLD III; JAY M. SPRINKEL; LORI SCHWACKE; PHILIP MERCURIO and SENTIEL A. ROMMEL. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 408(24):6124-6133. 2010. Fatty acid profiles as a potential lipidomic biomarker of exposure to brevetoxin for endangered Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). 0.482 MB WIESEL, INGRID. ACTA ETHOLOGICA 13(2):93-100. 2010. Killing of Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) pups by brown hyenas (Parahyaena brunnea) at mainland breeding colonies along the coastal Namib Desert. 0.208 MB WISZNIEWSKI, JOANNA; DAVID LUSSEAU and LUCIANA M. MOELLER. ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 80(5):895-904. 2010. Female bisexual kinship ties maintain social cohesion in a dolphin network. 0.360 MB WU, HAI-PING; YU-JIANG HAO; XUE-YING YU; YI-JIE XIAN; QING-ZHONG ZHAO; DAO-QUAN CHEN; XIN-AN KUANG; ZHANG-BIN KOU; KANG-KANG FENG; WEI-MING GONG and DING WANG. THERIOGENOLOGY 74(8):1467-1475. 2010. Variation in sexual behaviors in a group of captive male Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis): Motivated by physiological changes? 1.016 MB YANG LIU; STEPHEN J. ROSSITER; XIUQUN HAN; JAMES A. COTTON and SHUYI ZHANG. CURRENT BIOLOGY 20(20):1834-1839. 2010. Cetaceans on a molecular fast track to ultrasonic hearing. 0.345 MB YOGUI, G. T.; M. C. O. SANTOS; C. P. BERTOZZI and R. C. MONTONE. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 60(10):1862-1867. 2010. Levels of persistent organic pollutants and residual pattern of DDTs in small cetaceans from the coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil. 0.473 MB From marijke.deboer at yahoo.co.uk Sat Nov 27 01:16:11 2010 From: marijke.deboer at yahoo.co.uk (Marijke de Boer) Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2010 09:16:11 +0000 (GMT) Subject: [MARMAM] New Article: Cetaceans in offshore Gabonese waters, West Africa Message-ID: <18406.61180.qm@web29506.mail.ird.yahoo.com> Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the following paper recently published in ?the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom ? Cetacean distribution and relative abundance in offshore Gabonese waters. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 90, pp 1613-1621 doi:10.1017/S0025315410001165 Marijke N. de Boer (2010). Abstract Information on cetaceans off Gabon in tropical West Africa is summarized from boat-based surveys carried out between 7 March and 7 August 2009. Thirteen cetacean species were positively identified comprising two baleen whale species, one sperm whale species and ten species of delphinid. Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) and humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) were the most frequently encountered species. Cetaceans were found throughout a range of sea surface temperature between 20.5?C and 27.5?C and a wide range of depths with the majority of effort and sightings occurring seaward of the shelf break. Of particular interest from the study were the following: (1) Gabonese waters have a broad cetacean diversity, especially with a large and diversified delphinid community in the northern part of the study area; (2) the variations in oceanographic conditions within Gabonese waters are likely to result in a temporal variation in species composition; (3) the sightings of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) are the first at-sea sightings confirmed for these waters, although not unexpected given their distribution and abundant presence in surrounding waters; and (4) the poorly known Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene) was sighted on four occasions in deep oceanic waters and was the most abundant cetacean. These are the first confirmed records of Clymene dolphins in Gabonese waters. This article is now available online at: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayIssue?jid=MBI&volumeId=90&seriesId=0&issueId=08 Thank you to all that helped me with information and the writing of this article! Marijke de Boer, Ph.D candidate Marijke.deboer at wur.nl Wageningen IMARES, Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies, Postbus 167, 1790 AD Den Burg, The Netherlands -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From zoelucas at greenhorsesociety.com Sat Nov 27 04:37:25 2010 From: zoelucas at greenhorsesociety.com (Zoe Lucas) Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2010 08:37:25 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Recent publication regarding shark predation on seals at Sable Island, Nova Scotia Message-ID: <1f9801cb8e2f$da6832a0$0a16ba89@D2VXK1C1> Lucas, Z.N. & Natanson, L.J. 2010. Two shark species involved in predation on seals at Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science 45(2):64-88. Summary: Between 1993 and 2001, 4906 seal corpses bearing wounds likely inflicted by sharks were examined on Sable Island, Canada. Five seal species were involved: grey Halichoerus grypus, harp Pagophilus groenlandica, harbour Phoca vitulina, hooded Cystophora cristata, and ringed Phoca hispida seals. Flesh wounds on seal corpses indicated that two or more shark species prey on seals in waters around Sable Island. Wounds were categorized as either slash or corkscrew, with different predators identified for each type. Wound patterns, tooth fragments, and marks on bones indicated that white sharks Carcharodon carcharias were involved in the slash wounds, which comprised a small proportion of attacks. Ninety-eight percent of seal corpses, however, bore the corkscrew wounds that could not be attributed to shark species identified in attacks on pinnipeds in other regions and these wounds are previously unreported in the literature. Circumstantial evidence indicates that attacks by Greenland sharks Somniosus microcephalus were responsible for the clean-edged encircling corkscrew wounds seen on seal corpses washed ashore on Sable Island. Sent by Zoe Lucas zoelucas at greenhorsesociety.com From gem_v34 at hotmail.com Mon Nov 29 04:01:48 2010 From: gem_v34 at hotmail.com (Gemma Veneruso) Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:01:48 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Positions available with Sea Watch Foundation in Cardigan Bay 2011 Message-ID: The Sea Watch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for various positions as part of the ?Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project? in 2011. This project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. RESEARCH ASSISTANT/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the ?Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project? and coordinating the project volunteers. Start Date: April 11th 2011 End Date: October 17th 2011 Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Coordinate between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and the project volunteers ? in charge of the volunteer house and the volunteer weekly office rota. Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in volunteer basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, Database entry and more. Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all phases of the research. Undertaking a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer ? research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicants? interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or more) in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and boating experience are beneficial.The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in Access and/or GIS would be advantageous. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other researchers but also be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating at least 6 volunteers. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. This post brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication.This position is unpaid but accommodation expenses will be covered. MARINE RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS: The volunteers will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: ? Land-based surveys ? Boat-based surveys ? Photo-identification studies ? Database entry ? Awareness raising ? Education initiatives ? Acoustic monitoring ? Assist with and participate in training courses and public talks Important skills/qualifications Essential: ? an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner ? strong commitment to volunteering work ? willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather ? good IT skills (Office package) ? an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: ? a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar ? a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans ? prior experience in boat-based survey work ? good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking ? experience in interacting with the public All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. EDUCATION & AWARENESS ASSISTANT The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties: ? Participate in presentations and create activities to take to local schools ? Write news reports and articles ? Pilot a blog and manage it throughout the season as part of our ?Adopt a Dolphin? campaign ? Promote Sea Watch campaigns ? Assist in the organisation and participation of annual event, National Whale and Dolphin Watch ? Come up with new educational initiatives ? Talk to the public about the marine environment and conservation of cetaceans ? Assist in the organisation of training courses The assistant will also have the opportunity to be involved in the research, helping the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer, and will be expected to take part in the following tasks in the field: ? Land-based surveys ? Boat-based surveys There may also be the opportunity to help with some other office based duties if any are of particular interest such as: ? Photo-identification studies ? Database entry ? Acoustic monitoring ? Behavioural studies Important skills/qualificationsEssential:? a strong interest in marine conservation and education? confidence to interact with the public? good verbal and writing skills? must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position? strong commitment to volunteering work? an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner? an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable:? a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar ? a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans ? good IT skills (Office package)? prior experience in public speaking? prior experience in boat-based survey work ? willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather Research volunteers and the education/awareness assistant will be required from April until October 2011, for 4 separate periods of 6 weeks each. Preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole 6-months field season. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of around ?55/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Volunteering periods for summer 2011: Period 1 25/04 ? 5/06, Period 2 6/06 ? 17/07, Period 3 18/07 ? 28/08, Period 4 29/08 ? 9/10 To apply: Please send your CV, a cover letter and contact details of two references reporting any relevant experience you have. For Research Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator and Research Volunteer applications please send to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold at seawatchfoundation.org.uk). Applications for the Education & Awareness Assistant should be sent to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso at seawatchfoundation.org.uk). Deadlines: 31st of January 2011. Please specify the name of the position into your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2011. THE SEAWATCH FOUNDATION The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. Sea Watch is internationally recognised for its work and regularly produces reports for a number of bodies worldwide. Visit http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk to see our achievements, publications and lots more. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones. Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From elliott.hazen at duke.edu Mon Nov 29 09:08:46 2010 From: elliott.hazen at duke.edu (Elliott L. Hazen) Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:08:46 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Tagging through the stages References: Message-ID: Dear All, Please find a link below to a flyer for the Biologging IV Symposium workshop: 'Tagging Through The Stages: Technical and Ecological Challenges in Observing Life Histories through Biologging,' scheduled for March 16, 2011 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Wrest Conference Center in Hobart, Tasmania. The use of electronic bio-logging has revolutionized our understanding of animal movements. However, the life histories of marine species have been poorly studied, particularly juvenile stages. This workshop aims to expand the use of bio-logging, through a combination of expertise from tagging scientists and designers, to determine how the use of bio-logging can be expanded to very young life stages. Broad scale environmental change (such as climate change) is likely to impact all life stages of a species and it is therefore important that we gain a better understanding of juvenile movements and behavior, and how this may impact their dispersal and adaptability as adults. The workshop intends to to assemble a group of early career and established international scientists and tag manufacturers to discuss tag designs and attachment methods that could be used to observe juvenile life stages, whilst minimizing the impacts on the animals. We will also determine the complimentary techniques that need to be developed and integrated within an interdisciplinary framework to scale up bio-logging findings. Attendance at this workshop is free, but space is limited. If you would like to attend, please e-mail George Shillinger (georges at stanford.edu) or Helen Bailey (hbailey at cbl.umces.edu). If you would like to give a presentation at this workshop, please e-mail a title and abstract (limit 250 words) that summarizes the work you are planning to present. Please also state if you are interested in contributing a manuscript to the MEPS special theme section and plan to bring a manuscript to the workshop. Travel grants are available for student and young scientists. More information is available at the Biologging website: http://www.cmar.csiro.au/biologging4/workshops.htm. Please note that the workshop application deadline has been extended from 15 December 2010 to 15 Jan 2011. Thank you for your interest and consideration. Sincerely, George Shillinger, Helen Bailey, and Elliott Hazen http://www.duke.edu/~eh23/TTTS.pdf -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sep20 at psu.edu Mon Nov 29 09:05:36 2010 From: sep20 at psu.edu (Susan Parks) Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:05:36 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Bioacoustics Course for Spring 2011 Message-ID: <028f01cb8fe7$a47fb000$ed7f1000$@edu> We are pleased to announce a graduate-level course in Marine Bioacoustics offered by the Penn State Graduate Program in Acoustics Distance Education Program for the spring 2011 semester. The course is accessible over the Internet via streaming video (see http://www.acs.psu.edu/DistanceEducation/default.aspx for a description of the Distance education program): Instructors: Dr. S. E. Parks & Dr. J. Miksis-Olds This course provides an introduction to the role of acoustics in studying organisms in the marine environment. Topics include introductions to underwater sound propagation, sound producing marine organisms, sound production and reception by marine organisms, effects of noise on marine life, and remote sensing of marine organisms using both passive and active acoustics. Integrated activities and problem-based assignments will provide an interactive learning experience. Required text: Principles of Marine Bioacoustics - Whitlow Au and Mardi C. Hastings For information on the course structure and material, please contact Susan Parks (sep20 at psu.edu) or Jennifer Miksis-Olds (jlm91 at psu.edu). For registration and cost information, please contact Christine Popovich (cxp23 at psu.edu or 814-863-6078). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org Mon Nov 29 11:55:32 2010 From: kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org (Kathleen M. Dudzinski) Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:55:32 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Aquatic Mammals 36.4 no available online Message-ID: <672E93BF-7601-4D2A-BCE3-559628794AC8@dolphincommunicationproject.org> Dear MARMAM subscribers, The following are abstracts from the most recent issue (Volume 36, issue 4, 2010) of Aquatic Mammals. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal's website to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals at gmail.com H. S. Harris, S. C. Oates, M. M. Staedler, M. T. Tinker, D. A. Jessup, J. T. Harvey, & M. A. Miller (2010). Lesions and Behavior Associated with Forced Copulation of Juvenile Pacific Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) by Southern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 331-341 Nineteen occurrences of interspecific sexual behavior between male southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) and juvenile Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) were reported in Monterey Bay, California, between 2000 and 2002. At least three different male sea otters were observed harassing, dragging, guarding, and copulating with harbor seals for up to 7 d postmortem. Carcasses of 15 juvenile harbor seals were recovered, and seven were necropsied in detail by a veterinary pathologist. Necropsy findings from two female sea otters that were recovered dead from male sea otters exhibiting similar behavior are also presented to facilitate a comparison of lesions. The most frequent lesions included superficial skin lacerations; hemorrhage around the nose, eyes, flippers, and perineum; and traumatic corneal erosions or ulcers. The harbor seals sustained severe genital trauma, ranging from vaginal perforation to vagino- cervical transection, and colorectal perforations as a result of penile penetration. One harbor seal developed severe pneumoperitoneum subsequent to vaginal perforation, which was also observed in both female sea otters and has been reported as a postcoital lesion in humans. This study represents the first description of lesions resulting from forced copulation of harbor seals by sea otters and is also the first report of pneumoperitoneum secondary to forced copulation in a nonhuman animal. Possible explanations for this behavior are discussed in the context of sea otter biology and population demographics. S. E. Fire, Z. Wang, M. Berman, G. W. Langlois, S. L. Morton, E. Sekula-Wood, & C. R. Benitez-Nelson (2010). Trophic Transfer of the Harmful Algal Toxin Domoic Acid as a Cause of Death in a Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Stranding in Southern California. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 342-350 Unusually high concentrations of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) were detected in a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) carcass recovered during a severe harmful algal bloom (HAB), which occurred in southern California in April 2007. Cell fragments of the toxigenic diatom Pseudonitzschia australis were observed in whale gastric fluid and feces, corresponding to a dominance of Pseudonitzschia spp. in the phytoplankton com-munity at the time of stranding. A high abundance of otoliths from a prominent DA vector, the northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), were recovered in whale stomach contents, indicating trophic transfer of DA via the food web. Whale feces contained 258 ?g DA per gram sample, exceeding DA concentrations reported for any marine mammal. DA intoxication was identified as the cause of mortality of this animal, expanding on the limited understanding of the impacts of DA-producing HABs on large whales. O. A. Lee, F. Gelwick, & R. W. Davis (2010). Summer Foraging Tactics in Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris): Maintaining Foraging Efficiencies in a Stable Population in Alaska. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 351-364 Foraging specializations in large populations can reduce intraspecific competition for food. When individuals do not specialize on particular prey species, resource partitioning might occur as different search strategies at the sex and age group levels. This study focused on the foraging tactics of sea otters in a stable population in Alaska by testing cost-minimizing, energy-maximizing, and efficiency-maximizing models. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to analyze the boat-based behavioral observations of 119 foraging bouts for adult males and females, females with pups, and juveniles. Observations were conducted during one summer breeding season. A foraging efficiency ratio was calculated using the gain variable?estimated mean energy values from captured prey?and the cost variables?inter-dive distances traveled and dive depths. Foraging efficiency ratios were not significantly different between all adults, including females with pups. Juveniles had significantly lower foraging efficiency ratios related to low mean energy gains and a higher proportion of unsuccessful dives. A cost-minimizing strategy was identified in females with pups that minimized travel costs and obtained low prey energy per dive. Adult males and females without pups used an energy- maximizing strategy of high travel costs and high prey energy gains per dive. The ability of adult females to change foraging strategies with the demands of raising a pup indicate female adult sea otters can have flexible foraging strategies while maintaining high foraging efficiencies. H. Frouin, L. M?nard, L. Measures, P. Brousseau, & M. Fournier (2010). T Lymphocyte-Proliferative Responses of a Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) Exposed to Heavy Metals and PCBs in Vitro. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 365-371 This study investigated in vitro the effects of methylmercury chloride (CH3HgCl), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), cadmium chloride (CdCl2), lead acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2), and PCBs (Aroclor mixtures) on the proliferation of T lymphocytes from the thymus, lymph node, and blood from one female grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) juvenile. After exposure to heavy metals, a dose-response curve was observed with a decrease in proliferation of both T lymphocytes from blood and the lymph node. Exposure to Aroclor mixtures led to a mostly reduced proliferation of thymocytes and T lymphocytes from the lymph node and blood. Lymph node cells seem less sensitive to heavy metals than peripheral blood lymphocytes. Lymph node lymphocytes are more sensitive to PCBs than peripheral blood lymphocytes but less than thymocytes. These results suggest that the sensitivity of T lymphocytes from one grey seal to contaminants may be due to inherent tissue/matrix differences in the sensitivity of these cells to contaminants; however, an individual response cannot be excluded in the present case. That is, samples from a single individual are not extrapolated to the species as a whole in this paper but discussed relative to exposure response by tissues. A. Foley, D. McGrath, S. Berrow, & H. Gerritsen (2010). Social Structure Within the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Population in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 372-381 The Shannon Estuary is home to Ireland?s only known resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and is designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) for this species. Proper conservation management of these dolphins requires an understanding of the social structure of this population. Four years of photo-identification data (2005 to 2009, excluding 2007) were used to construct sociograms that complement a cluster analysis of individually marked dolphins and their associates. The results found little evidence of social stability or group fidelity for this study?s dolphin population. Analysis of dolphins observed in consecutive years showed that the probability of group members encountering an individual dolphin in the second year did not depart from a random model. The social parameters for this resident population seem to be typical for this species. Bottlenose dolphins are found to exhibit a highly fluid, dynamic social structure within which individuals change their composition and associates regularly. These dolphins in the Shannon Estuary appear to live in a fission- fusion based society. Short Notes S. H. Elwen & R. H. Leeney (2010). Injury and Subsequent Healing of a Propeller Strike Injury to a Heaviside?s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii). Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 382-387 Historical Perspectives R. L. Gentry (2010). Marine Mammal Research Then and Now. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 388-399 K. C. Balcomb III (2010). Whales in a Changing World. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 400-408 Book Reviews D. Fertl (2010). The Question of Animal Culture. K. N. Laland & B. G. Galef. Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 409 M. Schotten (2010). The Dusky Dolphin: Master Acrobat Off Different Shores. B. W?rsig & M. W?rsig ........410 Obituary and Tributes William Eugene Evans. (2010). Aquatic Mammals 36(4): 411-419 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From cahudak at hotmail.com Mon Nov 29 06:32:24 2010 From: cahudak at hotmail.com (Christine Hudak) Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:32:24 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Back issues of Marine Mammal Science journal Message-ID: Back issues of Marine Mammal Science are available: 2001 - 2007 Issues are free, but request covering the cost of shiipping. Please respond to: cahudak at hotmail.com Christy Hudak -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dagmar_fertl at hotmail.com Mon Nov 29 16:37:07 2010 From: dagmar_fertl at hotmail.com (Dagmar Fertl) Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:37:07 -0600 Subject: [MARMAM] new pub - cetaceans off Guam and CNMI Message-ID: Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, I am posting information for the senior author per his request and on his behalf as he is currently in the field. This paper is currently available as early view by Pacific Science (open to everyone, not just journal subscribers, I double-checked the link) at: http://pacificscience.wordpress.com/early-view/ Or can be requested from me (please use email address below, since sometimes Hotmail munches emails). Fulling, G.L., P.H. Thorson, and J. Rivers. in press. Distribution and Abundance Estimates for Cetaceans in the Waters off Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Pacific Science. Cetacean distribution and abundance are reported from the first systematic line-transect visual survey in the waters of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The survey was conducted during January?April 2007 following standard line-transect protocols. Trackline coverage (11,033 km) was dominated by high sea states (88.2%); however, 13 cetacean species were recorded. The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was the most frequently encountered whale, followed by Bryde?s and sei whales (Balaenoptera edeni and B. borealis, respectively). The occurrence of the sei whale is unique, since the species had not been confirmed to occur south of 20? N. The pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) was the most frequently sighted delphinid, followed by the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), and false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens). Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were acoustically detected and later seen off of Saipan. Numerous cetacean sightings were associated with steep bathymetric features including the West Mariana Ridge, the Mariana Ridge, and the Mariana Trench. Abundance estimates were based on 80 on-effort sightings for 12 species. Species were pooled into three separate groups for estimating detection probabilities: Balaenoptera spp., blackfish (medium size odontocetes), and small dolphins. A separate detection function was generated for the sperm whale. Precision of the abundance estimates are very low for all species due to low sighting rates and high sea states, however, these abundance estimates serve as the best scientific data available for the area and establish vital baseline information for future research efforts. With regards, Dagmar Fertl dfertl at gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org Tue Nov 30 05:53:56 2010 From: kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org (Kathleen M. Dudzinski) Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:53:56 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Holiday Offer from Aquatic Mammals Message-ID: <51BE37DD-02DC-449B-B65B-03F2B18D903C@dolphincommunicationproject.org> Happy Holidays!! Aquatic Mammals Journal is offering a 2010 Holiday Special on our Historical Perspective Series DVDs Select any 6 Historical Perspective DVDs from the 33 available interviews and two summary DVDs listed online at the Aquatic Mammals Web Site (http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org) under the Historical Perspectives page and pay only $75 US plus $10 shipping in North America; $30 elsewhere. This offer is valid from December 1 to December 31, 2010 only. Your selected six (6) Historical Perspective DVDs will be packaged in one case with a cover featuring your chosen six (6) interviewees. Orders are accepted only in multiples of 6. The Editorial Team at Aquatic Mammals hopes you have a happy and festive December and holiday season. Cheers Kathleen Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal aquaticmammals at gmail.com www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org to submit a manuscript, visit: Manuscript Fast track web site at http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lister at beamreach.org Wed Nov 24 14:28:25 2010 From: lister at beamreach.org (Scott Veirs, Beam Reach) Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 22:28:25 +0000 (GMT) Subject: [MARMAM] Study killer whale conservation in 2011 Message-ID: <4073976.14741.1290637705350.JavaMail.sfdc@na2-app4-2-sjl.ops.sfdc.net> Please forward this under/graduate field research opportunity to your students and friends: Get off-campus for 10 weeks next spring or fall to study endangered killer whales, their ecosystem, and marine conservation. Apply now to conduct your own research with the Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School. Beam Reach is for you if you want to: ? -- study endangered orcas and their ecosystem, from salmon to phytoplankton ? -- use advanced bioacoustic tools in your own project ? -- network with experts in killer whale conservation ? -- learn to sail a biodiesel-electric catamaran ? -- explore the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest ? -- earn 18 credits from the University of Washington Learn more (audio/video/photos) at our web site: http://beamreach.org Or hear all about it from the student blogs! http://beamreach.org/blog We are currently accepting applications for the spring 2011 program (March 28 - June 3) and the fall 2011 program (August 22 ? October 28).? To apply you should have completed your first year of college, be interested in the marine environment, and want to spend 10 weeks off-campus in an intensive field research experience. To start your adventure just complete this simple application form.? Upcoming reviews are December 6 and January 3. Let us know if you have any questions! Dr. Scott Veirs info at beamreach.org Recent publication: Holt, et al. (2009) Killer whales increase their call amplitude in response to vessel noise ______________________________________________________________ Beam Reach | Marine Science and Sustainability School www.beamreach.org | 206.251-5554 7044 17th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115 If you don't want to receive emails from us, please reply with unsubscribe in the subject line and we'll remove you right away. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From murovets at yahoo.com Sat Nov 27 14:23:53 2010 From: murovets at yahoo.com (Vladimir O. Murovets) Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:23:53 +0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Search for the comprehensive whale sounds web library Message-ID: <1364927995.20101128012353@yahoo.com> Dear colleagues, Due to some bioacoustic interests I?ve watched the web for the baleen whales and sperm whales sounds for the long period of time and found only a few of short calls. It seems that these whales are completely passed over unlike the dolphins and orcas. May be you know any comprehensive web library (non-commercial)of baleen whales and sperm whales calls? TIA Vladimir O. Murovets, PhD Pavlov Institute of Physiology of RAS mailto:murovets at yahoo.com From worldbeatone at hotmail.com Wed Nov 24 10:03:20 2010 From: worldbeatone at hotmail.com (worldbeat carlos) Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:03:20 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Request for information on marine mammals in culture. In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Dear MARMAMers, I am developing a study on the role of marine mammals in communitary cultural identity. I would appreciate any specific information or research hints you are able to provide on the use of marine mammals as focal figures of legends, believes and historic episodes, including local traditions and social rituals. Please send information, comments or questions to worldbeatone at hotmail.com . I thank you in advance. Carlos Elejabeitia Canary Islands, Spain. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: