From denupplyste at hotmail.com Wed May 1 10:07:01 2013 From: denupplyste at hotmail.com (Fredrik Christiansen) Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 19:07:01 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] LAST CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR LAND BASED MINKE WHALE TRACKING PROJECT IN ICELAND Message-ID: LAND BASED MINKE WHALE TRACKING IN ICELAND - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED I am looking for two more volunteers to collect land based data on minke whale movement and diving behaviour in Iceland between the end of May (26th) and the end of August (31st) 2013. The project is part of a larger study looking at the effects of whalewatching on Minke whales in Iceland and the land based data constitutes the control (or natural) behaviour data of this project. A land based station, a 27m high lighthouse, will be used as a platform from which Minke whale movement and diving behaviour will be collected in the absence of tourist boats, by using a theodolite and computer. FIELD WORK DESCRIPTION Continuous focal follows of individual Minke whales will be conducted from land. One person will use a theodolite to measure the position of the Minke whale every time it surfaces, as well as the orientation of the animal and any conspicuous surface behaviours (e.g. feeding). A second person with binoculars will assist the theodolite tracker and make sure that no surfacing is missed or that no other Minke whales enter the study area which might confuse the theodolite tracker. A third person will enter all the data into a computer in real time, together with environmental data etc. Volunteers will rotate between these positions, but if a person is really skilled with theodolite tracking they might be given priority for tracking when weather conditions are particularly favourable. The work schedule for the lighthouse will be between 06:00 and 18:00 (depending on the weather) and volunteers will rotate on a two hours basis, rotating between theodolite tracking, binocular tracking, computer entry and being off duty. Tourist will regularly come up to the lighthouse and ask what you are working with, during which time you have to be polite and informative. The major of Gar?ur is keen on advertising our work to locals and tourists, and you should assist him with this task as much as possible. As in any cetacean work, there will be days when work will be very intense due to favourable weather conditions, when you will be expected to work up to 10h in the field. Other days will have bad weather and no work, or half a day?s work or less, so you have to be flexible and work according to the weather. When you are not working in the field there will be data entry work to do, as well as everyday equipment cleaning work etc. You also need to help out with everyday tasks of cooking, cleaning etc. LOCATION The lighthouse and accommodation is located in Gar?ur, about 30km west of Reykjavik, north of Keflavik, and overlooks the southern part of Faxafl?i Bay. It?s a small town consisting of about 1400 people and facilities are limited. There is a supermarket, swimming hall and a cafe. A few times per day there is a free shuttle bus between Gar?ur and Keflavik, which is a slightly bigger city (8000 people). Accommodation will consist of a shared house in Gar?ur with bathroom and kitchen, provided by the municipality of Gar?ur. Volunteers need to live and cook together. The house will most likely have internet connection. COSTS Regarding costs, unfortunately this is an unpaid volunteer position and you would have to cover your own travel expenses to and from Iceland, your travel insurance (required!), as well as your food expenses during the project. Accommodation will be provided for free by the project. QUALIFICATION As theodolite tracking of Minke whales is difficult and takes a long time to learn, priority will be given to people with PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THEODOLITE TRACKING. If you have this sort of experience, please specify in your application when and where you worked with this, what species you were studying and what sort of data you collected (did you collect positional data for every surfacing or just one fix per surfacing bout?). How many hours of theodolite tracking (actively working with the theodolite) do you have roughly? As the feasibility of this project is relying strongly on assistants, the successful candidate will need to be able to STAY FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE PROJECT. A departure in the middle of the project would be very difficult to accommodate for, and therefore I wish you to really consider your availability for this summer before you decide to apply for this position. Apart from setting up the project for the first week, I will personally not be stationed in Gar?ur or Iceland this summer due to other commitments. For this reason, the successful candidates would have to be GOOD AT WORKING INDEPENDENTLY and taking their own initiatives. My Icelandic supervisor will be available in Iceland, but up in H?savik, meaning that smaller logistical tasks would have to be sorted out by the research team themselves. Of course, any costs related to the research project would be paid by me. The successful applicant will need to both work and live together with people from different countries and backgrounds and therefore needs to be a very tolerant and flexible person. During time periods of bad weather, or periods when whales are not seen for a long time, you might become very frustrated, but it?s important to remain polite and respectful in all situations. EXPECTATIONS As I mentioned, when the weather is bad there won?t be any field work, so those days can also be used to relax. As the field season is relatively short (3 months) and bad weather will prevent work for roughly half of these days, days off will not be scheduled, but rather taken opportunistically during days when the weather is bad. Therefore you will need to be stationed in Gar?ur throughout these three months, so any plans to travel around Iceland should be done prior to or after this project. As Gar?ur is small and geographically isolated, there isn?t much to do when you are not working, so if you are a person that needs a lot of stimulation then this project isn?t for you. There is a lot of beautiful nature around Gar?ur to where you can walk, and many species of birds for bird lovers or photographers. Apart from Minke whales you can also sometimes see white beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, basking sharks and seals from the coast. But for time periods when the weather is bad (sometimes for weeks) and there is no data processing to be done, I recommend that you bring along books, movies etc or whatever you like doing at your spare time basically. You should expect that the weather will be bad roughly half of the time you are in Iceland and prevent you from working. There will also be periods (sometimes weeks) when few or no Minke whales are sighted. For those periods it is important not to give up, and to keep working from the lighthouse, as the animals can return at any time. This is a rather difficult project, but to observing this species without disturbing it, and to see its natural behaviours is very rewarding. And even though being difficult, we managed to get a lot of data from last three seasons, showing that this project has great potential to be even better for 2013. I hope this project description hasn?t scared you off already, but I wanted to emphasize what the difficulties with this project are and that I am looking for people that can handle this sort of work and living conditions. This project will give you a great chance to work with an amazing species in an amazing place, and you will be able to learn some skills that are frequently practised in cetacean research and therefore really useful to know for anyone that wants to pursue a career in this field. Also you will have the opportunity to work with other like minded people from different countries and local Icelanders. WORK PERIOD: The tracking project is planned between the 26th of May and the 31st of August 2013. DAILY DUTIES: - collect Minke whale track data from land with theodolite - enter track data into computer in real time - data entry and processing - equipment cleaning and maintenance - talk and inform tourists and locals about the Minke whales and our work QUALIFICATIONS: - background in Marine biology/Oceanography preferable, but not necessary - previous wildlife field experience and ability to stand long working days - previous theodolite tracking skills - working knowledge of computers and MS Excel. Possibility to bring your own Laptop is much preferred - be hard-working, team oriented, able to share small living space - be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - good English language skills HOW TO APPLY: Send CV and resume. The resume should include the following: - details of your availability (ONLY APPLICANTS THAT CAN COMMIT FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE PROJECT WILL BE CONSIDERED) - contact details of two referees (no letters of recommendation needed) - a brief description of yourself including your interest in biology and what you hope to gain from this experience - any previous experience in theodolite tracking - any dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc.) Send applications to: Fredrik Christiansen (PhD Student) University of Aberdeen Institute of Biological Sciences Tillydrone Ave Aberdeen AB24 2TZ United Kingdom E-mail: f.christiansen at live.se Mobile: +44 78 18725081 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Ecodes at live.co.uk Wed May 1 01:53:33 2013 From: Ecodes at live.co.uk (Glenn Dunshea) Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 16:53:33 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Paper on Inshore Dolphin Diet Message-ID: Hi Marmamers, This may be of interest to those of you working on inshore cetacean diet: Glenn Dunshea, N?lio B. Barros, Elizabeth J. Berens McCabe, Nicholas J. Gales,Mark A. Hindell, Simon N. Jarman, and Randall S. Wells Stranded dolphin stomach contents represent the free-ranging population's diet Biol. Lett.. 2013 9 20121036; doi:10.1098/rsbl.2012.1036 (published 1 May 2013) Abstract: Diet is a fundamental aspect of animal ecology. Cetacean prey species are generally identified by examining stomach contents of stranded individuals. Critical uncertainty in these studies is whether samples from stranded animals are representative of the diet of free-ranging animals. Over two summers, we collected faecal and gastric samples from healthy free-ranging individuals of an extensively studied bottlenose dolphin population. These samples were analysed by molecular prey detection and these data compared with stomach contents data derived from stranded dolphins from the same population collected over 22 years. There was a remarkable consistency in the prey species composition and relative amounts between the two datasets. The conclusions of past stomach contents studies regarding dolphin habitat associations, prey selection and proposed foraging mechanisms are supported by molecular data from live animals and the combined dataset. This is the first explicit test of the validity of stomach contents analysis for accurate population-scale diet determination of an inshore cetacean. http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/9/3/20121036.abstract The paper is open access and should be freely available. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jipperim.orca at gmail.com Wed May 1 23:28:00 2013 From: jipperim.orca at gmail.com (Imogen Webster) Date: Thu, 2 May 2013 10:28:00 +0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Survey volunteer for cetacean, turtle and seabird study in Mauritius. Message-ID: Survey volunteer for cetacean, turtle and seabird study in Mauritius. 7-22 June 2013. (2 weeks) The Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS) is recruiting a volunteer to assist in data collection for a project looking at species diversity and distribution of cetaceans, turtles and seabirds around the mainland of Mauritius and the northern islands. This would involve living aboard a catamaran for 5 days during the data collection stage and a further 5 days based in the office on the west coast of Mauritius (generally weekends off). The survey is the first of its kind in Mauritius and a unique opportunity to see the whole coast of the island while gaining further experience in conservation field work. You will get the chance to encounter some or all of the 13 different species already found around Mauritius. Species such as the Pan-tropical spotted dolphin, sperm whale, Melon-headed whale and the Short-finned Pilot whale or even discover a new species not yet recorded in the area. Emphasis will be placed on the further development of both the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin and spinner dolphin photo-ID catalogues. A primary goal of the project is to assess the potential for whale and dolphin watching in other areas of the island so as to relieve pressure on the west coast populations. Skills and experience: ? Willingness to spend long hours on the sea in sometimes difficult conditions. ? Highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. ? Photo identification experience preferred - you will assist in the updating of bottlenose and spinner dolphin photo identification catalogues and possibly the development of photo-ID catalogues from other species encountered. ? Knowledge of turtle and seabird identification for the western Indian Ocean is a bonus. ? Good people skills - you will be living in close quarters with others. ? Ability to work in a team environment maintaining focus on work quality. ? Preferably educated to at least degree level in marine science/biology. Please note that this is an *unpaid* position. The successful applicant will contribute 700GBP to cover airport transfers, food and accommodation on the catamaran, and accommodation during the second week. During the second week accommodation, bedding, laundry facilities and wifi are all supplied but *food is the volunteers? responsibility* (allow 40-60GBP/week). You will need to cover your own airfares and insurance. MMCS is a non-governmental organization existing for more than 30 years, working actively to promote awareness and appreciation of the rich marine life around Mauritius. Educating people to the need for marine conservation, our core objective is the protection of marine mammals and coral reefs. For more information and application forms on this project or our normal volunteer program please contact: Nina and Imogen via email: info at mmcs-ngo.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From katharina.peters at flinders.edu.au Wed May 1 23:43:47 2013 From: katharina.peters at flinders.edu.au (Katharina Johanne Peters) Date: Thu, 2 May 2013 06:43:47 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on the effects of swim-with-dolphin tourism on the behavior, response, and group structure of structure of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins Message-ID: Dear MARMAM Subscribers, Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: Peters, K. J., Parra, G. J., Skuza, P. P. and M?ller, L. M. (2012), First insights into the effects of swim-with-dolphin tourism on the behavior, response, and group structure of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins. Marine Mammal Science. doi: 10.1111/mms.12003 Abstract: Bottlenose dolphins are often targeted for cetacean tourism due to their coastal distribution and residency in some areas. However, the impacts of these activities on the animals involved are still poorly understood. This study provides a preliminary assessment of the impact of of swim-with-dolphin tourism on southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops australis) inhabiting Adelaide coastal waters, in the Gulf of St. Vincent, South Australia. Behavioural observations and photo identification of bottlenose dolphins involved in interactions with swimmers were conducted from a tourist vessel between March and May 2010. We use first-order Markov chains and contingency tables to assess whether vessel approaches and the presence of swimmers in the water had an effect on the behaviour, direction of movement, and group cohesiveness of bottlenose dolphins before, during, and after impact. Our results indicate that bottlenose dolphins in Adelaide?s coastal waters change their behaviour significantly when they are exposed to swim-with-dolphin tourism activities. Behavioural transition probabilities of 72 groups observed before, during, and after impact indicated that traveling behaviour was disrupted by interactions with swimmers. The behavioral budget differed significantly between these three sampling stages. After the impact, feeding increased to levels higher than before the impact, while milling decreased compared to other stages, and travelling did not return to before impact levels. The direction of movement of the dolphins was also significantly affected by swimmer presence. Large groups were more likely to approach the swimmers rather than the boat while small groups were more likely to approach the boat and not the swimmers. Group cohesiveness was not significantly affected by the tourism activity. Future research aimed at assessing the behavioural budget of dolphins in the absence of the tourism vessel and swimmers will help to clarifyshort and long-term shifts in behaviour by comparing the dolphins? behavioural budgets during impact and control situations. It is available online for early view via the following link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12003/abstract All the best Katharina Peters ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Katharina J. Peters PhD Candidate|Bird Lab Flinders University|School of Biological Sciences Office 2303A, Physical Science Building | Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042 SA, Adelaide GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia t +61 (0) 8 8201 7753|e katharina.peters at flinders.edu.au w http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/katharina.peters ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ P Please consider the environment before printing this email -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From madda.fumagalli at gmail.com Thu May 2 02:32:47 2013 From: madda.fumagalli at gmail.com (Maddalena Fumagalli) Date: Thu, 2 May 2013 11:32:47 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Field assistant required in the Egyptian Red Sea Message-ID: <8E129D4F-DEF2-4657-B580-1C79C07E6A85@gmail.com> Dear all, I am a PhD student at the University of Otago with a project focussing on the potential impacts of tourism activities on behaviour and ecology of spinner dolphins in the Egyptian Red Sea. I am seeking skilled volunteers to assist me this summer (1 June to 10 August 2013) in fieldwork taking place in the area of Marsa Alam (Egypt). Volunteers will work in close collaboration with me and personnel from the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA), an Egyptian leading NGO (www.hepca.org). This is a great opportunity to explore beautiful offshore reefs in the Southern Egyptian Red Sea, enjoy marine biodiversity and live in a multicultural environment while gaining a solid and intense field experience. Fieldwork consists of 3-10 day boat-based surveys organised in sites of interest and involve behavioural, acoustic and photo-identification data collection. In between surveys the team will be based in Marsa Alam and volunteers are required to assist with data entry, preliminary processing and equipment maintenance. Life and work can be very demanding and applicants should be relatively fit. Successful candidates have (or are pursuing) a degree in zoology or related topics, are good snorkelers and have previous experience in marine mammal research. Assistants are flexible and patient, have positive attitude, good interpersonal skills and English proficiency, and are comfortable onboard. Candidates should be able to commit for a minimum of 5 weeks, preference is given to those available for the entire season. Volunteers should bring their own laptop computer and snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins). This is an unpaid position. Successful candidates will need to provide their own transport to/from Hurghada and food/accommodation on site (this will be arranged through HEPCA and possibly with other team members). Accommodation is provided during the boat-based survey, but interns will be asked to contribute to food and research expenses with 5 Euro a day. The final surveys calendar will be communicated to applicants as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that, due to the current Egyptian political situation, plans and schedules can be subject to unanticipated changes: I thank you all for your understanding. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. If interested in the position, I suggest you have a preliminary look at travel arrangements and email me at fumma785 at student.otago.ac.nz a short relevant CV (including references) and cover letter by the 13th May 2013. Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview and final decisions will be made by May, the 17th. Best, Maddalena Fumagalli PhD Student Department of Zoology University of Otago, New Zealand Email: fumma785 at student.otago.ac.nz http://redseadolphinproject.wordpress.com/ http://www.hepca.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nikki.zanardo at flinders.edu.au Wed May 1 17:01:08 2013 From: nikki.zanardo at flinders.edu.au (Nikki Zanardo) Date: Thu, 2 May 2013 00:01:08 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS IN METROPOLITAN ADELAIDE, IMMEDIATE START Message-ID: <7B9FFA8AD6509B418137C8D60986F5531C0A4405@SINPRD0310MB393.apcprd03.prod.outlook.com> SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON SOUTHERN AUSTRALIAN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS IN METROPOLITAN ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Fieldwork dates: Volunteers are currently needed starting IMMEDIATELY until 30th June 2013, and for the 1st - 30th August 2013. Application deadline: Friday 10th May 2013 Project title: Ecology of the endemic southern Australian bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops australis) in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Institution: Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL); Flinders University; South Australia www.cebel.org.au Overview: I am seeking experienced field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-ID and biopsy sampling of bottlenose dolphins in metropolitan Adelaide in South Australia, starting IMMEDIATELY until the 30th June and for the 1st - 30th August 2013. * Commitment to the full duration of this time will be highly favoured. This project aims to collect baseline information on the abundance, habitat use and social structure of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops australis) in metropolitan Adelaide to improve the scientific basis for their conservation and management. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research and contribute to a project with very high conservation and management value. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving the boat, photo identification, assistance in biopsy sampling, recording field observations, equipment cleaning and, data entry (incl. fin matching). Expectations: Field assistants need to be adaptable and patient as weather is highly dependent. Field work will vary between weekdays and weekends, and assistants will need to be prepared for early morning departures (6-7AM) and long days (6-8 hours) on the water for multiple consecutive days. Expect up to a week between days off, as field work is weather dependent. If the weather isn't right we will NOT be conducting the surveys and will be postponed. Between field days there will be the opportunity for data entry and fin matching of identified individuals. Prerequisites: * Experience of working on a small boat (highly desirable, Coxswain certificate will be highly favoured); * Experience of photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); * Experience of field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable); * Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field (desirable) * No history of debilitating seasickness (essential); * Be team-oriented, patient, and have an enthusiastic attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); * Fluent in English (highly desirable). Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions, and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to South Australia and their living expenses. If you are interested, please send a CV, a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact details of two relevant referees to nikki.zanardo at flinders.edu.au by Friday 10th April 2013. Kind Regards, Nikki ------------------------------------------------------------------- Nikki Zanardo PhD Candidate Cetacean, Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab & Molecular Ecology Lab School of Biological Sciences Flinders University * Tel +61 8 8201 2357 | * nikki.zanardo at flinders.edu.au * www.cebel.org.au | * www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au My Page: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/nikki.zanardo -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From hwhitehe at DAL.ca Fri May 3 09:22:02 2013 From: hwhitehe at DAL.ca (hwhitehe at DAL.ca) Date: Fri, 03 May 2013 13:22:02 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Inferring Animal Densities from Tracking Data Using Markov Chains Message-ID: <5183B9FA.26997.C75115E@hwhitehe.Dal.Ca> MARMAM readers may be interested in this paper: Whitehead H, Jonsen ID (2013) Inferring Animal Densities from Tracking Data Using Markov Chains. PLoS ONE 8(4): e60901. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0060901 Available at: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.006 0901 Abstract: The distributions and relative densities of species are keys to ecology. Large amounts of tracking data are being collected on a wide variety of animal species using several methods, especially electronic tags that record location. These tracking data are effectively used for many purposes, but generally provide biased measures of distribution, because the starts of the tracks are not randomly distributed among the locations used by the animals. We introduce a simple Markov-chain method that produces unbiased measures of relative density from tracking data. The density estimates can be over a geographical grid, and/or relative to environmental measures. The method assumes that the tracked animals are a random subset of the population in respect to how they move through the habitat cells, and that the movements of the animals among the habitat cells form a time-homogenous Markov chain. We illustrate the method using simulated data as well as real data on the movements of sperm whales. The simulations illustrate the bias introduced when the initial tracking locations are not randomly distributed, as well as the lack of bias when the Markov method is used. We believe that this method will be important in giving unbiased estimates of density from the growing corpus of animal tracking data. Abstract From mel5 at st-andrews.ac.uk Fri May 3 04:50:00 2013 From: mel5 at st-andrews.ac.uk (Mike Lonergan) Date: Fri, 03 May 2013 12:50:00 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Vacancy: Biometrician at the Sea Mammal Research Unit (University of St Andrews, Scotland). Message-ID: <5183A468.1050204@st-andrews.ac.uk> The Sea Mammal Research Unit carries out scientific research and provides advice to governmental bodies. We aim to give clear and reliable answers, to questions that are mainly about anthropogenic impacts and conservation, and now require another biometrician to help us with this. Most of the datasets to be analysed and interpreted describe various aspects of pinniped ecology and behaviour. We require someone with: a numerate degree, knowledge of data analysis in R, some experience of research, a pragmatic and flexible approach to problem solving, and enthusiasm for collaborative working. The post is for one year in the first instance, but may be extended. Pay: ?30,424 - ?36,298 per annum. Closing date for applications: 6 June 2013* * Further information and details of how to apply can be obtained through: https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk Please contact me if you have problems with the link. -- Mike Lonergan NERC Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews ________________________________________________________________________________ "The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532" From dlr28 at columbia.edu Fri May 3 14:41:36 2013 From: dlr28 at columbia.edu (Diana Reiss) Date: Fri, 3 May 2013 17:41:36 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on analysis of killing methods in dolphin drive hunts in Japan Message-ID: >>> Dear Colleagues, >>> >>> We are pleased to announce a recent publication of our paper regarding the killing methods used in the dolphin drive hunts in Taiji, Japan. >>> >>> Andrew Butterworth , Philippa Brakes , Courtney S. Vail & Diana Reiss (2013): A Veterinary and Behavioral Analysis of Dolphin Killing Methods Currently Used in the ?Drive Hunt? in Taiji, Japan, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 16:2, 184-204 >>> >>> A PDF version of the paper is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2013.768925 >>> or via email request to dlr28 at columbia.edu >>> >>> A link to the video footage is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzOw5IBmqWk&feature=youtu.be >>> >>> ABSTRACT >>> Annually in Japanese waters, small cetaceans are killed in ?drive hunts? with quotas set by the government of Japan. The Taiji Fishing Cooperative in Japan has published the details of a new killing method that involves cutting (transecting) the spinal cord and purports to reduce time to death. The method involves the repeated insertion of a metal rod followed by the plugging of the wound to prevent blood loss into the water. To date, a paucity of data exists regarding these methods utilized in the drive hunts. Our veterinary and behavioral analysis of video documentation of this method indicates that it does not immediately lead to death and that the time to death data provided in the description of the method, based on termination of breathing and movement, is not supported by the available video data. The method employed causes damage to the vertebral blood vessels and the vascular rete from insertion of the rod that will lead to significant hemorrhage, but this alone would not produce a rapid death in a large mammal of this type. The method induces paraplegia (paralysis of the body) and death through trauma and gradual blood loss. This killing method does not conform to the recognized requirement for ?immediate insensibility? and would not be tolerated or permitted in any regulated slaughterhouse process in the developed world. >>> >>> My best, >>> >>> Diana Reiss >> Diana Reiss, PhD Professor Department of Psychology Hunter College, CUNY 695 Park Ave., New York, N.Y. 10065 Office: 212-650-3432 Lab: 212-772-4322 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From claudiaines at uac.pt Tue May 7 07:11:29 2013 From: claudiaines at uac.pt (=?iso-8859-1?Q?Cl=E1udia_In=EAs_Botelho_de_Oliveira?=) Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 14:11:29 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Slow clicks function in male sperm whales Message-ID: Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are very pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Oliveira C, Wahlberg M, Johnson M, Miller PJO and Madsen PT. (2013) The function of male sperm whale slow clicks in a high latitude habitat: Communication, echolocation, or prey debilitation? J. Acoust. Soc. Am., Vol. 133, Issue 5, pp 3135-3144. http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/133/3135 Abstract: Sperm whales produce different click types for echolocation and communication. Usual clicks and buzzes appear to be used primarily in foraging while codas are thought to function in social communication. The function of slow clicks is less clear, but they appear to be produced by males at higher latitudes, where they primarily forage solitarily, and on the breeding grounds, where they roam between groups of females. Here the behavioral context in which these vocalizations are produced and the function they may serve was investigated. Ninety-nine hours of acoustic and diving data were analyzed from sound recording tags on six male sperm whales in Northern Norway. The 755 slow clicks detected were produced by tagged animals at the surface (52%), ascending from a dive (37%), and during the bottom phase (11%), but never during the descent. Slow clicks were not associated with the production of buzzes, other echolocation clicks, or fast maneuvering that would indicate foraging. Some slow clicks were emitted in seemingly repetitive temporal patterns supporting the hypothesis that the function for slow clicks on the feeding grounds is long range communication between males, possibly relaying information about individual identity or behavioral states. Best wishes, Cl?udia Oliveira ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOP, Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas - Universidade dos A?ores Rua Prof. Doutor Frederico Machado 9901-862 Horta - Portugal Telefone: +351 292200400 Fax: +351 292200411 URL: www.horta.uac.pt ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From danielle.gibas at seawatchfoundation.org.uk Wed May 8 06:40:16 2013 From: danielle.gibas at seawatchfoundation.org.uk (Danielle Gibas) Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 14:40:16 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] =?iso-8859-1?q?Sea_Watch_Foundation_-_Last_Minute_Resear?= =?iso-8859-1?q?ch_Intern_Opportunity_in_Cardigan_Bay_for_2013?= Message-ID: <00a901ce4bf1$93165940$b9430bc0$@seawatchfoundation.org.uk> Sea Watch Foundation ? Last Minute Research Intern Opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2013 A last minute opportunity has opened up for one intern placement to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk ) with the running of the ?Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project?. The 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. Interns 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. This placement is for seven weeks, between 27th of May to the 14th of July. Interns will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of ?55/week. Interns 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. 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 interns will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. To apply: Please send your CV, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have to Daphna Feingold ? daphna.feingold at seawatchfoundation.org.uk This will be on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis. Please specify NEW QUAY INTERN APPLICATION into your subject title. The Sea Watch 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. 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 C-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 jamie at imms.org Mon May 6 06:02:59 2013 From: jamie at imms.org (Jamie Klaus) Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 08:02:59 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Internship Message-ID: <000a01ce4a5a$09711100$1c533300$@imms.org> Could you please post the following. Fall 2013 Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research Internship Program Description The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and 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 science research. 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), boat based field research (21? and 31? boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS * Secondary Duties involve: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours. * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore 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 at least two or three times a week. To Apply: Please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship.php -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jumpa79 at yahoo.com Mon May 6 03:33:50 2013 From: jumpa79 at yahoo.com (Isabel Andrade) Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 03:33:50 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] AIMM seeks research assistants - Summer 2013 - Portugal In-Reply-To: <1328100258.91692.YahooMailNeo@web114706.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <1328100258.91692.YahooMailNeo@web114706.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1367836430.13921.YahooMailNeo@web161701.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM - seeks applications as research assistant to help with the ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). The field season runs from May, 1st to October, 30th 2013. This project intends to continue the study that AIMM has been developing along the South coast of Portugal, as well as the collaboration with the local dolphin watching companies. Participants will join the team for, at least, 7-days period but preference will be given to applicants that can stay for longer periods. Activities include boat surveys on the research vessel and on opportunistic platforms (dolphin watching boats). Data collection comprises species identification, group size, behaviour, photo-identification, amongst others. Training is provided by AIMM researchers, mainly marine biologists. The assistant is responsible for his own transportation to/from Albufeira, where the AIMM assistant?s house is located. Accommodation and transport to/from the dock is provided. Food is at the assistant's own expenses except breakfast, but communal shopping keep the expenses low. Apart from research activities, participants share everyday duties and chores with the other team members. The program's fee is 300? per week. No previous experience is required. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise. Successful applicants will:- have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational? - be able to live and work constructively with others members of the team - speak fluent Portuguese and/or English Preference will be given to those who have:- relevant marine mammal field experience - working experience on research vessels - experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - experience in photo-identification - professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID Applicants should send an e-mail with a small introduction, qualifications and previous experience, as well as an outline explaining why they would like to work with AIMM. A brief CV should also be attached. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended. Contact:?direccao at aimm-portugal.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kit.kovacs at npolar.no Sun May 5 01:44:29 2013 From: kit.kovacs at npolar.no (Kit Kovacs) Date: Sun, 5 May 2013 10:44:29 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] FW: new publication - white humpback NA Message-ID: <8CDF74583B1EAA4D80E84A3C050A5D85012BDE684CBF@ANTON.nett.npolar> Lydersen, C., ?ien, N., Mikkelsen, B., Bober, S., Fisher, D. and Kovacs, K. M. 2013. A white humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Atlantic Ocean, Svalbard, Norway, August 2012. Polar Research 2013, 32, 19739, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v32i0.19739. A white humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was observed on several occasions off Svalbard, Norway, during August 2012. The animal was completely white, except for a few small dark patches on the ventral side of its fluke. The baleen plates were light-coloured, but the animal's eyes had normal (dark) colouration. This latter characteristic indicates that the animal was not an albino; it is a leucistic individual. The animal was a full-sized adult and engaged in "bubble-feeding" together with 15-20 other humpback whales each time it was seen. Subsequent to these sighting, polling of the marine mammal science community has resulted in the discovery of two other observations of white humpback whales in the Barents Sea area. One of these records was a calf in 2004 and the other a larger individual in 2006. It is likely that all of these sightings are of the same individual, but there is no genetic or photographic evidence, so this suggestion cannot be confirmed. The rarity of observations of such white individuals suggests that they are born at very low frequencies or that the ontogenetic survival rates of the colour morph are low. link: http://www.polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/19739 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sclymene at aol.com Wed May 1 13:39:46 2013 From: sclymene at aol.com (Thomas Jefferson) Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 16:39:46 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammals Books and Reprints Wanted Message-ID: <8D014C326D5FE45-1DEC-1366D@webmail-m165.sysops.aol.com> MARINEMAMMAL BOOKS AND REPRINTS WANTED ?VIVAVaquita! (a collaborative effort of five 501(3)cnon-profits) is requesting marine mammal books, reprints, monographs, andjournals. Literature can be donated orwe can purchase sets of books, reprints, and journals. We make the literature available tocolleagues working on marine mammals, getting it into hands where it will beactively used, and in the proccess help to raise funds for research andconservation work on the World?s most endangered marine mammal species, thevaquita (Phocoena sinus). Donations aretax-deductible, and we may be able to arrange pick-up of large quantities ofliterature. We are currentlycollecting literature to help fund our Sept/Oct 2013 expedition to San Felipe, Mexico,to observe and photograph the vaquita, and to conduct education work with localorganizations and school groups in Mexico. See our website < www.vivavaquita.org> for details of our previous work. If you have any literature you would be interested in donating orselling to us, please contact us at the email or phone number below. Thanks in advance? Tom ******************************************************************* Thomas A. Jefferson, Ph.D. Clymene Enterprises / ?VIVA Vaquita! 13037 YerbaValley Way Lakeside, CA92040 Tel. (619) 938-0267 Email: sclymene at aol.com VIVAVaquita Website: www.vivavaquita.org ******************************************************************* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From esierra at becarios.ulpgc.es Fri May 10 05:23:12 2013 From: esierra at becarios.ulpgc.es (Eva =?utf-8?b?TWFyw61h?= Sierra Pulpillo) Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 13:23:12 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on muscular senescence in cetaceans Message-ID: <20130510132312.10576t32azr0si4o@correo.ulpgc.es> Dear MARMAM subscribers: We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Scientific Reports: MUSCULAR SENESCENCE IN CETACEANS: ADAPTATION TOWARDS A SLOW MUSCLE FIBRE PHENOTYPE. Sierra E[1], Fern?ndez A[2], de Los Monteros AE[3], Arbelo M[4], de Quir?s YB[5], Herr?ez P[6]. Department of Veterinary Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmonta?a S/N, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain. Sci Rep. 2013 May 7;3:1795. doi: 10.1038/srep01795. ABSTRACT: Sarcopenia, or senile muscle atrophy, is the slow and progressive loss of muscle mass with advancing age that constitutes the most prevalent form of muscle atrophy. The effects of ageing on skeletal muscle have been extensively studied in humans and laboratory animals (mice), while the few reports on wild animals are based on short-lived mammals. The present study describes the age-related changes in cetacean muscles regarding the three factors that determine muscle mass: fibre size, fibre number, and fibre type. We show that the skeletal muscle fibres in cetaceans change with advancing age, evolving towards a slower muscle phenotype. We suggest that this physiological evolution constitutes an adaptation that allows these marine mammals to perform prolonged, deep dives. Full text is available at: http://www.nature.com/srep/2013/130507/srep01795/full/srep01795.html or alternatively, a pdf can be requested at: esierra at becarios.ulpgc.es Best regards, Eva Sierra Laboratorio de Patolog?a Molecular y Forense Unit of Histology and Pathology Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA) Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) C/ Trasmonta?a s/n 35413 Arucas (Las Palmas) Espa?a V?nculos: --------- [1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Sierra%20E[Author]&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=23648412 [2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Fern%E1ndez%20A[Author]&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=23648412 [3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=de%20Los%20Monteros%20AE[Author]&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=23648412 [4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Arbelo%20M[Author]&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=23648412 [5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=de%20Quir%F3s%20YB[Author]&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=23648412 [6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Herr%E1ez%20P[Author]&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=23648412 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jtomoleoni at usgs.gov Fri May 10 14:41:45 2013 From: jtomoleoni at usgs.gov (Tomoleoni, Joseph) Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 14:41:45 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] USGS/UCSC Sea Otter Tracking Internship Opportunity Message-ID: *Sea Otter Tracking Internship Opportunity* Organization: U.S. Geological Survey & UC Santa Cruz Location: San Luis Obispo County, CA, United States**** We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist research staff with field observations and data collection of wild sea otters in San Luis Obispo County, California. Specific duties include: visiting locations throughout the study area by vehicle in order to record data on location, behavior, and reproductive status of tagged study animals. Otters will be located using VHF radio telemetry, and identified using binoculars and high powered spotting telescopes. Re-sights for every study animal will be obtained each day, weather permitting. We are looking for well qualified applicants to work as full time interns. This requires a commitment to a full time schedule (5 days/wk) for a minimum period of 3 consecutive months. Internships are unpaid, but provide an opportunity to learn advanced tracking techniques using radio telemetry, while also gaining valuable experience in collecting a variety of geo-spatial and behavioral data. Our field station is in Cambria, CA, and lodging requirements can be arrange if needed. *Prerequisites:* Knowledge and/or experience such as attained through upper division coursework towards a Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field (e.g. ecology, environmental science) or work as a qualified biological technician * Requirements:* 1. Working knowledge of field equipment including binoculars, compass, high-powered spotting scopes, and GPS ** 2. Experience with field data collection and data entry 3. Strong attention to detail and ability to work well independently and as part of a team 4. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills 5. Ability to conduct strenuous outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions 6. Interns must posses a valid driver?s license 7. Interns and volunteers must have their own car and be willing to use it to travel to/from the field site. 8. As communication is essential while working in the field, interns must possess a cell phone 9. Minimum 3 month commitment of approximately 40 hrs/wk. For more information and to apply, please email: jtomoleoni at usgs.gov and provide a current resume/c.v. and cover letter. -- *Joe Tomoleoni* Wildlife Biologist U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center Santa Cruz Field Station 100 Shaffer Road, COH Bldg Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.459.2357 jtomoleoni at usgs.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From torr3 at yahoo.com Wed May 8 15:05:41 2013 From: torr3 at yahoo.com (Leigh Torres) Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 15:05:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Paper on southern right whale offshore habitat use patterns, climate change and ship traffic Message-ID: <1368050741.39462.YahooMailNeo@web122502.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Dear friends and colleagues, I would like to inform you of a recent publication in the journal Diversity and Distributions by myself and colleagues regarding southern right whale habitat use patterns in the Australasian region and their potential threats from climate change and ship traffic. Our study uses historical whaling data from the 1800s in a boosted regression tree modelling framework to generate the first quantitative description of the offshore foraging habitat of southern right whale. The abstract is pasted below. You can download the article here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.12069/abstract Or email me directly for a copy: l.torres at niwa.co.nz Thanks for your interest. Cheers, Leigh Dr. Leigh G. Torres Spatial Marine Ecologist NIWA 301 Evans Bay Parade Private Bag 14901 Wellington, New Zealand Tel: +64 4 382 1628 Mob: +64 27 123 4567 l.torres at niwa.co.nz http://www.niwa.co.nz/ ? From exploitation to conservation: Habitat models using whaling data predict distribution patterns and threat exposure of an endangered whale Abstract Aim: Sufficient data to describe spatial distributions of rare and threatened populations are typically difficult to obtain. For example, there are minimal modern offshore sightings of the endangered southern right whale, limiting our knowledge of foraging grounds and habitat use patterns.? Using historical exploitation data of southern right whales, we aim to better understand their seasonal offshore distribution patterns in relation to broad-scale oceanography, and to predict their exposure to shipping traffic and response to global climate change.? Location: Australasian region between 130?W and 100?E, and 30?S and 55?S. ? Methods: We model 19th century whaling data with boosted regression trees to determine functional responses of whale distribution relative to environmental factors. Habitat suitability maps are generated and we validate these predictions with independent historical and recent sightings. We identify areas of increased risk of ship-strike by integrating predicted whale distribution maps with shipping traffic patterns. We implement predicted ocean temperatures for the 2090-2100 decade in our models to predict changes in whale distribution due to climate change. ? Results: Temperature in the upper 200 m, distance from the subtropical front, mixed layer depth, chlorophyll concentration and distance from ridges are the most consistent and influential predictors of whale distribution. Validation tests of predicted distributions determined generally high predictive capacity. We identify two areas of increased risk of vessel strikes and predict substantial shifts in habitat suitability and availability due to climate change. ? Main conclusions: Our results represent the first quantitative description of the offshore foraging habitat of southern right whales. Conservation applications include identifying areas and causes of threats to southern right whales, generating effective mitigation strategies, and directing population monitoring and research efforts. Our study demonstrates the benefits of incorporating unconventional datasets such as historic exploitation data into species distribution models to inform management and help combat biodiversity loss. Keywords: Boosted regression trees, distribution patterns, global climate change, habitat use, historic data, rare species, species distribution models, southern right whale -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From t.jauniaux at ulg.ac.be Fri May 10 07:19:29 2013 From: t.jauniaux at ulg.ac.be (Thierry Jauniaux) Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 16:19:29 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] 7th marine mammal necropsy workshop Message-ID: The 7th marine mammal necropsy workshop is organized by the Department of Veterinary Pathology (University of Liege, Belgium) and the Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics LAB (Universitat Polit?cnica de Catalunya, Spain). The session will be held at the Veterinary College on the Sart Tilman campus (Li?ge) on July 8 and 9, 2013. During the workshop, 20 marine mammals will be extensively necropsied and sampled, based on a standard procedure. A special attention will be the extraction and fixation (injection) of the inner ear. A morning session will be devoted to dissection, sampling and tissues banking procedures (Jauniaux T.), another one will be reserved for acoustics and inner ear extraction and fixation (Andr? M.); afternoons will be dedicated to necropsies, mostly harbor porpoises. The number of attendees is limited to 20, in order to pair off participants under the supervision of a veterinary pathologist and a specialist of the inner ear dissection. Registration fees are 100 euro Detail description of the workshop will be send Registration directly to Thierry Jauniaux Very best regards T. Jauniaux Thierry Jauniaux, DMV, PhD, Diplomate of European College of Zoological Medicine (Wildlife Populations Health) http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/home.php Premier Assistant Universit? de Li?ge Pathologie V?t?rinaire Assistant Professor, University of Liege Veterinary Pathology T.Jauniaux at ulg.ac.be Cell phone: 0032477252302 MARIN Marine Animals Research & Intervention Network -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ruth.leeney at gmail.com Thu May 9 04:08:57 2013 From: ruth.leeney at gmail.com (Ruth Leeney) Date: Thu, 9 May 2013 20:08:57 +0900 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on pygmy right whales in Namibia Message-ID: Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: RH Leeney , K Post , PB Best , CJ Hazevoet & SH Elwen (2013): Pygmy right whale Caperea marginata records from Namibia, African Journal of Marine Science, 35:1, 133-139 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2013.769903 ABSTRACT All known records of pygmy right whales *Caperea marginata* in Namibia since 1978 are summarised for the first time, including 12 strandings (live and recently dead animals) and skeletal remains from at least eight more individuals. The majority of strandings and remains were located in the Walvis Bay region, where the coastal topography of the bay and lagoon may be a primary cause for the relatively high incidence of strandings in this area. Strandings appear to occur only during the austral summer, between November and March. All but two of the records for which age is available were juveniles, suggesting that the area offshore of Walvis Bay may function as a seasonal nursery ground and that the inexperience of younger animals may cause them to become ?entrapped? in the bay. These data contribute substantially to the limited information on pygmy right whale distribution worldwide and the cetacean fauna of Namibia. Best wishes, Ruth -- Ruth H. Leeney, PhD Benguela Research & Training Walvis Bay, Namibia T: (+264)-81-809-8214 Current address: JSPS Research Fellow Graduate School of Fisheries Science & Environmental Studies Nagasaki University, Japan T: (+81)-80-9141-3693 http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney www.namibiandolphinproject.com www.westafricacetaceans.blogspot.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From PyensonN at si.edu Tue May 14 09:23:02 2013 From: PyensonN at si.edu (Pyenson, Nicholas) Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 16:23:02 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] "Whales: From Bone to Book" Symposium, 6 June, at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Message-ID: <94705ACFF3B22D46B78BF400D757A23E0135A5@si-msedag04.US.SINET.SI.EDU> Dear MARMAM subscribers, On behalf of Smithsonian Libraries and the National Museum of Natural History, I wish to invite you to a free symposium, open to the public, opening the forthcoming "Whales: From Bone to Book" exhibition in the Evans Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. This exhibition, presented in collaboration with Smithsonian Libraries and the National Museum of Natural History?s Department of Paleobiology, explores the Smithsonian?s legacy of studying cetaceans using original photographs from the field, actual museum specimens, and scientific literature. The exhibit also features rare books from the Joseph F. Cullman 3d, Library of Natural History and the Kellogg Library of Marine Mammalogy. The histories of each object, and their connections to the overall study of cetology, provide compelling illustrations of the different narratives in the process of natural history, tracing how bones travel from a beach or cliff wall to a museum collection, and then, finally, published on paper. The exhibition will run from May 2013 through May 2014. The symposium, "Whale Research at the Smithsonian - Past, Present and Future," will be on Thursday June 6, 2013, 10:30 am ? 5:00 pm in the Baird Auditorium at the National Museum of Natural History, on the Mall in downtown Washington, D.C. Speaker list includes: Prof. R. Ewan Fordyce (University of Otago); Prof. D. Graham Burnett (Princeton University); Dr. Stephen Godfrey (Calvert Marine Museum); and Dr. Nicholas Pyenson (Smithsonian). The symposium is FREE and OPEN to the public! Please RSVP to SILRSVP at si.edu or 202.633.1699 For more information, see: http://library.si.edu/events/whales-symposium and http://goo.gl/RjJMX Sincerely, NDP __________________________________________ Nicholas D. Pyenson, Ph.D. Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals Department of Paleobiology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution MRC 121, PO Box 37012 10th & Constitution NW Washington, DC 20013-7012 USA Tel: 202-633-1366 Fax: 202-786-2832 Email: PyensonN at si.edu Staff page: http://paleobiology.si.edu/staff/individuals/pyenson.html Lab blog: http://nmnh.typepad.com/pyenson_lab/ From simon.elwen at gmail.com Tue May 14 04:48:09 2013 From: simon.elwen at gmail.com (Simon Elwen) Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 12:48:09 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Gray whale sighting in Walvis Bay, Namibia (south east Atlantic) Message-ID: A gray (Eschrichtius robustus) whale has recently been photographed in Walvis Bay, Namibia. This is the first record we are aware of for the species in the South Atlantic or Southern Hemisphere and likely represents one of, if not the longest movements of any mammal. The animal has been seen around the bay by marine tour operators since the 04 May 2013 A more detailed back story and photographs confirming species identify are available for viewing on the Namibian Dolphin Project blog: http://namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com/ Photographs and story by John Paterson of the Albatross Task Force and Walvis Bay Strandings Network Other publications from our research group are available here: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/category/research/publications/ Regards Simon Elwen Research Fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Based in: Walvis Bay - Namibia. Phone: +264 81 421 4968 (mob Namibia) Namibian Dolphin Project: www.namibiandolphinproject.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolinaloch at yahoo.com.br Thu May 16 02:48:08 2013 From: carolinaloch at yahoo.com.br (Carolina Loch) Date: Thu, 16 May 2013 02:48:08 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on enamel and dentine ultrastructure in dolphins Message-ID: <1368697688.97715.YahooMailClassic@web160805.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Dear MARMAM subscribers, ? We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the current issue of Zoomorphology: Ultrastructure of enamel and dentine in extant dolphins (Cetacea: Delphinoidea and Inioidea) Carolina Loch,? Warwick Duncan, Paulo C. Sim?es-Lopes, Jules A. Kieser and R. Ewan Fordyce doi:10.1007/s00435-012-0180-1 Volume 132, Issue 2, April 2013, Pages 215-225 Abstract Longitudinal and cross sections of teeth from 17 species of the Recent dolphins (Delphinoidea and Inioidea) were examined under scanning electron microscope to study the arrangement and ultrastructure of dental tissues with reference to phylogenetic and functional constraints. For most species, enamel had a simple bi-layered structure of radial enamel and an outer layer of prismless enamel. The outer prismless layer varied from 5 to 30?% of enamel thickness. The enamel of Burmeister?s porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis) was entirely prismless. The prisms had an open sheath; tubules and tuft-like structures were common at the enamel-dentine junction. Cetacean dentine was characterized by irregularly distributed dentinal tubules in a relatively homogenous dentinal matrix. Radial enamel was observed in all Delphinoidea and in the franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei), whereas the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) had prisms organized in Hunter?Schreger bands. HSB in enamel are regarded as a device for resisting propagation of cracks. These may occur due to increased functional demands, possibly related to the hardness of the species diet. Simplification in tooth shape and reduced biomechanical demands plausibly explain the primitive radial organization among delphinoids and Pontoporia. The HSB structure in the Amazon river dolphin, similar to those of extinct archaeocetes, seems to have secondary functional implications. However, the distribution of HSB in more-basal odontocetes is too poorly known to judge whether the HSB of Inia are a retained plesiomorphic feature or convergence. Full text is available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00435-012-0180-1 Or alternatively, a pdf can be requested at: carolina.loch at otago.ac.nz Best regards, MSc. Carolina Loch Silva PhD Candidate Geology Department, University of Otago Dunedin 9054, New Zealand http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/people/students/loch/index.html & Laborat?rio de Mam?feros Aqu?ticos UFSCFlorian?polis, SC - Brasil -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rui at portulano.org Wed May 15 09:37:07 2013 From: rui at portulano.org (Rui Prieto) Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 16:37:07 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Malcolm Clarke 1930-2013 Message-ID: <003c01ce518a$71cb2b00$55618100$@portulano.org> Dear all, It is with great sorrow that I have to inform you that Malcolm Clarke passed away last Friday due to heart failure. He rests in Pico Island (Azores, Portugal), where he and his wife Dot made residence many years ago. Most of us understand the great loss for science that Malcolm's passing represents. It is difficult for a marine mammalogist not to have come across his work from time to time. But Malcolm was not only an accomplished marine mammalogist but also a prolific researcher and well known in the fields of teuthology and parasitology. But perhaps only the lucky ones who had the opportunity to spend some time with him will fathom the great loss of a human being this also represents. Malcolm was an achiever. He never stopped working and having new ideas. He was passionate about his work and about life. He was a great teacher; his workshops on cephalopod beak identification are a testimony to that, but his teaching dimension went far above that. I learned much about how to think and act in science just by conversing with Malcolm and listening to his stories. Malcolm was also a hands-on scientist. He spent a good deal of time in Antarctica as a whaling inspector, dissected countless animals, invented new ways to probe deep in the specimens and take the most of them. He worked all over the World, carrying out research in South Africa (Cape Town, Durban & Port Elizabeth), Indonesia, Australia (Perth & Melbourne), New Zealand, USA (Florida & Hawaii), France, Portugal (Madeira & Azores), Spain (Canary Islands), Denmark, Faroe Islands and Norway. Even when his age and post meant he could just tell other people what to do; he didn't shy of diving in a full whale dissection or to go out to the sea in a small skiff. He was happy as a child when handling a gooey Haliphron atlanticus, as I've seen him doing at sea because he was unable to wait until we were back on land. The stories are endless; one that comes to mind right now took place in 1998, when Malcolm was 68 years old. We were out at sea trying to put satellite tags on sperm whales. Malcolm was present as a consultant but he didn't rest until he jumped in the small inflatable kayak and rowed towards the whales with two other colleagues. Back in the boat I didn't rest until they came back and Malcolm was safe and sound. But the grin on his face was worth every second of my despair. It wasn't his nature to just be there watching everything from the boat; he had to be part of it. even with a triple bypass. His hands-on approach meant that he had a deep knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and biology of his study subjects. That and his brilliant and ever inquisitive mind made him a great theorist. Malcolm became one of those rare biologists who creates new theories and lines of thought. Malcolm and Dot Married in 1958 and had four children. His work brought Malcolm and Dot to the Azores and I believe the land and people made them stay. They made home in Pico Island and instead of laying back and resting, sipping tea on a stretcher and watching whales from the comfort of his backyard (which has the most amazing view over a stretch of ocean where sperm whales often come close to land), Malcolm embarked in one of his greatest challenges. In his own words, he "planned, designed and constructed all the exhibits for my own museum on the biology of spermaceti whales and their cephalopod food. This museum has been open since 2003". That was done against all odds. Politicians offered their support, the merit of the idea was recognized and even the place was announced publicly: an old whaling factory in Pico. But these were pie-crust promises and soon were broken. Malcolm had a type of stubbornness that is called perseverance. Instead of giving up, Malcolm and Dot built a museum with their own hands, from the foundation to the ceiling, laying bricks at the same time they planned and developed the exhibit; literally all the exhibit contents were created by them, from the small pump-activated contraption from which you can feel the smell of ambergris, to the life-sized depiction of a pregnant sperm whale, not forgetting the anatomically correct, life-sized stuffed cephalopods cut and sewn by Dot. All along, Malcolm kept publishing. He left over 150 research contributions plus being editor of several books. He worked to the last day of his life. My apologies, but I have to stop here; Oh Malcolm, we will miss you. Rui Prieto Curriculum Vitae of Malcolm R.Clarke Born 1930 in UK. Married 1958 4 children. Education. 1979. D.Sc. Marine Zoology. Hull University, UK. 1959. Ph.D. Parasites of Marine Mammals. Hull University, 1955. B.Sc. Special. 2 i Zoology. Hull University. Career 1987-2013 Independent research (unpaid). 1972-1987. Marine Biological Association of the UK, Plymouth, UK Principal Scientific Officer and later Senior Principal Scientific Officer (Merit) 1958-1972. National Institute of Oceanography, Wormley, Surrey. Scientific officer and later Principal Scientific Officer. 1954-1955 Government Whaling Inspector in Antarctic. 1950-1951 Teacher in a Secondary Modern School in Scunthorpe 1948-1950 National Service in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Honours. 1981. Elected to Fellowship of The Royal Society, UK. 1989-2005. Visiting Professor. Liverpool University , 1990-2011. Visiting scholar. University of the Azores, Portugal. 1993-1997 Leverhulme Research Fellow. Research on cetacean physiology and anatomy. 2001-2003 Visiting Professor. National Institute of Atmospheric and Water Research, New Zealand. 2003 Visiting Professor, Kaichung University, Taiwan. Research has included 1. many aspects of the biology of cephalopods including their taxonomy, vertical and horizontal distribution, swimming, buoyancy, growth, 2. evolution and palaeontology of cephalopods. 3. study of the buoyancy control and the sound production, conduction and control in spermaceti whales. 4. dietary studies of many species of fish, birds, seals and cetaceans 5. calculations of biomass of cephalopods 6. development of new sampling gear and methods for catching and studying cephalopods including new trawls and the use of lights on trawls. Publications. Over 150 research contributions (mostly papers in international, refereed journals) and contributions to books. List attached. Editor or joint editor of 6 books including 1.'The identification of cephalopod beaks.' Oxford U.P, 2.'Cephalopod Paleontology and Neontology.' eds. Clarke & Truman. Vol 12, The Mollusca. Ed. Wilbur, 3.'Physiology ' eds. Truman & Clarke. Vol 9 The Mollusca. Ed. Wilbur, 4. 'Cephalopod Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution.' eds. Roeleveld, Lipinski &Clarke. South African Journal of Fisheries. Special vol. 5.'Identification of Cephalopod paralarva' Smithsonian special Vol., 6.'Deep Oceans' eds Herring & Clarke. Wiedenfeld & Nicholsen Field experience. 8 months served on a Whaling Factory Ship as a British Govt. whaling inspector and biologist and a total of over 6 years on various research ships including over 30 cruises as chief Scientist. Committees served on. Royal Society, National and International Committees concerned with deep sea research, global fisheries and research vessel design. Secretary for 6 years and President for 3 years and life member of the Cephalopod International Advisory Council. Consultant. Advice and service in the field has been provided on cetaceans and cephalopods for video productions by The National Geographic Society, USA. The BBC, UK. Discovery Channel. USA The Open University, UK. Pitcairn Productions, USA Windfall Films Ltd. London Talks. Public talks are occasionally given. Most recent were on 'Giant squids' 'In search of oceanic squids.' 'The importance of statoliths in the interpretation of coleoid evolution.' 'Sperm whale buoyancy'and 'Sound production and control in pigmy sperm whales.'. They were given in London, Berlin, Taiwan and Thailand Workshops and training courses. Three workshops have been organised on '"Identification of cephalopod beaks". Many post docs have been trained individually or in classes on the same subject Supervision. A number of Ph.D. students at Liverpool, Bangor, Aberdeen, Cambridge, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Canadian Universities as well as one D.Sc candidate have been supervised or examined. Work Abroad. Research has been carried out in South Africa (Cape Town, Durban & Port Elizabeth), Indonesia, Australia (Perth & Melbourne), New Zealand, USA (Florida & Hawaii), France, Portugal (Madeira & Azores), Spain (Canary Islands), Denmark, Faroe Islands, Norway Training. Post doctoral students and some doctoral students of Universities of England, Scotland, France, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Australia and the USA have been personally trained in cephalopod and cephalopod beak identification. Editorial activities I have served on the editorial board of 'Arquipelago' and referee several papers each year for other international journals. Museum experience. I have worked in the London,, Washington (Smithsonian), Los Angeles, Melbourne (Australia), Wellington (N.Z.), Taipei (Taiwan), Tokyo, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (South Africa) Museums and have examined the methods of exhibition in those as well as in Berlin, Paris and Santa Barbara Museums. >From that experience I planned, designed and constructed all the exhibits for my own museum on the biology of spermaceti whales and their cephalopod food. This museum has been open since 2003. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jill.lewandowski at boem.gov Mon May 6 12:49:07 2013 From: jill.lewandowski at boem.gov (Lewandowski, Jill) Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 15:49:07 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] marine acoustician opening- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management- apply NLT May 24 Message-ID: The Bureau of of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is currently advertising to hire a marine acoustician to serve as the Bureau subject-matter expert in underwater acoustics. The position is located in BOEM's headquarters office in Herndon, VA. *The advertisement closes on Friday, May 24 *and can be accessed at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/340375600. This link provides additional detail on the position and instructions for applying. The acoustician will plan, initiate, review and/or conduct underwater sound propagation modeling and acoustic take estimate modeling and analyze underwater acoustic propagation issues in support of BOEM?s environmental impact assessment documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and other relevant laws. Major duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: - Plans, initiates, conducts and/or reviews underwater sound propagation calculations and modeling. Generates maps or diagrams of sound receive levels and other related acoustical quantities for environmental impact assessments related to offshore oil and gas exploration and production, offshore renewable energy facilities construction and operation, and the extraction of sand and gravel in U.S. territorial waters. - Oversees the coordination, planning, budgeting and initiation of scientific investigations in marine acoustics. - Formulates national policies, standards and procedures related to marine acoustical research required for the development of the energy and marine mineral resources of the OCS. - Reviews bureau environmental analyses, permits and plans and other documents to insure sensible and scientifically supportable acoustical information, methods and conclusions. The incumbent will plan, initiate, review and/or conduct underwater sound propagation modeling and acoustic take estimate modeling and analyze underwater acoustic propagation issues in support of BOEM?s environmental impact assessment documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and other relevant laws. *The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) manages the exploration and development of the nation?s offshore resources. It seeks to appropriately balance economic development, energy independence, and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, renewable energy development and environmental reviews and studies. www.boem.gov * * * * * * * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Jill Lewandowski* Chief, Environmental Consultation Branch Office of Environmental Programs Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 381 Elden Street, HM3107 Herndon, VA 20171 Tel (703) 787-1703 Cell (571) 228-9081 Fax (703) 787-1026 www.boem.gov NOTICE: This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or otherwise protected by applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of this e-mail to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying, or use of this e-mail or its contents is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From zabramson at psi.ucm.es Wed May 15 02:48:39 2013 From: zabramson at psi.ucm.es (=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Jos=E9_Francisco_Zamorano_Abramson?=) Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 11:48:39 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] MARMAM] New publication: Relative quantity judgments in the beluga whale ( Delphinapterus leucas) and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Message-ID: Dear colleagues: we are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: Abramson, J. Z., Hern?ndez-Lloreda, V., Call, J., & Colmenares, F. (2013). Relative quantity judgments in the beluga whale (*Delphinapterus leucas*) and the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*).*Behavioural Processes*. 96. pp. 11-19 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2013.02.006 The article has just been published and is available on Elsevier: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376635713000284 Please feel free to contact me with any questions about this article. Best regards, Jos? Z. Abramson. Abstract Numerous studies have documented the ability of many species to make relative quantity judgments using an analogue magnitude system. We investigated whether one beluga whale, *Delphinapterus leucas*, and three bottlenose dolphins, *Tursiops truncatus*, were capable of selecting the larger of two sets of quantities, and analyzed if their performance matched predictions from the object file model versus the analog accumulator model. In Experiment 1, the two sets were presented simultaneously, under water, and they were visually (condition 1) or echoically (condition 2) available at the time of choice. In experiment 2, the two sets were presented above the water, successively (condition 1) or sequentially, item-by-item (condition 2), so that they were not visually available at the time of choice (condition 1) or at any time throughout the experiment (condition 2). We analyzed the effect of the ratio between quantities, the difference between quantities, and the total number of items presented on the subjects? choices. All subjects selected the larger of the two sets of quantities above chance levels in all conditions. However, unlike most previous studies, the subjects? choices did not match the predictions from the accumulator model. Whether these findings reflect interspecies differences in the mechanisms which underpin relative quantity judgments remains to be determined. Keywords: Numerical cognition; Relative quantity judgment; Beluga whale; Bottlenose dolphin; Object file model; Analog accumulator model -- PhD. Jos? Fco. Zamorano Abramson. Departamento de Psicobiolog?a. Facultad de Psicolog?a Universidad Complutense de Madrid Campus de Somosaguas 28223 Madrid, Spain zabramson at psi.ucm.es -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From klabeth at mac.com Tue May 14 15:38:02 2013 From: klabeth at mac.com (Kayla Causey) Date: Tue, 14 May 2013 15:38:02 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Deadline Extended for CDOC Project Summer Field Course Applications Message-ID: <014501ce50f3$b18ff640$14afe2c0$@mac.com> The deadline to apply for the CDOC Project Summer Field Course has been extended. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis between now and the end of May. See below for a description of the course: Field Course Advertisement The Coastal Dolphins of Orange County (CDOC) Project is accepting applications for its 2013 summer and fall field courses. Based out of Newport Beach, CA, the field course will involve a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week extending over a 12-week period from June 3 - August 23, 2013 (summer course) and September 2 - November 22, 2013 (fall course). There is some flexibility in these start and end dates. The program offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in behavioral, acoustic, and photo-id methodology and analyses under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. Program participants will receive training in three broad areas of dolphin research: 1) fieldwork, 2) laboratory work, and 3) literature research/seminar. Fieldwork includes photo-identification, behavioral sampling, and acoustic sampling (including passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals). Fieldwork will involve both shore- and boat-based data collection and observation, although most participants spend about 75% of their time collecting data from shore and 25% from the boat. Laboratory work will provide participants training in how to build and maintain a digital photo-identification catalog using ACDSee and fin-identification software, analysis of digitized acoustic data using signal processing software (e.g., Canary), and entry and analysis of behavioral data using SPSS, Excel, and R software. Weekly seminars will provide participants the opportunity to discuss relevant scientific research articles, receive instruction on methodology and theory related to dolphin research, and present research on their own topic of interest relevant to the project. In addition, local experts lead guest seminars on a variety of topics, including marine mammal veterinary medicine, stranding and rehabilitation, acoustic analysis, and communication in cetaceans. Program activities are closely tied to the working schedule of the CDOC Project, which operates on a seven day-a-week basis. The field course is structured around the goals of the CDOC Project, which include understanding the behavior, distribution, and social ecology of Pacific Coast Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. For more information about the project, please visit www. CDOCProject.org . Program participants will work under the immediate supervision of Dr. Kayla Causey, Director of the CDOC Project. During a typical week, students can expect to spend about three days (~3 hours per day) collecting data in the field, one evening (about 3-hours) in seminar, and a combination of two afternoons or mornings (~8 hours total) working in the lab. In addition, students should allot time to complete assigned readings and prepare for the week's seminar discussion. The fee for the three-month field course is $1000, payable to Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation. Course participants will be responsible for their own living expenses and transportation to and from the field site in Newport Beach and California State University Fullerton. The course may be repeated three times in succession (i.e., one year). The CDOC Project Field Course is intended to provide a mentored training opportunity for a small and select group of applicants. Ideal candidates will be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates of a scientifically-oriented university program in marine science, biology, comparative psychology, or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants with well-developed computer skills and boating experience. It is expected that most applicants will pursue the CDOC Project Field Course as part of their general academic preparation for graduate work in cetacean science or animal behavior. Unlike many other marine mammal internships, we have designed our course to serve as a scholarly endeavor. Our goal in structuring the program is to provide an experience for advanced students that will complement their undergraduate course work and provide them with the "hands on" experience that many graduate advisors look for in potential graduate students. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested parties should contact Kayla Causey at KCausey at fullerton.edu to find out whether applications are still being accepted for the applicant's preferred semester. To apply, please send a letter of interest including a brief biographical sketch, a detailed description of the applicant's academic history and any considerations such as special skills, experiences, and interests that would assist in the selection process. The letter should also indicate the applicant's preferred semester (Summer or Fall) and any time constraints associated with participation. Interested applicants should email materials to Kayla Causey at KCausey at fullerton.edu. Please also have two letters of recommendation sent from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with the applicant's scholarship, research skills, and work habits relevant to the internship. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Antonio Tue May 21 04:49:39 2013 From: Antonio (Antonio) Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 12:49:39 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Correspondance in Nature: Whales: No mass strandings since sonar ban Message-ID: <20130521124939.19725w5w4apndpwc@correo.ulpgc.es> Dear MARMAM subscribers: We are pleased to announce the publication of the following correspondence NATURE: WHALES: No mass strandings since sonar ban Antonio Fernandez, Manuel Arbelo, Vidal Mart?n Corresponding author: afernandez at dmor.ulpgc.es Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmonta?a S/N, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain. SECAC. Lanzarote. Spain SCIENTISTS FROM INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL HEALTH AT UNIVERSITY OF LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA AND SECAC LED BY DR. ANTONIO FERN?NDEZ HAVE PUBLISHED CONCLUSIONS ON CETACEAN STRANDINGS?RESEARCH DONE DURING THE LAST 9 YEARS. CAUSES OF STRANDING AND DEATH HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATED ON EACH STRANDED WHALE AND DOLPHIN IN THE CANARY ISLANDS. PROMPT POLITICAL ACTION MAY HAVE RESULTED IN A REMARKABLE CONSERVATION SUCCESS FOR WHALES AND DOLPHINS. THE CANARY ISLANDS USED TO BE A HOTSPOT FOR MASS STRANDINGS, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO MASS BEACHINGS SINCE THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT IMPOSED A MORATORIUM ON NAVAL EXERCISES IN THESE WATERS IN 2004. NAVAL SONAR OPERATIONS HAVE LONG BEEN IMPLICATED IN MASS STRANDINGS, PARTICULARLY OF BEAKED WHALES (R. FILADELFO /ET AL. AQUAT. MAMM. /35, 435?444; 2009). IN 2002, THE STRANDING OF 14 BEAKED WHALES IN THE CANARY ISLANDS WAS LINKED TO THE USE OF MID-FREQUENCY NAVAL SONAR IN THE AREA (P. D. JEPSON /ET AL. NATURE /425, 575?576; 2003). IN 2004, FOUR CUVIER?S BEAKED WHALES (/ZIPHIUS CAVIROSTRIS/) WERE STRANDED THERE AFTER AN INTERNATIONAL NAVAL EXERCISE (A. FERN?NDEZ /ET AL. J. MAR. SCI. RES. DEV/. 2, 2; 2012). THESE EVENTS PROMPTED THE SPANISH MORATORIUM AND LED THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT TO ISSUE A NON-BINDING RESOLUTION IN 2004 TO STOP THE DEPLOYMENT OF HIGH-INTENSITY SONAR UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF A GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF ITS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ON MARINE LIFE. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From eric.archer at noaa.gov Tue May 21 16:33:32 2013 From: eric.archer at noaa.gov (Eric Archer - NOAA Federal) Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 16:33:32 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Mitogenomic phylogenetics of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus spp.): genetic evidence for revision of subspecies Message-ID: We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Archer FI, Morin PA, Hancock-Hanser BL, Robertson KM, Leslie MS, B?rub? M, Panigada S, Taylor, BL (2013) Mitogenomic Phylogenetics of Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus spp.): Genetic Evidence for Revision of Subspecies. PLoS ONE 8(5): e63396. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0063396 available online at http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0063396 Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Cheers, Eric Archer Abstract There are three described subspecies of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus): B. p. physalus Linnaeus, 1758 in the Northern Hemisphere, B. p. quoyi Fischer, 1829 in the Southern Hemisphere, and a recently described pygmy form, B. p. patachonica Burmeister, 1865. The discrete distribution in the North Pacific and North Atlantic raises the question of whether a single Northern Hemisphere subspecies is valid. We assess phylogenetic patterns using ~16 K base pairs of the complete mitogenome for 154 fin whales from the North Pacific, North Atlantic - including the Mediterranean Sea - and Southern Hemisphere. A Bayesian tree of the resulting 136 haplotypes revealed several well-supported clades representing each ocean basin, with no haplotypes shared among ocean basins. The North Atlantic haplotypes (n = 12) form a sister clade to those from the Southern Hemisphere (n = 42). The estimated time to most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for this Atlantic/Southern Hemisphere clade and 81 of the 97 samples from the North Pacific was approximately 2 Ma. 14 of the remaining North Pacific samples formed a well-supported clade within the Southern Hemisphere. The TMRCA for this node suggests that at least one female from the Southern Hemisphere immigrated to the North Pacific approximately 0.37 Ma. These results provide strong evidence that North Pacific and North Atlantic fin whales should not be considered the same subspecies, and suggest the need for revision of the global taxonomy of the species. -- Eric Archer, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center NMFS, NOAA 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 USA 858-546-7121 (work) 858-546-7003 (FAX) Marine Mammal Genetics Group: swfsc.noaa.gov/prd-mmgenetics ETP Cetacean Assessment Program: swfsc.noaa.gov/prd-etp "The universe doesn't care what you believe. The wonderful thing about science is that it doesn't ask for your faith, it just asks for your eyes." - Randall Munroe "Lighthouses are more helpful than churches." - Benjamin Franklin "...but I'll take a GPS over either one." - John C. "Craig" George -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From uko at ukogorter.com Wed May 22 17:25:51 2013 From: uko at ukogorter.com (Uko Gorter) Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 17:25:51 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] American Cetacean Society/Puget Sound Chapter: Student Travel Grant to 2013 SMM biennial Message-ID: <65C81054-497A-460D-8E35-68D753ED252B@ukogorter.com> Dear MARMAM subscribers, The American Cetacean Society ?Puget Sound Chapter would like to encourage student participation at the 20th Biennial conference (Dunedin, New Zealand) by awarding one travel grant to a current ACS Student Member selected by lottery from eligible applicants. During the conference, network with other fellow students and participate in the Student Affairs Workshop where you can meet with professionals in various disciplines. You will also be eligible to win awards for outstanding presentations in various categories. The student travel grant application period closes Friday, 5 July 2013 (11:59pm). One student travel grant of $500 will be selected by a lottery system from all applications received by the submission deadline. To qualify for this grant, you need to: 1) Make sure you are a current ACS member at the time of submission, (http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/) 2) Be currently enrolled as a student at a recognized academic institution, 3) Be first author on an accepted oral or poster presentation about or related to cetaceans in the Pacific Northwest (British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska) 4) Register for the conference by the early registration deadline (1 August 2013). As an awardee, you will be asked to present your poster or presentation at a future ACS/PS general meeting, or in the event the recipient is unable to travel to Seattle, a write-up of their presentation for submission and posting to the ACS/PS website. Notification of the student travel grant awards will be made by Wednesday, 18 July 2013. If you are granted an award, you will need to ensure you register for the conference by the end of the early registration period (1 August, 2013) or your award will be given to another individual. Please submit your abstract and a brief bio electronically to acspsgrants at yahoo.com ------------------------------- We hope to secure more funding for additional travel grants. We will post these if and when available. Kind Regards, Uko Gorter, President Stephanie Norman, Grants Chair Uko Gorter, president 425-827-3437 uko at ukogorter.com ---------------------------- American Cetacean Society/Puget Sound Chapter P.O. Box 2341 Kirkland, WA 98083-2341 acspsinfo at acspugetsound.org www.acspugetsound.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From A.Hodgson at murdoch.edu.au Thu May 23 01:31:55 2013 From: A.Hodgson at murdoch.edu.au (Amanda Hodgson) Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 08:31:55 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Humpback whales observers needed, Western Australia Message-ID: Blue Planet Marine (Sam du Fresne), Murdoch University (Josh Smith and Amanda Hodgson), and Counting Whales (Sharon Hedley) are conducting a pilot study that aims to test a number of methodologies for population abundance surveys of humpback whales in Western Australia. This project is not about carrying out an actual abundance survey but rather conducting land based observations simultaneously with aerial surveys, trialling independent methods to determine what is the best approach in the future for an abundance survey here in WA. There is a land-based component for which we will evaluate two new locations for conducting surveys: southern Dirk Hartog Island in Shark Bay and Yardie Creek south of Exmouth on the NW Cape. The other component is an aerial survey that will test two methods: circle back and cue counting, and will occur in the same locations. We are looking to two aerial survey observers, and two land-based observers, to conduct this work. As we are testing new methods and new locations, we'd like experienced people who we know will understand the concepts well enough for us to assess each of these aspects. SCHEDULE: All observers to arrive in Perth by 6th July 2013, and will be mobilised to Shark Bay on 7th July. Aerial team to fly in small plane (Partenavia) to Exmouth on 21st July. Land-based team to fly Shark Bay to Perth on 20th July, Perth to Exmouth on 21st July. All observers to demobilise back to Perth on 4th August. ACCOMMODATION: The aerial team will stay at the Peron Homestead (near Denham) while operating out of Shark Bay, and in a house at the Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort while operating from Exmouth. The land-based team will likely stay at the 'old shearer's quarters' using camping equipment on Dirk Hartog Island, and then stay at Yardie Creek Homestead & Caravan Park on the NW Cape. REQUIREMENTS: Aerial survey observers ? demonstrated experience conducting line transect surveys of whales (preferably humpback whales). Land-based survey observers ? demonstrated experience spotting whales from land (or boat), and preferably, experience using a theodolite for tacking whales and/or using the computer program VADAR (previously known as Cyclops). EXPENSES/RENUMERATION: Aerial survey observers ? all travel between Perth and the field sites, and all other expenses while in the field will be covered. You will also receive a modest salary. Travel costs between other major cities in Australia and Perth may be provided if necessary. Land-based observers ? all travel between Perth and the field sites, and all other expenses while in the field will be covered. These are voluntary positions. CONTACT: Please email one of the following collaborators if you are interested in these positions, and provide a CV that describes your relevant experience. Note that only we can only take people available for the whole field trip. Sam du Fresnse: sam at blueplanetmarine.com Josh Smith: joshua.smith at uqconnect.edu.au Amanda Hodgson: a.hodgson at murdoch.edu.au -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emmaforrester at hydenlyne.com Thu May 23 08:01:58 2013 From: emmaforrester at hydenlyne.com (Emma Forrester) Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 08:01:58 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Urgently Needed French Speaking MMOs Message-ID: <1369321318.14354.YahooMailNeo@web5706.biz.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Good Day Marmamers! ? Hydenlyne is privately owned and was established in 2007. We provide project management, operational support, quality control services, well-site geological services, HSE advisors and Marine Mammal Observers (MMO)/Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) on seismic data and drilling projects world-wide. Our clients include independent oil companies and operators, major oil companies, and national oil and gas companies and government agencies. We have an upcoming seismic project?offshore in South Africa and are urgently seeking French speaking MMOs. Applicants must have: * ????seismic experience * ??? valid offshore certificates * ??? must be available from 10th June for 8-10 weeks All those interested please forward you CV to myself at emmaforrester at hydenlyne.com with the subject heading "French Speaking MMO" ? Kind regards, ? Emma Forrester Project Manager (MMO/PAM) ? UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lmarino at emory.edu Wed May 15 10:15:04 2013 From: lmarino at emory.edu (Marino, Lori) Date: Wed, 15 May 2013 17:15:04 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Presenting Important New Findings on Orca Health in Captivity Message-ID: <4ED5B1B055C37D40BC9086485FA2D2F9AD735351@e14mbx22n.Enterprise.emory.net> Dear MARMAM Subscribers - On behalf of the authors, I wish to announce an important new peer-reviewed study describing mosquito-borne diseases in captive orcas (killer whales). This study adds to our growing understanding of marine mammal health and wellbeing as well as documents am potentially important disease vulnerability in captive orcas. Citation: Jett, J.S., and Ventre, J. (2013). Orca (Orcinus orca) captivity and vulnerability to mosquito- transmitted viruses. Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology, 5(2):9-16. Abstract: Although unreported in wild orca populations, mosquito-transmitted diseases have killed at least two captive orcas (Orcinus orca) in U.S. theme parks. St. Louis encephalitis (SLEV) was implicated in the 1990 death of the male orca Kanduke, held at SeaWorld of Florida. In the second case, West Nile Virus (WNV) killed male orca Taku at Sea World of Texas in 2007. Captive environments increase vulnerability to mosquito-transmitted diseases in a variety of ways. Unlike their wild counterparts who are rarely stationary, captive orcas typically spend hours each day (mostly at night) floating motionless (logging) during which time biting mosquitoes access their exposed dorsal surfaces. Mosquitoes are attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide, heat and dark surfaces, all of which are present during logging behavior. Further, captive orcas are often housed in geographic locations receiving high ultraviolet radiation, which acts as an immunosuppressant. Unfortunately, many of these facilities offer the animals little shade protection. Additionally, many captive orcas are burdened with broken, ground and bored teeth through which bacteria enters the bloodstream, thus further compromising their ability to fight various pathogens. Given the often compromised health of captive orcas, and given that mosquito-transmitted viral outbreaks are likely to occur in the future, mosquito-transmitted diseases such as SLEV and WNV remain persistent health risks for captive orcas held in the U.S. Link to article: http://www.oers.ca/journal/volume5/issue2/caseReport_vol5iss2.pdf. Thank you, Lori Marino, Ph.D. Neuroscientist and Marine Mammal Scientist Emory University ________________________________ This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From f_penin at hotmail.com Mon May 20 06:01:24 2013 From: f_penin at hotmail.com (Felipe Penin) Date: Mon, 20 May 2013 10:01:24 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] IBAC XXIV last call for Abstract submission In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: My dear Bioacoustics Fellows, We have received a few requests to postpone (for the second time) the deadlines for abstracts submission for the XXIV IBAC. After a discussion that involved all the organizing committee, we decided to postpone the abstract submission deadline to June 1st (23:59 Brasilia Time). This is also the limit date for the early fees. Despite we are satisfied with the number of submissions (we now 150 submitted abstracts from over 30 different countries), we still have room to comfortably accommodate more papers. We are working hard to make this edition of IBAC unforgettable, so that we decided not to lose any papers because of time restrictions. Still, it is not possible to postpone it again, so if you have missed the chance to submit you paper because of time, this is you last chance! We would like to thank all of you that have already submitted your papers, and call those who haven?t to done so. We also have postponed Jacques Vielliard travel grants, so graduate and undergraduate students that have not submitted their papers yet, still have time to apply for the grant. We sure hope to hold an outstanding meeting in Brazil, keeping up to previous last IBAC editions. With our best regards, Felipe Penin and XXIV IBAC Organizing Committee Organizing Committee -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ecm-parsons at earthlink.net Thu May 23 10:07:49 2013 From: ecm-parsons at earthlink.net (Chris Parsons) Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 13:07:49 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] International Congress for Conservation Biology Message-ID: <00ae01ce57d8$0e1fa370$2a5eea50$@earthlink.net> Dear marine mammal types, This is a friendly reminder that the regular registration period for the 26th International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) closes on 28 May. More than 1,200 have already registered to attend. Please go to www.conbio.org/2013 for information on the Congress and to register. The Congress is being held in Baltimore, MD, USA from 21-25 July 2013. Keep in mind that registration rates will increase following the 28 May deadline so now's the best time to sign up for ICCB! There are many marine conservation-oriented talks and sessions, for example the symposium: "Integrating Marine Mammal Conservation: 21st Century Challenges" (on Tues 23rd July) Don't miss the marine section social on the evening of Monday 22nd July ON A PIRATE SHIP ! The full schedule of talks can be found at: http://www.conbio.org/images/content_conferences/ICCB-Contributed-Session-Sc hedule-for-Website_5.21.2013.xls Chris Parsons, Marine Section President and Governor, Society for Conservation Biology -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From atonay at istanbul.edu.tr Fri May 24 01:46:57 2013 From: atonay at istanbul.edu.tr (Arda M. Tonay) Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 11:46:57 +0300 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications on sperm whale and mediterranean monk seal in Turkey Message-ID: <002d01ce585b$4bb0f6c0$e312e440$@istanbul.edu.tr> Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the two publications of the following papers in Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment. ? ?zt?rk, A.A. Tonay, A.M., Dede, A. 2013. Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sightings in the Aegean and Mediterranean part of Turkish waters. J. Black Sea/Mediterr. Environ. 19(2): 168-176. Full text is available at: http://www.blackmeditjournal.org/pdf/169-177%20Vol19No2Ayaka.pdf Abstract Between 1994 and 2012, 43 sightings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were reported in the Turkish part of the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. Most of the sightings were located near the Fethiye Canyon which is one of the deepest parts of the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern limit of the sperm whale sighting in the Turkish part of the Mediterranean Sea is Alanya and the northern limit is G?k?eada in the northern Aegean Sea. ? Danyer, E., ?zg?r ?zbek, E., Aytemiz, I., Tonay, A.M. 2013. Preliminary report of a stranding case of Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779) on Antalya coast, Turkey, April 2013. J. Black Sea/Mediterr. Environ. 19(2): 181-185. Full text is available at: http://www.blackmeditjournal.org/pdf/278-282%20Vol19No2Erdem.pdf Abstract The Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779), which lives on the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea coast of Turkey, is one of the critically endangered species in the world. On 30 April 2013, an adult male monk seal was found dead on the coast of Antalya. Evidence of deliberate killing was found as a result of gross necropsy carried out after two days. This paper summarizes the preliminary findings of the gross necropsy. Best regards, Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Fisheries, ?stanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli, 34480 ?stanbul, Turkey Tel: ?+90 212 455 5700/16434 Fax: +90 212 514 0379 atonay at istanbul.edu.tr http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, ?stanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771 Bu elektronik posta ve beraberinde iletilen butun dosyalar sadece gondericisi tarafindan alinmasi amaclanan yetkili gercek ya da tuzel kisinin kullanimi icindir.Eger soz konusu yetkili alici degilseniz bu elektronik postanin icerigini aciklamaniz, kopyalamaniz, yonlendirmeniz ve kullanmaniz kesinlikle yasaktir ve bu elektronik postayi derhal silmeniz gerekmektedir. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI bu mesajin icerdigi bilgilerin dogrulugu veya eksiksiz oldugu konusunda herhangi bir garanti vermemektedir. Bu nedenle bu bilgilerin ne sekilde olursa olsun iceriginden, iletilmesinden, alinmasindan ve saklanmasindan sorumlu degildir. Bu mesajdaki gorusler yalnizca gonderen kisiye aittir ve ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI'nin goruslerini yansitmayabilir. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message and attachments are confidential and intended solely for the individual(s) stated in this message.This email is not intended to impose nor shall it be construed as imposing any legally binding obligation upon ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY and/or any of its subsidiaries or associated companies. Neither ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY nor any of its subsidiaries or associated companies gives any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this email. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY will not be held liable to any person resulting from the use of any information contained in this email and will not be liable to any person who acts or omits to do anything in reliance upon it. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gisela_giardino at yahoo.com.ar Fri May 24 14:12:48 2013 From: gisela_giardino at yahoo.com.ar (Gisela Giardino) Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 14:12:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] New publication about hair bleaching marking technique in South American sea lions Message-ID: <1369429968.43870.YahooMailNeo@web122304.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Hi all We are pleased to announce the publication of the following methodological note about hair bleaching marking technique in South American sea lions Otaria flavescens:Description and evaluation of method in Mastozoologia Neotropical Available online at http://www.sarem.org.ar/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SAREM_MastNeotrop_20-1_16_Giardino.pdf I'm sorry that is not all in English but please feel free to contact me with any questions & doubts. Cheers ?Gisela Giardino RESUMEN El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo describir y evaluar el m?todo de marcado de lobos marinos comunes por decoloraci?n del pelo, se?alando ventajas y posibilidades de aplicaci?n futuras. Para el marcado se utiliz? un sello compuesto por letras y n?meros desmontables donde se coloca el decolorante, conectado a una vara extensible que permite la correcta aplicaci?n de la marca. Con esta metodolog?a las marcas obtenidas tuvieron una duraci?n m?xima de 347 d?as perfectamente visibles, motivo por el cual y sumado al bajo costo y sencillez de aplicaci?n, se sugiere que esta t?cnica es recomendable para estudios no invasivos en pinn?pedos a corto y mediano plazo. ABSTRACT. Hair bleaching marking technique in South American sea lionsOtaria flavescens:Descriptionand evaluation of method The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate the use of the hair discoloration method in South American sea lions, with an emphasis on its advantages and its potential use in future studies. For marking, stamp removable letters and numbers were used, connected to an extensible rod. The bleached marks obtained had a maximum duration of 347 days perfectly visible and, because of the combination of low cost and application simplicity, this technique is considered suitable for both short and long term non-invasive studies in pinnipeds. ? Lic. Gisela Giardino Laboratorio de Mam?feros Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) De?n Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 456) Casilla de correo CC 1260-Correo Central-MdP ?http://travesiasdelobos.blogspot.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From d.weilermann at live.de Fri May 10 14:35:50 2013 From: d.weilermann at live.de (Dominique Weilermann) Date: Fri, 10 May 2013 21:35:50 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Boat-based cetacean research Turks & Caicos - Volunteers needed! In-Reply-To: References: <5485139C64AE4E438E84D7E1D7666C81@lenovoa6f13ea5>, , <0B7BA707461F450A95B4F8B003C3DBCC@lenovoa6f13ea5>, , <304D9CCB940F49C8B32FFE459EADA991@lenovoa6f13ea5>, , Message-ID: Volunteers needed for line-transect surveys around Turks & Caicos, Caribbean We are looking for volunteers on our research trips around the Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean. Ocean Explorer is a Swiss non-profit-organization, dedicated to the protection and conservation of marine mammals and their natural environment. Since autumn 2012, the research vessel ?Ocean Breeze? launches a number of scientific projects in the Caribbean Sea as well as Eastern Pacific Ocean. We conduct scientific research in close collaboration with established institutions and regional conservation organizations and projects are guided by experienced marine biologists. Ocean Explorer is a certified member of the Reef Check Foundation and supports their monitoring efforts. Details: We conduct line-transect and acoustic surveys around the islands and we are strongly involved in reef monitoring. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to gain experience in visual and acoustic cetacean surveying, photo-identification, behavioural observations and practical skills (sailing, photo-ID, coral reef health monitoring). During lectures and joined discussions you learn more about the biology of marine mammals and coral reef ecology. There will also be the opportunity to visit nature reserves and wildlife parks on guided tours. Travel Dates: 1: 25.05. - 01.06.2013 2: 01.06. - 08.06.2013 3: 15.06. - 22.06.2013 4: 22.06. - 29.06.2013 Costs: CHF: 1690.- (1380 Euro/ 1160 GBP) Cost include following: - Accommodation on board of Catamaran - All meals and non-alcoholic beverages - Unlimited diving and all equipment provided - Guidance from marine biologist and skipper (English and German speaking) - Use of research material as well as library on board - One guided excursion Not included: - International flight to Providenciales - Individual excursions - Travel insurance - Personal expenses For more information and booking please visit: http://www.ocean-explorer.org/56.html or contact Frank Gerstner info at ocean-explorer.org Thank you for your interest. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From aileen at pacificbio.org Wed May 29 13:45:00 2013 From: aileen at pacificbio.org (Aileen Jeffries) Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 13:45:00 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Doctoral Position - Marine Biology Message-ID: Job Post: Marine biologist for population study of Phocoena phocoena and its role in the Salish Sea ecosystem. Required: PhD in marine biology, or equivalent, experience in cetacean research or equivalent, demonstrated ability to secure funding for independent research. A US citizenship or existing work visa for the US is required. The ability to relocate to Washington is required. Desirable: Experience in wildlife population ecology, experience using acoustic instruments, experience handling boats, experience meeting with natural resource managers to recommend management policy, experience meeting with agencies and foundations, success obtaining funding for conservation research. The successful candidate will be asked to take the lead in a project that is underway, to use acoustic monitors and land-based observations to estimate a population of harbor porpoise. The project leader will have the assistance of one support staff and work with the current PI. The initial, primary duties will be to direct measurements to obtain the detection probability of acoustic monitors. This will include placing, deploying and swapping acoustic monitors, analyzing data, assessing the accomplishment of the project and modifying design and execution as necessary. The project leader will be expected to maintain contact with and coordinate with agencies working in the area and to be available to occasionally give public presentations. The project leader must be self-directed, able to take initiative and able to work as part of a team. The project leader must keep the success of the project a high priority. Salary is dependent on experience. Please send a cover letter detailing experience relevant to this position and a resume to aileen at pacificbio.org. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolinaloch at yahoo.com.br Sun May 26 16:19:47 2013 From: carolinaloch at yahoo.com.br (Carolina Loch) Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 16:19:47 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on mechanical properties of enamel and dentine in dolphins Message-ID: <1369610387.89118.YahooMailClassic@web160805.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Dear MARMAM subscribers, ? We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the current issue of the Archives of Oral Biology: Mechanical properties of dental tissues in dolphins (Cetacea: Delphinoidea and Inioidea) Carolina Loch,? Michael V. Swain, Ludwig Jansen van Vuuren, Jules A. Kieser and R. Ewan Fordyce doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2012.12.003 ? Volume 58, Issue 7, July 2013, Pages 773?779 ? Abstract (1) Mammalian teeth play a major role in food acquisition and processing. While most mammals are heterodont and masticate their food, dolphins are homodont with simplified tooth morphology and negligible mastication. Understanding mechanical properties of dental tissues in dolphins is fundamental to elucidate the functional morphology and biomechanics of their feeding apparatus. This paper aims to study the hardness and elastic modulus of enamel and dentine in dolphins. (2) Teeth of 10 extant species (Inioidea and Delphinoidea) were longitudinally sectioned, polished and mounted in a UMIS nanoindenter. Indentations were performed from dentine to outer enamel. Hardness and elastic modulus were calculated using the Oliver?Pharr method. (3) Mean values of hardness and elastic modulus were similar on buccal and lingual surfaces. While dentine hardness was statistically similar among species, enamel hardness varied from 3.86?GPa (?0.4) in Steno bredanensis (rough-toothed dolphin) to 2.36?GPa (?0.38) in Pontoporia blainvillei (franciscana). For most species, there was a gradational increase in hardness values from inner to outer enamel. Enamel and dentine elastic modulus values clearly differed among species. In enamel, it ranged from 69.32?GPa (?4.08) in the rough-toothed dolphin to 13.51?GPa (?2.80) in Stenella coeruleoalba (striped dolphin). For most species, elastic modulus values were highest at inner and outer enamel. (4) Differences in mechanical properties between species, and within the enamel of each species, suggest functional implications and influence of ultrastructural arrangement and chemical composition. Full text is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996912004323 ? Or alternatively, a pdf can be requested at: carolina.loch at otago.ac.nz ? Best regards, MSc. Carolina Loch Silva PhD Candidate Geology Department, University of Otago Dunedin 9054, New Zealand http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/people/students/loch/index.html & Laborat?rio de Mam?feros Aqu?ticos UFSCFlorian?polis, SC - Brasil -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From daniele.cagnazzi at scu.edu.au Mon May 27 18:55:47 2013 From: daniele.cagnazzi at scu.edu.au (Daniele Cagnazzi) Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 01:55:47 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Capricorn Cetacean Project Research Assistant Position Message-ID: SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON INSHORE DOLPHINS IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA Daniele Cagnazzi (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Ecology Research Centre, SCU) is currently accepting applications for two volunteer positions, for the Capricorn Cetaceans Project for the Australian winter season from the 7th of August to the end of November 2013. The Capricorn Cetacean Project started in 2006 as part of Dr Cagnazzi Daniele PhD study. The primary aim of this project was to study inshore dolphin species primarily the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the Australian snubfin dolphin in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Queensland Australia. More information about past and on-going projects can be found at http://www.capricorncetaceansproject.com/ and at the Marine Ecology Research centre website http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ The primary aims of this year survey season will be conducting a pilot study to determine the best methodology to monitor abundance and distribution of humpback and snubfin dolphins from the Bowen to Gladstone in Central Queensland, a region undergoing to major industrial port expansions. Field work include daily coastal surveys and longer expeditions. Coastal daily surveys will be conducted on a 6m centre console vessel, due to the extension of the study area launching points vary depending on the weather and surveys needs. Longer expeditions will be organized to survey the most remote areas. These expeditions will last up to two weeks, and will be done with the support of a larger vessel. During field work we will applied techniques normally used for inshore dolphins studies. Additionally we will also collect skin samples using PAXARM biopsy system for an on-going genetic and toxicology population study and various environmental and physical variables potentially useful to explain dolphin distribution. While on land the team will share a house in Yeppoon a quite costal town in Central Queensland, however we will be travelling frequently to different locations such as Bowen, Airlie Beach, Proserpine, and Mackay. All accommodation and food costs are covered. This position is mainly for people with limited field work experience but a profound interest in cetaceans and a background in marine studies or similar are required. Application from volunteers for less than 2 months will not be considered. Interested applicants should forward a letter and their CV directly to me daniele.cagnazzi at scu.edu.au Daniele Cagnazzi Postdoctoral Research Fellow Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Southern Cross University 2480 Lismore NSW Australia PH: +61 0266203815 FAX: +61 0266212669 Website: http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ Pubblocation List: Daniele Cagnazzi Publications -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jobs at oceanassoc.com Tue May 28 22:07:30 2013 From: Jobs at oceanassoc.com (Jobs.Ocean.Associates) Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 19:07:30 -1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Bio-Acoustics job posting Message-ID: <51A58D12.6030404@OceanAssoc.com> Ocean Associates, Inc. is seeking candidates for a BioAcoustician to work with the Cetacean Research Program at NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This position is a full-time one year contract with the possibility of renewal based on job performance and availability of funding. Limited funds for travel to conferences, workshops, or field work are available. This position may include field work, including travel away from home for up to 2 months per year. The successful candidate will assist staff of the Cetacean Research Program with analysis of existing long-term autonomous datasets for cetacean presence, characterization of anthropogenic noise, and measurement of ambient and received sound levels. Opportunities for involvement with other passive acoustics projects, including towed array and fisheries monitoring, may also be possible. Job duties: 1. Analyze existing and incoming long-term acoustic datasets collected from the central and western pacific for baleen whale and odontocete occurrence and seasonality. Previous experience with classification, detection, or localization software and techniques is required. 2. Assist in maintenance and deployment of autonomous recorders, including instrument preparation, breakdown, and quality control of incoming datasets. 3. Maintenance of acoustic datasets, including documentation of acoustic data quality, analysis effort, and archiving of data and analysis products. Minimum qualifications: * Master's degree in oceanography, biology, engineering, computer science or other relevant field from an accredited institution or equivalent experience * Two years experience with bioacoustic instrumentation, data processing, and analysis * Proficient in Matlab * U.S. citizen or permanent resident * Able to pass government background security check, required for working within a government facility. Preferred qualifications: * PhD in oceanography, biology, engineering, computer science or other relevant field * Five or more years experience in analysis of large volume, long-term datasets, evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals. * Proficiency in R and XML or other database programming languages Excellent employee benefits are provided including paid medical insurance, and holiday, vacation and sick leave. The work location will be at the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The position requires access to Federal office buildings or ships and communication networks. Applicants must have US citizenship or right to work documents that do not expire during the contract period, combined with two years of US residency before the start of employment. Ocean Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. A complete application package includes recent CV detailing qualifications and experience with marine mammal acoustic datasets, and names and contact information for at least two professional references. Review of candidates will begin on June 12, 2013 and preference will be given to applicants that submit a full application prior to that date. Top candidates will be interviewed by phone or in-person in late-June. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please email your application packet to Jobs*at*OceanAssoc.com and use "5046 Acoustician" as the subject line. PDF documents are preferred and please include your name in the file name. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jvanderhoop at whoi.edu Mon May 27 04:20:38 2013 From: jvanderhoop at whoi.edu (Julie van der Hoop) Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 07:20:38 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Behavior and energetics in an entangled whale Message-ID: <56CB5DC0-7415-4986-90D2-4AAE58B3FE45@whoi.edu> MARMAM Subscribers, We are pleased to announce the following paper, published online this week in Marine Mammal Science: van der Hoop, J., Moore, M., Fahlman, A., Bocconcelli, A., George, C., Jackson, K., Miller, C., Morin, D., Pitchford, T., Rowles, T., Smith, J. and Zoodsma, B. (2013), Behavioral impacts of disentanglement of a right whale under sedation and the energetic cost of entanglement. Marine Mammal Science. doi: 10.1111/mms.12042 Abstract: Protracted entanglement in fishing gear often leads to emaciation through reduced mobility and foraging ability, and energy budget depletion from the added drag of towing gear for months or years. We examined changes in kinematics of a tagged entangled North Atlantic right whale (Eg 3911), before, during, and after disentanglement on 15 January 2011. To calculate the additional drag forces and energetic demand associated with various gear configurations, we towed three sets of gear attached to a load-cell tensiometer at multiple speeds. Tag analyses revealed significant increases in dive depth and duration; ascent, descent and fluke stroke rates; and decreases in root mean square fluke amplitude (a proxy for thrust) following disentanglement. Conservative drag coefficients while entangled in all gear configurations (mean ? SD Cd,e,go = 3.4 ? 10?3 ? 0.0003, Cd,e,gb = 3.7 ? 10?3 ? 0.0003, Cd,e,sl = 3.8 ? 10?3 ? 0.0004) were significantly greater than in the nonentangled case (Cd,n = 3.2 ? 10?3 ? 0.0003; P = 0.0156, 0.0312, 0.0078, respectively). Increases in total power input (including standard metabolism) over the nonentangled condition ranged from 1.6% to 120.9% for all gear configurations tested; locomotory power requirements increased 60.0%?164.6%. These results highlight significant alteration to swimming patterns, and the magnitude of energy depletion in a chronically entangled whale. The article can be downloaded from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12042/full Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, or to request an electronic copy of the article. Julie van der Hoop Graduate Student MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography Woods Hole MA 02543 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lilianelodi at gmail.com Thu May 30 06:09:47 2013 From: lilianelodi at gmail.com (Liliane Lodi) Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 10:09:47 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Brazilian Cetacean Guide Message-ID: <000001ce5d36$f71a0da0$e54e28e0$@com> Dear MARMAM Readers, We are pleased to inform you about the publication of a new book in Portuguese Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of Brazil: Identification Guide. The Guide describes 44 species of cetaceans and 1 genus confirmed for Brazil. Includes information on species? morphology, coloration patterns, behavior, size, body mass, group size, distribution and occurrence, habitat and diet. The Guide also addresses aspects of taxonomy, ecology, threats, conservation, Brazilian legislation for protection and destinations for observation, selected literature and websites. It contains 345 color photographs and 48 maps, 176 illustrations (107 colored; 69 black and white) and 17 reproductions of Brazilian cetacean postal stamps. SUMMARY OF CONTENTS: Preface Presentation Acknowledgements 1. The marine and freshwater environments of Brazil 2. Introduction 3. Cetaceans: taxonomy, evolution, distribution and geographic variation, whaling and status 4. How to utilize the Guide: Identification of Species and organization 5. Cetaceans species with confirmed occurrence for Brazil 6. Conservation: Challenges and Perspectives 7. Brazilian Legislation for Protection of Cetaceans 8. Where to observe cetaceans in Brazil 9. Whales, dolphins and porpoises in Brazilian postal stamps Glossary of technical terms Selected literature Selected Websites Appendices: Dichotomous key for identification of Brazilian cetaceans Synonyms List of cetacean species of the world Authors: Liliane Lodi & Monica Borobia Illustrations: Pieter A. Folkens Publisher: Technical Books Editora e Livraria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil http://www.tblivraia.com.br vendas at tblivraia.com.br Edition: 1a, 2013 Pages: 479 p. Format: 17cm X 24,5cm ISBN: 9788561368326 Sincerely, Liliane Lodi and Monica Borobia -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From maja.nimak-wood at gardline.com Thu May 30 01:34:49 2013 From: maja.nimak-wood at gardline.com (Maja Nimak-Wood) Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 09:34:49 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] MMO training course 23rd-25th July 2013 Message-ID: Pro-MMO Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd.s' Marine Wildlife Department provides a field taught training course for new and current Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), in preparation for the working environment of offshore industries, whilst giving the opportunity to expand marine mammal identification skills. The Pro-MMO course trains applicants to become fully qualified, JNCC approved, professional MMOs who gain exceptional field experience during their training. The next available dates for this field-based course will be 23rd - 25th July 2013. Applications and info packs for the course can be obtained and all queries directed to maja.nimak-wood at gardline.com Also, more info and testimonials of previous candidates can be found on http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/services/service/field-based-marine-mammal-observation/ Maja Nimak-Wood Marine Mammal Scientist Gardline Environmental Limited Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG Tel: +44 (0)1493 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1493 852106 www.gardlinemarinesciences.com [cid:image001.jpg at 01CE5D18.EDD74730] Gardline Environmental Limited is part of the Gardline Group of Companies Registered in England No.04589816 | VAT Registration No. 640 4800 66 Registered office: Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 6658 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From emmaforrester at hydenlyne.com Thu May 30 02:43:14 2013 From: emmaforrester at hydenlyne.com (Emma Forrester) Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 02:43:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [MARMAM] Urgently needed: Female PAM operators Message-ID: <1369906994.72755.YahooMailNeo@web5705.biz.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Hello everyone! ?Hydenlyne is privately owned and was established in 2007. We provide project management, operational support, quality control services, well-site geological services, HSE advisors and Marine Mammal Observers (MMO)/Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) on seismic data and drilling projects world-wide. Our clients include independent oil companies and operators, major oil companies, and national oil and gas companies and government agencies. We have an upcoming seismic project?offshore in?Suriname and are urgently seeking female PAM operators. Applicants must have: * ????seismic experience * ??? valid offshore certificates * ??? must be available from 5th June for 5-7weeks * ??? Americans/Brazilians preferable due to visas All those interested please forward you CV to myself at emmaforrester at hydenlyne.com with the subject heading "female PAM operator" ? ? Kind regards, ? Emma Forrester Project Manager (MMO/PAM) ? UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ecomachado at gmail.com Thu May 30 09:12:46 2013 From: ecomachado at gmail.com (Rodrigo Machado) Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 13:12:46 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Anomalous colour in Neotropical mammals: a review with new records for Didelphis sp. (Didelphidae, Didelphimorphia) and Arctocephalus australis (Otariidae, Carnivora) Message-ID: Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of 1 paper about anomalous colour in Neotropical mammals, including marine mammals: *Abstract: *Anomalous colourations occur in many tropical vertebrates. However, they are considered rare in wild populations, with very few records for the majority of animal taxa. We report two new cases of anomalous colouration in mammals. Additionally, we compiled all published cases about anomalous pigmentation registered in Neotropical mammals, throughout a comprehensive review of peer reviewed articles between 1950 and 2010. Every record was classified as albinism, leucism, piebaldism or eventually as undetermined pigmentation. As results, we report the new record of a leucistic specimen of opossum (*Didelphis *sp.) in southern Brazil, as well as a specimen of South American fur seal (*Arctocephalus australis*) with piebaldism in Uruguay. We also found 31 scientific articles resulting in 23 records of albinism, 12 of leucism, 71 of piebaldism and 92 records classified as undetermined pigmentation. Anomalous colouration is apparently rare in small terrestrial mammals, but it is much more common in cetaceans and michrochiropterans. Out of these 198 records, 149 occurred in cetaceans and 30 in bats. The results related to cetaceans suggest that males and females with anomolous pigmentation are reproductively successful and as a consequence their frequencies are becoming higher in natural populations. In bats, this result can be related to the fact these animals orient themselves primarily through echolocation, and their refuges provide protection against light and predation. It is possible that anomalous colouration occurs more frequently in other Neotropical mammal orders, which were not formally reported. Therefore, we encourage researchers to publish these events in order to better understand this phenomenon that has a significant influence on animal survival. Full text is available at: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjb/v73n1/20.pdf Best regards, -- Msc. Rodrigo Machado ______________________________________________________________________ Grupo de Estudos de Mam?feros Aqu?ticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS). Av: Tramanda?, 976, Imb?, RS 95625-000 Brasil. Red de Marcaci?n de Pinn?pedos en Latinoam?rica http://marcaciondepinnipedos.blogspot.com.ar/ CV Lattes: *http://lattes.cnpq.br/4393555159586066* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lilianelodi at gmail.com Thu May 30 09:44:31 2013 From: lilianelodi at gmail.com (Liliane Lodi) Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 13:44:31 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Brazilian Cetacean Guide Message-ID: <000001ce5d54$f7113860$e533a920$@com> Dear MARMAM Readers, We are pleased to inform you about the publication of a new book in Portuguese Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of Brazil: Identification Guide. The Guide describes 44 species of cetaceans and 1 genus confirmed for Brazil. Includes information on species? morphology, coloration patterns, behavior, size, body mass, group size, distribution and occurrence, habitat and diet. The Guide also addresses aspects of taxonomy, ecology, threats, conservation, Brazilian legislation for protection and destinations for observation, selected literature and websites. It contains 345 color photographs and 48 maps, 176 illustrations (107 colored; 69 black and white) and 17 reproductions of Brazilian cetacean postal stamps. SUMMARY OF CONTENTS: Preface Presentation Acknowledgements 1. The marine and freshwater environments of Brazil 2. Introduction 3. Cetaceans: taxonomy, evolution, distribution and geographic variation, whaling and status 4. How to utilize the Guide: Identification of Species and organization 5. Cetaceans species with confirmed occurrence for Brazil 6. Conservation: Challenges and Perspectives 7. Brazilian Legislation for Protection of Cetaceans 8. Where to observe cetaceans in Brazil 9. Whales, dolphins and porpoises in Brazilian postal stamps Glossary of technical terms Selected literature Selected Websites Appendices: Dichotomous key for identification of Brazilian cetaceans Synonyms List of cetacean species of the world Authors: Liliane Lodi & Monica Borobia Illustrations: Pieter A. Folkens Publisher: Technical Books Editora e Livraria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil http://www.tblivraia.com.br vendas at tblivraia.com.br Edition: 1a, 2013 Pages: 479 p. Format: 17cm X 24,5cm ISBN: 9788561368326 Sincerely, Liliane Lodi and Monica Borobia -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From a.anissa at laposte.net Mon May 27 16:12:48 2013 From: a.anissa at laposte.net (Anissa Amri) Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 01:12:48 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Congo - Information needed on marine mammals population in coastal waters of Pointe Noire Message-ID: <655811134.324660.1369696368588.JavaMail.www@wwinf8227> Dear MARMAM subscribers, ? I'm looking for information about marine mammals population, along coastal waters off Pointe Noire (Congo, Africa). Every publication on the subject (at large) and every detailed information can be useful, all species included : observations, pictures, maps, GPS position, samples analysis, and so on. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Please email-me @ : anissa.amri at genivar.com Best regards, ? ? Anissa Amri, biol., (M. Sc) Biologiste du milieu marin Marine Biologist - MMO/PAM Operator GENIVAR INC. 5355 boul. des Gradins, Qu?bec, Qc G2J 1C8, Canada T 418-623-7066 poste 4241 | www.genivar.com Avant d?imprimer, pensez-y... / Please consider the environment before printing... ? ? ? ? Une messagerie gratuite, garantie ? vie et des services en plus, ?a vous tente ? Je cr?e ma bo?te mail www.laposte.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From andreas.fahlman at tamucc.edu Thu May 30 09:13:45 2013 From: andreas.fahlman at tamucc.edu (Andreas Fahlman) Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 09:13:45 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Activity as a proxy to estimate metabolic rate and to, partition the metabolic cost of diving vs. breathing in, pre- and post-fasted Steller sea lions Message-ID: <51A77AB9.5060809@tamucc.edu> Dear All The following paper was recently published in Aquatic Biology Title: Activity as a proxy to estimate metabolic rate and to partition the metabolic cost of diving vs. breathing in pre- and post-fasted Steller sea lions Authors: Fahlman, A., Sv?rd, C., Rosen, D. A. S., Wilson, R. P., Trites, A. W. Journal: Aquatic Biology, Vol. 18: 175?184, 2013 doi: 10.3354/ab00500 Abstract: Three Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus, trained to dive voluntarily to depths ranging from 10 to 50 m, were used to determine whether the relationship between activity and metabolic rate during a diving interval (MRDI, dive + surface interval) was affected by fasting (9 d) during the breeding season (spring through summer). We subsequently used the relationship between activity and MRDI to partition the metabolic costs between underwater breath-holding activity and surface breathing activities. We estimated activity from overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) measured using a 3-axis accelerometer, and measured MRDI using flow-through respirometry. The relationship between ODBA-based activity and MRDI was not affected by fasting period, suggesting that ODBA can be used to predict energy expenditure regardless of nutritional state in the spring and summer. However, the relationship between ODBA and dive metabolic rate differs from the relationship between ODBA and the surface metabolic rate before diving. Partitioning MRDI into the metabolic cost of remaining at the surface versus swimming underwater suggests that the metabolic cost of diving for Steller sea lions is approximately 29% lower than when breathing at the surface. ODBA appears to be a reasonable proxy to estimate metabolic rate in marine mammals, but more detailed behavioral data may be required to accurately apply the method in the field. If you would like a copy, please send an e-mail to: andreas.fahlman at tamucc.edu Sincerely, Andreas -- Andreas Fahlman Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Dr Unit 5892 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Ph. +1-361-825-3489 Fax +1-361-825-2025 mail: andreas.fahlman at tamucc.edu web: http://www.comparative-physiology.tamucc.edu/ From simon at blueplanetmarine.com Sun May 26 22:51:12 2013 From: simon at blueplanetmarine.com (Simon Childerhouse) Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 15:51:12 +1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Rebecca (Becs) Leaper Message-ID: <009c01ce5a9e$33de1c90$9b9a55b0$@blueplanetmarine.com> It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of the passing of a dedicated and passionate marine conservation scientist, Dr Rebecca (Becs) Leaper. Becs was awarded her PhD in marine ecology from the University of Aberdeen in 2000. Her passion to apply and extend her knowledge in ways that had tangible conservation outcomes in the marine realm was inexhaustible. Her drive and adventurous spirit saw Becs work around the UK, in New Zealand and for most of the past decade in Australia. Becs has been a key member of science teams at the Australian Antarctic Division, the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, CSIRO and most recently at the University of Tasmania's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science. She has worked on issues that range from the role of whales in their marine ecosystems through to conservation mechanisms for marine biodiversity. Becs passion for her work was matched only by her generosity of spirit in the way she interacted with her colleagues. She was an absolute live wire and a catalyst in all social groups that brought people together. Becs will be sadly missed by all of us who were lucky enough to have known and worked with her. Nick Gales Chief Scientist Australian Antarctic Division -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kalyn.macintyre at noaa.gov Fri May 31 14:53:35 2013 From: kalyn.macintyre at noaa.gov (Kalyn MacIntyre - NOAA Federal) Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 14:53:35 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Bearded seal acoustics in the Beaufort Sea Message-ID: We are pleased to announce the following paper, published online in Polar Biology: MacIntyre KQ, Stafford KM, Berchok CL, Boveng PL (2013) Year-round acoustic detection of bearded seals (*Erignathus barbatus*) in the Beaufort Sea relative to changing environmental conditions, 2008-2010. Polar Biology. doi: 10.1007/s00300-013-1337-1 Abstract Bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) are pan-Arctic pinnipeds that are often seen in association with pack ice, and are known for their long, loud trills, produced underwater primarily in the spring. Acoustic recordings were collected from August 2008 to August 2010 at two locations and a single year (2008?2009) at a third location, in the western Beaufort Sea. Three recorders in 2008?2009 had a 30 % duty cycle and a bandwidth of 10?4,096 Hz. One recorder in 2009?2010 had a 45 % duty cycle and a bandwidth of 10?4,096 Hz and the second had a 20 % duty cycle and bandwidth of 10?8,192 Hz. Spectrograms of acoustic data were examined for characteristic patterns of bearded seal vocalizations. For each recorder, the number of hours per day with vocalizations was compared with in situ water temperature and satellite-derived daily sea ice concentrations. At all sites, bearded seals were vocally active year-round. Call activity escalated with the formation of pack ice in the winter and the peak occurred in the spring, coinciding with mating season and preceding breakup of the sea ice. There was a change in the timing of seasonal sea ice formation and retreat between the two consecutive years that was reflected in the timing of peak bearded seal call activity. This study provides new information on fall and winter bearded seal vocal behavior and the relationship between year-round vocal activity and changes in annual sea ice coverage and in situ water temperature. The article is available online at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-013-1337-1/fulltext.html Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Cheers, Kalyn Q. MacIntyre -- Kalyn Q. MacIntyre M.S. Student Aquatic & Fishery Sciences University of Washington -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org Fri May 31 06:16:55 2013 From: kdudzinski at dolphincommunicationproject.org (Kathleen M. Dudzinski) Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 09:16:55 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Aquatic Mammals Journal issue 39.2 is now available online Message-ID: Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 39, issue 2, 2013) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available. For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hard copy of 39.1/39.2 will be mailed in late June. 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 web site and sign in 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/AMsubscribeor contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 39, issue 2 contents. 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 ******************* Articles S. A. Marley, B. Cheney, & P. M. Thompson. 2013. Using Tooth Rakes to Monitor Population and Sex Differences in Aggressive Behaviour in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 107-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.107 V. Iriarte & M. Marmontel. 2013. River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis, Sotalia fluviatilis) Mortality Events Attributed to Artisanal Fisheries in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 116-124. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.116 M. Esper?n-Rodr?guez & J. Pablo Gallo-Reynoso. 2013. Juvenile and Subadult Feeding Preferences of the Guadalupe Fur Seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) at San Benito Archipelago, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 125-131. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.125 B. J. Le Boeuf & C. Campagna. 2013. Wildlife Viewing Spectacles: Best Practices from Elephant Seal (Mirounga sp.) Colonies. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 132-146.http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.132 H. K. Nuuttila, R. Meier, P. G. H. Evans, J. R. Turner, J. D. Bennell, & J. G. Hiddink. 2013. Identifying Foraging Behaviour of Wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with Static Acoustic Dataloggers. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 147-161.http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.147 R. A. Kastelein, R. Gransier, M. van den Hoogen, & L. Hoek. 2013. Brief Behavioral Response Threshold Levels of a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) to Five Helicopter Dipping Sonar Signals (1.33 to 1.43 kHz). Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 162-173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.162 K. C. Buckstaff, R. S. Wells, J. G. Gannon, & D. P. Nowacek. 2013. Responses of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to Construction and Demolition of Coastal Marine Structures. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 174-186. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.174 D. R. Bergfelt, B. G. Steinetz, J. S. Reif, A. M. Schaefer, G. D. Bossart, M. S. Mazzoil, et al. 2013. Evaluation of Single-Sample Analysis of Progesterone in Combination with Relaxin for Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 187-195.http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.187 Short Note J. Jos? Alava, K. J. Smith, J. O?Hern, D. Alarc?n, G. Merlen, & J. Denkinger. 2013. Observations of Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Attacks on Bryde?s Whales (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Gal?pagos Islands. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 196-201. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.196 Book Review D. Fertl. 2013. Polar Bears: The Natural History of a Threatened Species. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 202. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.202 Obituary A. Greenwood. 2013. Obituary for David Conrad Taylor, BVMS FRCVS FZS. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 203-204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.203 Errata R. S. Sousa-Lima, T. F. Norris, J. N. Oswald, & D. P. Fernandes. 2013. Aquatic Mammals, 39(1), 2013, pp. 23-53 A Review and Inventory of Fixed Autonomous Recorders for Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals. Aquatic Mammals 39(2): 205-210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.205 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From uko at ukogorter.com Fri May 31 12:12:40 2013 From: uko at ukogorter.com (Uko Gorter) Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 12:12:40 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Erich Hoyt, Adventures with Orcas in the North Pacific. Presentation for the Whale Trail, Seattle, June 8. Message-ID: <37DFC264-0CAD-4FF3-9160-8993F0391E24@ukogorter.com> Dear MARMAM subscribers, The Whale Trail presents noted author, whale researcher and marine conservationist Erich Hoyt, June 8 at 7 PM at the Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. Erich is the author of "Orca - The Whale Called Killer", co-discoverer of the white orcas in the Commander Islands, and a champion of marine mammal protection areas around the world. It's a rare chance to hear Erich in person, and a great way to kick off Orca Month. Hope to see you there! The Whale Trail Presents Erich Hoyt: Adventures with Orcas in the North Pacific ? From A1 Stubbs to Iceberg, the White Russian Bull Where: The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW When: Saturday June 8, 7 - 9 (doors open 6:0) Cost: $5, kids free. --Tickets available at brownpapertickets.com Contact: donna at thewhaletrail.org, 206.919.5397 Join us for this this rare Seattle appearance by noted author, whale researcher and marine conservationist Erich Hoyt, author of Orca: The Whale Called Killer. Erich Hoyt?s first killer whale expedition to Johnstone Strait sailed from Victoria, BC in June 1973, 40 years ago this June. He proceeded to spend parts of the next 10 summers with orcas, culminating in his now classic book Orca: The Whale Called Killer. He went on to study and work on conservation projects related to other whales, dolphins, sharks, deep sea creatures, ants and social insects, working in Costa Rica, Japan, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Argentina, Chile and other countries. In 1999 he co-founded the Far East Russia Orca Project (FEROP) to find out more about orca pods targeted for aquarium captures and to get Russian students involved in science and conservation of killer whales in Russian waters. Now in its 15th year, FEROP has recorded the Russian pods and photo-IDed some 1500 orcas off Kamchatka and in the Commander Islands ? including three white orcas found so far in the study areas. This the fifth in a series of Orca Talks hosted by The Whale Trail. The event also features updates from Robin Lindsay (Seal Sitters), and Diver Laura James (tox-ick.org and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance), and photography from Judy Lane. Erich's books will be on sale and they can be signed. Buy tickets early! About the Speaker Erich Hoyt is a noted marine conservationist, whale researcher, lecturer and author of more than 20 books including Orca: The Whale Called Killer, The Earth Dwellers, and Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, the latter recently named as an "Outstanding Academic Title" by the journal Choice. He is an authority on marine protected areas (MPAs) and sanctuaries, and is currently Research Fellow with WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, leading its Global Critical Habitat MPA Program. He also co-directs the Far East Russia Orca Project in Kamchatka and the Russian Cetacean Habitat Project in the Commander Islands. He is as an appointed member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Cetacean Specialist Group and the World Commission on Protected Areas, and co-chairs the new IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force. He is a member of the International Committee for Marine Mammal Protected Areas and has helped organize and program its world conferences in Hawaii (2009), Martinique (2011) and Australia (to be 2014). A former Vannevar Bush Fellow in the Public Understanding of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and twice James Thurber Writer-in-Residence at The Thurber House, Hoyt was awarded the Mandy McMath Conservation Award in April this year by the European Cetacean Society at its annual conference for his body of work including books, papers and work on marine conservation. He is a Canadian-US dual citizen who has lived in Scotland since 1989. About The Whale Trail The Whale Trail (www.thewhaletrail.org) is a series of sites around the region where the public may view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment by establishing a network of viewing sites along the whales' trails through the Salish Sea and the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. Our goals are to increase awareness that our marine waters are home to orcas and other species; connect visitors to orcas, other marine wildlife and their habitat; inspire stewardship and build community; promote land-based whale watching. Our over-arching goal is to ensure the southern resident orcas do not go extinct. The Whale Trail provides simple, powerful, and long-lasting reminders to visitors and residents alike that orcas and other whales live in our waters. Through our current sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 22 million people each year. Our near-term goals are to add a site in every coastal county in Washington, and around Vancouver Island, throughout the orcas' range. Together, we will turn the tide for the whales! The Whale Trail is led by a core team of partners including NOAA Fisheries, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Seattle Aquarium, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and the Whale Museum. Donna Sandstrom is the Founder and Executive Director. The Whale Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, registered in Washington State. Uko Gorter (on behalf of Donna Sandstrom, The Whale Trail) -- Donna Sandstrom Executive Director The Whale Trail www.thewhaletrail.org 206.919.5397 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gianni.pavan at unipv.it Thu May 30 01:31:51 2013 From: gianni.pavan at unipv.it (Gianni Pavan) Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 10:31:51 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] ERICE 2013 - deadline extension Message-ID: dear all, the deadline for the abstract submission for the Erice workshop has been extended until June 23rd. After the deadline the acceptance of new registrations will be still possible but conditioned by available places. The program of the workshop and the list of invited lectures is available here: http://www.unipv.it/cibra/FlyerErice2013_small.pdf Please distribute it to anyone interested. *The interdisciplinary workshop "Cetacean echolocation and outer space neutrinos: ethology and physics for an interdisciplinary approach to underwater bioacoustics and detection of astrophysical particles" will be held in October 2013, 18th-21st, in Erice, Sicily, hosted by the School of Ethology of the Ettore Majorana Centre. * The development of underwater ocean observatories has stimulated new interactions between disparate disciplines to optimize their sensors, layout and protocols. One of the most promising synergies has come from interactions between astrophysicists working to detect light and acoustic signals from neutrinos and marine biologists listening to the sounds of marine animals (Nosengo, Nature 462, December 2009). The workshop is intended to join these different disciplines in the understanding of the underwater acoustic world and in the development of common research strategies and protocols to exploit the potential of Submarine Multidisciplinary Observatiories (learn more on the SMO project at http://web2.infn.it/smo/). The workshop will focus on the study of the acoustic behaviour of marine mammals, on the acoustic detection of neutrinos in the sea, on the sharing of detection technologies, and on the related technological challenges with a wide interdisciplinary approach. The expected audience would come from different disciplines, mainly marine biology, marine bioacoustics, acoustics, mathematics, acoustical oceanography, astroparticle physics and embraces many science fields related with the study, monitoring and conservation of the marine environment. Top scientists will present the state of the art in their peculiar disciplines and selected contributes will be presented by participants in a context open to discussion and knowledge sharing. Researchers, scientists, and students are all welcome in the exciting atmosphere of Erice to discuss their projects, results and ideas. Registration details and the workshop program: http://www.unipv.it/cibra/erice The participation cost is particularly attractive as it includes full accomodation, a day trip, and transportation to and from the closest airport. For any information, please contact gianni.pavan at unipv.it Gianni Pavan, on behalf of the Organizing Committee -- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Universit? degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From wartzok at fiu.edu Mon May 27 19:50:12 2013 From: wartzok at fiu.edu (Douglas Wartzok) Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 02:50:12 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Society for Marine Mammalogy Grants in Aid of Research Message-ID: <981A46E1D17FB946AEB2D73A42A0AA8AC16B9840@DITMBX03.ad.fiu.edu> The Society for Marine Mammalogy announces that the annual competition for its Grants in Aid of Research will be open 1 - 30 June 2013. Information and application procedures are available at www.marinemammalscience.org under Awards and Grants. Please be sure you meet the eligibility criteria before submitting an application. "These awards are for nationals of emerging and developing countries, particularly early career researchers such as students and researchers with less than 5 years post-doctoral experience, who are conducting research in emerging and developing countries." Both parts of the qualification statement must be met: who the applicant is and where the applicant is conducting research. It is best to prepare the proposal off line and then cut and paste into the online application form. The character and word limits are: Title: 200 characters Summary: 100 words Project description: 3000 words inclusive of: * General description of the research to be undertaken * Specific research question or hypothesis being addressed * Methods to be employed to carry out the project * Analytical approach to be used including, where appropriate, the statistical tests to be used * Significance to our understanding of the biology and/or conservation of marine mammals * Timeline for completion of the project * Budget - A detailed one-year, itemized budget identifying and justifying specific requests for equipment, supplies, travel to field site, etc. Not to exceed $1,500 (U.S.) * Details of any other funds available to support the project and the proposed uses of such funds * Assurance that the work is done in compliance with any relevant marine mammal protection regulations and certification that needed permits have been obtained * Literature cited * Short r?sum? or CV Douglas Wartzok Chair, Committee of Scientifc Advisors Society for Marine Mamamlogy Provost and Executive Vice President [Description: Description: Description: Florida International University] 11200 SW 8th St, PC 526 Miami, Florida 33199-0001 Phone 305-348-2151 | Fax 305-348-2994 Email wartzok at fiu.edu Web http://academic.fiu.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 7798 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From yk.rasi at gmail.com Sun May 26 22:30:54 2013 From: yk.rasi at gmail.com (Danielle Kreb) Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 13:30:54 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] need information successful beached whales rescues Message-ID: <0F45CBD47F2545B9B49EBA54EF58D75F@Danielle> Dear Colleagues, Together with my colleagues here in Indonesia and the national government we have been developing a protocol for stranded cetaceans. However we do not have a SOP for saving larger whales (> 10m in size) and therefore would like to ask you if you have any information available on reliable methods for saving larger whales, which have been proven to work succesfully in practice (where the whale did not get beached again). Please send us any succesful case files although unsuccesful attempts may also be helpful for better understanding on which methods should better not be applied. Many thanks for sharing! Best wishes, Danielle Kreb -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor/ Marine Mammal Researcher Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 57 arinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.110mb.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From danielle.kreb1 at gmail.com Sun May 26 22:35:41 2013 From: danielle.kreb1 at gmail.com (Danielle Kreb) Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 13:35:41 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] need information successful beached whales rescues Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, Together with my colleagues here in Indonesia and the national government we have been developing a protocol for stranded cetaceans. However we do not have a SOP for saving larger whales (> 10m in size) and therefore would like to ask you if you have any information available on reliable methods for saving larger whales, which have been proven to work succesfully in practice (where the whale did not get beached again). Please send us any succesful case files although unsuccesful attempts may also be helpful for better understanding on which methods should better not be applied. Many thanks for sharing! Best wishes, Danielle Kreb -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor/ Marine Mammal Researcher Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 57 arinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.110mb.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From danielle.kreb1 at gmail.com Thu May 30 21:25:14 2013 From: danielle.kreb1 at gmail.com (Danielle Kreb) Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 12:25:14 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Fwd: need information successful beached whales rescues In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Danielle Kreb" Date: May 27, 2013 1:38 PM Subject: need information successful beached whales rescues To: Cc: Dear Colleagues, Together with my colleagues here in Indonesia and the national government we have been developing a protocol for stranded cetaceans. However we do not have a SOP for saving larger whales (> 10m in size) and therefore would like to ask you if you have any information available on reliable methods for saving larger whales, which have been proven to work succesfully in practice (where the whale did not get beached again). Please send us any succesful case files although unsuccesful attempts may also be helpful for better understanding on which methods should better not be applied. Many thanks for sharing! Best wishes, Danielle Kreb -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor/ Marine Mammal Researcher Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 57 arinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.110mb.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mcortez08 at hotmail.com Thu May 23 23:58:38 2013 From: mcortez08 at hotmail.com (Michelle Cortez) Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 06:58:38 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Alaska Field Course-Summer 2013 Message-ID: ALASKA FIELD EXPERIENCE THROUGH TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON Summer 2013 Still room available! Course Name: COASTAL MARINE BIOLOGY OF ALASKA Course Number: MARB/MARS 415, MARB/MARS 615 or as an INTERNSHIP WITHOUT UNIVERSITY CREDIT Session dates: June 3-14; June 17-June 28; July 1-July 12; July 15-26; July 29-Aug 9. INSTRUCTOR: DR. RANDALL DAVIS Please contact Dr. Davis at (281) 250-7839 (davisr at tamug.edu) for more information. Travel to south-central Alaska for this three credit hour field course or internship. For 12 days, students will live and study at the remote Alice Cove Research Station located along the shores of Prince William Sound. Students will learn about the marine biology of this area and conduct research on a chosen sea otter behavioral ecology or fisheries project. They will then analyze and present their results from their chosen project to the class. An overland day trip will be made to explore the Copper River Delta and visit Sheridan Glacier. There are no prerequisites. Field course fee is $2,150 (airfare to Anchorage and Cordova not included). You do not need to be a student at Texas A&M University to register for an internship. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gianni.pavan at unipv.it Wed May 29 02:02:38 2013 From: gianni.pavan at unipv.it (Gianni Pavan) Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 09:02:38 -0000 Subject: [MARMAM] IUCN status for the sperm whale Message-ID: Hi all, recently IUCN set the status of Mediterranean sperm whales as "Endangered" and not anymore "data deficient". The given (sub)population estimate is 2500 animals. To better address our research based on the acoustic detections with underwater platforms I'm willing to know on which studies this estimate has been made. Any information will be appreciated. Gianni Pavan -- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Universit? degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it http://web2.infn.it/smo/index.php -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: